Insight With Vicki Gonzalez: Recent Episodes
CapRadio
Award-winning journalist Vicki Gonzalez hosts daily interviews with community leaders, advocates, experts, artists and more to provide background and understanding on breaking news, big events, politics and culture in the Sacramento region and beyond.
End of the Legislative Session California's two-year legislative session is coming to an end. Lawmakers have just three weeks to sort through hundreds of bills, and tackle major issues, before the Legislature adjourns on Aug. 31. Governor Gavin Newsom then has until the end of September to act on all the legislation that makes it to his desk. Chris Micheli is a professor at McGeorge School of Law, a lobbyist and a longtime Capitol observer, who authors Capitol Week's Micheli Minute. He joins Insight to break down the big issues that state lawmakers will be tackling.Sacramento School Roundup The Sacramento City Unified School District has been in crisis for almost a year, as it tried to avoid a state takeover. The district is now asking California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction to step in. Diana Lambert is a reporter for EdSource and joins us today to explain what’s going on, as well as give some updates on Highlands Community Charter School, which is starting its school year under Twin Rivers Unified School District despite looking for a new home in Sutter County. Haus of ComedyHave there ever been times you’ve looked back on your life and thought, ‘I should have said yes?’ Well, it’s never too late to learn how. Jessilee Windhaus is an improviser, actor, instructor and entrepreneur. Her latest endeavor is the Haus of Comedy, where she serves as founder and executive director. In addition to offering a wide variety of improv and sketch comedy shows to enjoy as spectators, there are also a bunch of classes and workshops for people to learn and hone their skills. We’ll hear why the skills used in improv are useful off the stage as well.
Waymos and Old Sac Waymos have become an increasingly common sight on Sacramento's streets after arriving in the Capital City earlier this year. The robotaxis have been learning the city's streets as part of a testing program, but could soon be carrying passengers as soon as this month. This comes as other major changes are going into effect, from new traffic restrictions around Old Sacramento to the opening — or reopening — of businesses along the Waterfront and in the Railyards. Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum joins Insight to provide an update on these developments around the city center.Capital College and Career Academy For some high school students, the traditional way of learning can be challenging. At a time when they are trying to figure out what they want to do with their future. A new school in Sacramento is pioneering a different way of teaching to unlock potential and help bridge the gap between school and the real world. Providing students with hands-on learning, internships, and dual enrollment at local colleges. With the explicit goal that, “all students will be enrolled in a postsecondary institution or employed within six months of graduation.” Kevin Dobson, Founder and Executive Director of Capital College and Career Academy, joins Insight to tell us more about the school. And he was joined by two of his students Ivan Bernardino and Angelina Zdor.August ‘Arts Talk’ Despite the heat, it probably feels like the start to fall for all the parents and kids out there, as schools get underway across the region. But there’s still plenty of time to soak up all the summer fun we can. Veronica Rodriguez is back to highlight a variety of arts and culture events taking place in this month’s Arts Talk. * Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar * First Friday at Twisted Track * Herbie Hancock at the Mondavi Center * Around the World in 80 Days at the B Street Theatre * The Fair Oaks Performing Art Center * Hot August Days at El Dorado Town Center * Celebrate Natomas
Fire and Weather Activity Updates As Sacramento’s heat wave continues, it has only exasperated fire activity in the region. We check in with ABC10’s Rob Carlmark to hear more about the heat waves in Sacramento and the effects of wildfire smoke. We’ll also get an update on the Gann Fire, which began Monday in Calaveras County, from Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Foxworthy.CalMatters Doc: Inside Fight to Fund Health Care For more than a decade California made major strides in getting more people health insurance coverage, thanks in large part to the expansion of Medi-Cal, the state's version of Medicaid. Just two years ago the state was close to providing universal coverage, but that is now at risk. Cuts passed last year under H.R.1, coupled with restrictions California put in place amid budgetary challenges and rising Medi-Cal spending, could cause millions of people to lose health insurance coverage over the coming years. A new documentary from CalMatters is exploring the human toll of those cuts. Health Reporter Kristen Hwang joined Insight with her reporting for "Inside California's Fight to Fund Health Care."CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar The Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar is celebrating 80 years next weekend. Sandy Kataoka Fong and Sharon Ito are members of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, which hosts the popular weekend festival each year. They join us to highlight this year’s event.
Unaccompanied Children Risk Losing Legal Protections For close to two decades, children who cross the border alone have been eligible for legal representation as they navigate immigration courts. That resource that is now in jeopardy. On Friday, the federal contract to provide these services expired and the nonprofit that manages the legal network says more than 20,000 unaccompanied minors are expected to be left without independent legal representation. A group of current and former prosecutors sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services in support of unaccompanied minors. State Assemblymember Maggy Krell is a Democrat based in Sacramento and signed the open letter sent to the Trump Administration. She joins us today to explain what the issues are and why she’s calling for action.Grass Valley Native Develops Rescue Drones California offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. But when an emergency strikes every second counts, and help may take hours to arrive. A Grass Valley native and recent high school graduate is working to build a new generation of flying first responders — large AI-powered drones — aimed at saving lives, and born out of personal experience. Lev Weisswasser is the founder of Winter Flight Rescue, and talks about the work behind getting this project off the ground.The Return of Concert Connect It's the return of Concert Connect! From LA pop music to Bay Area hip hop, west coast jazz to the ‘90s rock of Sacramento bands like Cake, California is home to no shortage of amazing musicians. With so many great artists calling the Golden State home and frequently making their way through our area while on tour, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the best. Insight Senior Producer Andrew Garcia is here to give us the lowdown on some upcoming shows.* Spacemoth will be performing at Harlow’s in Sacramento on Thur., Aug. 6th. * Pennies for Pluto at the Torch Club in Sacramento on Wed., Aug. 12th and at Watermelon Music in Davis on Friday, Aug.14th. * Courtney Barnett will be performing at Channel 24 on Mon., Aug. 24th. * Jessica Malone will be performing later this month on Sat., Aug. 29 at The Sofia in Sacramento.
Updates on Iran WarThe war between the United States, Iran and Israel has stretched into its sixth month. The conflict has killed thousands of Iranian civilians since the first strikes were launched in late February, along with at least 18 U.S. servicemembers, with hundreds more injured. The war has been broadly unpopular with the American public, which has faced economic impacts like rising gas prices despite an agreement being reached in June to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Sahar Razavi, Director of Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies at Sacramento State joins Insight with an update of the conflict, and the challenges standing in the way of negotiations that could bring an end to the fighting. Challenging Times for CA Wine It’s been a tough couple of seasons for California’s wine industry. Soumya Karlamangla is a National Correspondent for the New York Times. She recently took a trip to the Central Coast and joins us to discuss what winemakers are grappling with as sales continue to slump.75 Years of Broadway Sacramento What started as a dream for two young producers to bring Broadway caliber musical theater to life during the early 1950s has become a cultural staple of the community. When Music Circus began in 1951, there were almost 400 tents like it operating across the country. Now, it’s only one of three that remains and its history is being celebrated in a new book. “Broadway Sacramento: 75 Years of Theater Magic” was written by Margaret Kane, a life-long theater lover who also served as Broadway Sacramento’s Board Chair. She joins us today to talk about its history and why she wanted to preserve it.
How Cyclospora is Impacting AgCalifornia is an agricultural powerhouse, but a national outbreak of illnesses linked to the cyclospora parasite is having rippling effects across the farming industry as cases have been linked to certain produce. Public health and agricultural experts have maintained California’s fresh fruit and vegetables remain safe to eat and are urging people to do so, but consumers remain wary. Trevor Suslow is a UC Davis Professor Emeritus and an expert in produce safety. He joins Insight with a look on how the agricultural industry is responding to these concerns.Benefits of Beavers Beavers are nature's little builders. Their ability to transform a flowing creek into a marshy meadow is practically unmatched. But for years in California they’ve gotten a bit of a bad name, sometimes seen as pests whose handiwork can cause major flooding. Lately though, there’s been a growing movement to bring beavers. Cathy Mueller is an ecologist and Beaver Coexistence Practitioner, who also serves as Stewardship Manager at the American River Conservancy. Through her company, Connected Ecology, she works with home and landowners on solutions for shared habitat with beavers.Beaver Resources:
- Bring Back the Beaver Campaign - Occidental Arts and Ecology
- The Beaver Institute
- California Beaver Help Desk
- CDFW’s Beaver Restoration Program
- Relationships between Willow Flycatcher and Beaver-Modified Stream Reaches in Sierra Nevada Montane Meadows
- American River Conservancy
Studio Sessions: Squid Saves The Planet Odd time signatures, psychedelic textures and emo ballads define the eclectic experience that is Squid Saves the Planet. The new band hailing from Placerville is just under a year old but their connections go way back. The group is composed of three brothers Jonathan (vocals/guitar) Dylan (vocals/bass) and Tim (drums) Punturo, along with their longtime family friend Freya Ahrima (guitar/vocals). Their band name is more than just a cheeky reference to lead singer Jonathan’s nickname Squid. It’s part of DIY punk ethos they are embodying, trying to build community, inspire creativity and ‘save the planet,’ one song at a time. We first discovered them during our roundup of the best local entries into NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and we decided to invite them to perform for us live at CapRadio for our next Insight Studio Session. Squid Saves the Planet will be playing in Sacramento on Friday, August 21st at the Hearth. Follow the band on Instagram for more details on upcoming shows and music.
Find photos and videos of their performance here.
School Board Pay Raises When it comes to leadership in California public schools, the buck pretty much stops with the school board. These local, elected, part-time positions are responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, and hiring the superintendent across roughly 1,000 school districts across the state. And this year, some are receiving a bump in pay thanks to a new law, which dramatically raised the cap on board stipends. Diana Lambert is a reporter for EdSource, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering education in California. She joins us with her reporting on school boards granting themselves hefty pay raises following the new law, including Elk Grove Unified trustees raising their monthly stipends by 500 percent.Davis Farmers Market Turns 50The Davis Farmers Market is celebrating 50 years of gathering community around local food and agriculture. Randii MacNear is the Executive Director of Davis Farmers Market Alliance and she joins us today to mark the anniversary.ZÂ Iranian Folk Music PerformanceZÂ is a new performance bringing the ancient music and storytelling traditions of the Iranian province of Lorestan to audiences across the country — including at the International House Davis on Aug. 2. Musicians Nariman Assadi, Behfar Bahadoran and Mazdak Alipour talk about the inspiration for this performance, and how it aims to draw audiences from all cultures together.
Cyclospora OutbreaksA rash of cyclospora cases is hitting multiple states, linked to fresh produce like lettuce and leafy greens. The outbreak is among the largest in U.S. history. California health officials say while cases of the disease have been detected in the state, they are not connected to the national wave. Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health, joins Insight to talk about this latest slate of illnesses, as well as other diseases like measles which are cropping up across California.How to Accelerate Vote Counting in CaliforniaCalifornia has long been criticized for a lengthy ballot counting process that delays timely election results. Today on Insight, we’ll learn about new research behind a call for big reforms to accelerate the process, while preserving voting accessibility, accuracy and security. Kim Alexander is President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation, which has 10 new recommendations for how to speed the vote-counting process up.Hands-on Government Experience for YouthWe all learn the basics about the way our government works in school. But how much do we remember from civics class? For nearly eight decades, the California YMCA has been giving hands-on experience to high schoolers through their Youth and Government program. Teaching them the ins and outs of local government and how to write and develop their own legislation. Culminating in a model state legislature that brings in students from around California. Where students take on the roles of legislatures, lobbyists, capitol reporters, lawyers and an elected youth governor. All with the hope of growing the next generation of civically engaged Californians. Here to tell us more is the Lead Advisor for the Sacramento Youth & Government Delegations Christiana Dominguez. And two of her student officers, Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms Thomasina Nicholson and President Gagan Dhillon. Registration opens on August 1st.
POLITICO’s California PlaybookSummer can feel like a sleepy time in politics, especially at the state legislature, where lawmakers are on recess. But it’s still a Midterm year and the gloves are coming off as campaigns pick up the pace for the November general election. Blake Jones is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and he joins us today with a look at some of the races and props that are starting to heat up.CA’s Reforestation StruggleCalifornia has seen wildfires grow longer and more devastating over the years, scorching millions of acres of forest land across the state. Reforestation is a critical part of healing the damage, but California can’t plant fast enough to keep up with the destruction — a problem compounded by a lack of funding and staffing on the state and federal levels. CalMatters Water Reporter Rachel Becker joins Insight with her reporting on what is keeping more seeds and seedlings from going in the ground.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Sacramento Century Challenge Would you ride 100 miles on a bike for a good cause? The Rotary Club of Sacramento is gearing up for the Sacramento Century Challenge, an annual fundraiser that supports the Sacramento Children’s Home Crisis Nursery. President Elect Jamie Furlong, Michael Mui and Bob Rosenberg discuss the history of the Sac Century Challenge, why the Rotary Club puts it on every year and why now is the time to start training and building a team.
K Street Shooting Mistrial A jury has deadlocked on murder charges filed against two men charged in connection to the 2022 K Street mass shooting. We’ll learn more about what a mistrial means in this case and what happens next for victims from Sacramento Defense Attorney Mark Reichel and Founder and CEO of EMPACT Leia Schenk.National Award for Sac Philharmonic and Opera What does it actually take to sustain an arts organization? Nearly 10 years ago, the City of Sacramento almost lost its professional symphony orchestra and had to cancel its fall season in 2014. After regrouping - in a variety of ways and weathering a global pandemic - the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera is now thriving, regularly selling out its season and bringing world-class performances to the stage. That turnaround was recognized recently with a major award from Opera America, which named board member Laurie Nelson a recipient of Opera America’s 2026 National Opera Trustee Recognition Awards. Randlett joins us today to talk more about what the award means for the arts organization and what they have in store for symphony and opera lovers this year.In a Nutshell: Best in Show Pets. We really love them, and they tend to be at the heart of some truly epic tales like Old Yeller, Lassie, or Garfield. If you’ve ever loved a dog or cat or turtle or duck, there’s a good chance you have a story to share about them. We’ll meet two of this month’s In a Nutshell storytelling showcase, Chip Powell and Zaï Gulmohar, who will share tales of animal companions and what those bonds say about ourselves.
Roseville Data Center Controversy The topic of data centers is a hot button issue in America right now. Dominating headlines, dinner party conversations and city council meetings across the country. As investments pour into the Artificial Intelligence boom the companies behind AI argue more data centers are needed to support the burgeoning technology. But residents in the areas where data centers are being built or proposed have strong concerns surrounding a variety of possible negative consequences. From the amount of water data centers use to the increased demand for electricity raising their rates to the impact development could have on the surrounding environment. And that concern is present here locally as well. CapRadio Producer Greg Micek has been following a community of Roseville residents concerned about the potential for a data center to be built on an open field nearby, concerns that have made its way to city officials. He joined us to break down his reporting.Local Look at What’s Driving High Grocery Costs Groceries are making up a larger share of people’s budgets. Nationally, food prices are up more than 30% on average since 2020, outpacing wage growth during the same period. We’re going to get a look at what local grocers are facing. Nova Wetherwax is the Director Of Merchandising at Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. She joins us to explain the tough decisions behind raising costs, and what affordable resources they have for shoppers. Insight reached out to surrounding grocers and supermarkets of various sizes. They either declined to come on the show or did not respond to our request.CapLit’s July Readings The local literacy and reading organization CapLit is making its return this Friday night at the CLARA Auditorium in midtown Sacramento, featuring the works of two local authors that touch on themes of tension, uncertainty and family. Gina Mulligan and Jen Soong talk about their writing journeys, and the inspiration behind their pieces “ “Changing Lanes” and “Rabbit & Ox.”
California’s RTO Policy Stricter Than Texas After pushback and a delay, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Return-to-Office executive order is now in effect. As of July 1, roughly 100,000 state workers have returned to office four days a week, after six years of flexible remote policies. California isn’t the first state to reverse pandemic telework, but new reporting took a nationwide look and found Gov. Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas. Lynn La is a writer for the WhatMatters Newsletter for CalMatters and she joins us today with to share her reporting. Incarcerated Firefighter Hiring Bill Incarcerated firefighters form a critical part of California’s wildfire strategy, and give participants the chance to earn money and time off their sentences. But after leaving prison, many face challenges getting employed — despite having experience working on the fire line. Now, a new bill moving through the legislature aims to make it easier for convicted firefighters to be hired. Royal Ramey is a former incarcerated firefighter and co-founder of the nonprofit Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, which provides career support to formerly incarcerated firefighters. He joins Insight to talk about his experience in the fire service, and how this bill could make the recruiting pipeline easier.Crocker Jazz Nights If you're looking for a way to cool down after a hot summer day the Crocker Art Museum has you covered. Jazz Nights, Sacramento’s longest-running summer jazz series, returned last month to the Crocker. Held in the museum’s courtyard, this annual tradition brings a variety of artists to the stage from every style and era of jazz. Bay area jazz vocalist Clairdee will be performing this Thursday. Javier Plasencia, Director of Education at the Crocker Art Museum, tells us more about the return of Jazz Nights.
SMF Updates Sacramento International Airport is taking on some major changes, from opening new restaurants in both terminals to wrapping up a garage project that will open up thousands of new parking spaces. Airport officials are also navigating the ongoing closure of Aviator’s Restaurant at Sacramento Executive Airport after major structural issues were discovered earlier this year. Cindy Nichol, Director of the Sacramento County Department of Airports joins Insight to talk about these latest developments, and how the public can weigh in on SMF’s 20-year Master Plan.CA Children Caught Up by ICE President Donald Trump has delivered on a key campaign promise to ramp up immigration enforcement. Following his first year in office, the non profit American Immigration Council has found the number of people in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased by 75 percent. And the number of “at-large” arrests, ones that occur inside the community, as opposed to the border, are up by 600 percent. According to a new analysis of the data by EdSource, a non-profit news organization that focuses on education in California, those increases can also be seen in the arrest and detention of minors in the state. Here to guide us through the data and the impact these detentions are having on children and their communities are EdSource reporters Zaidee Stavely and Emma Gallegos. You can also listen to their recent reporting on the EdSource podcast Education Beat.2026 California State Fair For the next two weeks, Cal Expo will come alive with the sounds of carnival rides, farm animals, food vendors, fireworks and evening concerts. For many of us, the California State Fair is a fun time to indulge in all things nostalgic, whether it’s our favorite foods or screaming along to our favorite bands from yesteryear. Darla Givens is the Spokesperson for the California State Fair and she’s here today to give us the lowdown on this year’s festivities.
Military Equipment at CA Colleges California colleges and universities are required by state law to report the military equipment inventories of campus police departments, as well as their use, to each campus’s governing board for approval every year. Police departments are also required to hold public meetings for the community to provide feedback and raise concerns. But a new investigation has found that not every campus follows every part of the state law. Phoebe Huss is a student at UCLA and a reporter for the CalMatters College Journalism Network. She joins Insight to discuss her reporting.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
SCOTUS Roundup Ruling Earlier this year, we dove into a Supreme Court case centering on the popular and controversial weedkiller Roundup following a wave of lawsuits accusing Monsanto of failing to have a cancer warning label. We now know the ruling, which is a win for the pesticide manufacturer. We’ll check in on what this means for California where spraying is still happening on public forest land. Nate Halverson is a Senior Reporter and Producer for the radio show and podcast Reveal and publication Mother Jones and joins us with an update on his investigation. Lake Tahoe Dance Festival Lake Tahoe’s beauty is undeniable. And in a few days, the north shore will become a stage. Imagine classical, contemporary and indigenous dance outdoors lakeside, with the Sierra as a backdrop. Christin Hanna is the founder of the Nonprofit organization Lake Tahoe Dance Collective. She and Constantine Baecher co-founded and produce the annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival happening July 21-24 in Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Incline Village.
CA Newsroom Investigation: Officers Disciplined for Biased Behavior But Not Terminated When does biased behavior lead to termination from a job? A recent investigation by The California Newsroom and UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program looked into what happened to law enforcement officers who engaged in explicitly biased conduct between 2014 and 2024. Only 12 percent of them lost their jobs. California Newsroom Investigative Data Journalist Emily Zentner joins Insight today to explain what they found and why it matters.Small Businesses Face Privacy Lawsuits Originally passed in the 1960s the California Invasion of Privacy Act or CIPA criminalized the wiretapping of phone calls. But the law was updated in the 2010s to address privacy concerns in the digital age, such as how and when companies could collect personal data from customers online. Business organizations say in recent years those updates have allowed for frivolous lawsuits to be made against small businesses for normal website operations. But consumer advocates argue these protections are necessary to protect the privacy of Californians online. CapRadio Communities Reporter Ruth Finch recently spoke with people on both sides of this debate and outlined a new law making its way through the legislature that seeks to address it. She joins us to share her reporting.Musical ‘The Last Five Years’ The Young Actors Stage is a Sacramento theatre company that has spent the better part of two decades preparing youth for a future in the arts. Two alumni have taken their careers far beyond Sacramento, returning home this weekend as adults for a special performance at the very stage where it all began. Peter Sunseri and Ana Riley-Portal join Insight ahead of their upcoming musical The Last Five Years at the 24th Street Theatre at Sierra 2 Center on Sat. July 18 and Sun. July 19.
Federal Housing Bill and CA Congress recently passed federal housing legislation aimed at boosting construction across the country. But will this bi-partisan bill help put a dent in the nation’s housing shortage? The 21st Century Road to Housing Act became law over the weekend without much fanfare, even though it's the largest piece of housing legislation to come out of D.C. in a generation. CalMatters Housing Reporter Ben Christopher joins us today to explain how this bill will affect California and why it became law without President Trump’s signature.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
San Joaquin Valley Seniors Living Alone In 2023, the U.S census found that 28% of people 65 and older live by themselves. That number has been steadily increasing over the years as society has changed. In the 1950s census data showed only 1 in 10 adults of any age lived alone. Here in California, the number of seniors living alone in the Central Valley is one in five, a 30% increase since 2012. While many modern-day seniors appreciate their independence, doctors warn there are significant health risks when living alone becomes loneliness. Tim Sheehan is a senior reporter with The Intersection, a health equity reporting lab and part of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. He wrote about the rise of people over the age of 65 living alone and the possible negative health effects associated with it and he joins us today.Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club For decades, the Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club in Sacramento has been raising generations of potential feathered champions, putting their skills to the test with long-distance flights over the Eastern Sierra. Some of these competitors are also being raised by young caretakers within the Elk Grove Unified School District, preparing for their first races next month. Club President Jim Looper and club members Valeriy Khrystov and Sergio Perez talk about the sport of pigeon racing, and how their interest in the bird goes beyond just race results.
Sacramento’s Water Treatment Plant The Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant has been supplying the city with clean drinking water for more than a century. But for years, the facility’s small staff has faced worker shortages, skyrocketing overtime and a risk of burnout as they work to keep the water flowing. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Riley Palmer joins Insight to talk about the issues facing the plant, and possible solutions city officials are considering to improve conditions.Center for Inclusive Democracy For more than a decade, the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) has been a nonpartisan resource for understanding voting behaviors and barriers to the political process. Mindy Romero is the Founder and Director of CID, which recently announced its transition to an independent national organization, following academic affiliations with USC, and before that UC Davis. We’ll learn more about what this means for voters as they look to engage with civic resources during this midterm election year.SPCA Community Cat Program It may be the dog days of summer but for animal shelters, it’s all about kitten season. As temperatures rise, shelters see a surge in newborn cats, putting a strain on the system. Today on Insight, Jennifer Brent, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sacramento SPCA, and Chief Development Officer Sarah Haney join us to talk about the resources they provide to support felines and help keep the population under control.
Sojourner Truth MuseumFinding funding for the arts is often a constant struggle. For Sacramento's longtime and only Black museum, it's what keeps them up at night. The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum has been at Florin Square for 30 years, founded by Shonna McDaniels. Insight paid Shonna a visit to learn more about why the museum is at risk of closure. She also explains why community art spaces like hers are so important to South Sacramento. The 15th Annual Sacramento Banana Festival is the museum’s annual fundraising event. It’s happening Aug. 15-16 at William Land Park.Children’s Book About Death and GriefGrappling with the death or terminal illness of a loved one is an incredibly emotional, heartbreaking moment in life, particularly for children to navigate. A retired Sacramento psychotherapist has made it her life-long work to figure out how to have these conversations, which turned into a children’s book released earlier this year. Author Carol Voyles and illustrator Mariana Sampino talk about their new work “Helping a Child Cope with Death and Grief.”Insight’s Monthly ‘Arts Talk’We are in the dog days of summer, with the Sacramento valley expected to hit triple digits next week. Despite the heat there is no shortage of cultural and art experiences available to the region. From bigtime outdoor festivals to intimate art walks in the numerous galleries our area has to offer, there’s something for everybody going on this July. Arts Advocate Veronica Delgado Rodriguez is back for our monthly Arts Talk to guide us through all that’s happening. Festivals:
Strauss Festival
Pear Festival
Sunset Nights
Art Walk Galleries:
Twisted Track
R&M Gallery
Slither Gallery
Governor Newsom and Behested Payments Governor Gavin Newsom has been fined more than $31,000 by California’s campaign finance watchdog for failing to report dozens of charitable donations known as “behested payments” in a timely fashion. These payments totaled millions of dollars from various corporations, were solicited by Newsom, and went to a nonprofit supporting recovery after the Los Angeles wildfires last year. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald joins Insight with more about what behested payments are, and whether the fines are just the cost of doing business at the Capitol.‘California Forever’ UpdatesThe tech billionaire-backed organization California Forever has been trying to build a city from scratch on farmland in Solano County. The effort has drawn significant local opposition, and led the backers to pull a ballot measure in 2024. But the group has not given up. CalMatters reporters Yue Stella Yu and Kate Wolffe break down the latest developments in the story of California Forever, including the political heavyweights the group have enlisted to curry influence.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Local Poet-Turned-Musician Brandon LeakeBack in 2020 Stockton native Brandon Leake became the first spoken word artist to win America's Got Talent, using his unique ability to transform personal stories into powerful moments of connection to win the grand prize and build his career. Six years later he is now expanding his creativity to music, melding the natural rhythm and heartfelt lyricism of his poetry seamlessly with influences from gospel to hip hop. His first ever single, called “I’ve Got,” is out now. Leake joined Insight to tell us more about this artistic leap of faith.
One Year After Esparto ExplosionIt’s been just over a year since a massive fireworks explosion rocked the Yolo County town of Esparto, killing seven people and leaving lasting scars for the small, rural community. In the year that followed some residents, particularly those in the agricultural sector, have been concerned that the tragedy will overshadow Esparto's reputation and other issues facing the small town. CapRadio reporters Chris Felts and Gerardo Zavala join Insight with their reporting from Esparto about how the community is reflecting on the anniversary, and hoping to move forward.Impact of SCOTUS Rulings on ImmigrationThe Supreme Court delivered its final decisions last week before entering summer recess for the coming months, including four major decisions on immigration related cases. Chief among them, the long awaited ruling on the Trump administration's challenge to birthright citizenship. In a 6-3 decision the court struck down President Trump’s executive ruling seeking to end birthright citizenship. While this ruling was seen as a win for many immigration rights advocates, the other three cases heard before the court ruled in favor of the government. Including upholding the President’s power to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants turn back asylum seekers at the border and giving immigration officers more leeway to deny green card holders admission into the United States when traveling abroad. Raquel Aldana is a Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis with a focus on immigration. Jessie Mabry is the CEO of Opening Doors which supports immigrants, refugees and survivors of trafficking. They both joined to help us understand these rulings and the impacts they may have here on local immigrant communities.CASA de ESPAÑOL’s Festival del MoleMole is widely considered a national dish of Mexico. With roots long before the Spanish arrived, this rich sauce has evolved into a kaleidoscope of flavors and colors spanning the country’s 31 states. It’s a beloved dish with a nostalgic aroma that is being celebrated in Sacramento. María Harrington is the Owner and Director of CASA de ESPAÑOL. The 5th Annual Festival del Mole is happening Sat. July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 11p.m. 50% of proceeds will support the Help Chiapas Community Health Project, a nonprofit that provides free health clinics to Ignacio Allende, a small indigenous community in the northeastern jungle of Chiapas, Mexico.CASA de ESPAÑOL is a financial supporter of CapRadio and the station will have a booth at the Festival del Mole
POLITICO’s California PlaybookA controversial “billionaire’s tax” measure has qualified for the November ballot, one of a number of proposals that voters will decide on ranging from Voter ID requirements to CEQA reforms. This comes as the Supreme Court has made several rulings that impact the Golden State, and state lawmakers leave for summer recess after tackling a budget and housing-heavy agenda. Blake Jones, Co-Author of POLITICO's California Playbook joins Insight with a breakdown of the latest developments in state politics.The Meaning of the Declaration of IndependenceWith America celebrating its 250th birthday, the historical backdrop of the 4th of July, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was front and center. In speeches on Saturday, both sides of the political spectrum mentioned our nation's founding document. In a fractured political landscape, reverence for the Declaration of Independence still transcends party lines. And while everyone knows the story of the declaration, our next guest argues that there are still many big misunderstandings and myths surrounding our founding document. Carlton Larson is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis and the author of the new book "One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence." A Life Remade in 50 SwimsAs local author Kate Washington approached her 50th birthday, she found herself looking to reconnect with her childhood. Growing up in Chico, she swam in the numerous lakes, rivers and swimming holes that dot the North State. So, she set up a challenge for herself. Swim in 50 different bodies of water by her 50th birthday. The rules were simple. She had to fully immerse her head underwater and take a photo of each ‘dunk’ to document the journey. She dubbed it the 50 Dunk Challenge. At the time, she did not know the radical effect it would have on her life, but years later she has now chronicled the challenge in a new book called “Midstream: A Life Remade in 50 Swims.” The book launches tomorrow night with an event at East Village Bookshop in Sacramento from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. And will be giving a talk on Thursday July 9th at The Avid Reader in Davis from 6:30 to 7:30pm.
Redistricting in the San Joaquin ValleyIn just over three weeks, California voters will decide whether to redraw the state’s congressional maps to give Democrats an edge ahead of the 2026 midterm election. One of the regions that could be heavily impacted is the San Joaquin Valley, particularly rural and Latino-majority regions. CalMatters Politics Reporter Maya C. Miller joins Insight to share her reporting about how districts in the Valley could change, and how local voters are responding to these efforts. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Trump Administration Fires Immigration JudgesThe Trump Administration continues to ramp up immigration enforcement, with ICE agents and National Guard troops deployed to cities across the country. And federal efforts to crack down are not solely focused on detainment, but also removing the judges that oversee immigration cases. Last month the administration fired dozens of immigration judges across the country, including three in Sacramento. These removals have raised alarms, and some within the judicial community are warning of a potential “chilling effect” for years to come. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Gerardo Zavala breaks down some of the reactions to these firings, and what the impacts are on local immigrants that need their legal services.Arts TalkIt’s October, which means it’s time to lean into all things fall and spooky. It’s also National Arts and the Humanities Month, and the Sacramento region is alive with plenty of offerings to explore. On our monthly Arts Talk, arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back with more news from the region’s art scene and tips on things to see and do this month. You can send tips and ideas to insight@capradio.org.
Sacramento Mayor’s ‘Six-Point Plan’ on Homelessness The city of Sacramento is charting a new path to address the ongoing crisis of homelessness. Last month, the city council voted to approve a “six-point plan” which includes new tiny home villages, safe camping and parking sites, as well as permanent supportive housing. This also comes as the city welcomes Maraskeshia Smith as its new permanent city manager, and Sacramento continues to face budgetary challenges. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Riley Palmer spoke with Mayor Kevin McCarty about how these new developments are shaping up. Veteran Art Institute The daughter of an Air Force veteran got a front row seat in understanding how serving one’s country can instill pride, while also carrying lifelong trauma due to unspoken PTSD. She transformed that experience into a space for creativity and healing. Kathleen Ellertson is the Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute. She joins us along with John Nesbit, an Army veteran and art therapist, to discuss the work of the nonprofit and the therapeutic benefits of art. The Art of Veterans exhibit is currently on display at the Mill Station Art & Culture Center (MACC) in Rancho Cordova through October 18, showcasing a collection of artwork created by U.S. military veterans from across the nation. Girls Night Out PlacervillePink in the Night is a month-long cancer awareness campaign in El Dorado County that takes place every October. With support from Images of Hope, businesses along Main Street in Placerville illuminate their storefronts with strands of pink lights to symbolize the community’s united fight against cancer. This Saturday, people have an opportunity to enjoy the lights, along with live music, shopping and a fashion show all for a good cause. We’ll learn more about Girls Night Out from Wendy Goosen, the founder of Images of Hope, and Mikhail Chernyavsky, who volunteers with the event.
Rancho Cordova Grows Up Rancho Cordova is one of the fastest growing cities in Sacramento and there’s a lot to look forward to on the horizon, including a new sports and entertainment complex to a bustling tech industry. Today on Insight, we’ll meet Mayor Siri Pulipati and hear how far the city has grown.Jewish and Palestinian Community Members Reflect on the Anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023**Two years after the Hamas attacks on Israel, the region and the world continue to grapple with the fallout of October 7, 2023. In the time since, the war in Gaza has claimed tens of thousands of lives and reshaped political, religious and humanitarian conversations from Sacramento and across the globe. Today, Insight brings together Jewish and Palestinian voices from across the region to reflect on loss, the search for understanding and a shared longing for peace.
Guests include:**Rabbi Mona Alfi is with Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento.
Basim Elkarra is a Sacramento-based Palestinian American who works for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Action).
Brenda Wolfson is a Sacramento resident who lost her Israeli grandson on Oct. 7.
Yousef Khelfa is a Palestinian-American doctor, based in Stockton, who has traveled to Gaza to provide aid.
Anne Kjemtrup heads the Sacramento branch of the Sisterhood of Salaam-Shalom.
Offir Gutelzon is a Jewish American who is the cofounder of UnXeptable, an organization to preserve Israel’s democracy.
Hiba Hamdan is a Sacramento doctor who is Palestinian American.
Tuolumne County Starts Wildfire RecoveryA month ago, the TCU September Lightning Complex burned almost 14,000 acres across four counties. The devastation was largely centered in the Gold Rush town of Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County. Officials have launched efforts to begin cleaning up the damage, but some historic buildings have been lost forever. Steve Griefer is the District 4 Supervisor for Tuolumne County and he joins us today to talk about how they’re doing what still lies ahead. Today, we’ll check in on the community about how they’re doing and what still lies ahead. Sac Republic Loses Jägermeister CupIt was heartbreak at home for soccer fans this weekend as Sacramento Republic fell short in its bid for the Jägermeister Cup. But there’s still plenty to look forward to this season. CapRadio Senior Producer Sarit Laschinsky and Reporter Chris Felts were at the game Saturday and they join us with their reporting. Sacramento Women’s Chorus The Sacramento Women’s Chorus has been building community through song for nearly 40 years. Their performances blend music with advocacy by championing causes such as gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. They’re preparing for an October 11 concert at The Sofia that will span generations of women’s resilience; featuring both the full chorus and its new small ensemble, Inner Harmony. Artistic directors Rachel Jackson and Cindy Chaffee join Insight to share the group’s history, mission, and what audiences can expect at their upcoming shows.
Sacramento’s New City Manager After a monthslong, nationwide search, Sacramento made history this week by hiring the city’s first Black woman to the position of city manager. Maraskeshia Smith currently manages the city of Santa Rosa and will begin her new post in Sacramento on Jan. 5, 2026. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Riley Palmer reports on what this means for the city. Recapping the Athletics’ First SeasonThe Athletics’ move from Oakland to West Sacramento drew nationwide fanfare, but did the baseball hype meet reality? San Francisco Chronicle Sports Editor Christina Kahrl joins us to recap the season. We’ll also hear from Denice Domke, President and CEO of the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce about what Major League Baseball meant to the city. Inaugural American Kabaddi Cup Kabaddi is an ancient sport based in India. Made up of two teams, it’s described as part tag and part wrestling. Kabaddi is gaining popularity around the world, as well as in the Central Valley. The City of Stockton will host the first-ever American Kabaddi Cup this weekend at Adventist Health Center. Harsimran Singh is the President of the American Kabaddi Federation and he joins Insight to talk about the sport.
Government Shutdown Impacts on CASocial security checks, student loan bills and mail will continue to be delivered but thousands of federal workers are furloughed as the United States government shuts down after Republicans and Democrats in the Senate failed to reach a compromise. CalMatters Health Reporter Kristen Hwang joins Insight with more on how the shutdown could play out here in California. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Local Breast Cancer ResourcesOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is personal to Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. After going through treatments, Vicki learned the compassionate silver lining has been the people she met along the way. Vicki is going to share some of the local support systems she’s come across over the past year. Jen Miramontes is the founder of Cancer Champions, which offers health and wellness classes at no cost to cancer survivors. Melissa Manzo is the program director for Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, which serves Sacramento’s six-county region. And Vann Luong is a physician assistant who owns Organic Skin Studio and is offering free facials to any cancer survivor for the month of October.Walk for ApraxiaThe Greater Sacramento Walk for Apraxia returns to McKinley Park on Saturday, October 4th. The free event celebrates children living with apraxia of speech, a rare neurological disorder that makes it difficult for kids to speak; while raising funds for therapy, research, and family support. Event organizer Madeline Timberger joins Insight to share her perspective as both an aspiring speech-language pathologist and organizer.
POLITICO ‘California Playbook’The race for California governor is picking up. Leading Democratic candidates took part in a forum in Los Angeles over the weekend, trying to set themselves apart from one another. At the same time, campaigns for the Nov. 4 special election over redistricting has hit a fundraising milestone as ballots are about to be mailed out. All of this as California congressmembers face a looming government shutdown in Washington D.C. Blake Jones is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins Insight with the latest in politics.Best Of: Placerville Community ObservatorySummer is firmly in the rearview mirror, with the weather beginning to cool down. The nights are also getting longer, which offers stargazers the opportunities to take in celestial wonders like meteor showers or a view of the planets. A unique facility in El Dorado County is giving people the chance to capture these extraordinary sights every weekend for free. We revisit a conversation with Randy Hodges, the chief docent of the Community Observatory near Placerville, which is preparing to participate in NASA's International Observe the Moon Night event this Saturday.Nevada County ‘Food Fight’A Nevada County nonprofit is hosting a culinary battle this weekend, raising awareness around the movement to build a sustainable and resilient food system. Sierra Harvest's inaugural Food Fight Culinary Challenge & Art Show will take place this Friday, and see eight chefs compete for the title using only 100% locally-sourced foods. Sierra Harvest Executive Director Eli Bacon and two competitors, Blake Bichsel of Water and Air Catering and Executive Chef Alan Gosker from Lola Dining at the National Hotel in Nevada City, join us ahead of the event.
KION/Telemundo 23 Station Shutters Local News A longtime source of local news along California’s Central Coast is no more. The CBS and FOX affiliate KION-TV in Salinas suddenly announced Tuesday it was shutting down its newsroom and ending local newscasts, effective immediately. The station is partnering with a Bay Area-CBS station, but the move blindsided more than a dozen staff members who were suddenly laid off. Telemundo 23, which shared a newsroom with KION, also shut down, bringing an end to Spanish language newscasts in the region. Former KION Managing Editor and Anchor Jeanette Bent and former Telemundo 23 bilingual reporter and producer Sandra Santos join Insight to talk about what the impact of this closure means for the local community, especially at a time when local news organizations around the country are degrading or in short supply. Modesto Focus LaunchesCalifornia’s Central Valley is no stranger to a lack of news coverage in its communities. A new website from the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, The Modesto Focus, aims to help. Marijke Rowland is the Editor of The Modesto Focus and Garth Stapley is the publication’s accountability reporter. They join Insight today along with Joe Keita, Executive Editor of the “Central Valley Journalism Collaborative” to talk about why local news matters in Modesto.Jollity Farm Goat DairySlow food is all the rage right now in Sacramento, as culinary lovers descend on the city for the Terra Madre Americas festival. When you think about slow food however, goat cheese might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That’s where Jollity Farm comes in. The goat dairy, owned and operated by Charley and MaryLisa Cornell, is the only licensed cheese maker in El Dorado County. We’ll learn more about raising dairy goats and what it takes to make the cheese you can find at local farmers markets.
Sacramento’s New Homelessness Plan The Sacramento City Council has approved a new multi-point plan to tackle the ongoing homelessness crisis. One controversial element of that proposal would see unhoused seniors charged 30% of their income to live in the city’s planned tiny home communities. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Riley Palmer joins Insight to talk about the specifics of this new plan and its implementation, as well as the criticism it is drawing.Editor's note: In this segment the maximum number of tiny homes was incorrectly reported as 120 units across four sites. The correct number is 160 units across four sites.
Effie Yeaw Nature CenterEffie Yeaw Nature Center is getting ready to celebrate 50 years of educating Sacramento’s youth about the plants and animals that reside along the American River Parkway. Rachael Cowan, Interim Executive Director of Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and Greg Dewey, Board President of the American River Natural History Association, a nonprofit organization that has overseen the center since 2010, join us for an update on how the center is doing ahead of their upcoming fundraiser, Fall Feast in the Forest.
Play About ‘Frankenstein’s’ Mary Shelley A new play in Sacramento is celebrating the creative force behind the classic Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The play explores Mary Shelley’s remarkable life, from her scandalous teenage elopement to her authorship of Frankenstein - the radical gothic novel that changed the literary landscape forever. Jenny Connors and lead actors Karma Matthews, Lily Anastasia Morales and Ryan Reece join us ahead of the premiere of Mary Shelley at the Women’s Theatre Collective, which runs from Sept. 26 through Oct. 12.
ABC10 Shooting InvestigationWe are getting more information about the man accused of opening fire at ABC10 in Sacramento. Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, is facing local and federal charges. At least three bullets struck the window of the local TV station's lobby Friday afternoon. Sacramento Police said that the lobby was occupied, but nobody was injured. A motive is still under investigation, but investigators believe it appears to be political. The shooting came one day after protesters gathered outside the station to criticize ABC network for its decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show over comments the comedian made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month. ABC10 is not owned by Disney - the parent company of ABC News. CapRadio Reporter Chris Felts was at both arraignments at the Sacramento County and federal courthouses and joins us with more.CA Law Enforcement Mask BanOver the weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the No Secret Police Act, a law that bans most law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty except under certain circumstances. The ban is the first of its type in the country and comes in response to increased immigration enforcement in California, particularly in Los Angeles. But it remains unclear the powers of state lawmakers to regulate federal law enforcement, and the law could face challenges in court. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Gerardo Zavala talks about the responses from the law’s supporters, opponents and law enforcement, and what the path forward could look like before it goes into effect next year. ‘Terra Madre Americas’ Takes Over SacThe Slow Food Movement is joining forces with Farm-to-Fork. Terra Madre Americas is happening this weekend in Sacramento. CapRadio Communities Reporter Keyshawn Davis gives us the low down on the three-day festival. Plus, Camelia Enriquez, farmer and owner of Twin Peaks Orchards in Newcastle joins us about living the “slow food” life.
How Prop 50 Would Split the 1st Congressional District In less than two months, voters will decide whether to redraw California’s congressional maps, in a redistricting fight with Texas to gain a political edge in the Midterms. We’ll hone in on one map in Northern California that would transform a Republican stronghold into a sprawling district that combines Bay Area liberals in Marin County with rural Modoc County residents hundreds of miles away. CalMatters Capitol Reporter Jeanne Kuang discusses the big changes that could come to California’s 1st Congressional District if Prop 50 passes on Nov. 4. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Cold Case Podcast on Woodland Murder of Dolores Wulff In 1979, Dolores Wulff disappeared from her home in Yolo County, kicking off a decades-long mystery. For more than 40 years, questions circled around what happened to the Woodland mother and wife, with family members convinced that her husband Carl was responsible for her disappearance. Dolores’ remains weren’t identified until 2020, and her story is being highlighted in a new podcast called ““The Unforgotten Season 3: Finding Dolores Wulff” which also talks about the impact on her family, and why it took so long to find her. Kyle Bonagura and Adam Rittenberg are ESPN reporters who covered the story shortly after Dolores was identified, and co-host the new podcast. Lost Gold Rush Towns of Sacramento The Gold Rush brought booms and busts to many communities around California, with some miners striking pay dirt and others losing everything. Ghost towns dot the landscape of the west, but in Sacramento many of those Gold Rush communities have been lost to time. A new book titled “Lost Gold Rush Towns of Sacramento” was published earlier this year by the Sacramento Public Library, and is telling the stories of some of those towns. Co-authors Eric Webb, Andrew McLeod and James Scott talk about how this book came to be, and what these Gold Rush stories can tell us about the stories and histories that are told or forgotten.
Mai Vang Challenges Doris Matsui Rep. Doris Matsui has been in Congress for 20 years, a seat she and her late husband Robert T. Matsui have held for nearly half a century. For the first time, Congresswoman Matsui will be facing a challenger who is also an elected official - Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang. CapRadio Reporter Tony Rodriguez joins us with his reporting on the campaign launch and the response it’s already receiving. CrockerConCrockerCon Don’t be surprised this weekend if you see some interesting and bright characters walking around downtown … emphasis on characters. For more than 10 years, the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento has hosted a free family event that celebrates comics, cartoons and pop culture. In addition to a cosplay contest, participants can also meet artists and creators and learn some tricks of the trade. Eben Burgon is the public program coordinator for the Crocker Art Museum. He’s also an artist and the founder of CrockerCon, which is scheduled this Sunday. He’s joined by Kyrun Silva, founder of Taurus Comics and editor in chief at 4th Wall Productions, to preview this weekend’s event.California Revealed For over a decade, a statewide initiative has been working to digitally preserve the stories and artifacts of California’s history. California Revealed works with historical institutions like museums, historical societies and archives to document their collections, and make them available for the public to access. This weekend, California Revealed is partnering with the Center for Sacramento History on a special archival film screening and fundraiser. “Sacramento on Film: Celebrating 15 years of California Revealed” will highlight a century of life in the region, and the screening will be held Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Auditorium. California Revealed Director Pamela Vadakan and archivist Kim Hayden from the Center for Sacramento History talk about the upcoming screening, and the importance of preserving history for future generations.
Sacramento County DA Investigates Former CapRadio GMAfter more than a year, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has submitted its investigation into former CapRadio General Manager Jun Reina for potential criminal charges. The case, which includes potential criminal charges of embezzlement and grand theft, is being reviewed by the county District Attorney’s Office. A team of CapRadio journalists have been reporting on the public media station independently since a September 2023 audit by the California State University Chancellor’s Office found years of significant financial mismanagement at CapRadio, an auxiliary of Sac State. It also came a month after CapRadio laid off staff and canceled four music shows. CapRadio Politics Editor Chris Nichols and CapRadio Senior Producer Sarit Laschinsky join us with an update. Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted or broadcast. You can read our independent ongoing coverage of financial issues at Capital Public Radio here.
New Exhibition ‘Conspire to Inspire’There’s a lot of power in art, from paintings to photography. It can inspire, question, reflect current events and support a charitable cause. This weekend a one-day exhibition inspired by park and underground culture is coming to Sacramento. Called “Conspire to Inspire,” the exhibition will be held at the Sol Collective art gallery in Curtis Park Saturday, Sept. 20 starting at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Sacramento Valley Tenants Union. Two of the creative minds behind the exhibition, punk collage artist Winston Smith and photographer Matthew Kadi, talk about how this show came to be, and what inspires both of their work.Remembering ‘Ground Chuck’The Sacramento Arts scene is remembering Charles “Ground Chuck” Thomas, a well-known artist, musician and “man about town” who inspired the city’s Chalk It Up festival. He passed away Sunday at the age of 56. More than a decade ago, he joined then-Insight host Jeffrey Callison for a conversation about his comedy and the metal band he was part of at the time. We’ll listen back to a 2009 Insight interview with Ground Chuck.
Maternity Care Deserts in the Central ValleyWhen cuts are made to hospital budgets, maternity care is often the first to go, particularly in rural areas. Tim Sheehan is a health reporting fellow with The Intersection, a health equity reporting lab in the Central Valley who has been covering the closure, and subsequent reopening, of Madera Community Hospital in the San Joaquin Valley. He joins Insight to talk about how cuts at facilities like Madera Community threaten labor and delivery services in the region, and pose the risk of creating maternity care “deserts.” Camp Fire Learning LossThe Camp Fire is the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history. Nearly seven years later, schools and students are still recovering from learning loss. Carolyn Jones is a K-12 reporter with CalMatters and explains the toll that natural disasters have on the classroom, and the lessons to give traumatized children a better chance of thriving long term. This story is a part of a collaboration called Disrupted by Disaster with The Associated Press, Honolulu Civil Beat, Blue Ridge Public Radio, and Centro de Periodismo Investigativo in Puerto Rico to look at how school communities are recovering from natural disasters.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Artist Jeff MyersSacramento artist Jeff Myers has a unique solo exhibition currently on display at the John Natsoulas Gallery in Davis. “Convergence” is an exploration of past, present and future selves through oil on canvas. Myers joins us to talk about the inspiration behind his latest body of work.
CA Lawmakers Wrap 2025 Legislative SessionCalifornia state lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 legislative session, sending hundreds of bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The deadline marked the end of a tumultuous period in which the state experienced record breaking devastation during the Los Angeles fires and lawmakers confronted a $12 billion budget deficit. California also waded into the national redistricting debate over the summer, with a quickly approaching Nov. 4 special election that made for an unusual last month of session. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald and POLITICO Politics Reporter and Playbook PM author Lindsey Holden discuss some of the notable bills passed in the final week.‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling at The Sofia“Unreal Reality” is the theme of this month’s storytelling showcase In a Nutshell at The Sofia in Sacramento. And who better to tackle that theme than the city’s very own Survivor contestant, Joe Hunter. The firefighter became a fan-favorite during season 49 of the long-running reality hit and he’ll return for season 50. But first, he joins us in the studio, along with JP Frary and Keith Lowell Jensen.
COVID Vaccine Eligibility ConfusionThe latest COVID-19 vaccines have been FDA approved. But figuring out if you’re eligible, is confusing. For the first time since the pandemic, federal guidelines are restricting access to many Americans. And that is sparking backlash among California and other western states, which have formed an alliance to come up with its own recommendations to make getting a shot more accessible. CapRadio Reporter Riley Palmer helps untangle what access and eligibility looks like across Sacramento. Latino Book & Family FestivalA celebration of literacy, culture and community is returning to the region this weekend. The third annual Sacramento Latino Book & Family Festival will be held at Valley High School Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., offering culturally relevant books, live music, author workshops, lowriders and more. In addition to being an anchor for KCRA, Leticia Ordaz is also an accomplished author and publisher. She’ll be speaking with Dolores Huerta at this weekend’s event. We’ll learn more about it from her and festival organizer Irvis Orozco.September Arts EventsBack in June, the City of Sacramento put out a call for artists to participate in the Creative Growth Arts Program. Those grants have been awarded and we’ll learn what that means for area artists. Plus, the visual arts are in the spotlight, with a variety of shows and events planned throughout the month. We’ll learn more in this month’s Arts Talk. Arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back with more news from the region’s art scene and tips on things to see and do this month. You can send tips and ideas to insight@capradio.org
20th Annual Sac Open Studios Tour
Everything Has Led to This Moment by William Ishmael at The B. Sakata Garo Gallery
Sac Taco Fest
Fair Oaks Chicken Fest
CrockerCon
CA Governor UpdatesCalifornia marked its 175th anniversary of statehood with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address, where he addressed issues like education, climate and affordability while criticizing federal policies. At the same time, attention is shifting to who might replace him. On Monday candidates for governor took the stage at Sacramento State University for a forum that gave candidates an opportunity to attract voters. CapRadio Politics Editor Chris Nichols joins us to break down the governor’s message and the early dynamics of the race to succeed him.Camp Resolution Documentary ‘The Right to Exist’Just over a year ago the unique, self-governed homeless encampment known as Camp Resolution was closed by the city of Sacramento, putting dozens of people in temporary shelters or back on the street. But the story of this encampment, which gained widespread attention as a new approach to addressing the crisis of homelessness, and its residents lives on in the documentary The Right to Exist. Director Nick Anderson and co-producer Arturo Baiocchi talk about Camp Resolution’s lasting legacy and the state of homelessness intervention, ahead of a free screening and panel discussion tonight at 6 p.m. at the Student Union at Sac State.Another screening and panel will be held Sept. 18 at the Unitary Universalist Society of Sacramento, benefitting Loaves and Fishes.
Laughter Shock Improv in Nevada City. The Second City, The Upright Citizen’s Brigade - those are just a few of the more iconic improv troupes in America, providing launching pads for some of today’s most-popular comedians, like Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler. There’s a new improv troupe in Nevada County that’s proving you’re never too old to get into improv and chase your comedic dreams. Laughter Shock Improv is a multigenerational group that’s dedicated to bringing belly laughs to the Sierra foothills. Kimberly Ewing is the curator and manager of the troupe and she joins us today along with performers John Paul and Anna Durga to preview a couple of upcoming shows.
CARE Court’s Difficult RolloutIn March 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom created Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts, to compel Californians sleeping on the streets while suffering from severe mental illness into treatment. In that time, voters approved billions of dollars in new funding as CARE Court scaled up across the state’s 58 counties. But a new analysis from our partners at CalMatters found that far fewer Californians are enrolled in the mental health program than he projected. CalMatters Homelessness Reporter Marisa Kendall joins us with her reporting. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Sac BlkLit Book FestSacramento’s historic Oak Park neighborhood will be the backdrop for a one-day celebration of black literature in the city. The Sac BlkLit Book Fair will take place this Saturday, Sept. 13 at Underground Books and The Guild Theatre. Cassandra Jennings is the President and CEO of St. HOPE, which is putting on the festival. She joins us along with Author and Publisher Sheryl Lister, to talk about the importance of literacy and the work of uplifting authors in the community.California Biodiversity WeekCalifornia is home to a rich variety of plants, animals and other organisms. Tens of thousands of species live across the Golden State’s numerous ecosystems. But many are facing habitat loss and the ongoing threat of worsening climate change, and run the risk of becoming endangered or going extinct. Five years ago, the state implemented the 30x30 initiative, to conserve 30 percent of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. As California marks Biodiversity Week, Secretary Wade Crowfoot from the California Natural Resources Agency and Dr. Jun Bando, Executive Director of the California Native Plant Society, provide an update on how these conservation efforts are going, and the work that still needs to be done.
California GOP ConventionThe California Republican Party held its annual convention this weekend. And center stage was how to topple a Nov. 4 special election to redraw the state’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm. CalMatters Capitol Reporter Alexei Koseff just returned from the CA GOP convention and explains how Republicans are divided on how to campaign against Prop 50. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Wildfire Effects on Calaveras CountyLast week an intense storm system swept across the Sierra Nevada. Over 9,000 lightning strikes ignited a series of wildfires, including the TCU September Lighting Complex Fire in Calaveras, Tuolumne, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, which has burned almost 14,000 acres. The wildfires prompted evacuations, destroyed part of the historic town of Chinese Camp, and threatened the foothills community of Murphys. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua provides an update on efforts to contain the complex fire. Also, Martin Huberty, Calaveras County Supervisor and Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau discusses the impact on the local community and tourism, and Daniel Kushnir from Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys talks about the experience of seeing the wildfires burn up to their property line.Historic Folsom Powerhouse Marks 130 YearsA historic building along the shore of the American River is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The Folsom Powerhouse became one of the first facilities in the country to generate and transmit high-voltage AC electricity, keeping the lights on in the Sacramento region until 1952. Zakary Adams from California State Parks and docent Daryl Walker talk about the powerhouse’s significance ahead of its anniversary celebration on Sept. 13, coinciding with the Grand Electric Carnival, and their Oct. 18 Electricity Fair.
Bill to Limit Child Sex Abuse Survivors Ability to Sue In 2019, California lifted the statute of limitations to file child sex abuse lawsuits. Since then, thousands have poured in, with settlements that have strained local agencies. One of the most costly examples is Los Angeles County agreeing to a $4 billion settlement to resolve 6,800 sexual abuse claims that date back to 1959. State lawmakers are now weighing whether to limit the ability to sue. SB 577 would set a deadline to file child sexual abuse lawsuits against schools, juvenile facilities and foster care agencies that are already buckling under the weight of current and threatened legal action. Sara Tiano is a Senior Reporter for the nonprofit newsroom The Imprint, a digital publication that focuses on youth and family news, and joins us with her reporting ahead of a key vote. Longtime Politician John Burton’s Legacy John Burton is a larger than life figure in California politics. Serving in both the California State Legislature and Congress, Senator Burton was a strong advocate for civil rights, environmental protection, and healthcare reform. Outside of politics, he was a staunch supporter of foster youth, establishing the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes. A new memoir about his legacy comes out this month. “I Yell Because I Care: The Passion and Politics of John Burton” is co-authored by former Sacramento Bee reporter Andy Furillo. A book release is scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the California Museum in Downtown Sacramento. It’s also a fundraiser for John Burton Advocates for Youth, which is launching a fellowship program in his name. Sarah Pauter is the executive director there and she joins us today, along with Furillo, to talk about Burton’s legacy. UC Davis Professor’s Book ‘Food Fight’ The global population keeps growing, with the United Nations estimating a peak of roughly 10 billion people by mid-2080. At the same time, food insecurity continues to be an international crisis as millions struggle to find enough to eat. A new book is challenging policies that could stand in the way of a more bountiful future. Richard Sexton is a Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis and joins us with his book Food Fight: Misguided Policies, Supply Challenges, and the Impending Struggle to Feel a Hungry World.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg talks about Sacramento Republic FC’s new stadium. An award-winning film based on a UC Davis historian’s book about “suicide by proxy.” Finally, how to use comedy to talk about depression and suicide.
New Soccer Stadium Approved for Sacramento RailyardSacramento City Council has unanimously voted to approve a proposal term sheet for Sacramento Republic FC’s brand-new stadium and an entertainment venue in the Downtown Railyards. This comes a week after the project was first unveiled, and five years after plans to develop a stadium in the Railyards as part of a Major League Soccer bid. Mayor Darrell Steinberg joins Insight to talk about what this new stadium means for Sacramento’s future.'The Devil's Bath' Panel at UC DavisA UC Davis historian’s book on the practice of “suicide by proxy” in early modern Germany has inspired a new award-winning Austrian film that looks at themes of crime, religion, mental health and social environments. Filmmaking duo Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala talk about their film The Devil’s Bath, which is Austria’s entrant for the 2025 Academy Awards. Also Kathy Stuart, author of Suicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany: Crime, Sin and Salvation (World Histories of Crime, Culture and Violence) talks about the history behind the film’s story. A panel discussion on The Devil’s Bath will be held tomorrow at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, and a separate film screening in Cruess Hall.The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
Comedy and SuicideIt’s not always easy to talk about personal mental health struggles, but what if you brought together a bunch of people with no boundaries to do it? That’s the idea behind 1 Degree of Separation, where comedians open up about their stories of depression and suicide. Brad Bonar started the company after his own personal experience. He now runs it with his wife Victoria. They join us today to talk about traveling with the show to bring its message to students and military members abroad. We’ll also meet Ellis Rodriguez, a comedian and close friend of the Bonars.
How white-nose syndrome threatens bat colonies in California. Tracking college graduate earnings based on their major. Finally, how to address anxiety and stress after the election.
White-Nose Syndrome in BatsWhite-nose syndrome is a fungal infection that has killed millions of bats across the United States . Two weeks ago, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the presence of the fungus in five counties across the state. Corky Quirk, Program Coordinator for the Yolo Basin Foundation talks about the risks the disease poses to bats in California and in the Sacramento region, and what can be done to prevent its spread. Return on Investment for CA College GraduatesA new report outlines how much money college graduates can make, depending on their major. The research tracks earnings five years after graduation, and includes a look at Sacramento-area colleges and universities. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, former chancellor of California’s Community Colleges and President and CEO of The College Futures Foundation and Michael Itzkowitz, president of the HEA Group break down the reports findings, and what they say about choosing a specific major compared to a specific school.Post-Election Anxiety and StressAre you currently suffering from post-election anxiety? According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety among adults has surged this year, with many pointing to the recent presidential election as a major source. Even before the election, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year. Joining us to discuss how to manage all those feelings is Dr. Sara Aghamohammadi, a physician and Chief Wellness officer at UC Davis Health. She’ll help us unpack why elections cause such stress and offer tips on what we can do about it.UC Davis Health is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
How Election Day results on the federal, state, and local level impact the labor, arts, and LGBTQ+ communities. Finally, comedian W. Kamau Bell performs at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis.
Labor Election ReactionsElection week results continue to roll in, with Republicans on track to control the White House and the U.S. Senate. In California, propositions to raise the minimum wage and outlaw involuntary servitude for those incarcerated appear to be on the way to failing, and the Sacramento mayoral race is still up in the air. Fabrizio Sasso is the Executive Director of the Sacramento Central Labor Council and joins Insight to talk about how the labor community is responding to these developments, and the possible impacts on workers’ lives.Election Impact on the LGBTQ+ and Arts CommunitiesThe election has wide-ranging ramifications on many different communities. Dennis Mangers is a former assembly member and advisor to Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, as well as a longtime supporter of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ and arts communities. He talks about the importance of passing Prop 3 and enshrining same-sex marriage rights in the California constitution, concerns the LGBTQ+ community has with the incoming Trump Administration, as well as what a change in Sacramento leadership means for the local arts community.W. Kamau Bell at the Mondavi CenterMany people may know W. Kamau Bell as the host and executive producer of CNN’s United Shades of America. The comedian, filmmaker and author brought stories of diversity and social issues to the forefront, earning multiple Emmy Awards. He now hosts the ACLU podcast At Liberty and has a popular Substack Who’s With Me? He’ll be performing An Evening of Comedy with W. Kamau Bell this Friday at the Mondavi Center in Davis. He joins us in the studio to talk about his unique perspective on modern life.
The Mondavi Center is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
A look at voting trends the day after the election. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin McCarty. Plus, how to navigate uncomfortable conversations post-election. Finally, six years since the Camp Fire.
Preliminary Election ResultsPaul Mitchell is the Vice President of Political Data, which tracks ballot returns across the state, and joins us with a look at voting trends the day after the election.Sacramento Mayoral Candidate Kevin McCartyThe Sacramento mayor’s race is still too close to call. The next update on election results from the county will be posted Friday afternoon. State Assemblymember and Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin McCarty is currently in the lead and joins us with a look at preliminary election results. Sacramento mayoral candidate Dr. Flojaune Cofer declined Insight’s invitation.
Post-Election EtiquetteEmotions are high after the election and it can be difficult to talk politics with others who have different viewpoints. Etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall offers some advice about how to navigate uncomfortable conversations, as we head towards holiday gatherings. Camp Fire AnniversaryOn Nov. 8, 2018 the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history ignited in Butte County, devastating the communities of Paradise, Magalia, Concow and Pulga. At least 85 people were killed in the immediate aftermath and more than 18,000 homes and other structures were destroyed. Rebuilding is still taking place to this day. Jen Goodlin is the Executive Director of the Rebuild Paradise Foundation and joins us with how survivors are marking this day.
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber walks us through overseeing elections across California. Also, a look at early ballot returns and vote tracking with Political Data. Finally, the California Voter Foundation provides last minute voting tips.
Secretary of State Shirley WeberSecretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber walks us through how her office oversees elections across California and answers the most common questions they’re receiving from voters. If you still have a question you can also find the number to voter hotlines in multiple languages here. If you still need to go through your ballot CapRadio’s Voter Guide is here and we also have a Spanish version. Early Vote TrackingToday is the big day, but California voters have been turning in their ballots leading up to Election Day. Although results won’t be posted until polls close, we do have a snapshot of who has voted already. Paul Mitchell is the Vice President of Political Data, which tracks ballot returns across the state, and joins us with a look at early voting dataLast Minute Voting TipsMany voters might be opening their ballots for the first time, with just hours to go before polls close on Election Day. Kim Alexander is the President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation and provides some last-minute tips on filling out your ballot, as well as the importance of participating in the elections process.
Discussion Prop 6 and the experiences of working in prison. Celebrating Diwali in Sacramento. Finally, ‘When We Were Colored’ is re-staging at Oak Park’s Guild Theater this month.
Prop 6 and Prison LaborTomorrow, California voters will have a chance to weigh in on Prop 6, which would end forced prison labor. However, the measure is still struggling in the polls despite having no organized opposition. Esteban Núñez, the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Yannick Ortega, a Substance Use Disorder inpatient director are with the Yes on Prop 6 campaign. They join Insight to talk about their experiences with incarceration and working in prison, as well as the changes that Prop 6 would make.Celebrating DiwaliDiwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, marks the new year for many people in the South Asian community. It also serves as a chance to uphold long-standing traditions and to connect with family. CapRadio reporter Srishti Prabha and Shawn and Poonam Dhaliwal from Taj Supermarket talk about the significance of this holiday, and how the Indian and South Asian communities across Sacramento are celebrating Diwali this year.‘When We Were Colored’ Play in Oak ParkIn 1964, author Eva Rutland captured her Black family’s journey from the Jim Crow South to Sacramento in a memoir, When We Were Colored: A Mother’s Story. More than four decades later, Eva’s daughter, Ginger Rutland — a longtime Sacramento journalist — adapted her mother’s memoir into a play. Originally premiering in 2015, When We Were Colored brings the family’s experiences to life through vignettes that capture their resilience navigating racism and community in their new home. The play breathes new life at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park later this month. Ginger Rutland and her daughter Eva Schwartz discuss the story’s lasting legacy and why it’s being re-staged now. Also, actors Brooklyn Solomon and Ela'an Battiste perform a scene from the play.
Breaking down California’s tough-on-crime measure Prop 36. Also, an update on the 2022 voter-approved Sacramento Children's Fund: Measure L. Finally, the parking lot saga at Trader Joe’s.
Breaking Down Prop 36Prop 36 is a tough-on-crime measure on California’s November ballot. If it passes, it would roll back some pieces of Prop 47 — a decade-old criminal justice reform measure — and raise penalties for some theft and drug-related crimes. It’s billed as a way to curb retail theft and homelessness. But the measure has divided Democrats, opponents argue Prop 36 would cause the state to regress back to over policing instead of moving forward with evidence-based solutions. CapRadio Politics Reporter Megan Myscofski joins Insight to provide a breakdown of the arguments behind Prop 36.2022 Measure L Youth FundingIn 2022, Sacramento voters approved Measure L to create a children’s fund for programs benefiting youth most impacted by poverty, violence and trauma. The fund uses general fund money that is equivalent to 40% of the annual estimated cannabis business tax revenue. After nearly two years, the city council passed the first spending plan. The fund is overseen by a nine-person advisory committee and in partnership with the city’s youth advisory commission. Monica Ruelas Mares is the Chair of Sacramento Children's Fund Planning & Oversight Commission and coordinator of the Sac Kids First Coalition. Shannon Williams is part of the Measure L advisory committee and Executive Director of the Institute for Social Research at Sacramento State. Reyes Rios is with the Sacramento Youth Coalition. They join Insight with an update on Sacramento Children's Fund: Measure L. What’s Up with Trader Joe’s Parking?If you’ve been to Trader Joe’s you likely have a love-hate relationship with the first leg of the trip - finding parking. Your Neighborhood Grocery Store is notoriously known for a parking lot that is a fraction of its popularity. CapRadio reporters Gerardo Zavala and Kate Wolffe did a little digging about the gridlock at the Trader Joe’s along Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento and join us with more on why the annex parking lot was mysteriously closed
Breaking down the race for California’s 9th Congressional District. Also, Sacramento’s Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman. Finally, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe buys back their ancestral homeland.
California’s 9th Congressional District RaceCalifornia is poised to shape the political balance of power in Congress, with several competitive House seats across the state. That includes the 9th Congressional District race in the Central Valley. Gillian Brassil is the Washington D.C. Correspondent for The Sacramento Bee and dives into the race between incumbent Democrat Josh Harder and Republican opponent, Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln.Pulitzer Prize Winning Political Cartoonist Jack OhmanPulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman is bringing some “Enlightenment” to downtown Sacramento this election season. He’ll appear at a Salon-style event hosted by the California Groundbreakers at Ruhstaller Wednesday, Oct. 30. He joins Insight in-studio to talk about covering politics in cartoon form. Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe’s ‘Homeland Return’ The Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe set out to do something 60 years in the making. The tribe lost federal recognition in 1964, and this year they set out to buy back some of their ancestral homeland in the Sierra foothills - a 232-acre parcel at the site of the historic Nisenan village site of Yulica. We first checked in with the tribe back in April as they were closing in on their first fundraising goal to purchase the land. At the end of last month, escrow closed and the land is officially theirs. Shelly Covert is the Tribal Spokesperson for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and Executive Director of the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP) and provides an update on the next steps.
The California State Assembly’s select committee on happiness releases a new report. What does it mean to study happiness and how it interacts with public policy? Finally, a Sacramento cafe and chocolatier making treats with Latin cacao.
CA Assembly’s Happiness ReportThe California State Assembly created the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes earlier this year to look at the benefits of happiness, and how public policy and government can help promote it across the state. Assemblymember and Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon joins Insight to talk about why he decided to form the committee, its findings, and his own happiness when leading the Assembly.What Does ‘Happiness’ Really Mean?Two Sacramento State professors testified before the legislature’s select committee on happiness earlier this year. Meliksah Demir, the Rekhi Singh Endowed Professor in Happiness and Ted Lascher, Professor of Public Policy and Administration outline what it means to study happiness, and how it can influence (and be shaped by) policy.Café Xocolatl and Choquiero ChocolateA Sacramento cafe and chocolatier is making sweet treats and drinks with Latin cacao, with a focus on high quality, small farmers, and sustainability. Ariel Wolansky, owner of Café Xocolatl and founder of Choquiero Chocolate talks about how he got into the chocolate business and how he sources his cacao, and chocolate’s significance in Latin culture.
POLITICO’s California Playbook discusses the latest in state politics. How Kamala Harris’s upbringing and earlier campaigns shaped her candidacy. Finally, fashion designer Samuel Rose talks about his creative process and an upcoming exhibition.
POLITICO’s California PlaybookDustin Gardiner, co-author of POLITICO’s California’s Playbook breaks down new developments in California politics, from the owner of the Los Angeles Times pulling the plug on an editorial endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, to California’s swing districts and more.The Shaping of Kamala Harris’s Campaign and CandidacyIn the 2000s, one Bay Area journalist followed Kamala Harris during her campaigns for San Francisco District Attorney and Attorney General, and also interviewed her mother - Dr. Shyamala Harris. Nina Martin, Feature Editor and reporter for Reveal and Mother Jones talks about her experience chronicling Harris’ rise and runs for office, and how her upbringing shaped her into the presidential candidate she is today.Fashion Designer Samuel RoseFashion designer and educator Samuel Rose has been creating walking pieces of art for years under his labels b:SR and BESPOKE. His work will be on display in a new solo exhibit “Pieces of Me” at the WAL Public Market Gallery through November. Today on Insight, we’ll meet Rose and learn about his process for creating menswear.“Pieces of Me” by Samuel Rose opens Nov. 8 with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at WAL Public Market Gallery, 1104 R Street, Sacramento. The exhibit will be on view from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Nov. 30. Artist submissions for the “100 Under 100” exhibit in December are open until Nov. 3.
Navigating California’s recycling system and new plastic bag ban. A Sacramento chef competes on the newest season of Hell’s Kitchen. Finally, the Hella Kind Comedy Show is raising money for the Sacramento Kindness Campaign.
CA’s Plastic Bag Ban and RecyclingA decade ago, the California Legislature banned single use plastic bags in an effort to limit the state’s plastic pollution. That ban led to the emergence of “reusable” plastic bags, which are not recyclable, and California saw a rise in plastic bag waste by nearly 50 percent. Gov. Newsom recently signed a new plastic bag ban to address it. Zoe Heller is the director of CalRecycle, the state agency that oversees recycling. She’ll explain the effect of the new ban, as well as discuss what is actually recyclable when you throw them in those blue bins.Sacramento Chef Competes on ‘Hell’s Kitchen’A Sacramento native is among the latest contestants to face the scrutiny and temper of celebrity star chef Gordon Ramsay on the newest season of Fox’s reality cooking show, Hell’s Kitchen. Anthony Vo, Executive Chef at Sonrisa Senior Living talks about his experience facing Ramsay’s famous temper, as well as his life and culinary journey, which started while growing up with his grandparents in Citrus Heights.The Hella Kind Comedy ShowComedian Kiry Shabazz is blowing up with millions of views online, and this weekend he returns to Sacramento for a special cause. The Hella Kind Comedy Show is a fundraiser for the Sacramento Kindness Campaign, which helps kids and their families with housing and other basic needs so kids can stay in school and graduate. It takes place Sunday, Sept. 29 at Sacramento’s Punchline.
Why Facebook is blocking posts from wildfire and disaster alert groups. Tracking the rise of white supremacist accelerationism online. Finally, a new documentary explores Camp Resolution and the homelessness crisis in Sacramento.
Facebook Blocks Wildfire Alert PostsAmid a scorching wildfire season in California, dozens of emergency posts sharing updates and evacuation information were blocked by Facebook. The social media platform flagged these posts as spam, leaving residents, responders, and other organizations in the dark. Washington Post Disaster Reporter Brianna Sacks joins Insight to talk about how important these social media groups are to rural communities, and the impact that removing these posts could have in an emergency situation.The Rise of White Supremacy AccelerationismThe Department of Justice recently charged an Elk Grove woman with leading a transnational white supremacist terrorist organization called the Terrorgram Collective. Joining us today is Dr. Spencer Sunshine, a researcher and author of books about the radical right, to discuss what these charges mean and the rise of extremist movements.‘The Right to Exist’ DocumentaryLast month, Sacramento shut down the self-governed homeless encampment known as Camp Resolution. A documentary crew had been following camp residents for a year, and is combining their stories with expert analysis into the causes and costs of homelessness in Sacramento. Director Nick Anderson talks about The Right to Live, which will be having a free screening on Sept. 25 at the Guild Theater.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg delivers his final State of the City address. “Chalk Talk” discusses menstrual health and climate action. Finally, Sacramento drummer Alex Jenkins talks about his new album.
2024 State of the City82 days. That’s how much time Mayor Darrell Steinberg has in his final term serving the city of Sacramento. On Dec. 10 he will turn over leadership to one of the two candidates currently running for mayor: epidemiologist Dr. Flo Cofer or State Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. This morning, Steinberg delivered his final State of the City speech outside of what will become Aggie Square, which is still under construction. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg joins Insight to unpack his final annual address.Chalk Talk: Student Health and Climate ActionOn the newest edition of “Chalk Talk,” CapRadio's Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha returns to Insight to talk about the latest issues affecting local schools, including menstrual health and climate change.Musician Alex Jenkins and ‘Black Bird’A Sacramento jazz musician is celebrating the release of his latest album. Percussionist and music educator Alex Jenkins is the leader of the Alex Jenkins Trio, which will be holding a release show for the new album Black Bird at Twin Lotus Thai on Sept. 21. Alex talks about his new release, his musical journey, and what it’s like performing while living with cystic fibrosis.
Why it is difficult to navigate California’s education data. Revisiting a conversation with NBA Champion Bill Cartwright. Finally, Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork Festival wraps up this weekend with its Street Fair.
California’s Confusing Education DataCalifornia releases a significant amount of education data, from test scores and graduation rates to absenteeism. However, that information is spread across multiple websites with dozens of graphics and filters, which can make it difficult for parents to gauge how the schools - and their children - are performing. CalMatters K-12 Education Reporter Carolyn Jones joins Insight to talk about the criticism around how California presents its data, and how tracking student success could be improved.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Best Of: Bill CartwrightThe celebration gala for the 2024 Sacramento Walk of Stars will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, honoring four inductees who have called the region home. One of the individuals being honored is Elk Grove native and five-time NBA Champion, Bill Cartwright. CapRadio’s Chris Nichols spoke with Cartwright earlier this year about his life journey, from playing with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls to his current role as the Director of University Initiatives at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco.2024 Farm-to-Fork FestivalSacramento’s annual Farm-to-Fork Festival wraps up this weekend with the Street Festival. Held on Capitol Mall, the free two-day event combines fresh food, local beers and wines, cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits and a concert series. Visit Sacramento President and CEO Mike Testa explains what to expect from the Street Festival, which is the culmination of events held throughout the month of September to celebrate Sacramento’s designations as a Farm-to-Fork Capital.
California farmers increasingly growing agave amid warming conditions. Celebrating Insight’s 20th anniversary on the air. Finally, the Sierra Valley Arts & Ag Trail taking place on Sept. 21.
The Growth of California AgaveAs California continues to experience drought conditions and the effects of climate change, farmers are turning to more resilient crops - like agave. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira joins Insight to talk about how farmers are sourcing plants and adapting to California’s climate, as well as the growing market for spirits made from agave grown in the Golden State.Insight’s 20th AnniversaryInsight is celebrating a big milestone this summer - 20 years on the air on CapRadio. And who better to celebrate than the hosts who have guided the show over the years? Current Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez sat down with former hosts Jeffrey Callison and Beth Ruyak for a special anniversary celebration.Sierra Valley Art & Ag TrailIf you’re looking for a new weekend drive, the Sierra Valley Art & Ag Trail in Sierra and Plumas counties might be a great place to make your next destination. On Sept. 21, you can take a self-guided tour through the Sierra Valley, exploring historic sites like barns and cattle ranches, and browsing the work of more than 80 local artists and exhibitors. The event is organized by the Sierra County Arts Council with support from Plumas Arts, and Musica Sierra. Joining us is event producer Lindsay McIntosh and Ag and Art Trail participant Renee Smith.
Breaking down the closure of Camp Resolution. How the teen vaping crisis is affecting Sacramento high school students. Finally, Davis musician Nat Lefkoff releases a new album.
The Clearing of Camp ResolutionCamp Resolution, a self-governed homelessness encampment which reached a first-of-its-kind lease with the city of Sacramento, was finally cleared last month. The closure comes after months of threats by the city to shut the encampment down, as well as a series of reprieves. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam and Communities Reporter Gerardo Zavala join Insight to talk about what they saw as Camp Resolution was cleared, and how it will be remembered as a way to address the ongoing homelessness crisis.Vaping in Sacramento SchoolsVaping among teens has become a growing issue across Sacramento schools. Despite legislative efforts and school policies, The problem of nicotine and e-cigarettes persists. Today we are going to hear directly from Sacramento students about their experiences with vaping at school. These voices were captured as part of a six-month investigation into this crisis by CapRadio South Sacramento Reporter Tony Rodriguez, who is California Local News Fellow with UC Berkeley. Tony sat down with Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez about his latest series into the nicotine and vaping crisis across Sacramento schools.Tony’s reporting is in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2024 California Fellowship. Additional reporting was done by student reporters Benjamin Lopez, Kay Stout, Matthew Tong, Charynna Torres-Calderon Pe Benito, Rishi Upadhyay, and Rohan Upadhyay.Davis Musician Nat LefkoffA relationship forged through roller hockey leads to a life-long collaboration for two Davis musicians. We’ll meet singer-songwriter Nat Lefkoff and producer Rowan McGuire. They’re releasing their second album, “There You Are,” Sept. 14 with a live show at the Odd Fellows Hall in Davis. We’ll hear clips from the album and discuss what it’s like to make it as an independent musician.
Recapping the end of the legislative session. A new Tahoe Basin evacuation analysis. The Classical Concert Series at the Crocker. Finally, the Behind the Barre festival celebrates 10 years.
End of CA’s Legislative SessionThe final legislative session of 2024 wrapped up last week at the State Capitol, which included some progress and drama. Lawmakers sent bills to the governor on some of California's biggest issues from retail theft to artificial intelligence. CapRadio Politics Reporters Megan Myscofski and Laura Fitzgerald join Insight to explain what happened.Lake Tahoe Evacuation AnalysisA new, independent study says that wildfire evacuations from the Lake Tahoe Basin could take between 9-14 hours, especially if one of the few routes out of the area is blocked. Doug Flaherty, President of the Tahoe Sierra Clean Air Coalition discusses why this new study was commissioned, the different simulations it modeled, and how this analysis might impact wildfire preparedness.Crocker’s ‘Classical Concert’ SeriesThe Crocker Art Museum has been holding its Classical Concert Series for over 50 years, featuring musical performances inspired by the museum’s collections. The next show on Sunday, Sept. 8 will feature CapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason and Morning Classical Host Mike Nelson, who join Insight with a preview of their 1940s-inspired performance.‘Behind the Barre’ FestivalA celebration of all things art will dance to life this weekend at the Red Museum as the Capital Dance Project presents its 10th Behind the Barre festival. Julia Feldman is a founding member of the Capital Dance Project and she sat down with Insight host Vicki Gonzalez to set the scene for this weekend’s festivities, which are the culmination of a months-long collaboration between Sacramento dancers and artists.Capital Dance Project is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
First 5 California’s new “Raise CA Strong” awareness campaign. ABC10’s John Bartell talks about dam removals on the Klamath River. Finally, revisiting the work of Sacramento’s Food Literacy Center.
Raise CA Strong Childcare CampaignA new awareness campaign is drawing attention to California’s ongoing affordable childcare crisis, specifically its economic and social impacts. Called “Raise CA Strong,” the campaign was launched by the California Children and Families Commission, also known as First 5 California. Executive Director Jackie Thu-Huong Wong talks about the scale of this crisis, and how their “solution agnostic” initiative hopes to educate community members and businesses to push for more funding.Klamath Dam RemovalsLast week, a controversial dam removal project along the Klamath River was completed, restoring hundreds of miles of river habitats for California salmon and other native species for the first time in a century. The project is the culmination of decades-worth of work, but it also created tensions between local tribes and residents. Travel reporter John Bartell, the host of Bartell’s Backroads on ABC10, joins Insight to talk about the significance of the dam removals, and what they mean for the environment, tribes, and the larger community.Best Of: Food Literacy CenterSeptember is Food Literacy Month in California. And since it’s also the start of the school year, it’s a great time to start getting kids excited about eating their veggies. That’s where the Food Literacy Center and Veggie of the Year come in. Amber Stott runs the nonprofit organization, which has done work in Sacramento schools since 2011. In this rerun from June, Stott talks about the center’s legacy and why the veggie-of-year program is so successful.
Discussing all things school-related on “Chalk Talk.” Occupational segregation in California’s workforce. Finally, the Sac Halloween Show performs this weekend at the Red Museum.
Educational ‘Chalk Talk’It is back to school season here in the Sacramento region. On the first edition of the recurring segment “Chalk Talk,” CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha joins Insight to talk about our local schools, and the policies and developments that affect students.Organizational Segregation in CA JobsCalifornia is one of the most diverse states in the country, and its overall workforce largely reflects this demographic variety. However, many of the state’s most common professions are significantly less diverse, with divisions across gender, race/ethnicity, and place of birth. Researcher Tess Thorman from the Public Policy Institute of California talks about this “occupational segregation,” the negative impacts it can have on wages and job opportunities, and how policy might be able to provide some solutions.Sac Halloween ShowDid you ever think it would be possible to see Queen, The Kinks and No Doubt all on the same ticket in Sacramento? Well, this weekend you can, as a variety of local musicians come together to perform a Royal tribute show at the Red Museum. We’ll learn more about the Sac Halloween Show from organizers and participants Becky Gruenwalk, Matt Maxwell and Nic Offer.
California’s bad Valley fever season this year. Capital Stage’s season kicks off with “Fairview.” The Hot Jazz Jubilee returns over Labor Day weekend. Finally, Insight host Vicki Gonzalez shares an update on her breast cancer treatment.
Valley Fever Season in CAEarlier this year, five people at a music festival in Kern County contracted a fungal infection known as Valley fever. Cases of the disease have tripled in California over the last decade, and more than 5,300 cases have been reported this year through June - 63% higher than last year. Dr. George Thompson, co-director of the Center for Valley Fever at UC Davis Health joins Insight to discuss the risks associated with this infection, and the role climate change plays in spreading Valley fever to more areas.UC Davis Health is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
‘Fairview’ Premieres at CapStageCapital Stage is presenting the Sacramento premiere of Pulitzer Prize winning play “Fairview.” Directed by Sacramento’s Anthony D’Juan, “Fairview” used the standard family dramedy for a sharp examination of race in America. Anthony, actor Kathryn Smith-McGlynn (who plays Beverly Fraiser) and Managing Director Keith Riedell talk about bringing this thought-provoking production to life.Capital Stage is a financial supporter of CapRadio.
Hot Jazz JubileeSacramento’s long-running love affair with Jazz music continues this weekend with the Hot Jazz Jubilee. Patti Jones is the festival’s director and she joins Insight to talk about the history of the jubilee and why Sacramento audiences can’t seem to get enough. We’ll also learn more about its dedication to teaching young musicians.Vicki Gonzalez UpdateFor the past several months, Insight host Vicki Gonzalez has been updating listeners on her ongoing treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Vicki rejoins Insight with the latest step in her journey, what the next several months of treatment and recovery will look like, and how she hopes to continue being a presence on CapRadio during this time.
Proposed Sacramento County jail annex receives public pushback. KCRA’s Deirdre Fitzpatrick is off to cover her 11th Olympic Games in Paris. Finally, Insight host Vicki Gonzalez shares a personal update.
Sacramento Jail Annex DiscussionA proposed annex to the Sacramento County jail aims to improve conditions for incarcerated people, and meet the terms of a 2019 consent decree. But the building and its projected cost have received pushback, including at a Community Review Commission meeting on Tuesday night. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe joins Insight with the latest developments and discussions around the proposal.KCRA Olympics CoverageKCRA morning news anchor Deirdre Fitzpatrick is a longtime member of the Hearst Television Olympic Team. Paris will be her 11th time covering the Olympics. Deirdre joins us before leaving for the upcoming summer games, with a look at local athletes to keep an eye on. You can learn more on her Dying to Ask podcast about the road to Paris.Vicki Gonzalez Breast Cancer UpdateIt’s been a little over a month since Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez took leave, following a breast cancer diagnosis. In the weeks since, Vicki has been open about her medical journey and updating the community along the way - including undergoing a double mastectomy. Vicki joins Insight with an update on the next steps in breast cancer care and treatment.
Governor Newsom slips priority policies into California’s budget bills. How Sacramento County is preparing to implement CARE Court. Finally, why wine tastings in California are getting more expensive.
Newsom’s Priorities in Budget BillsGovernor Gavin Newsom has But a new investigation looks at how this process allows the governor to skirt public debate, gain legislative support, and immediately enact the policies. Sacramento Bee Capitol Reporter Nicole Nixon joins Insight to talk about the priorities Newsom has gotten passed, and how lawmakers have reacted to this strategy.How Sac County is Preparing for CARE CourtIn less than five months, California will roll out a new judicial program aimed at addressing mental health, substance abuse and the state’s homelessness crisis. Under the CARE Court program, judges would be able to order people who are suffering from severe mental illness or addiction into treatment. Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director Dr. Ryan Quist talks about how the county is preparing to implement the new system, and who would be eligible for treatment.Rising Costs of Wine TastingWine tasting is a popular summertime activity, and enjoyed across California’s wine regions - from Napa Valley to Amador County. But recently, the cost of visiting wineries and tasting rooms has increased. Insight’s resident wine expert Rick Kushman talks about what is driving up the cost, the impacts on Napa, and how these samplings are changing to meet the tastes of today.
How the 2024 Republican National Convention could affect California politics. A new organization aims to bring local news coverage back to the Central Valley. Finally, “A New Spin on Vinyl” art exhibition takes place in Yolo County.
How the RNC Could Impact CaliforniaThe Republican National Convention is taking place in Milwaukee, just days after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. On its first day, Trump made his choice for vice president - Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Rob Stutzman, a Republican political strategist and former deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, joins Insight to talk about the potential impacts of the RNC, Trump, and Vance on California’s political landscape ahead of the November elections.Central Valley Journalism CollaborativeAs news deserts continue to spread across the country, a new nonprofit organization aims to bring robust local coverage back to California’s Central Valley. Central Valley Journalism Collaborative Executive Director Alma Martinez and Executive Editor Joe Kieta talk about the organization’s mission and founding. Also, CVJC Health Equity Reporter Vivienne Aguilar and editor Trey Bundy talk about the collaborative’s Health Equity Lab journalism.CapRadio is a partner of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative.
‘A New Spin on Vinyl’Tower Records has been a landmark name in Sacramento, from its founding in 1960 by Russ Solomon to its peak as an international record empire. Now, an art exhibition honoring Solomon is on display in Yolo County. A New Spin on Vinyl is running through Aug. 17 at The Barn Gallery in Woodland. Artist and exhibit founder Dwight Head and Bridgett Rangel-Rexford, Exhibitions Manager at YoloArts talk about the pieces on display, and the connection between music and art.
What the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump says about political violence. How California is struggling to ensure guest workers have safe housing. Finally, Evangeline’s in Old Sac celebrates 50 years of business.
Trump Assassination Attempt and Political ViolenceThe attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania is not the first instance of political violence in the United States. But nearly one-third of Americans believe such violence is justified. Dr. Garen Wintemute, emergency medicine physician and Director of the California Firearm Violence Research Center joins Insight to talk about the implications of political violence, and what the weekend’s shooting could mean for the country’s future.California Guest Worker Housing Violations is a CalMatters California Divide Reporter covering inequality. Her latest piece found that the number of agricultural guest workers has risen dramatically in California. But state regulators have struggled to ensure that farms are providing safe housing to their workers. Felicia is joined by Antonio Bravo, an agricultural guest worker from Mexico who detailed unsafe conditions while working in Salinas.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Evangeline’s Turns 50A famous gift and costume shop in Old Sacramento is celebrating 50 years of business this year. Evangeline’s Costume Mansion first opened in 1974, and has provided generations of Sacramentans with eccentric novelties, toys, Halloween costumes and more. Evangeline’s owner Deborah Chaussé talks about the story’s history, and how they’re celebrating this anniversary throughout July.
How President Biden’s electability challenges could impact California politics. How heat waves have cost California hundreds of lives and billions of dollars. Finally, how a Sacramento muralist transitioned from public health to public art.
President Biden’s Electability ChallengesPresident Joe Biden continues to face mounting uncertainty around his chance at re-election, after his debate last month against former President Donald Trump. Melanie Mason, a senior politics reporter covering California politics at POLITICO, joins Insight to discuss how those growing concerns could impact close Congressional races in California, and whether a prominent California Democrat could replace Biden as the nominee.The Costs of Extreme Heat in CAHeat waves have killed hundreds of Californians, caused thousands of injuries, and cost billions of dollars in the past decade, according to a new report from the state insurance department. Levi Sumagaysay covers the California economy for the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters, with a focus on the insurance market, taxes and anything that affects the state’s residents, labor force and economy. She explains the cost of extreme heat in California.Muralist Uli Smith How does one go from a career in public health to making murals throughout the community? Sacramento muralist Uli Smith aims to elicit joy with her vibrant artwork that can be seen throughout the city. She explains how murals can contribute to a community’s public health.
The Thompson Fire in Butte County has finally been contained. Sacramento County stops delivering water to homeless encampments. Finally, Folk on the Farm concerts taking place in El Dorado County.
Wrapping Up the Thompson FireAfter burning across Butte County for a week and prompting thousands of evacuations, officials announced Tuesday that the Thompson Fire has finally been contained. Adia White, News Editor at North State Public Radio unpacks the response to the wildfire, the lessons learned from previous blazes, and what comes next as residents begin to recover.NSPR is a partner station to CapRadio.
Sac County Stops Water Deliveries to Homeless EncampmentsEarlier this month, Sacramento County stopped delivering water to homeless encampments. This stoppage came at the start of a severe heat wave which has seen temperatures reach the triple-digits, and already led to the death of at least one person. Reporter Theresa Clift covers homelessness for the Sacramento Bee and joins Insight to talk about why the deliveries have stopped, and what can be done to protect the county’s most vulnerable residents. ‘Folk on the Farm’ ConcertsA third-generation family farm in El Dorado County is hosting a series of concerts this summer, offering visitors the chance to enjoy live music and a drink in the country. Chris Delfino, owner of Delfino Farms, talks about the business’s history and their Folk on the Farm concert series, which will include a performance by The Brothers Comatose on July 13.
How to navigate utility usage during the heat wave. How the Renaissance Society of Sacramento offers seniors new learning opportunities. Finally, getting a preview of the 2024 California State Fair.
Utility Services During the Heat WaveThe summer heat wave means Californians will be running their air conditions and trying to keep their outdoor plants alive. However, they will also be facing higher energy and water bills as a result. Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network) joins Insight to talk about the impact of the heat on high electricity bills, and Carlos Eliason with the City of Sacramento's Department of Utilities shares tips on how to save money and water during the summer months.Sacramento’s Renaissance SocietyFor over 30 years, the Renaissance Society of Sacramento has been offering older adults lifelong learning opportunities, from seminars and workshops to community excursions. Society President Deborah Seiler talks about how the program benefits both seniors and Sac State students, and highlights some of the programs that are being offered this summer.2024 California State FairA celebration of California’s progress, advancement, and diversity is returning to Cal Expo this weekend. The 2024 California State Fair runs from July 12-28, and will feature a variety of exhibits, competitions, concerts, and more. Darla Givens, Media Manager for the California State Fair provides a preview of this year’s festivities, including a new opportunity to buy and consume cannabis.
CAL FIRE provides an update on wildfire conditions. Reactions to a scrapped anti-crime measure that challenged reforming Prop 47. Finally, previewing Sacramento Republic FC’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals match.
CAL FIRE UpdatesSeveral wildfires continue to burn across Northern California, from the Pay Fire in El Dorado County to the Royal Fire in Placer County. CAL FIRE Deputy Chief of Communications Issac Sanchez provides an update on the fires burning across Northern California, and what people can do to stay safe.Scrapped Anti-Crime MeasureLate last week, Governor Gavin Newsom pulled the plug on an anti-crime ballot measure. The measure aimed to challenge an initiative to reform Prop 47, which has already qualified for the November ballot and calls for tougher theft and drug penalties. POLITICO California Playbook co-author Dustin Gardiner and Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig join Insight to break down these latest developments.Sacramento Republic FC’s Open Cup QuarterfinalsSacramento Republic FC is looking to pull off another “cupset” in this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition. The “Indomitable Club” will host Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC at Heart Health Park on Tuesday, July 9, for the quarterfinals. President and General Manager Todd Dunivant provides a preview of the quarterfinals match, and how the team is preparing to face a top-tier opponent once again.
How to stay safe in waterways and pools during the heat wave. “This Is What It Feels Like” episode about losing a parent to suicide. Finally, how “Rainbow Clubs'' are helping LGBTQ+ students in the Elk Grove Unified School District.
Drownings and Waterway SafetyAs the heatwave continues across Northern California, Sacramento’s rivers and lakes look enticing. But they’re not to be taken lightly. We’ll talk with two members of the California Water Safety Coalition, Kris Lev-Twombly and Jennifer Rubin, about staying safe in area waterways and pools.Losing a Parent to SuicideAll week long, we’ve been listening to some episodes of CapRadio’s award-winning podcast This Is What It Feels Like. Hosted by Terra Lopez, This Is What It Feels Like allows listeners to put themselves in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues that have been politicized or overlooked. Our final episode this week explores what it feels like “Losing a Parent to Suicide.”Elementary School ‘Rainbow Clubs’ aim to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ elementary students. But these clubs have also drawn community backlash and opposition. CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha visited some of these Rainbow Clubs in the Elk Grove Unified School District, and shares what students and teachers had to say.
The financial impacts of closing recycling centers across California. Learning how to find joy and meaning at age 106. Finally, a concert honoring jazz musician Dave Brubeck is taking place in downtown Sacramento.
California Recycling Deposit Investigation in the last decade, leaving more bottles and cans littering the environment, and millions of dollars sitting in the state’s beverage container fund. KPBS Investigative Reporter Scott Rodd joins Insight to talk about his investigation into why these centers are closing, what California is doing with the spare change, and what lawmakers are doing to make recycling more accessible.
‘This Is What It Feels Like’ Living to 106CapRadio’s podcast This Is What It Feels Like was just named “Best Interview Podcast” by the Public Media Journalists Association. Hosted by Terra Lopez, This Is What It Feels Like allows listeners to put themselves in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues that have been politicized or overlooked. Today we’ll meet Glenna Walters, who lived to be 107 years old, and learn about how she found joy, purpose, and meaning in life.Dave Brubeck Tribute ConcertA legendary jazz musician will be honored with a concert in downtown Sacramento this weekend. “An Ode to Sacramento” will be performed at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, July 6 at 8 p.m. The performance features Dave Brubeck’s “Pange Lingua Variations,” which premiered at the cathedral over four decades ago. Dave’s son Chris Brubeck and Rex Rallanka, Music Director at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament spoke with CapRadio’s Paul Conley about the performance, and the piece’s significance.
How the Supreme Court’s ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson will impact the unhoused community in Sacramento and across California. Also, revisiting the experience of navigating the U.S. healthcare system as a trans person on This Is What It Feels Like.
Response to SCOTUS Homelessness DecisionLast Friday, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which has been called the most important homelessness case in decades. In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, the court granted cities more authority to arrest and fine people who sleep outside in public places, even if they have nowhere else to go. Angela Hassell, Executive Director of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes and CalMatters Homeless Reporter Marisa Kendall join Insight to discuss what the court’s ruling means for the unhoused community here in Sacramento and across the state.CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
‘This Is What It Feels Like’ Trans HealthcareCapRadio’s podcast This Is What It Feels Like is now a bonafide award winner. Hosted by Terra Lopez, This Is What It Feels Like allows listeners to put themselves in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues that have been politicized. It was just named “Best Interview Podcast” by the Public Media Journalists Association, as well as being named first runner up at the International Women’s Podcast Festival in the category “Moments of Touching Honesty.” This week, we’ll listen to highlights from some of the episodes, beginning today with “Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System as a Trans Person.”
Federal judge says California must pay $112 million for failing to provide sufficient mental health staffing in prisons. Unpacking the controversial proposal to build a new city in Solano County. Finally, over 1,500 acres of river canyon are now preserved in Placer County.
CA Fine for Inadequate Prison Mental Health StaffingThe same day Governor Newsom spoke about “dark days in California” during his pre-taped State of the State speech, a federal judge found top prison officials in civil contempt and ordered the state to pay a $112 million fine. The judgment stems from a long-running litigation regarding mental health treatment in California’s prisons. KFF Health News Reporter Don Thompson explains what the ruling means.‘California Forever’ City Proposal Solano County supervisors voted Tuesday to delay placing a controversial proposal to build a new city on the November ballot. The company California Forever, backed by a slate of billionaires, promises a walkable, sustainable city which could eventually bring in 400,000 new residents and 15,000 new jobs, but has also drawn criticism and skepticism over its impact and promises. KQED Housing Reporter Adhiti Bandlamudi joins Insight to talk about the planned community, the surrounding controversy, and what comes next.Placer Land Trust’s 1,500-Acre AcquisitionIn late May, the Placer Land Trust and Trust for Public Land acquired over 1,500 acres of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills, along the North Fork American River. Jeff Darlington, Executive Director of the Placer Land Trust and Heidi Krolick, Conservation Director for the Trust for Public Land talk about why this acquisition is so important, and what opportunities it provides to visitors and the environment.
Unpacking California’s budget agreement and a recent state Supreme Court ruling. Meeting the residents of the Lavender Courtyard housing community. Finally, celebrating lavender at the Lavender Blue Festival.
CA Budget Agreement and Anti-Tax Initiative RulingGovernor Gavin Newsom and California’s legislative leaders have reached a budget agreement to close an estimated $56 billion shortfall over the next two years. And just last week, the California Supreme Court unanimously ruled to keep an anti-tax initiative off the November ballot, the first such ruling in over two decades. CalMatters Capitol Reporter Alexei Koseff joins Insight to talk about these latest political developments. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Exploring ‘Lavender Courtyard’The Lavender Courtyard apartment complex opened two years ago in midtown Sacramento, offering an affordable, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ seniors. Tejal Shah, Vice President of Community Development at Mutual Housing and residents Arthur Gerald and Cory Whetstone talk about what Lavender Courtyard means to the community, and the services it provides.Lavender Blue FestivalMany people in the Sacramento region know the town of Camino and surrounding area for its apple orchards, pumpkin farms and fall donuts. But there’s so much more to Apple Hill, even in the summer. John Havicon is the owner of Bluestone Meadow Farm and he explains how the Lavender Blue Festival began.
Analyzing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2024 State of the State Address. Also, getting an update on this year’s mosquito season and how to avoid potential insect-borne diseases.
Gov. Newsom’s 2024 ‘State of the State’ Address Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his long-delayed 2024 State of the State address this morning. Instead of a live speech in front of lawmakers and the press, the address was released as a prerecorded message. Lara Korte, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe analyze the governor’s message, and the various topics it touched on - from national political issues and homelessness, to mental health and combatting retail theft.Mosquito SeasonWith summer in full swing, mosquitos are becoming an increasingly common annoyance across the Sacramento region, and can potentially harbor dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus. Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer for the Sacramento-Yolo Vector Control District joins Insight with an update on this year’s mosquito season, and how residents can keep themselves safe from these irritating insects.
CAL FIRE provides an update as wildfire season picks up. Addressing Sacramento’s high number of fatal pedestrian and cyclist accidents. Finally, how the Food Literacy Center encourages healthy eating habits.
CAL FIRE Wildfire UpdatesAs summer continues to heat up and the hillsides turn from green to brown, fire safety should be at the top of everyone’s minds. Nick Schuler, Deputy Director of Communications/Incident Awareness for CAL FIRE joins Insight with the latest on fires burning in Northern California, as well as what to expect for wildfires this year.Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety in SacramentoMore than 60 people have died in Sacramento County this year from car crashes. The region was recently ranked as the 20th most dangerous region for pedestrians by the nonprofit Smart Growth America, but the city’s recently-adopted budget includes no new funding for addressing the growing number of traffic fatalities. Sacramento District 1 Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and Debra Banks, Executive Director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates talk about what can be done to make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Food Literacy CenterIf you’re desperate to get your kids to eat their veggies and can’t seem to convince them otherwise, there’s a Sacramento nonprofit dedicated to changing their minds. The Food Literacy Center has been teaching kids in Sacramento schools how to make healthy food choices since 2011. Founder and CEO Amber Stott speaks with CapRadio’s Jen Picard about the center’s mission.
How World Relief Sacramento helps refugees adapt to their new homes. A new original play gives voice to incarcerated individuals at Folsom State Prison. Finally, artist Jennifer Peart reimagines iconic Sacramento landmarks.
World Refugee Day in SacramentoJune 20 is World Refugee Day, which was declared by the United Nations to honor refugees around the world. Sacramento itself has become a major destination for refugee populations, especially from Afghanistan and Ukraine in recent years. Svitlana Iotko, the Cultural Orientation Coordinator for World Relief Sacramento joins Insight to share her own experiences as a Ukrainian refugee, and how World Relief helps new arrivals adapt to their surroundings.New Play at Folsom State PrisonFor the past several months, a series of theater classes at Folsom State Prison have been giving a voice and creative outlet to those incarcerated inside. The classes were organized through a collaboration between the Prison Arts Collective and Sacramento State. Dr. Erin Kaplan, Professor of Critical Theory, Drama, Literature and Practice at Sac State and Ginny Oshiro, Training Coordinator for the Prison Arts Collective talk about the project, and about the performance in Folsom which debuted last week.Artist Jennifer PeartA contemporary landscape painter envisions some of our most iconic places - Sacramento’s Tower Bridge, Half Dome in Yosemite - in an entirely new way, drawing inspiration from nature and science fiction. We’ll meet artist Jennifer Peart and hear how she’s brought her passion to life.
A new plan aims to increase California’s wildfire insurance coverage. Breaking down the debates around reforming Prop 47. Finally, Insight’s resident wine expert on enjoying summer wine.
Reforming California Wildfire InsuranceLast week, California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara rolled out his latest effort to boost the number of insurance policies written in high-fire risk areas. The new measure would give compliant insurance companies a long-desired tool to calculate rates - catastrophe modeling. CalMatters economy reporter Levi Sumagaysay joins Insight to discuss this latest plan, as well as other steps officials and lawmakers are taking to address the ongoing insurance crisis.
Breaking Down Prop 47 DebateA decade ago, California voters passed Prop 47 to reduce penalties for some drug and theft offenses. Now, state lawmakers want to strengthen those penalties again, but disagree over the way to do so. Top Democrats are backing an anti-theft bill package, while Republicans support a reform initiative that will be on the ballot in November. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Emily Hoeven breaks down the debates around reforming Prop 47.Summer Wine PairingsWith the weather warming up, many people might be looking to enjoy this time of year with a nice glass of wine, or to get together with friends for a tasting. Insight’s resident wine expert Rick Kushman provides some suggestions on the best ways to enjoy a summer wine pairing, and also talks about his upcoming wine and food tastings starting June 27 at the Brickland in East Sacramento.
A parent’s perspective on RydeFreeRT. KCRA3’s Mark Finan talks about his career and plans for retirement. Finally, the third annual All Nations Indigefest returns to West Sacramento.
RydeFreeRT Parent PerspectiveThe City of Sacramento approved its budget last week and managed to avoid completely cutting funding for a popular program for students. We’ll talk with a local parent, Vanessa Cudabac, about RydeFreeRT, which provides fare-free public transportation for kids in grades TK-12, and not just during the school year.KCRA3’s Mark Finan RetiresIt is the end of an era in Sacramento TV news. Mark Finan has been the chief meteorologist at KCRA3 for more than three decades. And in that time he has informed viewers of the biggest weather events in history - from snowfall, to flooding, heatwaves and devastating wildfires. After 33 years, he has entered a new and well-deserved chapter - retirement. Mark joins us with a look back at his career, and how he plans to spend his time after KCRA3.Third Annual ‘All Nations Indigefest’A multicultural community celebration is making its way back to the Sacramento region this weekend. The third annual All Nations Indigefest will take place on Saturday, June 22 at River City Farm in West Sacramento, featuring arts, music, food, and gardening, and more. Alfred Melbourne, founder and director of Three Sisters Gardens provides a preview of the festival, and how the event will benefit the nonprofit’s Urban Farm Youth Leadership Development Program.
The dangers posed by extreme heat. The publishing legacy of Outword Magazine. Finally, revisiting our conversation with James Beard Award finalist Billy Ngo.
Extreme Heat DangersSacramento is facing another period of extreme heat. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region through Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and even hitting the mid-100s in some areas. Dr. Kylie Abeson, a pediatrician with UC Davis Health talks about the dangers that high temperatures pose to our health. Also, Janna Haynes, public information officer for the Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing discusses how this extreme weather impacts unhoused people in the community, and what resources are available to help.Outword Magazine’s Fred PalmerFor almost three decades Outword Magazine has been the source for Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. Publisher Fred Palmer talks about the magazine’s staying power and the changes he’s seen in both the world of publishing and gay rights. Best Of: Kru’s Billy NgoThis was a big week in the Sacramento dining scene. The James Beard Awards just wrapped up yesterday in Chicago, and a local chef was a finalist for Best California Chef - Billy Ngo, the founder of the Japanese restaurant Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine. Despite falling just short of the title, in honor of this recognition we’re revisiting our conversation with Billy when he was first nominated, and he took a look back at his nearly two decade career in Sacramento that has grown into becoming a full-fledged restaurateur.
The community responds to Sacramento’s reported drop in homelessness. Also, a new exhibit celebrates artists who are parents, caregivers and guardians. Finally, a personal message from Vicki Gonzalez, who will be going on leave.
Response to Sacramento’s Reported Drop in HomelessnessThe 2024 Point In Time Count showed a 29% decrease in Sacramento’s unhoused population, from nearly 9,300 people during the peak in 2022 to an estimated 6,615 individuals today. But those numbers have drawn scrutiny. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols joins Insight with the response from the city, to the business community and homelessness advocates. New Exhibit ‘When I Can’While life is in a state of flux, how can one find time to engage with art? A new exhibit in Sacramento seeks to answer that in an unlikely place - at City Hall. Curator and gallery manager Bridgett Rangel-Rexford discusses her exhibit When I Can showcasing the work of artist parents, caregivers and guardians. The exhibit is at the Robert T. Matsui Galley at Sacramento City Hall through September 9th. Personal Message from Vicki GonzalezWe have a personal message from Insight host Vicki Gonzalez, who will be taking a leave of absence. Vicki was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and she’s going to share a little of what she’s been through so far. Vicki will be joined by Courtney Quinn, the Executive Director of the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, a local nonprofit serving the greater Sacramento area by bringing awareness, support, resources, and comfort to anyone facing breast cancer. You can read Vicki’s personal message here.
The South Yuba River Citizens League discusses summer river safety. Also, what people can do to minimize interactions with urbanized black bears. Finally, a groundbreaking coffee research center opens at UC Davis.
River Dangers, Executive Director at the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), discusses the dangers of the South Yuba River in Nevada County, what makes this year different than most years, and tips for visitors this summer.
Tahoe BearsThe Lake Tahoe basin is a prime habitat for black bears. They often make their presence known by rummaging through trash cans and breaking into homes and vehicles. Which means that bear encounters with people are pretty common - and in rare cases can be deadly. Last week, a young bear was shot and killed by a homeowner in South Lake Tahoe. Toogee Sielsch is an urbanized black bear expert and discusses what people can do to minimize these negative wildlife experiences. We’re also joined by Alexia Ronning and Eric Kleinfelter. Alexia is a Tahoe Bear Specialist and Eric is a Senior Environmental Scientist and Supervisor for CDFW North Central Region, which includes 17 counties - including San Joaquin, Calaveras, El Dorado, Plumas, Butte, Glenn and Yolo counties.New UC Davis Coffee CenterA new center at UC Davis is the first academic research and teaching facility in the country dedicated to studying coffee. The Coffee Center opened last month, and offers a variety of research opportunities in roasting, brewing, bean storage and more. Bill Ristenpart, a professor of Chemical Engineering at UC Davis and the Director of the Coffee Center, talks about the science behind coffee, as well as the social and cultural aspects of this popular morning brew.
Sacramento County’s unhoused population drops 29%, bucking recent trends. Also, how this year’s Sacramento Pride is aiming to be the greenest celebration yet. Finally, a new production in Yuba City called “Salt of the Earth.”
Sacramento Homeless Population DropsSacramento County’s unhoused population plummeted 29% over the past two years to an estimated 6,615 people, according to a closely-watched survey conducted by Sacramento Steps Forward. The 2024 Point In Time Count shows a dramatic drop from the nearly 9,300 people counted in 2022, when the region’s unhoused population spiked 67% from the previous survey conducted in 2019. The surveys are typically conducted every two years and are mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to qualify for federal funding. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg discusses the strides made, as well as the ongoing challenges to overcome. Eco-Friendly Sacramento PrideThe 2024 Sacramento Pride March & Festival is kicking off this weekend, June 8-9. And this year, the event also has made additional changes to make sure that the celebrations are environmentally friendly. Priya Kumar, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, talks about how this year’s Pride is aiming to be the greenest celebration yet.Yuba City Play ‘Salt of the Earth’A new play in Yuba City is adapting a famous 1954 film that was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for alleged ties to communism. Salt of the Earth will be performed at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts from June 6-8, coinciding with the film’s 70th anniversary. Creator Marc Flacks, director Lydia Crist, and lead actress Maria Ornelas talk about Salt of the Earth’s continued relevance today, and the democratic process that was used to create this adaptation.
Proposed bridge park over I-5 would reconnect downtown Sacramento and the riverfront. Checking up on the CARE Court pilot program in Stanislaus County. Finally, the SacramenKnow newsletter is rolling out audio “local legend” features.
Proposed Downtown Park Over I-5A new plan seeks to connect Downtown Sacramento with the city’s riverfront - by building a deck park over a stretch of I-5 between Capitol Mall and O Street. The proposal, called the Sacramento Stitch Park Riverfront Reconnection Project, is supported by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Rep. Doris Matsui, who has requested $5 million in federal funding to help with planning efforts. Scott Ford, Deputy Director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership joins Insight to talk about the project’s vision, and how it plans to reconnect communities. Stanislaus County CARE CourtIn late 2023, Stanislaus County became one of seven California counties to pilot the state’s new CARE Court system - a new judicial division intended to handle serious mental health conditions and substance addiction, and address the homelessness crisis. Marijke Rowland, the Senior Health Equity Reporter for the nonprofit Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, provides a look at how the court has been working so far in its first six months.SacramenKnow’s ‘Local Legend’Throughout the month of June, you’ll hear sound-rich feature stories from CapRadio reporters that take you into some unique worlds and subcultures that make up this place we call home. SacramenKnow Newsletter editor Claire Morgan has the lowdown on local legends.
An update on the Corral Fire in San Joaquin County. Also, why farmworkers continue to die in crashes — in vans state law doesn’t cover. Finally, how the Yolo County ‘Cultivo’ program curbs food insecurity for agricultural worker households.
Corral Fire in San Joaquin County The Corral Fire ignited near Tracy in San Joaquin County on Saturday. The fire, which grew to more than 14,000 acres this morning, also destroyed a home and injured two firefighters. Portions of I-580 were closed over the weekend, but Caltrans said all lanes reopened last night. Cal Fire says the fire is now 75% contained and evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings. Cecile Juliette is a Public Information Officer with Cal Fire and explains how officials hope to continue to gain ground, as well as provides an outlook on wildfire preparedness for the drier months. Farmworker Deaths on RoadwaysCalifornia cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers in 1999. The tragedy 25 years ago pushed state lawmakers and the California Highway Patrol to make farmworkers’ commutes safer. But farmworkers are still dying in crashes - in vans the law doesn’t cover. CalMatters Capitol Reporter Jeanne Kuang joins us with her reporting, which found that this unique workforce, half of whom are undocumented immigrants, routinely die in traffic at higher rates than other workers who die on the job.Yolo County ‘Cultivo’ Food Program for Agricultural WorkersA recent food survey in Yolo County found that more than half of agricultural worker households are food insecure. In response, a new initiative is trying to solve hunger for these crucial members of our community. The Cultivo program, established by the Yolo Food Bank and Sutter Health, is nourishing these workers in the workplace and at home with year-round distributions. Maria Segoviano is the food bank’s Director of Development and Communications and talks about the scale of the food insecurity problem, as well as how it influenced the creation of this new program.
The executive director of First 5 California, a state commission which helps children ages 5 and under. Also, how a relationship to food shapes Asian American identity. Finally, the Auburn Trails Alliance.
First 5 CaliforniaA little over two decades ago, California voters approved a proposition to benefit the state’s children. In 1998, Prop 10 added a 50-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes, and that money went to the creation of a California Children and Families Commission - more commonly known as First 5 California, which helps children from the womb through age 5 - including parents and caregivers. The person leading this state commission is also charting a new path. Executive Director Jackie Thu-Huong Wong is the first woman of color to lead the commission. Jackie explains how her childhood as a refugee following the fall of Saigon shapes her work today.How Food Shapes Asian American IdentityHow does our relationship to food shape Asian American identity? And how does our identity influence the food we make? As we close AAPI Heritage Month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. In today’s episode, host Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses food appropriation, who has “ownership” over certain foods, and what happens when a much beloved drink goes mainstream.Auburn Trails AllianceAuburn is the self-proclaimed endurance capital of Northern California. It’s home to two of the most prestigious long-distance races in the world: the Tevis Cup 100-Mile Endurance Equestrian Ride and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. Kelley Davis is the Director of the Auburn Trails Alliance and spoke with Insight producer Jen Picard about new initiatives and events tied to May is Bike Month.
Chronic Wasting Disease in deer has been detected in California for the first time. Also, how our relationships with our parents affect our sense of self. Finally, CalMatters will be hosting its inaugural Ideas Festival in Sacramento.
Chronic Wasting Disease in CA DeerChronic Wasting Disease is considered the most important disease affecting deer and elk populations in North America. And it has been detected in California for the first time. Brandon Munk is a Senior Wildlife Veterinarian for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and explains why scientists are concerned about the spread of this neurological condition, the risks to humans, as well as the efforts being made to curb its spread.Mother-Daughter Relationship in AAPI FamiliesHow do our relationships with our parents affect our sense of self? And why does the mother-daughter relationship, in particular, seem so complex? As we close AAPI Heritage Month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. In today’s episode, host Sarah Mizes-Tan explores her own relationship with her mother and how it has affected her identity.CalMatters Ideas FestivalThe nonprofit news organization CalMatters will be hosting its inaugural Ideas Festival on June 5-6 in Sacramento. The event will feature a variety of speakers, panel discussions, and summits to talk about the most pressing issues in California, from broadband access to homelessness. CalMatters CEO Neil Chase provides a preview of the festival, and talks about how the organization is expanding its coverage with the recent acquisition of The Markup.CapRadio is a content-sharing partner with CalMatters, and a media sponsor of the Ideas Festival.
POLITICO’s California Playbook updates state politics. CapRadio’s Mid Pacific podcast explores some of the first Asian-American enclaves in California. Finally, a locally-produced documentary about country music will be screened in Sacramento.
POLITICO’s California Playbook is the co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and provides an update on state politics.
First Asian-American Enclaves in CaliforniaWhat does it mean when a Chinatown or Japantown becomes gentrified or disappears? As we close AAPI month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. Today we’ll explore some of the first Asian-American enclaves in California, and what their existence means for Asian American identity today.‘Open Country’ DocumentaryA new documentary out of Davis looks at the working-class roots of American country music. The film Open Country first released in February, and will be shown this evening, May 28 at Cafe Colonial in Sacramento. Husband-and-wife filmmakers Glenda and Jesse Drew talk about the work that went into the documentary, and how tonight’s screening is raising money to commemorate famed country musician Aunt Molly Jackson, who is buried in Sacramento’s Odd Fellows Cemetery.
An update to Sacramento’s city-sanctioned homeless encampment Camp Resolution. Also, President Biden expands Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Finally, “Bike Fest” along the American River Parkway.
Camp Resolution UpdateOne year ago, the city of Sacramento signed a first-of-its-kind lease for those experiencing homelessness, providing city-owned trailers and allowing the camp to become a self-governing site called Camp Resolution. But for the past six months, the encampment has been at risk of closure. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho has threatened legal action over public health concerns. And most recently, the city sent a letter ordering the approximately 50 camp residents to leave the Colfax Street property due to its contaminated soil - but then took a step back and said it would hold off if certain conditions were met. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols provides the latest on this saga, culminating in camp residents and supporters marching to City Hall yesterday in protest of the potential closure of Camp Resolution.Berryessa Snow Mountain National MonumentPresident Biden recently announced the expansion of two national monuments in California. And one is a short drive away in Napa and Mendocino counties - with special cultural significance to tribes in the area. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Treasurer Leland Kinter discusses President Biden’s expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk - which means “Condor Ridge” in Patwin. The 13,969 acres of land is considered by environmental advocates to be a haven of biological diversityAmerican River Parkway’s ‘Bike Fest’A celebration of cycling is returning to the American River Parkway this weekend. Bike Fest is celebrating its 21 years on Saturday May 18 - with cycling courses, live music and food, a raffle and more. Ryan Drury, a board member from the American River Parkway Foundation and the event chair, talks about how the festival makes cycling approachable, as well as how the event helps all families connect with the parkway’s green space.
Yolo and Solano counties issue a health advisory about bird flu present in raw milk and raw dairy products. Also, the push to bring back Oak Park’s public library. Finally, the Terra Madre Americas inaugural food festival is in Sacramento.
Bird Flu Warning in Raw Milk The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been spreading across the United States since 2021 - jumping from wild birds to domestic poultry, and now to dairy cattle and humans as well. Health officials in Solano and Yolo counties recently issued a health advisory, cautioning residents to avoid consuming raw milk and raw dairy products, due to the detection of H5N1 in these goods. Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health, and Solano County Public Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas, shed more light on this virus and the reasoning behind the advisory.Bringing Back Oak Park’s LibraryThere is a push to bring back a public library in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood. The effort comes from the community grassroots movement Friends of the Oak Park Library and has the support of its councilmember, current Sacramento Vice Mayor Caity Maple, who is now working to find the funding to reestablish the public library. Michael Benjamin II is a longtime Oak Park resident and District Director for Vice Mayor Maple. He joins Insight with the history of the Oak Park public library, which closed decades ago.Terra Madre Americas Food FestivalIf you want good food, wine and coffee this weekend - in the spirit of health and the environment - an international food festival based in Italy is breaking ground in the U.S. for the first time - and Sacramento was selected as the inaugural host. The Terra Madre Salone del Gusto welcomes upwards of 350,000 people to Turin, Italy. Mike Testa is the President & CEO of Visit Sacramento and Darrell Corti is the owner of Corti Bros market. They join us about the Terra Madre Americas festival, a three-day event May 17-19 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium that is free to the public, and connected to the Slow Food movement.
How Gov. Newsom wants to close the state’s budget shortfall. Also, upcoming updates to Sacramento International Airport. Finally, the Strawberry Music Festival in Grass Valley.
Unpacking California’s May ReviseThe State Legislature has until June 15 to pass a balanced budget. On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom put forward his revised budget - commonly known as the May Revise. Joining us to discuss the governor’s fiscal priorities and strategy to close an estimated $56 billion over the next two fiscal years is Scott Graves, the Budget Director at the California Budget & Policy Center. We are also joined by Wayne Winegarden, a Senior Fellow of Business and Economics at the Pacific Research Institute.Updates to Sacramento International Airport is preparing for a busy travel future, recently announcing new destinations and working on a number of new infrastructure upgrades - from a new parking garage to updated local dining options. Stephen Clark is the Deputy Director of Airport Commercial Development at SMF and joins Insight with an update on the airport’s push to increase its nonstop flights, as well as the new projects meant to improve the traveling experience.
Strawberry Music FestivalOne of the jammiest music festivals in the country returns to Grass Valley over Memorial Day Weekend. All-female bluegrass band Big Richard is one of the headliners at the 72nd Strawberry Music Festival and they join emcee Rita Hosking to talk about what makes playing this family-friendly campout so special.
An investigation into the private security forces patrolling California’s unhoused residents. Also, a new trail guide for the Lower American River. Finally, “Music at Noon” to celebrate its 1,000th performance.
Investigation into Homeless Private SecurityCalifornia’s homeless population has spiked nearly 40% in the past five years. With that surge, has come a boom in private security guards patrolling shelters, encampments, and the streets. Advocates and unhoused people argue these guards, who don’t have the same training or oversight as law enforcement, can compound already difficult situations. CalMatters' Investigative Reporter Lauren Hepler reviewed more than a dozen lawsuits and public contract disputes and found that public agencies are funding private security guards, opening a new front in the state’s housing crisis - one ripe for violence and civil rights issues, but thin on oversight.Trail Guide for Lower American RiverThe Lower American River spans 23 miles from downtown Sacramento to Folsom Lake and is a federally designated wild and scenic river - from the confluence with the Sacramento River to Nimbus Dam. The Lower American River is the most heavily used recreation river in California. But with many entry points across Sacramento County it can take time to know which ones best suit your needs. Someone has made that journey easier and more accessible, creating a trail guide to the Lower American river. Ashley Langdon is the author of Mildly Scenic: A Trail Guide to Sacramento's Lower American Trails.‘Music at Noon’ Celebrates 1,000th performanceCapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason and CapRadio Classical Coordinator Mike Nelson will be performing at the concert series Music At Noon on Wednesday May 15 at Westminster Presbyterian across from the state Capitol. The series is free and has been an institution in the musical culture of Sacramento for over 20 years. On May 15, the series will celebrate its 1,000th lunchtime performance.
Elk Grove moves forward on relocating the Sacramento Zoo. Also, a survivor of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack speaks in Folsom. Finally, Sacramento musician The Philharmonik’s “Tiny Desk” submission.
Elk Grove’s Vote on Sacramento ZooThe Sacramento Zoo’s highly-anticipated move to Elk Grove has officially received the green light. Last night, the Elk Grove City Council voted to approve the zoo’s move from Land Park, where it first opened in 1927. Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Jason Jacobs, Executive Director of the Sacramento Zoo, join Insight about the years-long process behind the relocation, and what the next steps might bring.Oct. 7 Hamas Attack Survivor Speaks in FolsomTonight the Chabad Jewish Community Center is welcoming a survivor from the Oct. 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Ilya Tarshansky lived in Kibbutz Be’eri. On October 7th, Hamas militants burnt down his home, murdered his son, and kidnapped his daughter. Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum and Ilya join insight ahead of their event at the Folsom Community Center at 7 p.m.The Philharmonik’s ‘Tiny Desk’NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest grows in popularity every year, but this is the first time the audience has gotten a chance to vote for their favorites. Forty-five were chosen from 7,000 entries for this honor and one of them is Sacramento’s own The Philharmonik. He joins us to explain What’s It All Mean?
Student journalists discuss covering campus protests. Also, Vitalant asks for blood donations for new mothers. Finally, an educational jazz series at The Sofia.
Student Journalists Covering Campus ProtestsStudent journalists with the CalMatters College Journalism Network Fellowship have been covering campus protests at their universities. Joining Insight is Atmika Iyer, a UCSB student-journalist, Christina Chkarboul, a student-journalist with the USC Daily Trojan, and Christopher Buchanan, a student-journalist at UCLA.Blood Donations for New MothersEvery year, about 219,000 units of blood and platelets are needed to help patients experiencing women’s health issues - including about 1 of every 83 births. The nonprofit Vitalant is highlighting that need. Communications Manager Victoria Wolfe and West Division Vice President Mitzy Edgecomb discuss the callout to blood donors, and the opportunity to meet maternal blood needs.Sofia Educational Jazz SeriesA new performance series at The Sofia is educating and connecting audience members with the various genres and characteristics of jazz. The series started in April, with plans to do 12 jazz shows per year. Saxophonist Jacam Manricks, who is performing in and curating the series, provides a taste of the different forms of jazz, as well as upcoming series performances of Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” on May 10, and John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” on June 13.
Valley Vision releases its first Inclusive Economy Poll. Also, a Sacramento physician pens a debut fiction novel “Dry Spells.” Finally, the Sacramento Tree Foundation explains the city’s urban forest plan.
Valley Vision’s ‘Inclusive Economy Poll’Each year, Valley Vision fields public opinion polls in partnership with Sacramento State’s Institute for Social Research to generate greater understanding of the most pressing issues facing our region. The Inclusive Economy Poll was Valley Vision’s first public opinion poll solely focused on the economic well-being of our eight-county region. Evan Schmidt is the CEO of Valley Vision and joins us with the results of the poll.New Book ‘Dry Spells’Dr. Archana Maniar was in the throes of frontline care working as an infectious disease physician in Sacramento during the pandemic, when she made a commitment to care for herself through creative writing. And what culminated was a debut fiction novel that draws on her own life’s parallels of calling both the U.S. and Mumbai home. Archana joins us with her novel Dry Spells - described as a culmination of decades of observations of life both in the East and the West, years of studying human nature during stress and sickness, and a love for storytelling.Sacramento’s Urban Forest PlanLong known as the “City of Trees,” Sacramento has drafted an ambitious plan to nearly double its tree coverage over the next 20 years. The proposal would expand the canopy from 19% to 35% by 2045, with priority given to neighborhoods with the lowest tree coverage. Sacramento Tree Foundation Executive Director Dr. Jessica Sanders and Director of Education and Community Engagement Garrett Werner talk about how they are working with the city, as well as the steps needed to obtain “tree canopy equity.”
POLITICO’s California Playbook updates the latest in state politics. Also, Sac Republic FC celebrates 10 years and is currently undefeated. Finally, a spring music and wine pairing.
POLITICO’s ‘California Playbook’POLITICO California Playbook co-author Lara Korte joins Insight with an update on the latest in state politics. Sac Republic FC Celebrates 10 SeasonsOn April 26, 2014, Sacramento Republic FC played its first-ever game at Hughes Stadium in Land Park. A decade later the “Indomitable Club” has become a powerhouse in the USL Championship league, and is currently undefeated in the 2024 season. Todd Dunivant, President and General Manager of Sacramento Republic FC joins Insight to reflect on the club’s success on and off the field, its MLS ambitions, and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - which Republic FC will enter on Tuesday, May 7 against Monterey Bay FC at Heart Health Park at Cal Expo.Spring Music & WineCapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason and resident wine expert Rick Kushman team up for an Insight seasonal tradition - pairing spring music with wine. Jennifer selects her spring music favorites and Rick will listen for the first time, live on air, and select the perfect wine to go with the song.
How the City of Sacramento proposed to close a $66 million deficit. Also, an update on the city sanctioned homeless encampment Camp Resolution. Plus, the author of “The Hungry Season.” Finally, artist Raphael Delgado.
City of Sacramento’s Proposed Budget & Camp Resolution UpdateSacramento released its proposed budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, as the city aims to close a projected $66 million shortfall. That same day, Mayor Darrell Steinberg and District 2 Councilmember Shoun Thao unveiled a new proposal for Camp Resolution - a city sanctioned, self-governing homeless encampment. The city is proposing to close it this month, and Mayor Steinberg and Councilmember Thao want to transfer ownership of Camp Resolution to build affordable housing. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam provides an update on the latest developments from city hall.Book ‘The Hungry Season’Following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong refugees resettled in the United States - many making their way to California’s Central Valley. Fresno and Sacramento are home to the largest Hmong populations in the United States, only behind Minneapolis. For many refugees, farming provided a bountiful resource of nourishment, community, and reconnecting with family ancestry. A journalist spent seven years in rice fields, intimately learning the story of one radiant Hmong woman - and how growing her ancestor’s rice in the San Joaquin Valley led to newfound power. That intimate relationship, along with years of research, transformed into a literary portrait. Lisa M. Hamilton is a journalist and author of The Hungry Season: A Journey of War, Love, and Survival.Artist Raphael DelgadoSacramento’s Raphael Delgado has added a new accolade to his bio - “Best New Exhibitor” at Miami Art Week. The artist behind the giant mural of “California Bear” that lords over 21st Street joins Insight to talk about the business of art festivals and what he has planned next.
Sacramento City Council moves forward on Innovation Park in Natomas. Also, a nonprofit donor 101 ahead on Big Day of Giving. Finally, a mother and daughter write a memoir about Lyme Disease.
Natomas Innovation ParkThe Sacramento City Council took a big step forward in transforming what once was the Sleep Train Arena in north Natomas. Yesterday they unanimously approved a non-binding term sheet for a new financing district that would support the redevelopment project Innovation Park. The project spans 183 acres and includes residential units, as well as a California Northstate University academic campus and teaching hospital. Sacramento District 1 Councilmember Lisa Kaplan joins Insight to discuss what the next steps will be.What to Know About Land TrustsIf you’ve been out looking for wildflowers around the Sacramento region recently — maybe you took a tour of Jepson Prairie Preserve or are planning to go to the poetry workshop at Wildflower Ridge in Nevada County — there’s a good chance you’ve had an experience with a land trust. But what is a land trust, you may be asking? Joining us to explain is Karin Winters, the California Onward Program Director for the California Council of Land Trusts. Donating to Nonprofits 101Tomorrow is literally a “big day” for hundreds of nonprofits across the Sacramento region. Big Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour event that raises funds for nonprofits across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. There are more than 800 this year - each with a variety of unique uses, and it can be overwhelming to sift through all of them when deciding which ones to donate to. Niva Flor is the Chief Impact & Strategy Officer at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation - the organization that leads Big Day of Giving. Editor's note: CapRadio is a nonprofit participating in Big Day of Giving.
Teen’s Journey Through Lyme DiseaseLyme Disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and can be difficult to diagnose. Most people don’t remember having a tick bite, and the symptoms can be confused with other conditions and illnesses. A mother and daughter lived through this debilitating uncertainty and are sharing their story of hope and survival despite medical skepticism. Rachel Leland, is the author of Finding Resilience: A Teen's Journey Through Lyme Disease. Her mother Dorothy Leland is the President of the patient advocacy organization LymeDisease.org and is co-author of the book.
Pro-Palestinian campus protests at universities across the country - including Sac State and Cal Poly Humboldt. Also, Loaves and Fishes responds to a landmark Supreme Court case on homelessness. Finally, Nevada County holds a “Dark Sky Photo Contest.”
Pro-Palestinian Campus ProtestsHundreds of students have been arrested following pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the country. The demonstrations and encampments are in support of the people of Gaza, and come with demands that universities divest from companies that do business with Israel. The organization behind the national movement is Students for Justice in Palestine, which says it’s supporting over 350 solidarity organizations across the U.S., including California state universities like Sacramento State. Cal Poly Humboldt demonstrations escalated over the past week. The university says 25 people were arrested Tuesday morning after protesters occupied two campus buildings and defied orders to disperse last Friday. Cal Poly Humboldt put a hard closure to campus over the weekend that extends through May 10 — the end of the semester. Kianna Znika is a student journalist and the station manager for KRFH, the student-run radio station at Cal Poly Humboldt. Sage Alexander is a reporter with the Times-Standard. Keith David Watenpaugh is a Professor and Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis.Sacramento State and Cal Poly Humboldt were both invited to the show but declined. The Cal State Office of the Chancellor declined an interview, but in a statement responded to how CSU campuses are responding to demonstrations, “While the CSU operates as a system, it consists of 23 universities, each with unique sets of circumstances and local jurisdictions. As such, campuses are best qualified to make real-time decisions through a local lens, while understanding they have the support of the Chancellor’s Office.”
Loaves & FishesThe Supreme Court is still considering the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which has been described as the most important case about homelessness in decades. The legal question revolves around whether unhoused people can be criminally punished for sleeping or camping outside, even if adequate shelter is not available. Loaves & Fishes Executive Director Angela Hassell joins Insight to talk about the services her organization provides, and what a Supreme Court decision could mean for the unhoused community here in Sacramento, which faces both a homelessness and affordable housing crisis.Dark Sky Photo ContestThere has been a growing “dark skies” push from cities and counties that want to maintain an unadulterated night sky in rural spaces and protected wildlands. In an effort to raise awareness about light pollution, Nevada County launched Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, a photo contest capturing the naturally dark sky and its beauty - as well as the impact bright city lights can have on the landscape. Nevada County District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall and Project Administrator Ariel Lovett join Insight with more on the contest and overall mission.
California wants to welcome Arizona doctors following the state's potential abortion ban. Also, Placerville restaurants compete on Guy Fieri’s “Best Bite in Town” on Food Network. Finally, American River Raft Rentals celebrates 50 years.
CA’s Response to Arizona’s Abortion BanCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers announced legislation aimed at helping Arizonans access abortions after the Arizona Supreme Court allowed a near total-ban to move forward. CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe explains how California could soon allow Arizona doctors to give their patients abortions in the Golden State.Placerville Restaurants Compete on Food NetworkThe latest episode of the Food Network’s new competition show Best Bite in Town headed to Placerville in El Dorado County, pitting six local restaurants against one another for the coveted title. Mary Fulmer is the owner of Hog Wild Bar-B-Que, Brandon Guenther is the chef and owner of Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen + Saloon, and Simona Salvatori is the owner of Amore Mio Italian Bistro, and they join Insight to talk about their experience, as well as the dishes they prepared.50 Years at American River Raft RentalsThis month kicked off a popular time on the lower American River. Each year from late spring through summer, rafts fill the scenic American River Parkway - just 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. American River Raft Rentals is the largest rafting company, offering self-guided floats on beginner stretches of the river since 1974. Kent Hansen is the co-owner of American River Raft Rentals and joins us about celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The annual Capitol-to-Capitol program in D.C. to promote business development in the Sacramento region. Also, how Tuolumne County is adapting its wildfire resiliency. Finally, the Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest at Cosumnes River College.
2024 ‘Cap-to-Cap’ RecapEvery year, Sacramento area businesses, as well as community and non-profit organizations, band together for a common cause. They team up and attend the annual Capitol-to-Capitol (“Cap-to-Cap”) program in Washington, DC to promote business development in the Sacramento region. This year marked the program’s 52nd year and Robert Heidt, President & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, joins us to report on how this year’s advocacy trip went and some of the key issues facing our area.Tuolumne County’s Environmental ResilienceJaron Brandon represents Columbia and Jamestown and Caitlin Henry is the Administrative Analyst of the county’s Master Stewardship Agreement. They join Insight to explain how this rural community is approaching recovery and resiliency by adapting to the needs of today - from forest health, to the unforgiving fire insurance landscape, as well as working to streamline affordable housing. Here is a look at their Social and Ecological Resilience Across the Landscape (SERAL) projectInaugural ‘Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest’A new career fair aims to provide hundreds of local high school students the opportunity to explore job opportunities in a variety of high-need sectors. The inaugural Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest will take place on Friday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cosumnes River College. Mitchell Leach II, President and Founder of Interns 2 Pros, discusses how the event was organized, as well as how it seeks to close career awareness and access gaps for students from historically underserved backgrounds.
California’s newest state park is named Dos Rios in Stanislaus County. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a pivotal case about homelessness. Finally, an exhibit about the unique history of women and tattoos in Old Sacramento.
New State Park ‘Dos Rios’ in Stanislaus CountyCalifornia's newest state park Dos Rios will open on June 12 in Stanislaus County. Located along the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers about eight miles west of Modesto in the Central Valley, it's the first state park acquired since 2014. California State Parks Director Armando Quintero joins Insight with more about what the public can expect to see, what is still being developed, the input from tribal communities, as well as how this floodplain restoration project will restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife.Supreme Court Hears Landmark Homelessness CaseThe U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments Monday on what some are calling the most important case about homelessness in decades: Johnson v. Grants Pass. The case comes from a 2018 lawsuit challenging an ordinance approved by the small city in Southern Oregon that made it illegal for unhoused residents to camp on public property in the city. A ruling is not expected until June, but the case could have wide-ranging implications. Leslie Gielow Jacobs is an Anthony Kennedy Professor at McGeorge School of Law and joins us with a breakdown of Monday’s oral arguments. Marisa Kendall is a Homelessness Reporter for CalMatters and explains the arguments on both sides. Marisa also provides a breakdown of a recent state audit which found that California fails to track its homelessness spending or results.Women Tattoo Exhibit at Sac History MuseumAn ongoing exhibit at the Sacramento History Museum called Tattooed & Tenacious chronicles the stories of tattooed women throughout California’s history. The museum’s Executive Director Delta Pick Mello and Experience Manager Alexandra Kowalski talk about the exhibit - which continues until July 28 - as well as how it coincides with Photography Month Sacramento.
Sac State offers guaranteed admission to graduating seniors at Elk Grove Unified. Also, the UC Davis Veterinary school has an animal blood bank for pets and livestock. Finally, U.S. Poet Laureate Emeritus Juan Felipe Herrera at Sac City College.
Sac State Guaranteed Admission Program for EGUSDSacramento State University is reaching out to over 2,000 eligible students in the Elk Grove Unified School District to let them know that they can attend Sac State next year, they just need to apply. The university has launched a guaranteed admission pilot program to encourage EGUSD graduating seniors to go to Sac State. Brian Henley, Director of Admissions and Outreach for Sacramento State, and Lori Gerber, Communications Manager for Elk Grove Unified School District, join us to discuss this new initiative.UC Davis Pet Blood BankThe UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is meeting the growing need for animal blood donations, providing hundreds of transfusions every year through its Transfusion Medicine Service. It also gives dog owners a chance to give back through its Canine Community Blood Donor Program. UC Davis professor Dr. Kate Farrell is the Assistant Director of the Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Service, and explains how both programs operate - as well as how interested canine donors can get involved.Sac City College Poetry EventThe Sacramento Poetry Center has been celebrating National Poetry Month. This weekend, Sacramento City College will feature U.S. Poet Laureate Emeritus Juan Felipe Herrera for an event titled Power of the Word - An Intergenerational Conversation. Event organizer Juan Manuel Carrillo and Patrick Grizzell, the President of the Sacramento Poetry Center, join Insight to preview the free event on Sunday April 28 at the Performing Arts Center at Sac City College from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Forever chemicals” in California’s drinking water are raising concerns. Also, the CapRadio Endowment Board discusses its dispute with the public radio station and Sac State. Finally, helping the planet with “Climate Country Radio.”
Forever Chemicals “Forever chemicals" in California’s drinking water have raised critical questions about the implications for our communities. CalMatters’ Water Policy reporter, Rachel Becker, sheds light on the complex challenges faced by water agencies and the potential impacts on consumers following the EPA’s new limits on these chemicals in drinking water. We’ll learn more about the urgency of addressing contamination issues, regulatory standards, and financial burdens.CapRadio EndowmentCapRadio and an independent financial backer of the NPR member station are at odds over the recent donation of one of its broadcasting towers. The Capital Public Radio Endowment Board - which shares the station’s name but is a separate philanthropic organization - donated the tower to PBS affiliate KVIE earlier this month, without CapRadio or Sacramento State’s knowledge. Sac State holds the station’s news and music licenses. At Wednesday’s public board meeting, CapRadio management said it can definitively show the public radio station owns the tower. The tower is a symptom of a larger back and forth that has played out publicly over the past month with the endowment board. Dan Brunner is the chair and Buzz Wiesenfeld is the treasurer of the Capital Public Radio Endowment Board and join us with their perspective. CapRadio and Sacramento State were invited to discuss this issue, but canceled a planned interview. KVIE declined to be on the show. Disclosure: This story was produced by Vicki Gonzalez and edited by Digital Editor Claire Morgan and Chris Hagan. Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this conversation beforehand.
You can keep up to date with CapRadio’s finances, here.
Climate Country RadioClimate change and how it can impact our daily lives is the theme behind new public service announcements by the California Council of the Arts. The state agency provided a grant to come up with a creative way to get the word out about the environment, public health and disaster preparedness by teaming up with Davis songwriter and performer Rita Hosking. She joins us to talk about the vision behind the so-called “public service songs” called Climate Country Radio and how she hopes to make a difference.
The Sacramento Kings defeat the Golden State Warriors to advance to the postseason. Also, never-before shared artifacts from Japanese American survivors of mass incarceration during WWII. Finally, artist Jermaine Tilson at The Gallery.
Sacramento Kings Regular Season RecapLight the Beam! The Sacramento Kings survived their first postseason game against the Golden State Warriors, handily beating their rivals by the score of 118-94. Kings’ television color analyst Kayte Christensen joins us today to talk about how big of a win last night’s game was in team history, and what lies ahead for the team Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. Plus, Digital Editor Claire Morgan with CapRadio’s SacramenKnow newsletter shares her account of what it was like inside Golden 1 Center last night as fans and the city enjoyed a huge win.Stories of Japanese-American Mass Incarceration is the latest iteration of the Japanese American experience exhibit at the California Museum in Sacramento. Several new features have been added to upgrade the understanding of what more than 120,000 Japanese Americans experienced after being interned following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. California Museum docent Steve Sasaki shares his family’s personal stories of survival, and how the experiences of Japanese Americans are intertwined with the fight to preserve civil rights. Steve will offer a Q&A at the museum on April 18, May 4 and May 16.Artist Jermaine TilsonThe Black Artist Foundry was created in 2020 to address inequality in arts funding. Executive Director Faith McKinnie joins us with how the nonprofit has grown to offer funding, exhibit space and community for Black artists. We are also joined by artist Jermaine “Jcrux” Tilson about his solo exhibition Convergence that will debut at The Gallery in Old North Sacramento on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
POLITICO’S California Playbook updates the latest in state politics. Also, a new report looks into the distinct differences among younger California voters. Finally, the annual Taste of East Sacramento is happening this weekend.
POLITICO’s California PlaybookGovernor Gavin Newsom was supposed to deliver the State of the State speech about a month ago. He delayed it due to the uncertainty over the outcome of the Prop. 1 vote. Now that the votes have been certified and the proposition passed - will Californians hear the address anytime soon? POLITICO’s California Playbook co-author Dustin Gardiner joins us with the latest in state politics - including why Paris Hilton was at the State Capitol this week.Political Views of Young Californians Younger Californians - between the ages of 18 to 34 - have similar voter registration numbers when compared to older generations. The difference comes down to voter turnout - younger people historically trail behind those 35 and older. A new report from the nonprofit think tank Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) dives into the political views of this emerging electorate in California. PPIC Senior Fellow and Policy Director Eric McGhee discusses the distinct differences among younger California voters, and how that will shape the future of the state’s democracy. Taste of East SacramentoAn annual celebration of local food, drink and business is making its way to East Sacramento this weekend. Taste of East Sacramento 2024 will take place on Saturday, April 20 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and features dozens of vendors. Serena Marzion, Executive Director of the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce provides a preview of the event, and talks about what the celebration means to both Chamber members and the larger local food and beverage scene.
Elk Grove Police adds drones as first responders. Also, why the cost for California universities are so high, and how to get help. Finally, we’re approaching peak wildflower season in Northern California.
Elk Grove PD ‘First Responder’ DronesThe Elk Grove City Council recently voted to approve $2.1 million to the city’s police department for a new Drone as a First Responder program. These unmanned aerial systems would respond to calls for service within minutes, gather data, and allow the department to more efficiently dispatch officers. Sgt. Jason Jimenez is a public information officer with Elk Grove Police Department and joins Insight to discuss how the new drones will be used.Mystifying Cost of CollegeIt’s an exciting time of year for high school seniors and transfer students as they look ahead to attending a UC or CSU in the Fall. But between the cost of tuition, fees, books, meals, and housing - the reality of affording it all may put a damper on all the excitement. A detailed report by CalMatters Higher Education Reporter, Mikhail Zinshteyn shines a light on the true cost of college in California and examines why some students will pay the full cost, while others pay next to nothing. We are also joined by Meredith Curry Nuñez, Executive Director of the Northern California College Promise Coalition, who can explain what students and families can try to do to lower the cost of college here in California.California Wildflower SeasonThe weather is getting warmer and sunnier, which means wildflower season in northern California is hitting its peak. Although this year won’t be a superbloom, there are still spectacular views from the valley to the foothills. Kara Walker is the Donor Relations Director for the Placer Land Trust and Kate Mawdsley is a docent at the Jepson Prairie Preserve in Solano County. They join us with tips to take in wildflowers this spring.
An investigation into the voting records of state lawmakers. Also, an event tonight at Sac State discusses what reparations could look like in Sacramento. Finally, a Grass Valley author’s new book chronicles the pioneering female physicians of the Old West.
Investigation into California Lawmaker Voting Records They say every vote matters. They say that every vote is important. However, newly uncovered data about voting records by California legislators shows that many of our elected leaders in the state Capitol habitually don’t cast votes on bills that come up, or that they greenlight everything that comes across their desks by rarely ever voting “No.” CalMatters Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow joins us with some of the questionable voting trends of state lawmakers, what they might point to and how simply not voting on a bill can derail legislation that voters may find necessary or important to their communities.Sacramento Reparations EventAfter two years and hundreds of hours of public testimonies across the state, California lawmakers are taking the first-in-the-nation California Reparation’s Task Force report and recommendations and crafting them into legislation. The California Legislative Black Caucus has more than a dozen bills to begin the process of atonement for the ongoing harms of slavery on African Americans and society as a whole. But none at this moment includes cash payments to Black Californians who are descendants of slavery. In Sacramento, Sheba Farms Foundation has been holding events over the past month to better understand what reparations could look like locally. Tonight at 5:30 p.m., they will be having a conversation at Sacramento State with six panelists. Moderator Zion Taddese and panelist Chris Lodgson with the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California join us with more on how these ongoing events hope to shape policy at the State Capitol. They also have a public survey for Sacramento residents on reparations here.Grass Valley Author Chronicles First Female Physicians in the West A New York Times bestselling author from Grass Valley’s newest book profiles the pioneering female physicians of the Old West - from one of the first women to work in plastic surgery, to the first female dental school graduate. The new book is titled The Doctor Was a Woman: Stories of the First Female Physicians on the Frontier. Author Chris Enss talks about her literary journey and shares some of these women’s stories - including one with local ties to Nevada County.
San Joaquin County approved improvements for Stockton Metropolitan Airport. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidates Dr. Flojaune Cofer and state Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. Finally, “The Jacquelyn” is a new space for wellness and socializing.
Mayoral Candidates Flo Cofer & Kevin McCartyThe race for Sacramento mayor is officially underway for the November general election. Now that the primary is over and the top two candidates are set, we take time today to catch up with epidemiologist Dr. Flo Cofer and state Assemblyman Kevin McCarty to talk about lessons learned from the primary, what’s next, and how they plan on winning over voters who wanted someone else for mayor.Stockton Metropolitan Airport ImprovementsSan Joaquin County just approved over $26 million in improvements for Stockton Metropolitan Airport to upgrade key infrastructure, increase airline capacity, and meet future economic goals. Airport director Richard Sokol joins Insight to talk about why the funding is necessary to “catch up” on modernization and renovations, as well as the airport’s plans to expand its services and serve a growing population.The Creativity of ‘The Jacquelyn’Sacramento has a brand new space for wellness, socializing, and collaborating. It’s called The Jacquelyn and it is named for Jacquelyn Anderson - a Sacramento wife, mother, photographer, and artist who left a legacy on the community. After her untimely passing, her husband dedicated himself to honoring her life, and The Jacquelyn is his latest effort to bring the community together. Maren Conrad is the CEO of the newly opened creative hub and joins us to talk about its namesake and what makes The Jacquelyn so special.
Study looks at link between types of firearm ownership and support for political violence. Also, gas prices are on the rise. Plus, why California’s electric vehicle industry is slowing down. Finally, the Sacramento Orchid Society’s 75th anniversary.
Study on Firearm Ownership and Political Violence is an emergency medicine physician and Director of the California Firearm Violence Research Center - the nation’s first publicly funded center for research in this field to understand the nature of firearm violence and its underlying causes. Dr. Wintemute joins us about their latest study published today about firearm ownership and support for political violence in the US, which found that subsets of firearm owners - recent purchasers and those who always or nearly always carry loaded firearms when in public - raised the greatest concerns.
Gas Prices & EV, Hybrid SalesIt’s springtime and that means gas prices are on the rise in California. Your favorite “cheap” gas station has probably seen a surge in pricing over the past few weeks. Meantime, sales of electric vehicles seem to be slipping, giving way to hybrids - which use gas. Joining us today to help make sense of it all are Alejandro Lazo, Climate reporter for CalMatters, and John Treanor, spokesperson for AAA Northern California.Sacramento Orchid Society’s 75th JubileeThe Sacramento Orchid Society is celebrating its Orchid Jubilee. The society will be holding its 75th annual show this weekend, from April 12-14 at Carmichael Elks Lodge - which will include a special preview night, vendors, demonstrations, plant sales and more. Dave Veach is President of the Sacramento Orchid Society and provides a preview of the event, as well as some tips for orchid enthusiasts on how to get the most out of their plants.
POLITICO hosts an evening with Gov. Gavin Newsom. A Del Paso Heights nonprofit seeks to reverse the growing fentanyl crisis. How this year’s “Big Melt” has been a game-changer for the Feather River.
Conversation with Gov. Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom has become one of the loudest and spirited voices for the Democratic Party. And on a national stage, Newsom has seared his ideological and political differences with Republican governors. But a one-on-one sit down about issues facing Californians is difficult to come by. At the California Museum, Newsom took part in an interview about all things politics in the Golden State. POLITICO California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago discusses his live conversation with Gov. Newsom in Sacramento.
Del Paso Heights Nonprofit Seeks to Reverse Growing Fentanyl Crisis
As the number of fentanyl-related overdoses skyrockets in Sacramento County, staff and volunteers who perform outreach with the unhoused community are digging deeper to get to the root of the drug epidemic. CapRadio’s Health Care reporter, Kate Wolffe, joins us on Insight today to talk about some simple, yet powerful questions they are asking to shed light on what may have led to their drug use and get them the mental health help they need.
Feather River’s Big Melt’
California’s Feather River may not be one of the more well-known, but its importance to the overall health of the state is immeasurable. This past rain and snow season proved to be a game-changer for just about everything the river impacts, including recreation, farming, hydroelectric production and the state’s salmon population. Joining us on Insight are San Francisco Chronicle Natural Resources reporter, Kurtis Alexander and Photographer and Multimedia Producer, Carlos Avila Gonzalez, who recently reported on how this year’s “Big Melt” has been a game-changer for the Feather River. You can read and experience their reporting here.
Sacramento turns to 'micro apartments' to ease the affordable housing crunch. Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Darrin Bell’s graphic memoir “The Talk.” California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport.
Micro Apartments in Sacramento
Finding an affordable apartment in California can be financially painful. The average statewide rent for a studio apartment is around $1,800 a month, according to Zillow. In Sacramento, the average rent for a studio runs roughly $1,400 a month. But even smaller units are taking shape around the state capital. Micro apartments have become more common in large cities like San Francisco. But they are also popping up in Sacramento, as a more affordable tool to curb a housing shortage that is driving up rent. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols covers housing affordability and got a look at micro apartments, as well as the challenges this type of housing is running up against.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Cartoonist Darrin Bell’s Graphic Memoir
Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Darrin Bell is turning to his youth for his new graphic memoir “The Talk.” Bell grew up in Los Angeles in the ‘80s and ‘90s to a white mother and Black father, and through vulnerable illustrations he shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of race and racism throughout his life, culminating into fatherhood and whether he and his son are ready to have “the talk.” Bell joins Insight ahead of his event at Crocker Art Museum on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
California Capital Airshow
The California Capital Airshow roars into Mather Airport next weekend with some of the world’s most incredible aircraft and pilots. Angela Terry, Director of Operations for the Airshow, joins us to talk about some of the returning attractions in the air and on the ground. We will also learn about what’s new at the airshow, including an area called “The Hangar Chalet” as well as a free kick-off event that is open to all.
Vitalant officially expands blood donor eligibility to men who have sex with men. Rocklin is among school districts that approve a controversial gender ‘outing’ policy of students. The best El Dorado County road trips.
More Gay, Bisexual Men are Eligible to Donate Blood
Dr. Chris Gresens, Senior Chief Medical Officer for Vitalant, discusses officially expanding blood donor eligibility to men who have sex with men (MSM) for the first time in nearly 40 years, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) updated guidelines. The FDA’s old guidance required gay and bisexual men to wait three months following their last sexual contact with another man. With the new FDA guidance, all potential donors are now screened using a series of questions that assess individual risk of HIV, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
School Districts Approve Controversial Gender ‘Outing’ Policy
School board meetings have now become the public battleground over parental rights versus a child’s right to privacy at public schools. Two school boards in recent weeks, including Rocklin, have passed controversial policies that would require teachers to identify transgender and gender non-conforming students to their parents. Now, the state of California is firing back with legal action. Diana Lambert, Senior Reporter at EdSource, joins Insight to discuss the districts’ policy moves and why Attorney General Rob Bonta is vowing to fight in court. Ebony Harper is the founder of California TRANScends and Anoosh Jorjorian is the director of Yolo Rainbow Families with the Davis Phoenix Coalition. Both work with LGBTQ+ youth in the Sacramento area and join Insight to discuss the impact the policies can have on trans and gender non-conforming students on campus and at home.
El Dorado County Road Trips
Budget-friendly road trips might be something to consider if you’ve taken a peek at airline and hotel prices lately. Just a short drive away, El Dorado County delivers some of the most scenic (and Instagram-worthy) sights in our area. Jody Franklin is the Executive Director of Tourism at the El Dorado County Visitors Authority and joins Insight for some of the iconic locations for a beautiful drive that won’t break the bank.
Sac City Unified back-to-school changes for schools, students and staff. The Mother Lode launches an ADU program from homes. Sac Charter High starts dual enrollment to earn college credits.
Sac City Unified Back-to-School Changes
School is back in session in Sacramento. More than 40,000 students, teachers and administrators have returned to Sacramento City Unified School District. But this year comes with changes in priorities, personnel and even pay. CapRadio Sacramento Education reporter, Srishti Prabha, joins Insight today for an update on teacher contract negotiations, the search for a new superintendent and changes to a few school names.
Mother Lode ADU Program
Ben Goger, Mariposa County Housing and Community Development Specialist, discusses a new effort to curb the housing crisis. Mother Lode ADU is a new partnership between the counties of Amador, Calveras, Mariposa, and Nevada to make it easier for residents to add accessory dwelling units to their properties in an effort to curb the housing crisis.
New High School Dual Enrollment Program
Laura Davis, College Coordinator at Sacramento Charter High, and student Edie Park, discuss a new dual enrollment program called the Panther Pipeline where Sac High juniors and seniors can take Sacramento City College classes and earn college credits while in high school. St. HOPE Public Schools, which runs Sac High, says the program is supported through state grant funding and it is one of two high schools in the city that offers high school students a chance to earn college credits.
Using high-tech tools to combat garbage and invasive species at Lake Tahoe. A new book looks at what the victims' rights movement has gotten right and wrong. A run to raise funds for foster youth is taking place Saturday at Land Park.
Robots to Keep Lake Tahoe Blue
The fight to Keep Tahoe blue is turning to technology. Robots, the size of golf carts, are being deployed to rid the beaches of plastics, garbage and debris, while the skimmers are sucking harmful chemicals and invasive plants from sensitive areas like the Tahoe Keys. Amy Alonzo is the Environment Reporter for the Nevada Independent and joins us to discuss the use of these high-tech tools, how effective they are, where they’re being used, along with the push to keep them funded for the future.
Author of 'The Victims' Rights Movement: What It Gets Right, What It Gets Wrong'
The Victims’ Rights Movement began more than 50 years ago, and in that time, has been credited with more resources and justice for victims. But a new book is challenging us to look at the pitfalls of the movement, and to reframe our definition of success so that it includes preventing violent behavior in the first place. Mike Vitiello, Distinguished Professor of Law at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, discusses his new book “The Victims' Rights Movement: What It Gets Right, What It Gets Wrong.”
Fundraiser to Help Foster Families and Youth
There are tens of thousands of children in need of foster care across California. And connecting these children with foster parents takes a network of will and support. Foster Hope Sacramento has been around for more than 30 years, recruiting and helping those who wish to become foster parents. And this weekend is a great opportunity to get outside and support them. Jennifer Walker, Family Approval Specialist with FosterHope Sacramento, discusses the non-profit’s work and its “Run to Foster Hope” fundraiser taking place Saturday, Sept. 9 at William Land Park to support programs that help stabilize and support children and youth in crisis.
Research to protect California wine grapes from wildfire smoke. Sacramento business incubation program CLTRE Club. CapRadio lays off staff, cancels music programs amid financial issues.
Fighting Smoke Tainted Wine
As wildfire smoke becomes the norm in California, winemakers are having to deal with the impact the smoke has on their product. Now, researchers at UC Davis are experimenting with ways to help protect wine grapes from the smell and taste of smoke, putting the state’s multi-billion dollar industry at risk. CapRadio’s Environment Reporter, Manola Secaira, joins Insight for the latest advances in technology to fight against smoke-tainted wine and the effort to keep the costs down. Plus, we’ll get a virtual taste-test of what smoke-tainted wine really tastes like. Sacramento Business Incubator CLTRE Club
Small businesses are core to the local economy. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Getting a business off the ground and becoming successful can be tough to do alone, especially when taking on the added overhead of a storefront. A new nonprofit wants to make those hurdles less daunting for local entrepreneurs. Roshaun Davis, co-owner and founder of Unseen Heroes, discusses launching a sister non-profit CLTRE Club in midtown Sacramento, which is a business incubation pilot program and community space in partnership with the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA). CapRadio, NSPR Layoffs and Music Program Cancellations
Last week, CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff and canceled four music shows due to ongoing financial issues. The layoffs span music, news hosts, digital and include North State Public Radio based in Chico, which CapRadio operates. The Saturday program cuts are “Mick Martin’s Blues Party,” “K-ZAP,” “At the Opera,” and “Hey, Listen!” In August, Tom Karlo was appointed interim general manager of CapRadio. Karlo retired from KPBS in San Diego after 47 years with the public media station. He joins Insight to explain the financial challenges that led to these cuts. Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this segment before broadcast.
Mental health advocates for California’s youth are hopeful that Governor Newsom may be signaling a change in how he wants money spent. A new construction project is about to get started to rehabilitate the historic Broadway corridor in Sacramento.
Mental health reform
The state of California raises about $4 billion annually to serve the state’s needs to fund mental health services. But how that money is spent is part of a series of sweeping changes proposed by Governor Newsom which advocates for youth services have flagged. They say the Governor’s plans are too restrictive. Now, POLITICO is reporting that the Governor is signaling a change in his position which is giving hope to those who serve California’s younger population. Today we will speak to the California Alliance of Child and Family Services about the proposed changes.
Sacramento's Broadway corridor facelift
Sacramento’s Broadway corridor is slated to undergo a major renovation to help improve traffic, access to local businesses, safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as give the area a long-overdue facelift. Project Senior Civil Engineer Philip Vulliet joins Insight to explain the impact of the $15-million, 2-mile-long project, on nearby residents, businesses and traffic– as well as the timeline for the upgrade. We’ll also learn how the design of the project is supposed to benefit bicycle and vehicle traffic by cutting the existing four lanes down to two. Interim Schedule Update for August: The Insight team is taking a moment this month to catch their breath. Join host Vicki Gonzalez for live shows each Monday through Thursday from 9-9:30am, or listen anytime here on our website or the Insight podcast feed. Here & Now starts half an hour earlier at 9:30am.
A study explains why California has a housing crisis despite building more homes in recent years. A podcast called “tbh” created by, for and about teens launches a new season.
California is building more, so why do we have a housing crisis?
As the state of California continues to lose residents to other parts of the country, the rate of building new homes for people to live is on the rise. Yet we always hear that we have a housing crisis and need to do more to build now and build faster. New housing analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows that California may not have a shortage of homes after all. PPIC Senior Fellow, Hans Johnson, joins Insight to discuss the data of California’s population shift and how that’s impacted the housing market and availability of new homes.
Podcast ‘tbh’ created by, for and about teens
We have a lot of options to stay informed. But most topics have a common thread. They come from the perspective of adults. A podcast from KALW is created by, about, and for teenagers. Carolina Cuadros is a producer for the podcast “tbh” and joins Insight about the new season that launches today. From the impact of ChatGPT at school to finding empowerment with climate change, and suffering loss from the fentanyl crisis, these youth are giving us a glimpse of how their lives are being shaped by the moments of today.
The Sacramento County District Attorney is threatening legal action against the city over its response to homeless encampments. How Sac State is researching poor air quality and health in Sacramento underserved neighborhoods.
Sacramento County DA
Sacramento, like much of the state, is grappling with a record number of people experiencing homelessness. It’s a crisis with a range of deep-rooted causes, and an individual toll that is very personal and unique. That creates a frustrating dynamic where solutions can conflict with each other, with local leaders at times at odds over the best way to solve a moral, public health and safety issue. And that disagreement is unfolding in Sacramento. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho is threatening legal action over the city’s homelessness response. And Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg is pushing back. CapRadio Reporter Kate Wolffe explains the dispute between the county and city over enforcement of homeless encampments on public property.
Poor air quality research
Four underserved Sacramento-area neighborhoods are the focus of a Sac State project that is researching the link between poor air quality and health issues. While the Environmental Studenties students gain real-world experience, the county and residents will get valuable information about where and how to find solutions. Sac State Professor Wayne Linklater joins us with a look at the neighborhoods being studied and some of the key information student-researchers hope to learn.
Former Sacramento journalist describes the destruction and impact of the wildfires on his native Maui. California is sending resources to Maui to help with the wildfire aftermath.
Maui wildfires
Maui native and former Sacramento TV journalist, Jonathan Masaki Shiroma, joins us to talk about the devastation that has taken place in Hawaii. Shiroma explains a personal loss his family suffered in the fires that enveloped Maui last week and will share with us some of his favorite memories of Maui, including what some of the most immediate challenges will be in the aftermath of the fires.
CalOES sending resources to Maui
California is stepping up and sending help to Hawaii. The California Office of Emergency Services has deployed a team to help with finding missing people as last week’s fire has already killed over 90 people, with many more still unaccounted for. Public Information Officer with CalOES, Brian Ferguson, joins us with an update on the state’s efforts. Interim Schedule Update for August: The Insight team is taking a moment this month to catch their breath. Join host Vicki Gonzalez for live shows each Monday through Thursday from 9-9:30am, or listen anytime here on our website or the Insight podcast feed. Here & Now starts half an hour earlier at 9:30am.
An investigation tracks the evolution of California’s decades-long opioid epidemic, leading to fentanyl. Insight’s “Concert Connect” highlights upcoming live music across Northern California.
Tracking California's opioid epidemic
Opioid deaths in California have seen a massive spike in recent years, up over 120% in the years between 2019 and 2021. Fentanyl is mostly to blame. The cheap, intensely addictive and super-potenent drug can kill a person with as little as 2 milligrams, or smaller than the tip of a pencil. CalMatters health reporter, Ana Ibarra, has released a comprehensive investigation into fentanyl and its impact on California, from which communities are being impacted the most to how much the state is spending on getting it off the streets.
Insight's "Concert Connect"
CapRadio Hosts Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia join us for another edition of Insight’s “Concert Connect” talking about upcoming live shows in Northern California. This week features Plum Anderson at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on Sun. Aug. 20, Jess Williamson at The Starlet Room at Harlow's on Tue. Aug. 29, Dengue Fever at Harlow's on Wed. Sept. 20, and Buckethead at Ace of Spades on Wed. Sept. 27 If you want more modern music discovery, check out “Hey, Listen!*” on Saturdays from 3-5p and 8-10p on CapRadio.*
Updated 9:38 a.m., Aug. 9, 2023
Why a former UC Davis student charged in deadly stabbings will head to a state hospital instead of a criminal trial. How California’s cattle industry is evolving with climate change.
UC Davis student heads to state hospital
, Distinguished Professor at McGeorge School of Law, explains why a former UC Davis student is incompetent to stand trial in deadly stabbings that took place in the college town. Carlos Reales Dominguez, 21, is charged with fatally stabbing 50-year-old David Breaux on April 27 and 20-year-old Karim Abou Najm on April 29, as well as critically injuring 64-year-old Kimberlee Guillory on May 1. Last week, a mental competency trial ended with Dominguez being ordered to a state hospital for treatment, and once rehabilitated he will return to Yolo County Superior Court for the criminal trial.
Cattle industry and climate change
Gas from livestock are the biggest producers of methane, the leading cause of dangerous greenhouse gasses. And while it’s a worldwide problem, cattle ranchers and dairy producers in California are working to evolve with the help of technology to be part of the solution. Joining Insight is Cody Nicholson Stratton, Chairperson of the California Cattle Council, to talk about how the industry has changed over the years and the challenges it still faces. We’ll also learn why the council is launching an educational campaign that paints the cattle industry as a positive resource in the fight against drought, wildfires and extreme climate change. Interim Schedule Update for August: The Insight team is taking a moment this month to catch their breath. Join host Vicki Gonzalez for live shows each Monday through Thursday from 9-9:30am, or listen anytime here on our website or the Insight podcast feed. Here & Now starts half an hour earlier at 9:30am.
Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified the California Cattle Council. This has since been corrected.
The city of Sacramento passed a plan for new sanctioned homeless campgrounds. A Tahoe bear and her cubs have been captured for rehabilitation after being linked to many home break-ins.
Sacramento homeless campground plan
After a slow rollout of Sacramento’s voter-approved Measure O, city council members narrowly passed a plan that would give the city manager sole authority on where to open shelters for sanctioned homeless campgrounds. CapRadio’s Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols explains what the city manager’s plan involves, along with several other steps the city council took to alleviate the city’s deepening homelessness crisis.
Tahoe bear and cubs
Jordan Traverso, Deputy Director of Communications, Education and Outreach for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, discusses the recent capture and rehabilitation of a female bear known as 64F and her cubs responsible for at least 21 DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area since 2022. We’re also joined by Toogee Sielsch, an expert on South Lake Tahoe's urbanized black bear population, about what residents and locals should know about the growing black bear density across the Tahoe Basin. Interim Schedule Update for August: The Insight team is taking a moment this month to catch their breath. Join host Vicki Gonzalez for live shows each Monday through Thursday from 9-9:30am, or listen anytime here on our website or the Insight podcast feed. Here & Now starts half an hour earlier at 9:30am.
Updated Aug. 3, 2023
Placer County’s District Attorney becomes the first in California to secure a murder conviction against a Fentanyl dealer. Sacramento native Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” box office smash. Luna’s Cafe closes after 40 years of spotlighting local artists.
First murder conviction for fentanyl dealer
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire joins us in securing what is believed to be the first murder conviction against a fentanyl dealer in the state. We’ll also discuss how other prosecutors in Northern California have followed his lead, and how this is all unfolding as lawmakers continue to debate how to best address the fentanyl crisis across California.
Greta Gerwig's Barbie
The Barbie movie is smashing box office records in the United States and around the world and the director is none other than Sacramento’s very own Greta Gerwig. Filmmaker, movie critic and TV host, Mark S. Allen joined Insight to talk about Gerwig’s rise to fame, how she got involved with the Barbie movie and her love for her hometown of Sacramento.
Remembering Luna's Cafe
Luna’s Cafe has long cemented itself as an artistic center of Sacramento where live performances and art have graced the walls and stage since 1983. After 40 years, Luna’s Cafe owner Art Luna made the bittersweet decision to close its doors. We’ll take a look back and celebrate the end of a beloved chapter in Sacramento arts with a piece produced by CapRadio’s Paul Conley.
How effective is California’s state-funded travel ban to anti-LGBTQ states? California’s Armenian diaspora watches a humanitarian crisis in their homeland. “Harvest Day” for all gardeners is this weekend in Sacramento.
Travel ban to anti-LGBTQ+ states
In 2016, California drew a line in the sand, in the spirit of allyship, banning state-funded travel to states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. And in the time since, what began with a handful of states has now grown to nearly half of the states in the country. That is having some California Democrats reevaluate the effectiveness of the travel ban– and one in particular wanting to reverse course all together. State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins authored a bill to repeal the state-funded travel ban. The Democrat, who is the first lesbian to lead the California Senate and Assembly, joined Insight earlier this year to argue the better solution is to increase outreach to states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, with the goal of building bridges, raising awareness, and breaking down discrimination. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon gives us a better idea of how California’s state-funded travel ban has affected both Californians, and the states targeted.
Armenian diaspora watches Azerbaijan blockade
California is home to the largest population of Armenians living outside of their homeland. Today, their attention is on a deteriorating humanitarian crisis that has been developing for months as neighboring Azerbaijan has blockaded 120,000 Armenians from the rest of world, depriving them of essential needs, like food, medicine and energy. Today on Insight, Eric Hacopian, a California-based political consultant, analyst and commentator, joins us for an update on the growing concern over the blockade, the lack of action by world leaders, including the United States, and the role the media play in international conflicts along with the challenges of remaining independent.
How you can help raise awareness.
Harvest Day
From saving water, to creating a worm bin, and attracting pollinators, there is a lot that goes into creating a healthy garden. If you have a proud green thumb, Sacramento is hosting an all day extravaganza this weekend. Jane de Leon and Peter Horton are Master Gardeners for Sacramento County and joined Insight to discuss Harvest Day taking place on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center.
Caldor Fire survivors file claims against the Forest Service. Study finds public companies bury wildfire risk in federal filings. How The Creation District provides a safe space for housing insecure youth to express themselves through music and art.
Caldor Fire survivors
Two years ago, the Caldor Fire ripped through and nearly destroyed the town of Grizzly Flats. Now, some survivors are considering legal action against the U.S. Forest Service, claiming it long knew the wildfire risk to the Sierra community– yet failed to fully protect residents. Investigative Reporter Scott Rodd explains what a lawsuit could accomplish. Last year, an investigation from CapRadio and The California Newsroom found the Forest Service identified the wildfire risk in Grizzly Flats decades ago. The agency eventually developed a large forest management project to clear flammable brush and vegetation on federal land bordering the community. But the Forest Service completed only 14% of the planned work leading up to the Caldor Fire.
Companies burying wildfire risk
Wildfires are a way of life here in California. We have unfortunately seen the destruction of entire communities, homes, property and businesses. But a recent study by UC Davis shows that when it comes to disclosing the risk of wildfire on public companies, very little is known. And for good reason - the vast majority of public companies don’t report their wildfire exposure risk, even though they are required to. Professor Paul Griffin with the “UC Davis Graduate School of Management” is lead author of the report and explains why the underreporting is important when it comes to transparency and accountability and the potentially severe impact to our economy.
The Creation District
Music is transformative and has the power to overcome many of life’s challenges. But for kids and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, finding opportunities to realize this potential can be few or virtually non-existent. But one organization in Sacramento has been providing a safe haven for them since 2015, cultivating an atmosphere where they can create, discover, and dream big. The Creation District offers a wide array of workshops and programs for Sacramento’s youth to help them build a brighter future for themselves and the community. Grace Loescher, Director of The Creation District, joined Insight to tell us more about this incubator for creation.
Jury to decide whether the Davis stabbing suspect is mentally fit to stand trial. Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center expands. Museum of Science and Curiosity celebrates Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Davis stabbing competency trial
The competency trial of the suspect accused of two murders and injuring a third person in Davis earlier this year is on break this week. When proceedings resume, the prosecution will lay out its case as to why it believed 21-year-old Carlos Reales Dominguez is mentally fit to stand trial for those crimes. CapRadio reporter Kate Wolffe has been following the case closely and joins Insight for more on the legal maneuvering from both sides, including why a jury is deciding his competency instead of a judge, and if that favors one side over the other.
Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center
The Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center serves people through violence and trauma, with the goal of getting each to a place of safety and hope with comfort and support. From human trafficking, to elder abuse, sexual assault and child abuse Faith Whitmore, CEO of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center, and former Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully, join Insight about how the non-profit is expanding its reach to meet the needs of today.
Pink Floyd Planetarium show
In 1973, Pink Floyd released “The Dark Side of the Moon” which today is considered one of the most influential and critically acclaimed rock albums of all time, and by some estimates, one of the best-selling albums ever. With psychedelic instrumentals, hypnotic vocals, and quirky sound effects, the album explores both existential and real-world themes with classic songs such as “Us and Them,” “Eclipse,” “Brain Damage,” “Money” and “Time.” Now you can experience the album as never before with an immersive planetarium show combining this iconic music with stunning visuals that will take you on a journey through the solar system and beyond. Jeff Rodgers, Planetarium Manager for the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity in Sacramento, joined Insight to tell us more about this immersive experience which made its West Coast debut at the museum.
Sacramento Police is hosting community forums about its plans to purchase military equipment. A conversation with Pulitzer-Prize winning editorial cartoonist Jack Ohman. Upcoming live music with Insight’s “Concert Connect.”
Militarized police equipment
Law enforcement agencies purchasing and using militarized equipment has been a source of concern and condemnation by many who believe it sends the wrong message. Law enforcement agencies, however, argue they are needed to protect people and property in seriously dangerous situations. Joining us on Insight today is Graciela Castillo-Krings, Chair of the Sacramento Police Review Commission, to discuss the importance of two upcoming community forums on the Sacramento Police Department’s desire to purchase and use this kind of equipment and how the feedback by citizens will be used to influence future decisions on funding.
Cartoonist Jack Ohman
In June of 1968, a funeral was held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C for Senator Robert Kennedy, just three days after he was assassinated in California. Among the mourners at Kennedy’s funeral was a young boy from Minnesota, and that moment still moves him today. The boy is Jack Ohman who by 19 would become a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist and, decades later, earn a Pulitzer-Prize for the Sacramento Bee. For almost a decade, Jack’s cartoons at the SacBee evoked a wide range of thoughts and emotions from readers about the politicians or events shaping our lives. But earlier this month, the Sacramento Bee’s parent company “McClatchy” abruptly let go of Jack, along with other Pulitzer-Prize-winning editorial cartoonists. According to the Associated Press, “McClatchy, which owns 30 U.S. newspapers, said it would no longer publish editorial cartoons.” Insight sat down with Jack Ohman as he closed a chapter with the SacBee and opened up about his remarkable career, and point of view, that spans more than 40 years.
Insight's Concert Connect
CapRadio Host Andrew Garcia joins us for another Concert Connect highlighting the best upcoming live music performances in Northern California. His picks this week include Chicano Batman who will be playing at the “Big Room” at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico on Wednesday, August 2nd, Pregnant who performing at Café Colonial in Sacramento on Thursday August 3rd, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue performing at Hard Rock Live Sacramento in Wheatland on Thursday, August 3rd, and Regina Spektor who will be playing at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga.
Tioga Pass reopens to drivers wanting to access from the east to Yosemite National Park. A California firefighter’s advice to other countries battling wildfires. Endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs released into Plumas National Forest.
Tioga Pass reopens
There is finally another way to get to Yosemite National Park. After months of grueling labor, Tioga Road has finally reopened to motorists. At an elevation of just under 10,000 feet, it is California’s highest mountain pass and connects the Eastern Sierra to Yosemite via Highway 395. It is a seasonal road and a crucial lifeline to the communities in the Eastern Sierra that rely on summer tourism to Yosemite. Given the elevation and terrain, the opening of Tioga Road varies from year-to-year depending on the snowpack. Typically, the pass closes in November and opens back up by June, making this year’s opening the latest recorded in at least 90 years. Yosemite is warning drivers that although the road is open, to expect delays, some damage, and one-lane sections. The park also advises to bring all food, water, and a full tank of gas because none will be available. Those extra weeks of pass closures have impacted gateway communities to the east of Yosemite. To get a snapshot of what Tioga Pass means to the Eastern Sierra, Insight invited Margie Beaver with the Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce onto the program. The community is located in Mono County at the entrance to Tioga Road.
Advice to other countries fighting wildfires
We’ve been lucky so far. Despite the recent heat waves up and down California, no major wildfires. But we are all smart enough to know that our luck here in California tends to run out when it comes to wildfires. We have seen it and experienced it all too often, and sadly, Canada is suffering this year. Right now, smoke from hundreds of fires burning in Canada continues to pour into the U.S. as far south as Alabama. It’s been going on for more than a month and it’s not the only extreme wildfire behavior blanketing a region. Greece and other parts of Europe are experiencing wildfires as well. Clare Frank spent 30 years as a firefighter and became CalFire’s Chief of Fire Protection. She’s also the first and only woman to reach that rank. Frank recently published opinion pieces for CNN and the New York Times about what other countries around the world could learn from the United States, including California’s mistakes when it comes to fire. She is also the author of the book “Burnt: A Memoir of Fighting Fire.”
Endangered yellow-legged frogs reintroduced to Plumas National Forest
For those who love to hike in the Northern and Central Sierra, there is a chance you may be lucky enough to spot a rare creature that was once common in the high country. The Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog called streams, ponds, and lakes home, adapting to survive in the toughest conditions while playing an essential role in its ecosystem. But since the 1970s, their populations began to decline dramatically due to several factors, and the frogs were eventually listed as an endangered species in 2014. In an effort to help boost their numbers, biologists captured more than 160 tiny tadpoles in the waters of the Plumas National Forest and dropped them off at the San Francisco Zoo where they were raised and prepared for life in the wild. Those tadpoles are now frogs, making their journey home where they were released back into the Plumas National Forest this summer. Ian Vogel, a Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist with “U.S. Fish and Wildlife” was there for the homecoming and joins us to tell us more about the critical role these frogs play in the waterways of the Sierra Nevada.
The latest effort by legislative staff to unionize. The approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill. UC Davis’ Mind Institute’s summer seminar on developmental disorders.
State legislative staffers unionization effort
They’re the often unseen workforce that makes the wheels of California’s politics turn, an army of busy bees working long hours shepherding lawmakers and their bills under the State Capitol. They’re legislative staffers, a workforce of nearly 2,000 full-time employees who serve the people of California. But it’s a job that some staffers say takes a toll, some claiming they work long hours without overtime pay. Others have said they’ve experienced hostile work environments. Legally, these state workers are not allowed to unionize. For that to change lawmakers need to pass a bill signed into law by the governor. It’s been attempted multiple times over the years, but efforts granting legislative staffers the right to unionize have fallen short. But there is a new attempt making its way through the State Capitol and this time the bill has bipartisan support. Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio’s first Capitol Fellow, spoke with current and former legislative staff members about another effort underway to unionize and shared why they believe this time could be different.
Over-the-counter birth control
Every year in the U.S. there are roughly six million pregnancies. And almost half are unintended. That is according to the FDA, which this month just approved the first birth control pill for over-the-counter use. The tablet is called Opill and has been available by prescription for 50 years. And soon this daily oral contraceptive will be available without a prescription at drug stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, as well as online. But there are still some unknowns, especially when it comes to cost. Dr. Daniel Grossman, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at UCSF and Director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), discusses the significance of the FDA’s approval of an over-the-counter birth control pill called Opill, how it differs from other birth control pills, and the pathway this potentially opens up for other over-the-counter medications.
Seminar on neurodevelopmental disorders
For almost 20 years, UC Davis’ MIND Institute has hosted an educational seminar to share the latest news, information, research and support on issues of autism, ADHD and fragile X syndrome. Amber Fitzgerald, UC Davis MIND Institute’s Program Manager and Summer Institute co-coordinator joins us on Insight to share details of this weekend’s event and why the MIND Institute is focusing on inclusion as it relates to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Sacramento’s Night Time Economy Manager. California State University Chancellor-Select Mildred Garcia. A Butte County home sharing program matches aging homeowners with those in need of affordable housing.
Sacramento's nightlife manager
Months after a deadly mass shooting in Sacramento’s downtown corridor, the city created a position to have someone oversee and improve the nighttime economy. That includes everything from safety, to permitting, to music and inclusiveness. Tina Lee-Vogt has been in that position for nine months and CapRadio Sacramento Government reporter Kristin Lam has an update on what Lee-Vogt has prioritized and wants to accomplish in her new role.
CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia
The California State University system encompasses nearly two dozen campuses, making it the largest and most diverse four-year college institution in the country. And soon there will be a new change in leadership. This fall, Mildred Garcia will become the 11th CSU Chancellor and the first Latina appointed to the post. But Chancellor-select Garcia is facing a range of challenges once she takes office. From inheriting a budget deficit, to documented mishandling of sexual harassment complaints, a threat of a labor strike, and the possibility of tuition increases. Insight spoke with Chancellor-Select Mildred Garcia about how she is prepared to weather these Cal State challenges and shape a stronger foundation across its 23 campuses.
Butte County home sharing program
A Butte County non-profit came up with a novel approach to create affordable housing. Pairing aging adults with a roommate that is housing insecure. Home and Heart Executive Director Cathryn Carkhuff explains how this home-sharing model is working to tackle aging safely at home and affordable housing– under one roof.
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history along the Klamath River and its impact on the Shasta Indian Nation. A classical music and wine pairing for the summer season.
Klamath Dam removal project and the Shasta Indian Nation
The Klamath River runs more than 250 miles from Southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean in Northern California, and is currently undergoing the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. Mark Bransom, Chief Executive Officer of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), explains why his organization is leading this river restoration project, decades in the making. KRRC’s governance is composed of 15 members who are appointed by the governors of Oregon and California, in addition to appointees from the Yurok and Karuk tribes, conservation groups, as well as fisheries. The Klamath River dam removal project was largely driven by tribes who long called this land home before modern water infrastructure. Sami Jo Difuntorum, the Culture Preservation Officer with Shasta Indian Nation, shares how her tribe has endured and suffered on this land through the decades. She also explains the significance and mixed feelings of this monumental river restoration, which carries the risk of disturbing ancestral human remains.
Summer music and wine pairing
Hot summer nights call for the smooth sounds of classical music and a cool, crisp glass of your favorite wine. But with the temperatures soaring across the region, you might wonder what to serve at your next get-together. Wine expert Rick Kushman joins us along with CapRadio Midday Classical Host, Jennifer Reason to pair the perfect music and wine for these scorching summer months. Rick will also have some tips on the best wineries to visit to avoid the summer crowds.
Caltrans updates the status of the “Fix50” highway project through downtown Sacramento. A conversation with Sacramento State’s new president. What to know about the California State Fair.
Status of ‘Fix50’ highway construction
The project to fix Highway 50 in Sacramento has been going on for two and a half years. Traffic delays, lane changes and round-the-clock construction have wreaked havoc on the morning and evening commutes. CalTrans Public Information Officer, Dennis Keaton, joins us with an update on the project and what drivers can expect over the next few months as schools return and summer starts to wind down.
New Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood
A new era at Sacramento State has begun this week. Dr. J. Luke Wood is now the ninth president in campus history. For President Wood, the new role is a homecoming for the alumnus whose time as a student here laid the foundation for his career in education. President Wood stopped by the CapRadio studios in June to share how his experience as a first-generation college student, navigating both the foster care system and housing insecurity, will shape his vision for current and future Hornets.
What to know about the California State Fair
An annual tradition celebrating the bounty of California is in full swing this month. The California State Fair has called Cal Expo home for more than 50 years, with a mission of reflecting the diversity of the state. Darla Givens, a spokesperson for the California State Fair & Food Festival, discusses the state fair which runs through July 30.
The science behind heat waves across the country and world. Database tracks heatstroke deaths in vehicles. Why a child trafficking bill drew controversy at the state Capitol. The Bear Valley Music Festival starts this weekend.
The science behind heatwaves
Claudia Tebaldi is an earth scientist at the Joint Global Change Research Institute, a partnership between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Maryland, and has been studying increasingly frequent and longer lasting heat waves for more than two decades. Claudia joins Insight to explain heat waves currently happening across the United States and world, as well as how this is part of a debilitating trend for the 21st century. Also, as Northern California endures record-rivaling temperatures, Jan Null, a lecturer in the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State shares his database tracking heatstroke deaths of children in hot vehicles, explaining how quickly a car heats up, as well as the legal ramifications of whether or not you can break into a hot car if you see a child or pet in distress.
Child trafficking bill controversy
A bill that aims to increase the punishment for someone convicted of trafficking a minor in California was the source of controversy, backlash and then ultimately some rare bipartisanship last week at the State Capitol. CapRadio Politics Reporter, Nicole Nixon, joins us to breakdown the path of Senate Bill 14 and why some Democrats opposed the stiffer penalties, why it prompted Governor Newsom to get involved, and where it heads next. We will also get a deeper understanding of how prevalent child trafficking in California is with Ashlie Bryant, Co-Founder and CEO of 3Strands Global Foundation, a leading child advocacy organization, and we’ll unpack some of the myths surrounding child trafficking.
Bear Valley Music Festival
Priscilla Call Essert, Executive Director of the Bear Valley Music Festival, joins us to provide a preview of the festival, which is celebrating 55 years and is considered to be the oldest cultural event in Alpine County. The festival kicks off this Friday and runs through Sunday, August 6th.
Investigation into rehabilitation program for those paroled from prison. A look inside state prisons to see how tablets are transforming sentences. A new book chronicles how Czechoslovakia used hockey to fight back against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Investigation into California's rehabilitation program
California spends $100 million dollars a year on a rehabilitation program for parolees. But an investigation by our content-sharing partners at CalMatters has revealed the state does not have a way of tracking how successful the program is. Investigative reporter Byrhonda Lyons joins us to share the details of her year-long examination of the program the state pays for to help parolees stay clean, get jobs and ultimately not re-offend. Clarification: We’ve updated the description of this episode to clarify that the CalMatters investigation tracked a single program.
How tablets are shaping prison
Tablets have been rolling out across California prisons for the past two years, and are scheduled to complete the state’s 33 correctional facilities by this summer. The tablets are part of a statewide shift to focus on rehabilitation for those incarcerated. CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe spoke with journalists incarcerated at San Quentin, Solano and Corcoran state prisons to see how tablets are transforming sentences, including growing pains and questions about the companies that stand to profit from this additional telecommunications service. Wanda Bertram, a Communications Strategist at the Prison Policy Initiative, also joins Insight about the research the non-profit has been conducting about tablets at correctional facilities across the country.
Hockey vs. the Cold War
Throughout history are examples of how sports reflect a political era. From the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. to the women’s movement on the tennis court, and Rugby following apartheid in South Africa. And the examples continue up to the present day. And the world stage, (like the Olympics) has become telling history lessons. A UC Davis political science professor understands this dynamic very well. And his new book takes us back to the Cold War era through the extraordinary success of a hard-scrabble hockey team whose unlikely victory over the Soviet Union inspired their nation to fight back after the global superpower invaded their country. The author is Ethan Scheiner and he joined Insight to tell us about the book titled “Freedom to Win: A Cold War Story Of The Courageous Hockey Team That Fought The Soviets For The Soul Of Its People-And Olympic Gold.”
Sacramento Observer awarded best Black newspaper in the country. California’s first in the nation Reparations Task Force has completed their final recommendations. Upcoming live music with Insight’s “Concert Connect.”
Sac Observer's national award
The Sacramento Observer is the best Black Newspaper in America. That paper, along with its Publisher and President Larry Lee, just walked away with more than a dozen top honors for their journalism, community service and digital impact. Larry joins us on Insight today to discuss Black journalism’s importance in the crowded media landscape, and why The Observer stands out from the rest after being in operation since 1962 when his father, the late William Lee, started the paper.
Reparations task force
California’s Reparations Task Force is a first-in-the-nation initiative by a state to understand and undue the scope of harm and injustices against Black residents. After two years of research and passionate public hearings, the task force compiled an extensive report, as well as a long list of recommendations to correct the generations of outright and systemic racism in our state. KQED Reporter Annelise Finney shares her reporting on the final proposal by California’s Reparations Task Force and the potential challenges it faces now that it's in the hands of the state legislature. Don Tamaki is a member of the California Reparations Task Force and joins Insight to discuss the parallels and connections between the Japanese American redress and reparations for African Americans.
Insight's Concert Connect
CapRadio Hosts Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia rejoin Insight for another edition of “Concert Connect,” highlighting their top picks for upcoming live music shows in Northern California. Today features Pool Kids performing July 14th at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, Cuffed Up performing July 17th The Starlet Room in Sacramento, Tune Yards with Os Mutantes performing August 23rd at the Grass Valley Center for the Arts, and The Mountain Goats who will be playing October 7th at Ace of Spades in Sacramento.
How pandemic disruptions reversed progress at K-12 schools in California. Researchers at UC Davis are studying the placenta to understand autism. First woman to draw Wonder Woman for DC Comics.
Reversed K-12 achievement
We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted learning in so many ways, but recently released statistics prove just how devastating it was for English and math proficiency for California students. In fact, the pandemic wiped-out six straight years of improvement. Iwunze Ugo is a Research Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California and joined Insight to discuss the latest data, which group of students suffered learning loss the most and what needs to be done to make-up for it.
Studying the placenta
Autism in American children has been steadily touching more lives. According to the CDC, the rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder have been on the rise for more than two decades, impacting one in 44 children. Experts say the rise is largely due to better screening and awareness, But the increase is prompting scientists to find clues about what causes this disorder which impacts millions of Americans. One of the challenges facing doctors and scientists is diagnosing it in childhood. While Autism can be detected in children as young as 18 months, many children do not receive a confirmed diagnosis until they’re adolescents or in some cases adults. But a researcher at UC Davis is turning to a temporary organ during pregnancy which is often discarded as medical waste in hospitals: the placenta. Dr. Janine LaSalle is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at UC Davis Health and joined us ahead of her talk at the “Davis Science Cafe” at the G Street WunderBar about how the placenta could help us better understand neurodevelopment and causes of autism Dr. LaSalla was also joined by one of her graduate students Julia Mouat.
Wonder Woman's first female cartoonist
Cartoonist Trina Robbins is a pioneer in comic books, the first woman to ever draw Wonder Woman for DC Comics. She designed costumes for Jim Morrison, wrote for feminist magazines. Robbins also created and edited the first all-female comics book, and crafted the first comic with an out lesbian as the protagonist and currently works as a comic “HERstorian.” Robbins joined Insight ahead of her visit to Sacramento this month.
Keep Tahoe Blue removes a record amount of trash surrounding Lake Tahoe over July 4th. How the Supreme Court affirmative action ruling impacts California. An Elk Grove music prodigy is selected for the prestigious GRAMMY Camp.
Record trash levels at Lake Tahoe
July 4th is one of the busiest holidays– if not the busiest– across Lake Tahoe. For the past 10 years the non-profit known as Keep Tahoe Blue has spent the morning after cleaning up what’s left behind. This year came with a sad milestone. In the span of just three hours volunteers removed more than 8,500 pounds of trash surrounding Tahoe, which the non-profit says is an all-time high. Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins is the Chief Executive Officer of the League to Save Lake Tahoe– also known as Keep Tahoe Blue. She along with volunteer Naomi Morgan joined Insight to discuss the record clean up, how litter has changed in the past decades, as well as which areas have improved significantly since the first July 5th beach cleanup in 2014.
Affirmative action
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court effectively ended affirmative action nationwide. While proponents believe this ruling is a step in the right direction, others warn it will continue to fuel inequality in higher education. By declaring race can no longer be a factor in the admissions process, the ruling forces colleges and universities to find other ways to cultivate a diverse student body. Something that California public universities have been attempting for decades. In 1996, California voters approved Prop 209, which banned race-based admissions at public universities. The University of California actually filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting affirmative action, saying that despite more than 25-years of finding alternatives, campuses still struggle to enroll a diverse student body. But there are success stories– and we don’t have to travel far. Dr. Mark Henderson, Internist and Associate Dean of Admissions at UC Davis School of Medicine, explains how UC Davis became one of the most diverse medical schools in the nation without affirmative action. Insight is also joined by Lance Izumi, Senior Director of Education Studies at the Pacific Research Institute, about why he supports the Supreme Court’s decision ending affirmative action, and why he believes the problem is a systemic failure of our country’s public school system.
Elk Grove music prodigy
Learning an instrument is a big accomplishment. But an Elk Grove teen has taken that skill and passion to a new level. Neil Nayyar is a musical prodigy who can play more than 100 instruments– and counting. Many are rare instruments from all over the world. This extraordinary talent has landed him on Good Morning America and the Jennifer Hudson show. Neil joins Insight ahead of attending the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Camp, a music industry program for high school students interested in careers in music.
Updated Jul. 11
A breakdown of California’s state budget and the latest State Capitol headlines. How Texas shrank its homelessness population and what it can teach California. Sac State hosts the Homeless World Cup.
California state budget
While some of us were enjoying time off for July 4th, this month comes with a fresh financial picture for California– to the tune of a state budget totaling $310 billion. But a feat that involves state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature came with negotiations up to the finish line, given that California is facing a $32 billion shortfall. In addition to hashing out the state’s financial priorities, there is also a key transition of power that took place within the California Assembly– a new speaker for the first time since 2016. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us to provide more details into California’s $310-billion budget and brings us up to speed on other notable updates from the Capitol, including an infrastructure package Gov. Newsom is expected to sign today.
Texas shrank homeless population
California has invested billions of dollars in response to homelessness in recent years. Yet the number of unhoused people has ballooned to record numbers– despite new or expanded resources and programs. And it touches every corner of the state, fueling compassion and concern, but also despair and frustration. It can feel impossible to solve, or even reduce. But that’s not the case in Texas. The state is gaining notice from California elected officials about its progress over the past decade in reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness, while investing a fraction of the money. CalMatters Reporter Marisa Kendall traveled to Texas to learn how the state differs in its response to homelessness and what it can teach California. Texas recorded a 28% drop in homelessness since 2012, while California’s homeless population grew by 43%. Marisa explains what’s behind the diverging trends, and what California can learn from programs in Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
Homeless World Cup
Soccer is known as the world’s most popular sport, with fans and players that touch pretty much every country. This weekend Sacramento State welcomed more than two dozen countries to compete in a soccer tournament with a cause. The players have all experienced homelessness within the past year from countries spanning Australia, Italy, South Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan and Brazil. The Homeless World Cup started 20 years ago as a competition with a purpose. Players get inspiration and support to change their own lives, while changing perceptions and attitudes towards the global issue of homelessness. And this year is the first time the U.S. was selected as a host country. Sacramento is joining previous Homeless World Cup hosts like Paris, Mexico City and Austria. Head of communications for the Homeless World Cup Matthew Williams discusses the Homeless World Cup at Sac State which takes place July 8 to July 15.
“Best of Insight”: A UC Merced Study reveals how families and caregivers resorted to unsafe feeding practices following infant formula shortages in 2022. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who is the first Hmong to lead a major U.S. city.
Infant formula shortage study
The pandemic squeezed supply chains around the world, but one of the most serious shortages raising the anxiety levels of millions of American families was the shortage of infant formula. Strains were made worse last year by the recall of one major formula brand and the closure of a critical production facility in the Midwest for months. As a result, the formula shelf was empty in about 70 percent of stores across the country in May 2022, with 10 states, including California, where the “out of stock” rate in stores reached 90%. This left families and caregivers in an anxious search for formula. One of those mothers was Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook, a mother of two and a professor at UC Merced, who studies the psychology of breastfeeding. Her experience motivated her to conduct a nationwide study on the impact of the formula shortage on families and Holbrook joined Insight to tell us about the difficult decisions families had to make in trying to feed their infants during this crisis.
Mayor Sheng Thao
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is the first Hmong to lead a major U.S. city. The 38-year-old was born and raised in Stockton, overcoming poverty, domestic violence and homelessness to become the 51st mayor of one of the largest cities in California. Mayor Thao joins Insight to share how her personal journey shaped her approach to leadership.
Financial literacy in Califoria
Shawn Varshney is an Oak Ridge High School student from El Dorado Hills, and the cofounder of “Financial Literacy for You” a peer-to-peer nonprofit organization working to address the need for financial literacy. He joined Insight to share how he's helping his peers understand the world of loans, credit cards, and overdraft fees instead of learning the hard way as adults.
“Best Of” edition of Insight. The owner of Taylor’s Market discusses his wife’s passing from mental illness and alcohol addiction. A survivor of the deadly Montecito Mudslide writes a memoir on grieving.
Taylor's Market
Since 1962, Taylor’s Market in Sacramento has prided itself on being more than a grocery store. Over the decades, the market has evolved to offer a wide range of specialty foods, classes, and events to connect with people in Sacramento, and around the world, through food and drinks. Danny Johnson was hired as a butcher nearly 40 years ago. And over the years since Danny, his wife Kathy, and eventually their two daughters made Taylor’s Market a bigger part of their family. Danny and Kathy became owners in 2007 and remained steadfast in creating a unique food experience. But in February, the market announced the passing of Kathy Johnson. On its Facebook page, they shared that Kathy passed away at the age of 58 from “mental health and alcohol addiction.” Kathy’s family decided to make her struggle public to help others, and bring to light a disease they say is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Insight spoke with Danny, Kathy’s husband as well as the CEO and Head Butcher of Taylor’s Market, who shared what made Kathy’s life so remarkable, her impact in the community, and how he hopes her story inspires others to seek and get the treatment they need. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or struggling with addiction, call the National Alliance on Mental Health Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or text “Help Line” to 6264.
You can also call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Montecito mudslide memoir
In the early morning hours of January 8, 2018 mudslides in the town of Montecito in Santa Barbara County killed 23 people. The mudslides were due to an atmospheric river in the burn scar of the Thomas Fire, which happened one month prior, and at the time was the largest wildfire in state history. Kim Cantin and her daughter Lauren were gravely injured, but were rescued from the debris and survived. However her husband Dave, son Jack and family dog Chester perished. Her husband’s remains were found more than a mile from their home, and it would take more than three years to find some of her son’s remains. Kim has written a memoir to help others find healing through tremendous grief and loss. She joins Insight to discuss her debut book, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom: A True Story of Hope Through Unimaginable Loss.”
Yosemite National Park traffic in its first Summer without the reservation system. The science and history of Lake Tahoe’s clear, blue waters. CapRadio launches the “SacramenKnow” email newsletter.
Yosemite summer traffic
For many of us, we’re blessed to live within driving distance of Yosemite National Park, one of the oldest and most revered parks in America. But if you’ve made a day trip to the park on the weekend this summer, you’ve likely had to wait in bumper-to-bumper traffic to get in only to find no parking by mid-morning once you’ve finally passed through the entry gates. Congestion has been a long-standing issue at Yosemite, but the gridlock and lack of parking is testing the patience of many visitors already prepared for crowds and long lines. Some are calling upon the park to reinstate the reservation system enacted the previous three summers during the pandemic. Yosemite Park Ranger and Spokesperson Scott Gediman joined Insight to talk about these challenges and what people should know before they make the drive to the park this summer.
Tahoe Lake clarity
Lake Tahoe is the most clear it has been in years. But what lies below, as well as on the surface, still poses a threat to it’s crystal blue hue. As we head into the holiday weekend with Tahoe a top destination for the 4th of July, we take a look back at one of episodes from CapRadio’s award-winning podcast, TahoeLand, as reported by former Environment reporter Ezra Romero. We’ll learn about the decades-long battle to keep Tahoe blue and what was introduced into the lake in the mid-1900’s that has impacted the lake’s clarity for years.
SacramenKnow
Sacramento may feel small compared to our larger cities. But there is a lot going on in our backyard. From news of the day, to fun events, as well as even exploring local history, it can be a lift to sort through what makes Sacramento so special– and, really, to feel connected and informed. CapRadio found a fun, fresh new way to deliver all of that to an inbox within your fingertips. CapRadio Digital Editor Claire Morgan and Northern California Reporter Janelle Salanga discuss launching the new SacramenKnow newsletter. Emailed every Tuesday and Thursday, Claire and Janelle embark on a journey to deliver local headlines, explore the region, discover events in the community, share Sacramento history and local legends, as well as share moments of joy along the way.
SCUSD renames three schools named after racist historical figures. The state of California’s coast and the challenges it faces from human development and climate change. Bike repair program begins for Meadowview middle school students.
SCUSD renames schools
School is out for Sacramento City Unified, but when students of three campuses return for the upcoming school year, those schools will have new names. The Sac City Unified School Board voted to rename Sutter Middle School, Kit Carson International Academy and Peter Burnett Elementary due to names that the district says “glorify racist historical figures.” John Sutter, considered a founder of California, Peter Burnett, our state’s first governor, and frontier scout Kit Carson all made their mark in California history. But they also played an oversized role in racism as well as the murder and enslavement of indigenous people– even genocide. The new identities of the schools will reflect Sacramento’s indigenous and African American history. Sutter Middle School will become “Miwok Middle School,” honoring the Miwok people who originally inhabited Sacramento and are still here today. Peter Burnett is now “Suy:u Elementary” a Miwok name for “hawk.” And Kit Carson is now “Umoja International Academy,” honoring the first principle of Kwanzaa. Mark Harris is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Monitor for Sacramento City Unified, and joined Insight to explain the district's decision and the significance of the new names.
The health of California's coast
A Sacramento ocean scientist has checked off some pretty incredible dives while researching California’s coast, reaching depths that provide an invaluable perspective of the health of the Pacific Ocean along the Golden State– a coastline where more than 26 million Californians call home. Dr. Amber Mace is using her education and experience to shape science-based policy as CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology. Dr. Mace joins Insight with a deeper look at our coastline, which is at risk of disappearing or looking dramatically different by the end of this century due to rising sea levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This is just one of many challenges facing the state’s coast, with ramifications that could impact those who live far beyond its shores. Dr. Mace will share some solutions to overcome the challenges California faces from human development and climate change.
Meadowview youth bike repair program
When we think of Sacramento as a “biking friendly” community , that typically is reserved for the city center and bordering neighborhoods. Access to a safe, welcoming cycling environment is difficult to find outside that area. It’s something the city has been working to change in recent years, as part of a broader climate action plan. But there are community partners stepping up to bridge that gap. Debra Banks, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), and Ron Brasel, Sacramento Active Transportation Commissioner and SABA Board of Directors, discuss the Ride Ready Repair Meadowview program at John Still Middle School, a six-week summer session beginning June 29 which allows students to repair bikes, and in turn, nurture and empower a bicycle culture for future generations.
What’s changed one year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Wilton Rancheria Tribe discusses the Indian Child Welfare Act. Community Paint Day on the 21st Ave underpass of Highway 99.
One year after overturning Roe v. Wade
A year has passed since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, thus allowing states to come up with their own laws to expand or restrict accessibility to reproductive care. As it stands today, 25 million women live in states that have banned or severely restricted access to abortions, while in California, voters decided to codify the right to seek an abortion in the state’s constitution. A lot has changed over the past year and continues to evolve rapidly. Joining us on Insight is UC Davis, Martin Luther King Professor of Law, Lisa Ikemoto, an expert in reproductive rights and justice, who breaks down where the laws have changed and where the country is moving in the fight over access to abortions.
Indian Child Welfare Act
The Supreme Court weighed in on a more than 40-year-old federal law intended to protect Native American children from being removed from their tribal communities. The Indian Child Welfare Act was created in 1978 in response to a shameful time in U.S. history, where upwards of 35% of Indian children were removed from their families and placed into non-native homes, which in turn, erased their tribal culture and heritage. But a case out of Texas challenged the constitutionality of this law, which raised a debate between tribal sovereignty, state law, as well as the rights of an adoptive parent versus a child in determining custody. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court decided to reject the constitutional challenges. California is home to the most tribes in the country. Chief Judge Christine Williams of the Wilton Tribal Court, who is also a Yurok tribal member, discusses the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Haaland v. Brackeen which upholds the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Community Paint Day
Sacramento is home to vibrant murals. Have you ever wanted to be part of creating one? Artist Jaya King discusses the 21st Ave Community Paint Day on July 8 to paint a collaborative mural among local artists and the community on the 21st Avenue underpass of Highway 99 in Sacramento. The event is hosted by the Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation (FNDC), in partnership with the Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, and is open to all ages as well as all skill levels.
UCSF conducts the largest study of homelessness in California in decades. Podcast storytelling workshop for people incarcerated inside San Quentin and Solano state prisons. Wildfire forest stewardship workshop for landowners.
Study of California homelessness
It’s the largest representative study of homelessness in California since the mid-1990s and the findings shine a bright light on the leading cause of why so many people are living on the streets. Today on Insight, Dr. Margot Kushel, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative and principal investigator of the CA Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness, joins us with new research on why so many people are forced into the streets in California. We will also learn what the study recommends needs to be done to improve conditions in California to start finding solutions to this growing problem.
Uncuffed
A new show has taken to the public radio airways inside Solano State Prison where those incarcerated are DJs. The radio show is more than a music playlist, but an opportunity for those inside prison to story tell and share how certain songs shaped their lives. The “Uncuffed Playlist” is part of KALW, a public media station in San Francisco, which says this is California's first radio music program hosted by incarcerated people and broadcast to the general public. This is part of a larger audio storytelling program that has been going on inside San Quentin State Prison for more than a decade, expanding to Solano State Prison in 2018. In that time, the “Uncuffed: Voices Behind Prison Walls” podcast has over 200,000 downloads and once released graduates have gone on to careers in media and advocacy. Eli Wirtschafter, the Uncuffed Program Director, Maria Yates, the Lead Teacher of the Uncuffed Broadcast DJ Program in Solano State Prison, and Chanthon Bun, a graduate of the storytelling program at San Quentin State Prison and a former co-host of the Uncuffed podcast. Joined Insight to share more about this unique podcast.
Wildfire prevention workshop
"Helping People Help Themselves." That’s the mission of the UC Cooperative Extension, helping landowners in forest management. Susie Kocher, Forest Advisor with the Central Sierra Cooperative Extension, discusses the upcoming Forest Stewardship Workshop series for Solano and Sacramento counties from July 18 to September 12 to help landowners reduce wildfire risk and develop plans to improve and protect their forest lands in an ecologically and economically sustainable manner.
The role of amateur, or HAM, radio operators during emergencies. Goodbye to Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen. Insight “Concert Connect” sets you up with local live music.
Amateur radio
Amateur, or HAM, radio operators have been around for more than a century. And thousands still exist today, playing an important role during emergencies. We’ll meet a local group continuing a nearly century-old tradition, a radio relay spanning the U.S. and Canada. Jojo Melendres is the Hospital Amateur Radio Team (HART) Net Coordinator, and Jay Ballinger is the Emergency Coordinator for the Sacramento Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES). They discuss ARRL Field Day, the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On June 24-25 more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather to operate from remote locations.
Goodbye President Nelsen
It wasn’t too long ago, 2016, that Sacramento State’s graduation rate ranked at the bottom of Cal State campuses. But today, Sac State has done a 180, with the largest four-year graduation jump across the CSU system. A big piece of that success is University President Robert Nelsen, who will be retiring in July after joining Sac State in 2015. President Nelsen joins Insight with a reflective, and heartfelt, “Hornet” goodbye. Stingers Up!
Concert Connect
Summer is officially here and we are getting you all set up with four bands you need to know about, performing here in Northern California, starting tonight! CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia join Insight for their top picks for “Concert Connect.” This week showcases Hand Habits performing at The Chapel in San Francisco on Thursday, June 22, Cyber Bullies performing at Cafe Colonial in Sacramento on Friday, July 7, The Slaps performing Tuesday, June 27 at the Starlet Room at Harlow's in Sacramento, and Igwe Aka performing Sunday, August 6th at Harlow’s.
Update on Sacramento’s Measure O homelessness enforcement. A bill is responding to caste discrimination in California. “Fire/Land: The Exhibition” is a wildfire arts installation in El Dorado County.
Homelessness enforcement update
It’s been six months since voters passed Measure O and by all accounts, nothing has been done to put a dent in Sacramento's growing homeless crisis. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter, Chris Nichols, examines why the measure, which prohibits camping on public property and includes a potential misdemeanor fine, has not made an impact so far. We’ll dive deeper into the challenges that the City and County face in implementing it and why some, despite its slow start, are hopeful in the goal of Measure O.
Caste discrimination in California
A caste hierarchical system is typically connected to Indian social status. But South Asian immigrants are reporting this status is happening in California. Calmatters reporters Jeanne Kuang and Sameea Kamal explain how caste discrimination has come to California, and why a new bill is bringing its own global conflict to the State Legislature. While many South Asian groups support the measure, some say it could backfire.
"Fire/Land: The Exhibit"
Within the past decade, El Dorado County has been touched by large-scale wildfires– from the 2014 King Fire, 2021 Caldor Fire and 2022 Mosquito Fire. An artist is using these crises as inspiration to help people process trauma and heal. Marya Osucha is the Exhibitions Curator and Special Projects Manager at Arts and Culture El Dorado, and discusses working with Media Artist Ameera Godwin, who is the co-founder of Myrtle Tree Arts. Goodwin is the creative mind behind “Fire/Land: The Exhibition” an installation of digital prints and video, representing the artist’s creative journey into local forest lands in response to wildfire and climate grief, vulnerability, and responsibility. The exhibit is on display at the Switchboard Galley in Placerville through August 6.
The way Sacramento pays for arts education is broken. Here’s what could help. Sacramento-based author and pioneer in gay and lesbian fiction. How to preserve Mayan languages and hieroglyphic script.
Arts education
Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha shares their reporting on Proposition 28 which, passed in 2022, marked a historic investment for arts education in California public schools. That, along with an arts block grant, were to be the solution for three decades of funding strains in arts education. However, Srishti explains why Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget will decrease funding for the arts, as well as how the current limitations of arts education funding in K-12 schools prompt more challenges than solutions.
Sacramento-based LGBTQ pioneer in fiction
According to the American Library Association– the largest and oldest library association in the world– in 2022 there were a record number of demands to censor library books and materials across the country. The vast majority involved topics about the LGBTQ+ community and people of color. In response, the Sacramento Public Library is hosting its latest in-depth speaker series “Enters the Chat” with Sacramento-based author Ann Bannon, a pioneer in gay and lesbian fiction, known for The Beebo Brinker Chronicles which earned her the title "Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction." Bannon, as well as Sacramento Public Library Director and CEO Peter Coyl, join Insight ahead of Bannon’s speaker series on June 22 at 6 p.m. at the Library Galleria.
Preserving Mayan langugage
Anthropologist and epigrapher Dr. Michael J. Grofe, President of Mayas for Ancient Mayan (MAM) and Chair of the Anthropology Department at Sacramento City College joins us to discuss the history of the indigenous Maya people and how he is working to support efforts around the world to preserve the learning, reading and writing of the Classic Maya hieroglyphic script.
History of Juneteenth and a three-day festival in Sacramento. Documentary explores the history of Del Paso Heights. One of the authors behind the new Grammys Best African Music Performance category.
Juneteenth in Sacramento
Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021, but commemorations have taken place for decades, celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Here in Sacramento, 20th anniversary celebrations kick-off this weekend for a three-day festival of music, culture, food and educational opportunities. Joining us to dig into the history of Juneteenth and our local celebrations is Gary Simon, Executive Director of “Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc.”
Del Paso Heights documentary
A new documentary called “Del Paso Heights, Cracking an Epidemic”, airing Thursday on KCRA, explores the history of one of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods and how the introduction of drugs brought on an epidemic of crime that is still impacting the community today. Joining us to share his reporting and a preview of the documentary is KCRA reporter Jason Marks, along with Grant Union High School Principal, Darris Hinson as well as Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester who will discuss how Del Paso Heights is trying to emerge from its troubled past into the vibrant, healthy community like it once was.
Grammys' Best African Music Performance category
Sacramento-based musician Shawn Thwaites discusses being part of the Recording Academy and being an author behind the new Grammy Awards Best African Music Performance category.
A bill would fund inclusivity messaging in states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Closing the economic and racial wealth gap to homeownership. Sac State free adult summer series “Celebrating Diversity: Telling Stories that Haven’t Been Told.”
Inclusivity bill
California State Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D- San Diego) discusses authoring SB 447, legislation called the BRIDGE Project– which stands for “Building and Reinforcing Inclusive, Diverse, Gender-Supportive Equality.” The bill wants to amend a previous law banning taxpayer-funded travel to states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Pro Tem Atkins argues the 2016 law had unintended consequences and further isolated LGBTQ+ members in those states. SB 447 would lift the travel ban and create a donation-driven fund for inclusive messaging and help members of the LGBTQ+ community feel less isolated.
Sacramento homeownership equity
Keisha (Kee) Mathews, Broker & Owner of Mathews & Co Realty Group and radio talk show host of Selling Sacramento, and Adam Briones, CEO of California Community Builders, join us to discuss, the current status of the housing market in the Sacramento region, some context to the regional/state housing crisis, and solutions to closing the economic and racial wealth gaps to homeownership.
Sac State free adult summer series
“Celebrating Diversity: Telling Stories that Haven’t Been Told” is the theme of a free summer adult education program running June 9 - July 28 and presented by the Renaissance Society, a volunteer and peer-led lifelong learning program affiliated with Sacramento State. Organizers, Deborah Seiler and Dora Dugars join Insight to talk about the wide variety of topics and seminars being offered.
Gov. Newsom’s national political strategy. How California’s infrastructure package impacts manufacturing. Debut book from NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour’s Aisha Harris.
Gov. Newsom's political strategy
CalMatters Reporter Ben Christopher discusses Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national political strategy, following a proposal to add a constitutional amendment to the US constitution for gun control policies, as well as his primetime interview with Fox News Host Sean Hannity.
Manufacturing in California
Build now and build faster and that means more jobs in California. That’s Governor Newsom’s theme for his new $180 billion dollar infrastructure plan over the next decade. From roads, to bridges, to clean energy and broadband, it seems like everything is on the table. But why now? And what took so long? Lance Hastings is CEO and President of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and joins us to breakdown the package of investments the Governor is proposing.
Pop Culture Happy Hour
As the host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, Aisha Harris knows how pop culture shapes how we see ourselves, how we view the world, and why that perception can evolve over time. Perhaps a movie or show we loved at one point in our lives doesn’t land well now. But as a child of the 90’s, Aisha is turning inward and putting a mirror up to that pop culture” exploration. She joins Insight to discuss her debut book “Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Shapes Me.”
An investigation into the growing paycheck advance cash app industry. Sacramento transgender documentary “Never Too Late?” Poet Marilyn Nelson visits Sacramento.
Cash app investigation
Aaron Glantz, a California bureau chief and a senior editor at The Fuller Project, discusses his investigation into the growing cash app industry, which offers paycheck advances. He explains the lack of regulation surrounding these tech companies, and why they target women of color– with outcomes that can trap them in debt. We’ll also discuss why California is considering cracking down on this industry.
"Never too late?"
A longtime Sacramentan has become one of the oldest known Americans to undergo gender-affirmation surgery. But her age is a tiny piece of her lifelong journey to live authentically as a transgender woman. We’ll meet Stephanie Haskins, who opened up about her life in a new documentary “Never Too Late?” joined by documentary director Ted Ross. A free screening of “Never Too Late?” will take place at The Sofia - Home of B Street Theatre on June 21.
Poet Marilyn Nelson
One of America’s most celebrated poets and winner of multiple national awards is coming to Sacramento to share her voice and perspective on racial justice in celebration of Juneteenth. Marilyn Nelson, a three-time finalist for the national Book Award. Nelson is a graduate of Hiram Johnson high school and U.C. Davis.
How access to public pools are important to the community at large. A children’s book re-imagines our relationship with fire. Showcasing the best upcoming live music shows in Northern California with Insight’s “Concert Connect.”
Why public pool closures matter
The closure of a Sacramento City public pool may be an inconvenience to some, but to others, the closure means stripping away a convenient and affordable way to beat the sizzling Sacramento summer heat. CapRadio City Government reporter, Kristin Lam, joins Insight to reveal why the lone pool in Sacramento’s central area has closed, what it will take to reopen it, and how access to public pools are important to the community at large.
Reimagining our relationship with fire
Humans have a long, complicated history with fire. Without it, we wouldn’t have evolved into the species we are today. And indigenous communities have long utilized it for both practical and cultural purposes. But over the past century our relationship with fire has become out of balance, and we’re all too aware of its destructive and deadly nature. Author Joanna Cooke joins us to discuss her new children’s book “Fire Shapes the World” which helps kids and their families reimagine fire as an essential part of life, instead of just a destructive force. All book proceeds will go to the Yosemite Conservancy.
Insight's Concert Connect
CapRadio Hosts Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia join us to highlight their top upcoming local concerts for another edition of Insight’s “Concert Connect.” This week features Rebecca Black who will be June 10th at the Sacramento Pride Festival. Erykah Badu, joined by Rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), June 20 at Golden 1 Center. Th' Losin Streaks performing at the Sacramento Trash Jubilee June 22-24. And Destroy Boys, who will be an opening act for Blink-182 on June 23.
Why rural hospitals are becoming increasingly difficult to operate. Meet the incoming Sacramento State President. Modesto celebrates the 50-year anniversary of “American Graffiti” with month-long “Graffiti Summer.”
Struggling rural hospitals
Rural hospitals are the lifeblood of a community. But over the years, everything from natural disasters to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, and the ripple effects of the pandemic, have put the survivability of these remote hospitals that serve large distances at risk. Some are finding the costs are simply too great to bear and shut down completely. Some have gone bankrupt while others look to merge with larger hospital systems to stay financially afloat. Aside from critical care and life-saving services, many people are put at risk over the long term by putting off or missing routine check-ups and preventative care. For the communities themselves, many find that their hospitals are the largest employers with good wages. So when a hospital shuts down, the impact can be felt in towns to even larger cities like Sacramento. Sacramento Business Journal reporter Emily Hamman joined Insight to give a deep dive into the state of California's rural hospitals. The report is in partnership with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.
New Sac State president
Over the past 75 years, Sacramento State has been the Capital City’s university. Throughout the decades Sac State prides itself in growing to become one of the most diverse campuses in the West. The strides behind the university's success are guided by the vision of leadership. And this upcoming school year, Sac State will welcome its ninth president in campus history. Dr. J Luke Wood is the incoming president of Sacramento State and takes the position in July Sac State's current president Robert Nelsen is retiring after taking the position in 2015. An alumnus of Sac State, Luke’s new role is a homecoming of sorts. Insight took time to get to know the incoming president better and hear his vision for current and future Hornets.
Modesto's "Graffiti Summer"
As we roll closer to the start of summer, so too will hundreds of classic cars as they “rev” their engines and cruise through the streets of downtown Modesto. “Graffiti Summer” is off and running in the “classic car mecca” of California, a celebration of the place which inspired the 1973 film “American Graffiti” directed by Modesto-native George Lucas. The enduring film is based on Lucas’ own experiences growing up in the Central Valley and this year marks 50 years since the film’s release. Throughout June, the streets will be jammed packed with impressive and immaculately restored classic cars, street fairs, and of course the music which captured the essence of this bygone era. Todd Aranson with Visit Modesto joining Insight to share how Modesto has kept the “cruise era” alive.
Sacramento responds to rise in congenital syphilis cases in pregnancies disproportionately impacting unhoused residents. State Farm and Allstate stop selling new policies to California property owners. From STEM to opera, we meet UC Davis sibling prodigies.
Syphilis spike
Congenital Syphilis is a disease passed to a baby during pregnancy, and there has been a steep increase in recent years– a 950% rise in cases from 2011 to 2020, according to the California Department of Public Health. Jake Bradley-Rowe, Executive Director of Sunburst Projects, joins Insight to explain why Sacramento County is among the largest rise in cases per capita in the country, with a disproportionate impact of pregnancies involving those experiencing homelessness. He also explains why his non-profit received new funding from the county to house and care for those infected, including treatment before birth.
Insurance companies withdrawing
Two of the largest property insurers are no longer offering new policies to California residents. Michael Wara, Director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment, discusses why insurers like State Farm and Allstate are withdrawing from California. We’ll unpack how climate change and building costs are driving factors behind the withdrawal, as well as how this is a part of an ongoing financial challenge facing property owners in high wildfire risk areas in recent years.
Child prodigy siblings
They are the wonder kids from UC Davis. One is now a 19-year-old doctorate student who will graduate with a PhD in biomedical engineering in a few weeks. The other is a 17-year-old soprano and grad student at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. We have followed their journey on Insight and today, Tanishq and Tiara Abraham, join Vicki for an update on what they are up to, their latest accomplishments and plans for the future.
Health officials are concerned about a possible resurgence of MPOX during PRIDE month. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg is not seeking a third term. Donna Apidone’s “Drivetime Meditations.”
Possible mpox resurgence
Pride Month has returned as a celebration, activism, and allyship for the LGTBQ+ community and the right to love and live as one’s true authentic self. But with a number of events already underway, and larger festivals still to come, state public health officials are worried about a resurgence of MPOX (the disease formerly known as Monkeypox). Although MPOX cases have declined in California since their peak last summer, the head of the state’s public health department issued a warning to healthcare providers to remain vigilant to prevent a possible resurgence. CapRadio’s Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe joined Insight to tell us more about the state’s concerns and how the LGBTQ+ community in Sacramento County is making access to vaccines easier.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg discusses his decision to not run for a third term. The mayor explains why he is closing a chapter in Sacramento city government, how he views his accomplishments and setbacks, what he would have done differently, as well as what he hopes to still get done as mayor. Steinberg also opens up about possible opportunities he may pursue, and his initial thoughts on the current candidates running for mayor.
Drivetime Meditations
A beloved familiar voice returns to Insight. Interviewer, writer and author Donna Apidone, who is also CapRadio’s former Morning Edition host, stops by to share how she’s expanding her latest book, “Drivetime Meditations” into an audio series and therapeutic project, as well as continuing her mission to help others find purpose. And those are just two of the many things she’s up to.
“Best of Insight”: An independent journalist based in Sacramento returns from his latest reporting trip from Ukraine. Also, an 80-million-year-old plant fossil discovered in Placer County has helped fill a significant gap in the fossil record.
Ukraine
You can measure war by atrocious loss, from lives to livelihoods, and a way of life rooted in familiar comfort that is ripped away beyond repair. In Ukraine, the death toll and diaspora at the hands of Russia cannot be ignored. But you can also understand the toll of war by what and who remains. Their stories capture the heart of what once was as well as the drive to endure the painful costs of a war with no end in sight. Martin Kuz is an independent journalist based in Sacramento. His father fled Ukraine following WWII, never able to return. Martin spent the past 12 months traveling to his father’s homeland, first arriving in the days leading up to the invasion, and then returning again in the summer during an all-out war that continues today. Kuz’ reporting from last year can be found in SacTown Magazine and The Christian Science Monitor from August and April. Insight spoke with Martin upon just landing back in California from his latest three-week reporting trip this time in Eastern Ukraine. We sat down and talked on the one-year anniversary of the official start of the war.
Fossilized fruit in Granite Bay
More than three decades ago, construction workers unearthed something unusual while building new homes in Granite Bay. They discovered a fossilized plant buried for eons. The ancient plant was collected by researchers at Sierra College and preserved in its Natural History Museum in Rocklin. There it sat for decades, and only recently has its scientific significance been realized. A curious professor from the University of Kansas took a closer look at the fossil, and after careful examination, released a study suggesting this discovery has helped close a critical gap in the fossil record. It reveals the ancestors of an incredibly diverse family of flowering plants that we enjoy today, including close relatives of coffee and potatoes which evolved during the last days of the dinosaurs. Insight sat down with Richard Hilton, professor of earth sciences at Sierra College, and Brian Atkinson, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas, who shared the fascinating story of this fossil tens of millions of years in the making.
“Best of Insight”: A vocational program at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center is helping incarcerated women gain skills to succeed in the coffee industry. Also, Ben Jealous discusses his book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.” Finally, friends and family in Sacramento remember Tyre Nichols.
Redemption Coffee
Reducing reoffending through coffee. Jamie Mason, the Program Director for Redemption Coffee, shared more details on this vocational program offered by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center for incarcerated women. Students enter a specialty coffee training program, and upon completion, gain the skills to succeed in the coffee industry. Mason was joined by Legend Hightower, a successful Redemption alumna who went from jail in 2022 to a full-time job as a coffee roaster.
Ben Jealous
Ben Jealous is arguably most well-known as the youngest person to lead the national NAACP. But in addition to civil rights and social justice, his roles also span journalism, academia, politics, and the environment. All of which he would argue are intertwined. Jealous is now leading another legacy non-profit rooted in activism, becoming the first African American to lead the Sierra Club. Ben joined Insight about his new book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing.”
Remembering Tyre Nichols
The city of Sacramento is honoring Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died in January after being hospitalized following a brutal beating by Memphis Police. Five officers are facing second-degree murder charges in addition to the firing of a sixth officer and three medics with the Memphis Fire Department. But before Tennessee, Tyre called Sacramento home and would regularly skate at the Regency Community Park in North Natomas. Sacramento Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the city is in the process of renaming the park the “Tyre Nichols Skate Park.” That announcement came over the weekend during a celebration of life ceremony at Sac Ramp Skate Park, sharing memories of the father and avid skateboarder. Insight Producer Victor Corral Martinez met with two of Tyre’s friends, Ryan Wilson and Jerome Neal, and put together a remembrance in their own words.
“Best of Insight”: A conversation with NPR’s Nina Totenberg and her book “Dinners with Ruth.” Also, the long-time radio voice for the Sacramento Kings, Gary Gerould, achieves a historic milestone during a remarkable, overdue season.
Dinners with Ruth
Since 1975, we’ve heard Nina Totenberg’s voice on National Public Radio. The longtime legal affairs correspondent is considered a founding mother of NPR at a time when Nina says that she, Cokie Roberts, Susan Stamberg, and Linda Wertheimer were not trying to break a glass ceiling, but just trying to simply get a foot in the door. In the nearly 50 years since Totenberg has cemented herself as a journalist with an unparalleled perspective of the law and its highest court. Vicki Gonzalez spoke with Nina Totenberg back in January about her book “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships." The memoir includes a nearly five-decade friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a friendship that began before Nina’s time at NPR and when Ginsberg was a college professor. Nina shared how the book is about more than one friendship, but beloved relationships that have anchored and shaped her life.
Gary Gerould
Gary Gerould has been calling Sacramento Kings games since the very first game in Sacramento back in 1985. The “G-Man” himself has seen it all: the good, bad, and yes, those ugly, dark seasons. But through thick and thin he is one of the few broadcasters who have stuck with the same team their entire professional career. Gary or “G-Man” joined Insight back in March with a look back at his career as he crossed a huge milestone– broadcasting his 3,000th game– with a look toward (what fans hope) is the start of a new era of Kings basketball in Sacramento.
CalFire provides an outlook on this year’s wildfire season. A settlement has been reached between SCUSD and the Black Parallel School board over claims of segregation and discrimination for students with disabilities. Comedian Keith Lowell Jensen’s upcoming show.
Wildfire season outlook
After this winter season’s barrage of atmospheric rivers, it’s really anyone’s guess as to what California’s wildfire outlook will be like. Will the saturated foothills and Sierra mountains be able to dampen the chance for catastrophic wildfires? Or will our super blooms turn into super combustibles and make our already volatile landscape even more dangerous? Chief Daniel Berlant, CalFire’s Acting Fire Marshal, joins Insight to talk about what the agency is doing to get prepared for wildfires, how this year’s near-historic storms may impact the threat and what everyone should do to get ready, regardless of where they live.
SCUSD lawsuit settlement
The Sacramento City Unified School district settled a class-action lawsuit with the Black Parallel School Board and district families first filed in 2019. The lawsuit alleged the district mishandled the needs of students with disabilities (especially Black students) and ultimately impacted them at a disproportionate rate. The Black Parallel School Board is a grassroots non-profit group that supports the growth and development of African-American families within the school district. Their claims also included that students were segregated and excluded from classrooms, disciplined and suspended wrongfully and disproportionately, and students with special needs were not given important resources in the district’s special education program. The settlement, which the district calls “a step forward”, requires Sac City Unified to appoint an independent monitor not employed by the district to review and improve the district’s special education program and policies. That independent monitor will also implement an Action Plan to bring SCUSD in compliance. Mark Harris, Sac City Unified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Monitor, Darryl White, Chairperson of the Black Parallel School Board, and parent advocate Larayvian Barnes, all joined Insight to discuss the settlement and the next steps.
Comedian Keith Lowell Jensen
Comedian Keith Lowell Jensen joins us ahead of his performance at Punch Line Sacramento on June 4 and the release of his latest special.
A study has found nearly 1,700 state child care facilities have exceeded the allowable amount of lead in drinking water. A Placer County LGBTQ+ youth group faces threats following a controversial video. The Sacramento Zoo welcomes a critically endangered orangutan.
Toxic lead levels
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are more than 9 million lead pipes (which is a significant source of lead contamination) in drinking water across the United States. It’s a problem that gained a national spotlight after the Flint, Michigan water crisis which began in 2014. Shortly after, California became the first state in the country to make a commitment to remove all of its lead service lines. But the lead pipe problem still persists. That problem is highlighted in a new report mandated by state law and focuses on potential lead contamination in the drinking water of state-licensed childcare facilities. The report revealed that drinking water at almost 1,700 childcare facilities across California (roughly 1 in 4) exceeded the amount of lead the state allows in drinking water. It suggests some of California’s youngest may have been exposed to contaminated water for decades. To gain a better understanding, Insight invited Susan Little with the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit that sponsored the report, onto the program.
The Landing Spot
Pastor Casey Tinnin created The Landing Spot a decade ago as a non-religious safe space for LGBTQ+ youth when there were few resources in Placer County. This year, the organization came under intense controversy, following an edited undercover video painting Pastor Tinnin’s work as dangerous for children. The video is from Project Veritas, a group that calls themselves activists known for undercover stings. The civil rights non-profit Southern Poverty Law Center describes Project Veritas as a far-right propaganda group. The video’s release led to death and bomb threats to The Landing Spot and Pastor Tinnin’s home, as well as being disbanded from collaborating on school campuses. Insight previously had Roseville Joint Union High School District to explain their decision in cutting ties with The Landing Spot. Pastor Tinnin now joins Insight to explain his side, and how the aftermath has shaped the work that The Landing Spot continues to do today.
A baby orangutan is born
Big news from the Sacramento Zoo! Earlier this month, the Zoo celebrated the birth of a critically endangered Sumantran orangutan. It’s the first birth of an orangutan at the Zoo since 1981. This historic birth was the culmination of a lot of planning, preparation and round-the-clock care. Melissa McCartney, Sacramento Zoo’s Senior Manager of Animal Care and Veterinary Health Services, joins us to discuss the importance of orangutan’s birth, the team of experts and volunteers involved and the worldwide effort to keep the Sumantran orangutan’s existence alive.
Poll asks residents how they view the growing Sacramento region. How Governor Newsom wants to change the state’s environmental laws to streamline infrastructure projects. The Strawberry Music Festival takes place in Nevada County.
Sacramento region poll
Valley Vision Chief Executive Officer, Evan Schmidt discusses the latest report, “The Built Environment Poll” which focuses on perceptions and realities of rising housing costs, municipal transportation systems and how those aspects affect quality of life for the Sacramento region's workers. Executive Director with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, James Corless, joins Insight to discuss how the research conducted can be practically applied to help improve the quality of life for residents within the region.
Speeding up infrastructure projects
UC Davis Law Professor Christopher Elmendorf helps break down Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious proposals to streamline major infrastructure projects in the state, how they impact current environmental laws, and what challenges do the proposals face.
Strawberry Music Festival
, Central Valley California musician and performer at the Strawberry Music Festival Joins Insight to discuss his work and upcoming performance at the Grass Valley’s multi-day campout festival that is surrounded by a 100 acres of conifer forest. Strawberry Music Festival Master of Ceremonies, Rita Hosking discusses the history of the festival and what attendees can expect.
The Anti-defamation League’s latest report is revealing the alarming rate of hate crimes and anti-semitism in California. The ongoing challenges facing the Employment Development Department. Revisiting one of our best conversations 2023 with Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen, author of “Aloha Vietnam.”
California extremism report
The Anti-Defamation League is known as the leading anti-hate organization in the world, formed more than a century ago. Part of the ADL’s work is tracking extremist activity and hate crimes. This year, the non-profit is reporting California has dealt with a significant increase in anti-semitic and extremist activity with incidents at campuses, bars, and school board meetings. At a time when ADL tracked the highest-ever number of antisemitic incidents nationwide. Teresa Drenick with the Anti-Defamation League’s Central Pacific Region joined Insight to help provide a better understanding of the report and root causes.
EDD unemployment challenges
During the pandemic, millions of Californians became well aware of the struggles of the Employment Development Department (EDD). Many did not receive benefits in a timely manner, and for many of them, that's an understatement. Backlogs and overwhelmed call centers led to delayed payments for an estimated five million people. From weeks, to months, and in extreme cases, years continuing to today. But fraud also was rampant during this time, most notably organized identity theft involving prisons across the state totaling tens of billions of dollars. This deservedly received widespread attention and coverage in 2020, but as time went on, easily accessible updates began to dwindle. Lauren Hepler, an investigative reporter for CalMatters has been reporting on EDD’s painful issues since the start of the pandemic and joined Insight to share new reporting that found that problems still exist for the state’s employment department. Lauren is also joined by Nicolas Allen, who has been fighting for unemployment benefits for 22 months and is still going through an appeals process.
Aloha Vietnam
It’s a journey of self-identity spanning the world’s largest ocean. A personal voyage to overcome mental illness, and the grief that comes with the loss of one’s culture. That is the basis of “Aloha Vietnam” a novel about a Vietnamese-American family’s Odyssey through the world of mental health treatment, and navigating life in a new country as they cope with the cultural loss and grief of leaving their homeland. The novel is the first written by Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen, a psychiatrist based in Davis. The book is a love letter of sorts to the land and people of her cross-cultural heritage: Vietnam and Hawaii. She hopes this novel can help heal the wounds of generational trauma and be a beacon of hope to those suffering from mental illness. Dr. Nguyen joined Insight to tell us more about her novel and the healing power of art and nature.
The challenges California food banks and the people who rely on them are facing with the end of pandemic food benefits. How “almond upcycling” is the latest attempt at sustainability by getting multiple uses from a single tree. A free concert which benefits music education in Sacramento.
CalFresh food benefits post-pandemic
The COVID state of emergency ended this year, which also ends emergency CalFresh allotment benefits. Recipients who managed CalFresh benefits now need to find ways to maximize their food resources. One way to respond to the benefits decrease is to go to food banks or a CalFresh participating farmers market. Inflation and increased demand have food banks scrambling to help those in need with limited resources. Joining us to discuss the challenges CalFresh recipients and food banks are facing is CapRadio Healthcare reporter Kate Wolffe.
Almond upcycling
Composting, to single use products, reducing waste– or even zero waste at that– is a feat gaining more mainstream attention. Dr. Josette Lewis, Almond Board of California Chief Scientific Officer, discusses one of the latest attempts at sustainability, which focuses on a popular California crop– almond upcycling. The process focuses on repurposing the hull of an almond into fiber-rich ingredients that can be used in nutrition bars, tea, beer, and more. The work is in partnership with Mattson, a food science company based in the Bay Area. Al Banisch, Chief Strategy and Client Engagement Officer, and Willem Duckworth, Product Development Technician, discuss getting multiple uses from a single tree.
Free concert
CapRadio’s Midday Classical Host, Jennifer Reason joins Insight on the eve of her final concert as the artistic director of Sacramento’s musical group, RSVP. The concert by RSVP, will benefit music education in the Sacramento area and will highlight the work of four local high school students who have been positively impacted by music in their high school careers. Reason will be joined by Allison Cagley, Executive Director and Founder of Friends of Sacramento Arts who will explain the need for music education in our community.
How California’s pension fund for professional boxers is struggling to find– and pay– eligible athletes. Protecting the biological diversity of Molok Luyuk, located near Berryessa Snow Mountain. Insight’s “Concert Connect” highlights upcoming live music in Northern California.
CA Boxing pensions
More than four decades ago, California became the first and still the only state in the nation to create a pension fund for retired professional boxers. The goal of the California Professional Boxers’ Pension Plan was to provide a financial safety net to help these athletes with life after the ring and prevent the most vulnerable from becoming impoverished. If you’ve never heard of this pension before, you’re not alone. Many former boxers haven’t heard about it either. An investigation from the LA Times found the California State Athletic Commission, which is the agency overseeing the pension, has fallen short of its goal of notifying and providing this safety net to hundreds of former boxers and their beneficiaries.This revelation has left many retired boxers frustrated and comes as a similar pension is being considered at the State Capitol for Mixed Martial Arts fighters (aka MMA). Melody Gutierrez, an Investigative reporter for the LA Times, joined Insight to share her reporting.
Protecting Molok Luyuk's biological diversity
Between Napa and Mendocino is a relatively new national monument. Berryessa Snow Mountain received the federal designation back in 2015, but those long devoted to protecting the habit feel it is incomplete and are pushing for an addition. Once known as Walker Ridge, Molok Luyuk was renamed by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and is considered a haven for biological diversity and touches Berryessa Snow Mountain. But it was left out of the national monument designation due to competing interests for clean energy. That is now changing this year, and a bill in Congress is now asking for Molok Luyuk to be incorporated into the federal designation which includes protections and funding. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira joined Insight to share the trip to this landscape and its biological significance.
Insight's "Concert Connect"
It’s that time to hear some of the best live music that will be performing in Sacramento and beyond on Concert Connects. This edition features concerts in San Francisco, Oakland and culminates in Sacramento. Highlighted today are artists who made waves at this year’s Coachella Music Festival and those with years of perfecting their craft and sound. Spearheading this list of concerts is CapRadio’s Andrew Garcia who guarantees a packed list of artists and concerts to tune in and enjoy.
Updated 11:04 a.m.
The FDA changes blood donor restrictions for men who have sex with men. Loneliness has been declared a public health crisis in the United States. We'll explore the health impacts and solutions. The California Mermaid Convention descends on Sacramento this weekend.
FDA blood donor eligibility
For decades, gay and bisexual men have not been able to donate blood, a 40-year-old policy enacted by the Food and Drug Administration that has been criticized as discriminatory. In the decades since the FDA has slowly relaxed restrictions for men who have sex with me, but some still argue its exclusions are unfair. For example, the FDA allowed gay and bisexual men to donate blood if they refrain from having sex for a three-month period. But now, the FDA has made a change that is considered to be a significant milestone for donating blood since the policies were first enacted in the early days of the AIDS epidemic. In its update, the FDA lifted the abstinence portion for men who have sex with men as long as they are in a monogamous relationship, which isn’t a requirement for other sexual orientations. And a lot of research and study went into this change by the FDA, and One of the partners in that research is Vitalant, the leading blood donation agency in Northern California. Dr. Chris Gresens, Medical and Laboratory Director for Vitalant, joined Insight to provide more details about the FDA’s policy change.
The loneliness epidemic
It's a public health crisis federal health officials say is a profound threat to the well-being of Americans and has gone underappreciated for too long, but It's not a virus or a disease. It’s the increasing level of loneliness and isolation felt by millions of Americans both young and old. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made headlines this month by declaring loneliness and isolation an “epidemic” that has harmed both individual and societal health. The physical health consequences he outlined in his announcement outline the health risks of loneliness are as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even early death. It’s a crisis decades in the making but was brought to the forefront by the COVID-19 pandemic when the virus forced much of society to shut down, find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones, or lose touch entirely. To help us better understand this health crisis and how we can live happier lives, Insight invited Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky onto the program. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Riverside and author of two books on the science of human happiness.
"Best of Insight" Mariachi Bonitas
We revisit one of our favorite conversations of 2023. Since 2020, Dinorah Klinger and her all-female Mariachi band have graced concert halls and festivals throughout Northern California and the world with their soulful music. And after nearly three years of performing, Mariachi Bonitas released their first album this spring. The album, titled “Por Ser Mujer” is dedicated to the strength and perseverance of women all over the world. Klingler joined Insight in March ahead of the release of the band’s first album and their performance in Sacramento.
Understanding California’s $32 billion budget deficit and what the path forward looks like for the state’s spending plan. How the expiration of Title 42 is impacting California. Celebrating Punjabi heritage in the Sacramento Valley.
CA budget May revise
The financial winds have changed in California. After years of record surplus, California now faces a $31.5-billion-dollar budget deficit. What will be cut? What will be saved? What are Governor Newsom’s priorities? Today on Insight, CapRadio politics reporter, Nicole Nixon and California Deputy Director of External Affairs for the Department of Finance, H.D. Palmer join us to sift through the details and help us understand how we got here and what the path forward looks like for California’s $306-billion-dollar spending plan.
Title 42 impact
It’s been four days since Title 42 expired, an emergency health order enacted 3 years ago at the onset of the pandemic that quickly expelled people who entered into the U.S. illegally. Before that, people could cross into the country illegally, ask for asylum, and often wait out a lengthy immigration process on U.S. soil. Which comes with its own set of issues as Congress has long been deadlocked on immigration reform. But the expiration of Title 42 doesn’t mean policies will go back to pre-pandemic. The Biden Administration has enacted new measures to curb what is anticipated to be an influx of people seeking asylum across the border. And that has civil rights and immigration advocacy groups filing lawsuits to block new policies they say are equally restrictive. Insight spoke with Kevin R. Johnson, Dean of Public Interest Law and Chicano Studies at UC Davis and Sarah Torres is an attorney for Opening Doors, a non-profit helping immigrants and refugees establish new lives in Northern California. They shared the legal complexities surrounding the current asylum process and how this national crisis is impacting California, one of four states that share a border with Mexico.
Celebrating Punjabi heritage
The social fabric of California is a mixture of identities, cultures, and languages. One group that perhaps isn’t at the forefront of the conversation is the Punjabi community which plays a big role in the agricultural industry that drives California. Dating back to the late 19th century, the Punjabi community has established thick roots across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys in cities like Stockton and Yuba City. Highlighting this rich history and heritage is the UC Davis Humanities Institute and they’re presenting a series of events to highlight the work, culture, and diversity during Punjabi Week. Nicole Ranganath, Professor in Middle East and South Asia Studies, and Archana Venkatesan, Professor of Religious Studies and Comparative Literature, joined Insight to tell us more about Punjabi heritage in the Sacramento Valley and provide a preview of Punjabi week.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has been picked by Governor Gavin Newsom to reimagine San Quentin Prison. A new study in collaboration with the town of Paradise has quantified how much Californians living in wildfire prone communities can reduce their fire risk losses and insurance costs. NSPR’s Nancy Wiegman speaks with author Steve Drummond about his new book “The Watchdog: How the Truman Committee Battled Corruption and Helped Win World War Two.”
Prison reform
Sacramento Mayor Steinberg has been tapped by Governor Newsom for a new position, reimagine San Quentin Prison. CapRadio anchor Mike Hagerty speaks with Mayor Steinberg about the role and how his experience with mental health advocacy dovetails into reimaging California’s prison system. Mike also asks the mayor about his future plans and thoughts on the two people who have already decided to make a run for his seat.
Paradise wildfire risk study
Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic Development Director for the town of Paradise, and Adrian Covert, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at with the Bay Area Council, join us to discuss their study revealing how communities at the greatest risk of wildfires can reduce fire risk and insurance costs.
Nancy's bookshelf
, North State Public Radio’s host of Nancy’s Bookshelf joins Insight to discuss Executive Producer of NPR news, Steve Drummond’s new book, “The Watchdog: How the Truman Committee Battled Corruption and Helped Win World War Two.” A book about the then unknown senator Harry Truman and his bipartisan committee aimed at cracking down on wartime waste and corruption, which would lead to his rise to prominence.
Why the city of Elk Grove is being sued by the Newsom administration and how the lawsuit is the latest example of the conflict between local governments and the state over affordable housing. A new loan program could provide relief to community hospitals struggling financially and prevent them from closing. The UC Davis Science Cafe provides a space for the community to learn about the current state of science across its many disciplines.
CA Affordable housing lawsuits
The city of Elk Grove has been sued by the Newsom administration for allegedly discriminating against low-income families. The Governor and Attorney General accuse Elk Grove for issuing building permits for one project that caters to market-rate renters while denying a project that was geared toward low-income and homeless families. Robert Egelko is the Legal Affairs reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle and joins us to explain why this lawsuit is just the latest example of the conflict between local governments and the state over affordable housing projects and how fast they should be built.
Hospital loan program
CalMatters Reporter Ana B. Ibarra joins us to share her reporting on a new program passed by the California legislature that could provide temporary relief to prevent some community hospitals in California from closing.
UC Davis science cafe
, Professor of Chemistry at UC Davis, is the creator of the UC Davis Science Cafe held on the second Wednesday of every month at G Street WunderBar in Davis to provide an avenue for the community to learn about the current state of science across its many disciplines. This month is a discussion with Dr. Elva Diaz, Professor of Pharmacology and Chair of Neuroscience Graduate Program, to discuss “How to Change Your Mind: The Mechanisms of Brain Function in Learning and Memory.”
How to navigate the difficult conversations with aging loved ones. Survivor of the deadly Montecito Mudslide writes a memoir on grieving. Why Lake Tahoe’s water clarity is the best in years.
Navigating difficult conversations with aging loved ones
The calls for California Senator Dianne Feinstein to step down are starting to increase and they are even coming from members of her own party. The 89-year-old Senator has been away from her official duties for weeks now, citing health reasons, and some Democrats are coming forward encouraging her to resign. While there is no sense from Feinsten’s office that she will do that, it does raise the issue of age, capacity and when is the right time to step aside. Joining us on Insight today, Dr. Julie Bates, Program Manager at Sacramento’s Agency for Aging 4, to help us navigate the difficult conversations many families have with aging loved ones, when it comes to transitioning away from an independent lifestyle and towards more support and help.
Montecito mudslide survivor writes a memoir
In the early morning hours of January 8, 2018 mudslides in the town of Montecito in Santa Barbara County killed 23 people. The mudslides were due to an atmospheric river in the burn scar of the Thomas Fire, which happened one month prior, and at the time was the largest wildfire in state history. Kim Cantin and her daughter Lauren were gravely injured, but were rescued from the debris and survived. However her husband Dave, son Jack and family dog Chester perished. Her husband’s remains were found more than a mile from their home, and it would take more than three years to find her son’s remains. Kim has written a memoir to help others find healing through tremendous grief and loss. She joins Insight to discuss her debut book, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom: A True Story of Hope Through Unimaginable Loss.”
Lake Tahoe's clarity report
Lake Tahoe’s clarity has improved to a level not seen since the 1980s. Protecting Lake Tahoe is a priority for those in the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Region. “Keep Tahoe Blue” is an often-seen and heard slogan for the beloved lake that continues to see popularity with increased tourism and population growth. Increased popularity and traffic to Tahoe Lake have increased concerns about pollution and lack of clarity in the Lake. Geoffrey Schladow, director of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) leads the team that has released their latest Lake Tahoe clarity report. The research by UC Davis goes back to 1968, and Geoffrey Schladow joins Insight to break down what the report means for Lake Tahoe and what the future holds for the beloved lake.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who is the first Hmong to lead a major U.S. city. Sacramento Kings are playoff bound! A conversation with Visit Sacramento, Sac Kings analyst Kayte Christensen and announcer Scott Moak.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is the first Hmong to lead a major U.S. city. The 37-year-old was born and raised in Stockton, overcoming poverty, domestic violence and homelessness to become the 51st mayor of one of the largest cities in California. Mayor Thao joins Insight to share how her personal journey shaped her approach to leadership. A topic covered in the new episode of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific, hosted by Sarah Mizes-Tan.
Visit Sacramento
The city of Sacramento is buzzing with excitement as the Kings are just days away from playing in their first postseason game in 16 seasons. Bars, restaurants and office buildings are adorned in purple in black as the team takes on their Northern California rivals, the Golden State Warriors. On Insight, President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, Mike Testa, joins us to talk about how the business community is embracing the Kings’ success with hopes of a deep run in the postseason.
Sacramento Kings
Fans of the Sacramento Kings, who have stuck with the team through years of sub-par basketball, ownership changes and arena drama, will now get to finally feel the excitement of post-season basketball in Sacramento. Kings TV color analyst, Kayte Christensen and Kings’ public address announcer, Scott Moak, join Insight to reflect on what this season means for the fans, the city and their journey with the team through thick and thin.
How federal rulings on the abortion pill can impact California. An ambassador held captive during the Iran Hostage Crisis speaks at Sac State. Literary Death Match in Sacramento.
Abortion pills ruling
Nearly 10 months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, another legal challenge is putting abortion care in limbo. This latest legal fight involves medication abortions– specifically the abortion pill mifepristone– which, when combined with misoprostol, account for more than half of all abortions in the U.S. The dueling federal rulings can impact reproductive care in California. Candelaria Vargas, Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte discusses how this could impact care in the state. Michele Goodwin, Chancellor's Professor of Law at UC Irvine and author of “Policing The Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood,” breaks down the competing rulings and explains the legal implications.
Former Iran Hostage Detainee
Academic, novelist, and decorated U.S. Foreign Service Officer Ambassador John Limbert joins Insight to discuss the future of Iran-U.S. relations ahead of his appearance and lecture at Sac State on Thursday. Limbert was held captive during the Iran hostage crisis and will talk about how that experience changed him and why relations with Iran over the past 40 years have been so difficult to resolve.
Literary Death Match
and P Joshua Laskey with Stories on Stage Sacramento discussing hosting the first-ever Literary Death Match in the city on Saturday, April 15, created by Adrian Todd Zuniga a touring competition which marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.
How the now defunct Silicon Valley Bank became the premiere bank for the wine industry. Folsom Lake College’s viticulture and enology program. NPR All Things Considered Host Mary Louise Kelly’s new book “It. Goes. So. Fast.”
SVB in the wine industry
It’s been about a month since Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse created panic across the country. SVB was largely known as a financial backbone to the tech industry. But it also had a significant stake in a niche market. Rick Kushman, a NY Times bestselling author and wine expert, discusses how Silicon Valley Bank became the bank for wine businesses over the decades, and how the SVB’s collapse created ripple effects across California’s wine industry.
Folsom Lake College's viticulture and enology programs
Folsom Lake College prides itself in producing the next generation of wine growers and winemakers. But the pandemic created setbacks in student enrollment. Greg McCormac, Dean of Instruction at Folsom Lake College in the Los Rios Community College District, joins Insight to discuss the Viticulture and Enology program, as well as the scholarships, internships and free tuition being offered to support the wine region in our backyard.
"It. Goes. So. Fast."
NPR All Things Considered Host Mary Louise Kelly has been a constant voice on NPR for 20 years. The journalist is stepping away from the host mic and joins Insight about opening up about her life and family in new book “It. Goes. So. Fast. The Year of No Do-Overs," a memoir about the last year at home as a family all under one roof, before her eldest son graduates and goes away to college.
How the state is responding to anticipated widespread flooding across the Tulare Basin. A Nevada County non-profit shares their world travels of service to migrants and asylum seekers. Sacramento History Museum’s quilt exhibit asks “What do women and girls need?”
Tulare Basin flooding
California’s snowpack is among the highest on record. And when it melts, it will bring flooding not seen in decades to the Central Valley’s Tulare Basin– an agricultural mecca already reeling from a series of atmospheric rivers this year. Brian Ferguson, Deputy Director for the California Office of Emergency Services, discusses how the state is preparing and responding to a slowly unfolding natural disaster in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Nevada County traveling nonprofit
, Founder of The Center for Cultural and Naturalist Studies, a Nevada County based non-profit working to provide aid to asylum seekers and refugees. Gold joins Insight to discuss the recent service projects to Oaxaca in Mexico and the challenges for asylum seekers making the dangerous journey to the US-Mexico border. The non-profit organization has also highlighted their work with presentations in the region that they hope provides hope and inspiration to those who attend.
Sacramento's History Museum's quilt exhibit
A new “pop-up” exhibit at Sacramento’s History Museum is exploring the question of, “what do women and girls need in Sacramento?” Delta Pick Mello, Executive Director of the Sacramento History Museum and Erin Saberi, Chair of the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls join us to explain why this exhibit is unique to the museum and Sacramento, and how you can learn from it as well. There is also an interactive part of the exhibit that allows visitors to add their thoughts and feelings to the mosaic that is the Sacramento experience.
CapRadio updates what’s happening with the State Capitol annex project. This week’s episode of “Mid Pacific” explores Asian American enclaves or “towns.” Insight’s “Concert Connect” lays out live music to check out in Northern California.
State Capitol Annex updates
The California State Capitol Annex is more than 70 years old and is home to offices of the governor and state lawmakers. For the first time since its completion, it’s undergoing a historic renovation considered years in the making. At least that was the plan more than a year ago. CapRadio State Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins Insight to explain where things stand with the $1.2-billion-dollar project, that’s hit its fair share of legal obstacles amid a state budget shortfall.
The evolution of Asian American towns
CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes Tan discusses this week’s new episode of Mid Pacific, a new podcast which explores Asian American identity through food, family, politics—and much more. Sarah joins the show to share what she learned about Asian American enclaves or “towns” -- such as Chinatowns and Japantowns—and what it holds for Asian Americans and their sense of belonging in America. Also, we’ll learn about newer Asian ethnic enclaves and how it’s helped residents to preserve their sense of retaining their culture while also being American.
Insight's Concert Connect
CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia, share their top picks for local concerts in Northern California. The latest edition of Insight’s “Concert Connect” introduces us to the bands “Rituals of Mine” at The Starlet Room in Harlow’s Sacramento on April 11, “They Might Be Giants” at the Fox Theater in Oakland on April 16, “Snail Mail” at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville on April 19, and “Hiatus Kaiyote” at the Fox Theater in Oakland on April 20.
More transportation options have arrived for people living, working and going to school in the city of Stockton. How the fentanyl crisis is impacting Native American communities across the state. The winter-fueled Yolo and Sutter Bypass floodplains are nourishing juvenile salmon and migratory birds.
Clean transportation
More transportation options have arrived for people living, working and going to school in the city of Stockton. Residents can now order and reserve electric bikes and zero-emission cars to get around town through a collective of non-profit programs. On Insight, we’ll dive into the need for affordable and clean transportation services in Stockton for disadvantaged communities, improving mobility and air quality in the region. Joining us to talk about the new transportation services in Stockton are Diane Nguyen and Christine Corrales with the “San Joaquin Council of Governments.”
The fentanyl crisis
CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe reports on how the fentanyl crisis is impacting Native American communities across the state. Tribal leaders say kids as young as 13 are addicted to fentanyl, as the synthetic opioid hits tribal communities harder than others in its path. Kate is joined by Virginia Hedrick, a member of the Yurok Tribe of California and the executive director of the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health, which does advocacy on behalf of seven health clinics and two residential treatment facilities in the state. Virginia and Kate explain the cultural barriers to the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Bypass floodplain
Carson Jeffres, a field and lab director at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, explains how juvenile salmon and the Pacific Flyway are benefitting from the Yolo and Sutter bypass floodplains due to the above-average winter season, as well as why floodplains are important for flood control, agriculture and wildlife across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.
A bill would allow diacritical marks like accents to be used in names on official documents. The history of Tulare Lake in the Central Valley. Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye.
Diacritical marks
Assembly Bill 77 would change the way California allows residents to write their names on official documents in the state—such as birth certificates and marriage licenses. If passed, it would allow diacritical marks, like accents and tildes, to be used in names so that they reflect the correct pronunciation. Pablo Espinoza and Nancy Chaires Espinoza are the family behind the bill, and join Insight to explain why they felt it was time for California to evolve with a handful of other states and allow marks on names, as well as how their son was the main inspiration for the legislation.
Tulare Lake
Mark Arax is a former LA Times journalist and author who has written extensively about the history of the Central Valley. His latest book “The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California” is a national bestseller. Mark joins Insight to discuss the history of what once was the largest fresh body of water west of the Mississippi, Tulare Lake in Kings County, and how certain growers were able to drain the lake for agriculture over the decades, with consequences that are still felt to this day. Following this winter’s historic wet season, Tulare Lake is reemerging for the first time in years.
Sacramento Poet Laureate
Over the weekend, the city of Sacramento hosted a kickoff event for National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world, which celebrates and highlights the importance of poetry in our culture and lives. Sacramento, in fact, has a deep history with poetry. Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye joins Insight to discuss honoring the spoken word of artists from all over the state, as well as how the Sacramento poetry scene has evolved over the years. Defeye will talk about several upcoming events in celebration of National Poetry Month, and what it means to him to be selected as Sacramento’s poet laureate.
California rolls out a pilot program for CalFresh recipients to have more affordable access to homegrown produce. What this winter’s epic snowpack means for the state’s water needs. A unique infused aperitif tasting room in Winters.
CalFresh fruits and vegetables pilot program
This year over 5 million Californians rely on CalFresh benefits, according to the state Department of Social Services. Many know the program as “Food Stamps” or by the federal name “SNAP,” which stands for the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” During the pandemic, many received additional benefits that provided a minimum of $95 every month for food as the state expires its COVID-19 emergency declaration that additional food assistance has come to an end. Although with inflation, some would argue the need is still very much here. This month, the state launched a pilot program to make California-grown fresh produce more accessible and affordable for those using CalFresh. Joining us to talk about “California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project” and how it’s being applied on a statewide level is Eli Zigas, the “Food and Agriculture Policy Director” with the non-profit SPUR, which stands for the “San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association.” Also, Emma Burke joins us with the “Alchemist Community Development Corporation,” which is rolling out the pilot program at farmers’ markets in Sacramento County.
California snowpack
Today is a ceremonial day in a sense when it comes to California’s water supply forecast. Department of Water Resources is conducting its April manual “snow survey” along Highway 50 in El Dorado County just before Echo Summit; this is in addition to more than 100 electronic readings done throughout the state’s Sierra Nevada. But the April snow survey historically is the best predictor of California’s water supply. This year is reminding us of record-setting years in the past. From the southern to central and northern Sierra, the snowpack varies but overall is looking to be above average, and that has great implications for water supply, but that also brings the challenge of striking a cautionary balance for flood control during the warmer, drier months. Jeffrey Mount is a senior fellow in “water policy” at the “Public Policy Institute of California” or PPIC for short, and founding director of the “Center for Watershed Sciences” at UC Davis. Jeffrey joins us once again with a bigger picture of the winter season and the stress test this can pose as all that snow melts.
Winters aperitifs
Spring is definitely in the air this week. Northern California is starting to dry out, and the temperatures are heading into the mid to upper 70s by the end of this week. You might be looking for a short getaway. Somewhere close with lots to offer. If you head west on I-80 for about 40 minutes from Sacramento, the town of Winters is well worth the drive. A historic downtown lined with restaurants, shops, and breweries, but its newest attraction, is a one-of-a-kind tasting room, one you will only find in Winters. It’s called “L’Aper les Trois,” and it’s a tasting room of aperitifs. Aperitifs are low-alcohol, wine-based drinks usually served before a meal to open the palette. And “L’Aper les Trois” is already making waves just a few months after opening, as it was just listed as one of the top “11 tasting rooms in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Co-owner George-Anne Brennan tells us it’s French, it’s Californian, and it celebrates the local flavors of Yolo County in every sip. And the story of how the tasting room came to be is just as interesting as the aperitifs served at “L’Aper les Trois.” George-Anne Brennan joined us a few months ago with more on her latest project.
How the debate of gas versus electric stoves fits into California’s energy goals. The complex legacy of Cesar Chavez. CapRadio’s new podcast ‘Mid-Pacific’ explores Asian American identity through food, politics, family and more.
The legacy of Cesar Chavez
Many people will celebrate March 31st as Cesar Chavez Day marking what would have been the iconic leader’s 96th birthday. Thirty years after his death, Chavez cemented his legacy in the farmworkers’ movement with strikes and a non-violence approach to create change for farmworkers’ rights. Yet, the deeper story of Cesar Chavez is much more complex and at times controversial. Some of his actions and comments in the past would even be considered hardline conservative in today’s politics. It’s undeniable that his work helped advance rights for many and gave Mexican Americans a symbol to look up to. Helping us unpack the legacy and controversies behind the icon that is Cesar Chavez is Miriam Pawel who has written a biography on Cesar Chavez and reported extensively on the farmworkers’ movement.
Gas v. electric stove
Cooking is culture, and a crucial piece of how we enjoy food are stoves. There’s a heated debate taking place within California’s broad climate goals. As the state works to reach carbon neutrality in the coming decades, it’s finding ways to cut emissions in many parts of life, including the kitchen. This includes transitioning to all-electric appliances by 2045. However, gas stoves are a centerpiece of cooking styles across the world. From tortillas to naan, blistering vegetables, and wok stir fry cooking over a flame touches many cultures, and there is criticism that electric stoves simply don’t cut it. CapRadio’s Environment Reporter Manola Secaira joined Insight to share how one kitchen appliance impacts California’s energy future.
Mid-Pacific
CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan launches the new podcast Mid-Pacific. The podcast asks what it means to be Asian American / and the feeling of being caught between two worlds. Through food, politics, family, and much more, this six-episode exploration reveals that is a loaded question with a plethora of answers. New episodes drop every Thursday.
A look at Sacramento City Unified School District’s response to multiple race-related incidents and why suspension rates of its Black students remain high. A CalMatters investigation into California’s mobile home parks and the safety net gaps for residents. The first openly transgender person to work in the California State Capitol discusses Trans Visibility Week and the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Suspension rates
CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha shares their reporting on Sacramento City Unified School District’s response to multiple race-related incidents and why suspension rates of its Black students remain high, and how they’re exploring solutions.
Mobile home park inspections
CalMatters Housing Reporter Manuela Tobias shares her five-month investigation into on California’s mobile home parks, often the last affordable housing option before many people experience homelessness. Manuela shares the experiences of residents in Stockton Park Village, a mobile home park in San Joaquin County, to highlight the safety net gaps in the state’s mobile home parks.
Trans visibility week
Evan Minton is considered to be the first openly transgender person to work in the California State Capitol, and transitioned genders during his employment. He now co-chairs both the Democratic National Committee's Transgender Advisory Committee and the Lt. Governor's Transgender Advisory Council. Evan joins Insight to discuss Trans Visibility Week and the International Transgender Day of Visibility, which is celebrated annually on March 31, which celebrates the contributions of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people, as well as raising awareness to the ongoing discrimination and violence.
How snowstorms have impacted North Lake Tahoe. A UC Merced Study reveals how families and caregivers resorted to unsafe feeding practices following infant formula shortages in 2022. A Davis company is developing innovative technology that could help farmers increase yields and prevent losing crops to disease or drought.
Snow impact in North Lake Tahoe
The seemingly relentless stream of rain, wind, and snow is back. It has been a historic season so far. And in Lake Tahoe, these are the seasons that people who like to ski and snowboard, along with businesses in the Tahoe area, dream about. But at some point, has this season become too much of a good thing? We've seen snowstorm after snowstorm close Interstate 80 and Highway 50 more times than we’d like to count. Holiday weekends were wiped out, power outages and businesses were forced to close and dig out from feet of snow. On the bright side, several ski resorts announced they’re extending their seasons deep into the Spring months, one even as far as July 4th. Joining us to talk about the impact this season has had on the North Lake Tahoe area is Paul Raymore with Diamond Peak Ski Resort as well as Kirsten Guinn with the North Tahoe Community Alliance.
Infant formula shortage study
The pandemic squeezed supply chains around the world, but one of the most serious shortages raising the anxiety levels of millions of American families was the shortage of infant formula. Strains were made worse last year by the recall of one major formula brand and the closure of a critical production facility in the Midwest for months. As a result, the formula shelf was empty in about 70 percent of stores across the country in May 2022, with 10 states, including California, where the “out of stock” rate in stores reached 90%. This left families and caregivers in an anxious search for formula. One of those mothers was Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook a mother of two and a professor at UC Merced who studies the psychology of breastfeeding. Her experience motivated her to conduct a nationwide study on the impact of the formula shortage on families and Holbrook joined Insight to tell us about the difficult decisions families had to make in trying to feed their infants during this crisis.
Plant technology alerts stressors
Crop yields lost due to pests or disease can rake up billions in lost revenue across the agriculture industry. So, a Sacramento-area startup is listening to plants (in a sense) to better understand what they need, and in turn help farmers increase crop yields, reduce pesticide use, and plant with limited waste. The biotech company is called InnerPlant. Located in Davis, they hope their plant technology can be a tool to alleviate food chain shortages. InnerPlant has seen praise from the agricultural industry and received financial backing from companies like John Deere. Sean Yokomizo with InnerPlant joined Insight to explain how their technology allows plants to communicate.
Yosemite National Park updates winter closures. Why Roseville Joint Unified cut ties with an LGBTQ+ youth support group. Award-winning Blues and Soul Singer Shemekia Copeland joins us ahead of her performance at the Auburn State Theatre this week.
Winter closures
Yosemite Park Ranger Scott Gediman joins us for an update on the Park’s closure as a result of the winter storms. As yet another round of snow, rain and wind hit our area this week and with many people on Spring Break, Gediman updates us on what is open and what is not in Yosemite as well as the concerns for an extended snowy season and the impact that could have on the popular Spring and Summer months in the park. We’ll also learn about what impacts Yosemite’s closure has had on the local communities that surround the park.
Roseville Joint Unified
More than 100 parents and students packed a passionate school board meeting at Roseville Joint Union High School District, speaking for and against the district’s decision to cut ties with The Landing Spot, an LGBTQ+ support group for youth in Placer County, as well as the district alerting Roseville Police and Child Protective Services on its founder Pastor Casey Tinnin. In a district-wide email to families, Roseville Joint Unified shared an edited video from Project Veritas, which framed The Landing Spot and Pastor Tinnin as dangerous. Project Veritas describes itself as a journalism enterprise, but is also known as a right-wing group that conducts hidden video stings. In a statement, Pastor Tinnin says two Project Veritas activists masqueraded as parents looking to support their transgender child, illegally recorded their conversation, and then edited it to discredit the church. Pete Constant, School Board President for Roseville Joint Union High School District and public policy chair at William Jessup University, joined Insight following Thursday’s heated school board meeting. CapRadio Reporter Janelle Salanga also gives a bigger picture about the debate between the differing thoughts on parents’ role in kids’ lives, as well as how other school districts are creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Shemekia Copeland
She is described as “one of the leading blues artists of our time,” by NPR Music. Blues, soul, and Americana Singer Shemekia Copeland has performed at the White House and the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to a Grammy nomination for her 2020 album “Uncivil War,” Copeland is a recipient of the 2021 Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. Following the release of her new album “Done Come Too Far,” Copeland joined Insight ahead of her performance at the Auburn State Theatre on Thursday, March 30th.
NPR All Things Considered Host Ari Shapiro discusses his new book. Parts of Nevada are expected to see some of the best wildflower blooms in years. CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia share their “must-see” music concerts for Insight’s Concert Connect.
Ari Shapiro
Since 2015, Ari Shapiro has guided us through All Things Considered. But well before becoming a host of NPR’s pioneer news magazine show, he provided listeners a front-row seat to some of the most pressing and interesting stories around the world. From a London-based international correspondent to covering the White House and the Justice Department Ari has joined us from the Arctic Circle and Air Force One. And for a different experience of Ari’s creative talents, you might have caught him singing with the music group The Pink Martini or even performing Cabaret with actor Alan Cummings. At 44 years old, Ari has more than enough experiences to write a book, so he did. Insight spoke with Ari Shapiro about his new book “The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening.”
Nevada super bloom forecast
This week is the first week of Spring, even though it might not feel like it yet. Many of us might be eager and ready to say goodbye to the seemingly endless winter weather. But in addition to easing drought conditions, there is also some buzz in the air that this year’s wildflower season could be epic. In past years with torrential rains, stunning “super blooms” have attracted huge crowds in California. But Nevada could also see one of its best wildflower seasons in years. Jerry Tiehm, Curator of the Herbarium at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Tiffany Pereira, an ecologist with the Desert Research Institute, joined Insight to tell us more about the potential super blooms in the Silver State, where some of the best spots might be, and how you can see them responsibly.
Insight's Concert Connect
Insight’s Concert Connect showcases talented musicians and their latest concerts to check out locally in the Sacramento region and nearby. With the help of CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia, they have searched the many amazing venue concert calendars that bless Sacramento’s music scene. You might call them, “experience curators” for the work they've done to share their concert picks. They did the heavy listening so you can show up to these concerts with the knowledge of a fan and impress your friends.
Gov. Newsom’s ballot measure proposal to expand mental health services. A filmmaker and Sac State Professor takes us behind the scenes her newly released documentary about a subglacial lake in Antarctica. premieres “Rancho Cordova, from the Gold Rush to the Space Race.”
Mental health expansion
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg joins Insight to unpack Governor Newsom’s proposal to expand mental health services in California by issuing a bond that could raise upwards of $3 billion dollars for behavioral health and treatment facilities. This proposal vastly expands and builds upon Prop. 63 from 2004, which taxed California millionaires to fund county-run services. Mayor Steinberg was the author of Prop. 63 and will discuss how the Governor’s plan will build off of that law’s blueprint. The mayor will also talk about the latest proposal to bring tiny homes to Sacramento to help support the unhoused community.
Sac State filmmaker's Antarctica documentary
Antarctica is often thought of as a frozen and desolate landscape that, beyond its coastline, is largely devoid of life. But a new documentary produced by a filmmaker and Sacramento State associate professor is changing perceptions of the frozen continent. It also reveals how it shaped Earth’s climate past and highlights its critical role in shaping its future. “Lake at the Bottom of the World” tells the story of a team of scientists and engineers following their expedition deep into a frigid world to reach a subglacial lake buried underneath more than 3,000 feet of ice, all to gather critical clues of how our relationship with Antarctica could impact the future of all life on Earth. Kathy Kasic the film’s Director, Producer, and Cinematographer, joined Insight to tell us more about the film and share her experience filming in Antarctica.
"Rancho Cordova, from the Gold Rush to the Space Race"
When most people think of Sacramento the first thought (typically) is the State Capitol. But the history of our region that has shaped California and the country overflows well beyond city limits. If you head east on Highway 50, you’ll find the city of Rancho Cordova in Sacramento County. From the time of the Gold Rush, to both World Wars, and even the “space race”, Rancho Cordova is a key player in all of these major milestones in American history. Airing on KVIE’s ViewFinder series is a special highlighting what makes cities like Rancho Cordova important to the fabric and culture of California. Bill George, a historian, journalist, and documentary film producer channeled his passion for California’s “back lawn” into a film “Rancho Cordova, from the Gold Rush to the Space Race” which premieres tonight at 7 p.m. on Sacramento’s PBS station. It will also air again on Friday, March 24, at 4 p.m.
Sacramento will receive hundreds of new “tiny homes” as part of a statewide effort to provide housing for California’s unhoused community. An entrepreneur shares her traumatic story to help other young business owners avoid a similar ordeal. A non-profit in Sacramento County is helping bring beautiful floral bouquets to hospice care and seniors.
Tiny homes plan
Under a new plan unveiled by Governor Gavin Newsom last week, Sacramento will be one of the first cities in California to receive delivery of 350 new “tiny homes” as part of the state’s effort to provide a safe place to live for the unhoused community. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter, Chris Nichols, joins us to talk about the new statewide plan, how and where the city of Sacramento plans on using the new homes and the costs associated with building and delivering them to cities up and down the state.
She is Cheval
Starting your own business comes with some understandable learning curves. But our next guest went through these obstacles to the point where their entire professional identity, built upon nearly a decade of hard work, was forced to be overhauled. Due to the fine print of a contract, she signed at 25 years old, she had to start completely over-- including publicly changing her birth name. Once a successful wedding dress designer featured on “Say Yes to the Dress,” she now goes by Chief Inspiration Officer Cheval, founder of the shoe company She is Cheval, using her traumatic story as an entrepreneur to help other young business owners. Cheval is also the founder of the non-profit “A Girl You Might Know Foundation” to protect the rights of women and young artists by sharing knowledge through experience, the contracting process and knowledge of their rights under the law.
Petal Connection's mission
Seemingly small acts of kindness can be quite powerful. And a non-profit knows a thoughtful gift to strangers can bring some joy during some of the most difficult moments in life. The Petal Connection is a volunteer organization whose mission is to connect beautiful fresh floral bouquets to local hospice patients and seniors. Jennifer Arey is the executive director and founder, and joined Insight to explain over the years they’ve learned that these arrangements can be life changing.
A new program by the California Department of Education aims to reduce the number of “informal suspensions” which largely impacts marginalized students. The owner of Taylor’s Market discusses his wife’s passing and how he hopes her story will help those suffering from mental illness and alcohol addiction. The Outstanding Women Leaders Gala in Sacramento.
Combating excessive suspensions in schools
Disciplining students in ways that are effective and fair has been a long-standing challenge for our state’s K-12 schools. But according to data from the state, Black and Indigenous students are being suspended or expelled at rates much higher than other racial and ethnic groups in California. The state’s Department of Education also says that some school districts have also avoided reporting expulsions by pushing parents to accept voluntary or involuntary transfers to other districts or even implementing disciplinary actions that may violate California’s education code. To address what it says is a rise of “disproportionate discipline” the California Department of Education has announced new programs to reduce the number of these suspensions and expulsions with the goal of keeping more students in the classroom. William McGee, Director of the Student Achievement and Support Division at California’s Department of Education, joined Insight to share more details about the programs, including a statewide hotline for parents.
Taylor Market's messages on mental health and addiction
Since 1962, Taylor’s Market in Sacramento has prided itself on being more than a grocery store. Over the decades, the market has evolved to offer a wide range of specialty foods, classes, and events to connect with people in Sacramento, and around the world, through food and drinks. Danny Johnson was hired as a butcher nearly 40 years ago. And over the years since Danny, his wife Kathy, and eventually their two daughters made Taylor’s Market a bigger part of their family. Danny and Kathy became owners in 2007 and remained steadfast in creating a unique food experience. But last month, the market announced the passing of Kathy Johnson. On its Facebook page, sharing that Kathy had passed away at the age of 58 from “mental health and alcohol addiction.” Kathy’s family decided to make her struggle public to help others, and bring to light a disease they say is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Insight spoke with Danny, Kathy’s husband as well as the CEO and Head Butcher of Taylor’s Market, who shared what made Kathy’s life so remarkable, her impact in the community, and how he hopes her story inspires others to seek and get the treatment they need. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or struggling with addiction, call the National Alliance on Mental Health Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or text “Help Line” to 6264.
You can also call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Outstanding women leaders
This week an event will celebrate women making a difference across Sacramento. The Outstanding Women Leaders Gala has been going on for more than a quarter-century honoring women who are breaking or redefining the mold, from business owners to government, and those advocating for others in their community. The special night is hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The Sacramento Valley chapter has been around for more than three decades, providing mentors and advocates so that women can thrive in a professional environment that historically was nonexistent or limiting at best. Christina Dixon, President-Elect of NAWBO Sacramento Valley, joined Insight to tell us more about the Gala and the women some of the women they'll be honoring at the event.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and its potential impact on Northern California’s economy. A preview of Sacramento Master Singers’ “Songs in the Key of Life” performance this weekend. Goodbye to CapRadio All Things Considered Anchor and Reporter Randol White.
SVB's collapse
The sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves through the banking industry and California’s tech economy. Today on Insight, CalMatters’ politics reporter Ben Christopher joins us to look at the bank’s failure through a California lens and how it could impact the state’s already-stressed budget projections. Plus, we’ll speak with Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council on what SVB’s failure could signal about the state of the tech economy and GSEC’s push to lure more high-tech jobs to our region.
Sacramento Master Singers' upcoming performance
Choral music has been bringing people together for centuries with the power to provide hope and reaffirm faith through heavenly harmonies. More recently, the soaring voices of Sacramento Master Singers have helped advance choral music in Northern California for more than four decades. Delighting audiences in Sacramento and around the world with new arrangements and classic choral songs. This weekend the group will be performing at the B Street Theatre in downtown Sacramento with songs they say will capture a wide range of life’s seminal moments: from birth to death, joy to sorrow. Ralph Hughes, Artistic Director and Conductor for Sacramento Master Singers, and Choir Member Mary Patt, joined Insight to talk about their performances "Songs in the Key of Life" at The Sophia at B Street Theatre in Sacramento.
Saying goodbye to CapRadio's Randol White
A familiar voice on CapRadio is saying goodbye. You may know of Randol White for his reports during “All Things Considered.” Or you may remember Randol as the host of Insight during a crucial time in 2020 when we all were navigating the scary unknowns of the pandemic. Regardless of how you’ve come to know Randol as a listener, today Insight is going to let you in on a little secret. He’s also a wonderful person outside of the news as both a CapRadio colleague and friend. Randol and his husband Ricardo are saying goodbye to Sacramento but not without a heartfelt farewell from the Insight team and some familiar voices on CapRadio. Randol joined Insight one last time to talk about his time at CapRadio and share where he’s headed next.
A bill making its way through the state legislature would require a financial literacy course as a graduation requirement across California high schools. A Sacramento Bee sports reporter discusses Sacramento State women’s basketball team’s first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament, and the Golden 1 Center hosting the first two rounds of the Men’s tournament this weekend.
Financial literacy in high school
California falls behind many states in financial literacy education, according to the American Public Education Foundation. More students are graduating high school and are going to college but lack the tools to navigate their finances. Assembly Bill 984, authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty aims to address this issue by requiring a financial literacy course for graduation. Financial literacy advocates are hopeful that California would join a short list of states requiring financial literacy. Shawn Varshney is an Oak Ridge High School student, from El Dorado Hills and the cofounder of “Financial Literacy for You” a peer-to-peer nonprofit organization working to address the need for financial literacy. He joined Insight to share how he's helping his peers understand the world of loans, credit cards, and overdraft fees instead of learning the hard way as adults. Insight also invited Fred Jones, a policy analyst for California Jumpstart, a non-profit organization that helps advocate for young people on financial literacy.
Sacramento State Women's basketball
Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee sports reporter, joined Insight to discuss the Sacramento State Women’s Basketball team’s first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament. He also discussed how the Golden 1 Center is again hosting the first two rounds of the Men’s tournament this weekend and its economic impact for Sacramento.
California Republican Party Spring Convention. Governor Newsom’s decision to stop doing business with Walgreens over access to abortion pills. The long-time radio voice for the Sacramento Kings achieves a historic milestone. A podcast reveals the effort by indigenous people to return salmon to their homeland near Shasta Dam.
Politics roundup
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was the headliner at the California Republican Party Convention in Sacramento. The convention was a three-day event over the weekend which also included a "Q-and-A" session with local Congressmembers Doug LaMalfa and Tom McClintock. But all eyes and ears were on the Saturday lunch with the newly-elected Speaker of the House. Speaker McCarthy took swipes at several California democrats including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Adam Schiff (who is running for Senate), and Governor Gavin Newsom. This is on the heels of some big news here at home with Governor Newsom’s announcement last week that he is backing out of contracts with Walgreens over access to abortion pills. CapRadio's state politics reporter Nicole Nixon joined Insight to break it all down for us.
Gary Gerould celebrates 3,000 games
On Sunday, February 26th, 2023, The Sacramento Kings played the Oklahoma City Thunder and won by the score of 124 to 115. In the grand scheme of things, it was a win on the road in the middle of the playoff hunt. But what was truly remarkable that night was that it was the 3,000th broadcast for the “voice of the Kings,” Gary Gerould. Gary has been calling the Kings games since the very first game in Sacramento back in 1985. The “G-Man” himself has seen it all, the good, bad, and yes, those ugly, dark seasons. But through thick and thin he is one of the few broadcasters who have stuck with the same team their entire professional career. Gary or “G-Man” joined Insight with a look back at his career and a look toward (what fans hope) is the start of a new era of Kings basketball in Sacramento.
Indigenous salmon podcast
Salmon have been intertwined with California long before water infrastructure bolstered the agricultural landscape we depend on today. The dams, reservoirs, and miles of levees are a lifeline to flood protection and water supply. But water infrastructure, coupled with climate change and drought, also comes at a cost: including near-record low salmon populations in recent years. Native and indigenous communities intimately understand this cost through all that was taken and lost. The Winnemem Wintu Tribe called this state home well before becoming California we know today and salmon are an inextricable piece of their culture and history. Judy Silber is a reporter for “A Prayer for Salmon” which is the latest season of the podcast “The Spiritual Edge.” Silber shares the audio documentary from KALW, an NPR member station based in the Bay Area, walks in the shoes of the Winnemem Wintu people to learn about their clash with Shasta Dam the fight to protect sacred sites along the McCloud River and return Chinook to their Northern California homeland.
The National Weather Service provides the latest updates and information on the Atmospheric River impacting Northern California. The arguments for and against AB 734, which would require children in the state to be at least 12-years-old to play tackle football. Mariachi Bonitas, a Northern California all-female mariachi band, shares music from their first album.
Winter Storm forecast
We're in a revolving door of winter weather across the Sacramento Valley with even more snow on tap for the Sierra. The weekend brought more soaking rain and snow including a confirmed EF-1 tornado to Tuolumne County, and more is in store this weekend. The National Weather Service in Sacramento joined Insight to provide an update on the forecast and the potential for flooding and severe winds.
Youth tackle football bill
For many Americans, tackle football is more than a sport, but a deeply rooted tradition woven into the fabric of the nation’s cultural identity. And millions of children across the country are introduced to the sport well before high school. But a bill introduced by California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (a Democrat who represents a large portion of Sacramento) would prohibit children under the age of 12 from playing tackle football out of concern for their brain health. Assemblymember McCarty introduced AB 734 in part due to what he says is growing research linking youth tackle football and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (or CTE), a degenerative brain disease that’s been found postmortem in the brains of former NFL and college football players. But opponents of the bill say California is already a leader in making the game safer for children and this bill is an overreach of parental rights to decide if their children should play a sport they believe provides benefits and opportunities for young athletes. Insight invited two guests to share why they respectively support and oppose the bill. Co-Founder of the California Youth Football Alliance who is lobbying state lawmakers to vote down this bill. Dr. Chris Nowinski is a neuroscientist and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and believes the bill is an important step to protecting children from the harm he says they can’t fully understand.
Mariachi Bonitas
Since 2020 Dinorah Klinger and her all-female Mariachi band have graced concert halls and festivals throughout Northern California and the world with their scintillating and soulful music. And after nearly three years of performing, Dinorah and Mariachi Bonitas have released their first album. The album and its titled song, “Por Ser Mujer” is dedicated to the endearing strength and perseverance of women all over the world. Dinorah Klingler, singer, and manager of Mariachi Bonitas, joined Insight to tell us more about the album, how it pays homage to women of all cultures, and share what we can expect next from the band.
A local in the Tahoe Basin shares how the immense amount of snow is impacting daily life in their community. CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia share their “must-see” music concerts for Insight’s Concert Connect.
Snow-covered Tahoe region
The town of Meyers, California, is nestled along Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada, a short drive past the breathtaking view of the lake from Echo Summit and before you enter South Lake Tahoe. Although many of the homes in this community are rental properties, hundreds call it home year-round. They’ve become accustomed to both the threat of wildfires and shoveling themselves out of epic snowstorms. This winter, the snowfall in the Central Sierra this winter is nearing snowfall records leaving residents in Meyers and other communities in the high country buried in a bewildering amount of snow. One of the residents of this town is Susie Kocher, a Forestry Advisor for the University of California’s Cooperative Extension in South Lake Tahoe. When she and her family haven’t been shoveling snow at their home? She's been chronicling the incredible snowfall amounts on her Twitter page for the last couple of weeks. Susie joins us now from her home in Meyers to share her experience with us and how these powerful storms have been impacting daily life for her and her community.
Do Sac school boards reflect student diversity?
School boards wield a lot of power, but often for voters, they are the lesser-known race on ballots. However, this elected position has been politicized nationwide in recent years, particularly during the pandemic. Which on the one hand means there’s more awareness, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a deeper collective knowledge of their influence on education. An influence that is also shaped by representation. A CapRadio-Sacramento Observer analysis looked into four districts within Sac County, that include Sac City, Elk Grove, Natomas and San Juan Unified to better understand if school boards reflect their student body. It’s important because Sacramento schools are among the most diverse in the state, and the findings are far from uniform. CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha shares their analysis of the diversity of four Sacramento County school boards which revealed many communities are underrepresented on their respective boards.
"Concert Connect"
If your ears are eager for live music, Insight’s “Concert Connect” has you covered thanks to the help of CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia. Sacramento is home to great music venues, and even if you want to spend a day away, well there are concerts not that far from the State Capitol. With so many concert calendars to sort through, it can get overwhelming to stay on track with the artists to check out live. Luckily Andrew and Nick have sacrificed their eardrums, to find the best concerts to see in the next two weeks.
CapRadio’s Chris Nichols shares his latest reporting on homeless funding for the Sacramento region and why a “tiny home” project in Sacramento County is delayed. A KVIE documentary shares one family’s journey during and after the Armenian Genocide. A Sacramento Rapper shares the story behind “Light the Beam”, a song honoring his beloved Sacramento Kings.
Tiny Home project
Nearly one year ago Sacramento County announced plans to build a village of tiny homes (for unhoused residents in South Sacramento. The goal was to provide temporary housing and services to stabilize residents and ultimately help them transition to permanent housing. The site was expected to open as early as last summer, but today it remains closed and the $7-million project faces mounting delays as well as half-a-million dollars over budget. This is as unhoused residents remain camped outside waiting for it to open. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols, whose focus is housing and homelessness, joined Insight to discuss why the project is taking so long. He also shared his reporting on the nearly $200 million in state funds the Sacramento region received in the first year of the pandemic to address homelessness ans where the money went.
The Hidden Map
April 24, 1915. For generations of Armenians, that date marks the beginning of a treacherous and brutal start to the mass killings and expulsion of more than 1.5 million Armenians from their ancestral homelands by the Ottoman Turks. Since the genocide of 1915, Armenians have scattered all over the world after being forced from their homeland surviving, creating, and cultivating vibrant diaspora communities. In California, from Fresno, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and here in the Sacramento region, our state is home to the largest Armenian-American population outside of modern-day Armenia. And like so many immigrant communities Armenian-Americans trace their roots to find out where their families came from. Their history is a window into their families, culture, and values. Filmmaker Ani Hovannisian was born in Fresno, raised in Los Angeles, and lives there now. It took several journeys to trace her Armenian lineage in modern-day Turkey, and along the way uncovered the buried secrets of her family’s past in her documentary “The Hidden Map.”
Light the Beam
The Sacramento Kings have fans yelling, “Light the Beam!” after every win. The purple beam from atop Golden 1 Center is a rallying cry for the Kings' loyal fanbase who are on pace to break a historic drought and (dare we say) make it to the playoffs which haven’t happened in 16 seasons. Denzel Joyce, a rapper known as "Young Zel" is one of those loyal fans who paid homage to the team with an anthem. He joined Insight to talk about why he created the song “Light the Beam” and the reception from fans.
Updated - March 6, 2023
Why some residents in the city of Sacramento are without a council district. The impact that the legalization of commercial marijuana is having on the ‘Emerald Triangle.’ Stockton’s Symphony remembers its CEO Philip West who passed away in February.
Residents without a council district
The city of Sacramento is home to roughly half-a-million residents. For the first time in city history, of the some 520,000, about one in 10 are missing city council representation. That is almost 58,000 Sacramento residents without a city council member. An absence that was expected due to the latest redistricting that takes place along the Census every decade. In the meantime, residents impacted are represented by Mayor Darrell Steinberg. But without a council member, some residents question how the city can invest in neighborhoods without hyper-local representation afforded to the overwhelming majority of people within city limits. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam joined Insight to discuss their reporting on why there is a large area in the city without a council member.
Emerald Triangle
California voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2016. But Prop 64 was far from a light switch with even-handed impacts across the state. The cannabis industry-- which includes taxes, regulations, ordinances, and permitting-- varies greatly from one city and county to the next. It’s complicated, to say the least, but the human cost can arguably be felt most in what’s long been called the “Emerald Triangle” located in the far stretches of Northern California which includes Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties. It’s there where you’ll find a long-established industry where individual, smaller growers operated, and even thrived prior, to Prop 64. But six years after the commercial legalization of marijuana, residents say a crash in weed prices is having cascading and detrimental impacts on the local economy. Alexei Koseff is a Capitol Reporter for CalMatters and has been covering the ongoing challenges of California’s cannabis industry. He joined Insight to share his latest piece where he traveled to the “Emerald Triangle” to learn more.
Remembering Philip West
For nearly 100 years the Stockton Symphony has been a wellspring of community pride and has inspired generations in San Joaquin County through the power of music. It is one of the oldest continuously operating orchestras— only surpassed by the San Francisco Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. But like most in the arts, the early days of the pandemic were some of the most challenging periods in the symphony’s history, largely cutting them off from the community they love and threatening their livelihood. But Philip West, the symphony’s CEO, turned the challenge of the pandemic into an opportunity to grow, and build deeper bonds through innovative programs. But last week, the symphony announced that Phillip West passed away unexpectedly after complications from a medical procedure. Peter Jaffe, Music Director and Conductor of the Stockton Symphony, joined Insight to share West's life and work as well as how they plan to honor him in upcoming performances.
Correction: In a previous version of this post Philip West's name was misspelled. It has since been corrected.
A Sacramento County school district is helping immigrant children and families integrate with their new community. California’s Reparation’s Task Force is holding their next meeting in Sacramento. CapRadio’s Visual Journalist discusses his most poignant photos over the last three years covering the COVID pandemic.
Engaging refugee and immigrant students
Over the past couple of years, we’ve learned or have been reminded that Sacramento is home to diasporas from all over the world. From Afghanistan following the chaotic and deadly U.S. withdrawal leaving the country in the hands of the Taliban. To Ukraine, which has just entered its second year of the war. And there are many other examples, from Syria to Latin America to name a few, of people and families fleeing their homeland for safety and abruptly uprooted as refugees. A significant piece of adjusting to a new country and way of life comes from schools which are far more than just a classroom. They are a hub of resources for students and their families and in doing so become part of their new community. Sawsan Morrar, who covers School Accountability and Culture for the Sacramento Bee, followed San Juan Unified School District in Sacramento County which has schools where the vast majority of students are English Language Learners, and many students who are also refugees-- a journey that often comes with trauma. Morrar joined Insight to talk about what she learned and shared how these schools are meeting the needs of students under extraordinary circumstances.
Reparations task force meeting
California’s Reparations Task Force is closing in on a major milestone. A first-in-the-nation task force studying the legacy of harm caused by slavery as well as reparations to repair the generational damage caused. In its two years since being signed into law, the nine-member Task Force is finalizing a report and recommendations for Black and African Americans who are descendants of slaves. Over the course of two days, the reparations task force is expected to share its recommendations as well as hear community input. The meeting will be open to the public and takes place at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) in Sacramento. KQED Reporter Annelise Finney brought us up to speed with the latest on California’s Reparations Task Force and what to expect from this weekend’s meeting. Insight also spoke with Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at UC Berkeley and member of the California Reparations Task Force.
The pandemic through photojournalism
This week California's emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic came to an unceremonious end. Many of the laws, regulations, ordinances, and recommendations in place for the past three years are now gone. While the most severe aspects of COVID may be behind us, the fact remains that COVID is still here among us. But when we reflect on the past three years, we will never forget all that we went through. Social distancing, virtual learning, bare shelves at the pharmacy, scrambling for toilet paper and paper towels, and long lines to get tested or get a vaccine. They're memories that will stay with our generation forever. Over the past three years, CapRadio's Visual Journalist Andrew Nixon has been documenting those moments and memories through his camera lens. And if you are a visitor to our website you have no doubt seen his work, capturing the scenes of the pandemic. Andrew published his latest digital article and joined Insight with a retrospective of some of his work during the pandemic in the Sacramento area.
A winter storm is dumping feet of snow in the Sierra after a very dry February. An 80-million-year-old plant fossil discovered in Placer County has helped fill a significant gap in the fossil record. A conversation with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento about homeownership for lower-income households.
Cold winter storms in the Sierra
California’s snowpack was off to an impressive start this winter after a series of storms pummeled the state. And after several dry weeks, a round of unusually cold storms has dumped even more snow. Yosemite National Park is currently closed after park officials say the snow was up to 15 feet deep in some areas. The Sierra has also experienced blizzard conditions prompting the temporary closure of several Tahoe ski resorts as well as creating dangerous driving conditions. Although much of Northern California is getting a break today/temperatures remain pretty chilly and even more snow is forecasted in the Sierra this weekend. On Friday, we’ll get an update on the state’s snowpack from state water managers at the Department of Water Resources. But in the meantime, we’re going to head up to Donner Summit to check in with Andrew Schwartz, Lead Scientist at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab which has been recording some impressive snow totals this winter.
Fossilized fruit
More than three decades ago, construction workers unearthed something unusual while building new homes in Granite Bay. They discovered a fossilized plant buried for eons. The ancient plant was collected by researchers at Sierra College and preserved in its Natural History Museum in Rocklin. There it sat for decades, and only recently has its scientific significance been realized. A curious professor from the University of Kansas took a closer look at the fossil, and after careful examination, released a study suggesting this discovery has helped close a critical gap in the fossil record. It reveals the ancestors of an incredibly diverse family of flowering plants that we enjoy today, including close relatives of coffee and potatoes which evolved during the last days of the dinosaurs. Insight sat down with Richard Hilton, professor of earth sciences at Sierra College, and Brian Atkinson, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas, who shared the fascinating story of this fossil tens of millions of years in the making.
Homeownership for lower-income households
Real estate prices may be dropping in Sacramento but being able to afford a home is still out of reach for many households. According to Redfin, home prices in the Sacramento area have dropped slightly to a median price just shy of $450,000. But according to the latest Census, the average household income in the county is roughly $75,000 a year which for many is less than what is needed for both a home and financial stability. Habitat for Humanity has long helped bridge that costly gap, helping lower-income households get into ownership. The non-profit’s Greater Sacramento chapter has opened applications for its latest round of homeownership opportunities for those looking to live in Sacramento and Yolo counties. Shannin Stein, Chief Operating Officer for Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento, joined Insight to help walk through the process and how to apply.
After nearly three years, California ends its “State of Emergency.” An infectious disease expert joins us to reflect on the last three years of the pandemic and revisit some of the conversations we’d had with him over that time. Also, a look at what a post-pandemic California will look like even as the virus continues to impact our daily lives.
State of Emergency ends
It has been a long, arduous, confusing, frustrating, and certainly stressful three years with COVID-19. But today, there is a significant change and possibly a renewed sense of hope even symbolic for Californians as the state’s emergency declaration expires. Many of the rules, regulations, laws, and things that changed our way of life for the past three years are sunsetting. While the state’s emergency declaration is officially ending, the fact remains that COVID is still with us. California has just marked 100-thousand lives lost to COVID, according to state health authorities. So, what now? How do we all move forward? What lessons have we learned about medicine? Our response? The government’s response? and ourselves? On today's Insight, we are marking the end of the emergency declaration with a show dedicated to looking forward, but also reflecting on the past. And since the very beginning, there was one voice we consistently sought to help explain both the concerning and hopeful developments with the virus and provide some context in a frank but reassuring manner. That person is Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health. Dr. Blumberg shared his reflections on the past three years not only as an infectious disease expert but also as a person.
Available resources
Janelle Salanga, CapRadio’s Northern California reporter, and Heath Care reporter Kate Wolffe, join Insight to share their work on what happens now that the COVID emergency declaration in California has expired three years after the pandemic hit. From lessons learned, to where to find a COVID test, and how insurance will change moving forward, we’ll discuss what a California after the state of emergency’s end will look like even as the virus continues to spread and impact our daily lives.
An independent journalist based in Sacramento returns from his latest reporting trip from Ukraine. A statewide non-profit focuses on educating and empowering Black students.
Returning from Ukraine
You can measure war by atrocious loss, from lives to livelihoods, and a way of life rooted in familiar comfort that is ripped away beyond repair. In Ukraine, the death toll and diaspora at the hands of Russia cannot be ignored. But you can also understand the toll of war by what and who remains. Their stories capture the heart of what once was as well as the drive to endure the painful costs of a war with no end in sight. Martin Kuz is an independent journalist based in Sacramento. His father fled Ukraine following WWII, never able to return. Martin spent the past 12 months traveling to his father’s homeland, first arriving in the days leading up to the invasion, and then returning again in the summer during an all-out war that continues today. Kuz’ reporting from last year can be found in SacTown Magazine and The Christian Science Monitor from August and April. Insight spoke with Martin upon just landing back in California from his latest three-week reporting trip this time in Eastern Ukraine. We sat down and talked on the one-year anniversary of the official start of the war.
Black Students of California United
Dr. Angelia Barfield, Interim Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Students of California United (BSCU), a statewide organization focused on developing African American and Black students discuss the challenges black students face and how BSCU helps make a positive change.
Updated at 9:32 a.m.
Assemblymember Mia Bonta has recused herself from a budget subcommittee after a KCRA investigation. Ben Jealous discusses his new book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.” CapRadio hosts Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia share their “must-see” music concerts.
Investigation into Assemblymember Mia Bonta
The chairwoman of a major Assembly budget subcommittee at the State Capitol has recused herself from an important oversight position following an investigation by KCRA3’s Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala. Following days of questions over ethics, the potential of a conflict of interest and poor optics, Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, the wife of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, will no longer participate in overseeing the billion dollar budget for her husband’s office. Mia Bonta initially refused to recuse herself and called the questioning of her position as sexist and racist. Days after Zavala’s reporting, the Assemblywoman decided to relent and back away from the position. Zavala joins Insight to discuss her report on the story. We did invite the Assemblymember Mia Bonta on Insight. Her office said she could not make it, and referred us to the statement she made on Sunday on Twitter.
Ben Jealous' latest book
Ben Jealous is arguably most well-known as the youngest person to lead the national NAACP. But in addition to civil rights and social justice, his roles also span journalism, academia, politics, and the environment. All of which he would argue are intertwined. Jealous is now leading another legacy non-profit rooted in activism, becoming the first African American to lead the Sierra Club. Ben joined Insight about his new book "Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing."
Hey Listen! Top local music performances
The host of CapRadio’s Hey, Listen!, Nick Brunner, and CapRadio Host Andrew Garcia, join Insight to share their top picks of shows to check out for the next two weeks.
Correction: In a previous version of this article, Ben Jealous' book title was incorrect. That has been updated.
A energy policy expert explains why are natural gas prices so high this winter, what can be done to reduce the prices, and what consumers should know. The growing importance and acceptance of mindfulness meditation and its potential healing power. A Veterans Job Fair in Sacramento County.
Spiking natural gas prices
Shocked. Confused. Concerned and frustrated. Just a handful of the reactions millions of Californians are having when they opened their natural gas bills this winter. California’s Public Utility Commission (CPUC) says natural gas prices in California and throughout the West have risen to “alarming levels” and are “driving up prices for consumers.” Pacific Gas and Electric, which has 4.5 million gas customers in Northern and Central California, said customers can expect a 32% increase in their bills through March. They and other utility companies throughout the state blame high demand, low supplies, and cold weather for the steep rise in their customer’s energy bills. Governor Newsom has called for a federal investigation into the price increases / while some critics say California and its regulations are to blame. Regardless of the politics, the price hike is hitting Californians at a particularly difficult time for those households already financially struggling due to high inflation. So what is causing this sticker shock in our gas bills? To help us unpack this complex issue and what can potentially be done about it, Insight invited Severin Borenstein, a professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and Faculty Director of its Energy Institute, to join us.
Summit on mindfulness and compassion
Our minds are powerful, but using them to their full potential can be difficult or run counter to the way life comes at us. Slowing down, processing, reflecting, and sitting with oneself can be easier said than done. But there is growing awareness and acceptance of the power of mindfulness meditation and its ability to alleviate chronic stress, and suffering and increase compassion. Dr. Alea Skwara, Dr. Quinn Conklin, and Dr. Clifford Saron are researchers at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain who study how our brains function in the name of “contemplative science.” They joined Insight to share their work ahead of a free, daylong summit on mindfulness and compassion at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis which is open to the public.
Volunteers of America job fair
The Volunteers of America chapter in Northern California and Northern Nevada is more than a century old, founded in 1911. The non-profit is among the largest provider of services for some of the most vulnerable residents, providing housing or shelter to more than 3,000 adults and children every night. But it doesn’t stop there. Resources span housing, substance abuse, and employment services. Joseph Paez, a manager of the Homeless Veteran's Reintegration Program, joined Insight to tell us more about the VOA and discuss a Veterans Job Fair they're hosting this week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Mather location in Sacramento County.
Cal Poly Humboldt announces hundreds of students will need to live in hotels for the Fall 2023 semester due to a housing shortage. California’s Behavioral health workforce is not forecasted to keep pace with demand. The Sacramento Kings are on track to end their 16-year playoff drought.
Cal Poly Humboldt hotel housing
It’s been a little more than a year since Humboldt State made the major name change to Cal Poly Humboldt, becoming the third Polytechnic University in California. The move was made in part to meet the growing demand for STEM professionals and attract students to pursue an education in science, technology, engineering, and math on the North Coast. But as a result, the university says they’re experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth with a record number of applicants for this year’s Fall semester. That surge of new students is creating a housing challenge. Because of a shortage of student housing on campus, the university announced plans this week for hundreds of students to live in hotels. The housing crunch is again raising long-standing concerns at the university and in the city of Arcata where Cal Poly Humboldt is located. Todd Larsen, Cal Poly Humboldt’s Senior Director of Housing Operations, and Donyet King, the university's Senior Director for Housing and Residence Life, joined Insight to discuss the university's decision and how they plan to address the housing challenge in the coming years.
California's behavioral health worker shortage
Within the past decade a focus on mental health has grown, alongside a rise in substance abuse, anxiety and depression. But California’s behavioral health workforce is struggling to keep up with the demand. From an aging workforce, to language barriers, we’ll learn about the consequences and solutions for these unmet needs. Janet Coffman, Professor of Health Policy at the UC San Francisco, co-authored a report published this month “Building the Future Behavioral Health Workforce: Needs Assessment.” Dr. Coffman is joined by Michelle Cabrera, Executive Director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, which commissioned this research to develop a 10-year strategic plan for strengthening the county behavioral health safety net workforce.
Sacramento Kings defy expectations
The Sacramento Kings are on pace to finally make the NBA playoffs after a 16-season drought. Despite making a few significant moves last season and hiring a new coach during the off-season, many NBA watchers did not expect this team to be playing so well, having already surpassed their entire win total from last year. Now, at the All-Star break, the Sacramento Kings are sitting firmly in the 3rd seed for the playoffs with about a third of the season remaining. FOX40 Sports reporter Sean Cunningham joins Insight to discuss how this team has defied expectations this year, why fans can be excited, yet cautious about the rest of the season and what a playoff run would feel like in Sacramento after a generation of fans have missed out over the last 16 years.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, California’s longest-serving U.S. Senator, has announced she will not seek re-election in 2024. A conversation on California’s declining birth rate and its implications. A Pacific Crest Trail hiker shares how his epic hike helped him heal from a traumatic brain injury.
Sen. Feinstein Not Seeking Re-Election
Senator Diane Feinstein’s political career began more than five decades ago as a San Francisco County Supervisor in 1969. The first step in what would become a trailblazing career in California and national politics. The native San Franciscan would eventually become not only the first woman from California elected to the U.S. Senate, but after three decades in office, she is now California’s longest-serving Senator and the longest-serving woman senator in American history. Yesterday, we learned her storied career will come to a close in 2024, officially announcing she will not seek re-election next year. A moment that wasn’t necessarily unexpected, pressure began to build as two Democratic colleagues launched Senate campaigns for her seat. Her legacy in California and Washington is profound. A political powerhouse who was instrumental in passing legislation on gun control, gay rights, environmental protections, and restricting the CIA’s use of torture. But in recent years, that influence had begun to wane. Shira Stein, Washington correspondent at the San Francisco Chronicle, joined Insight to share her reporting on Senator Feinstein’s decision, what the rest of her term could look like, and the senator’s legacy.
California’s Declining Birth Rate
California’s birth rate is at a near-historic low which hasn’t been seen in more than a century. The findings come from the Public Policy Institute of California. According to the report, the number of births hit a peak in 1992, and more than 30 years later, that number dropped by roughly a third. The numbers may not seem significant now, but in the decades to come, the decline can have significant consequences for society and the economy. Economic, financial, and cultural shifts all play a factor in the complicated decision to have, or not have, children. To help unpack the numbers and what they mean, Insight invited Henry Gonzalez, a Sacramento State professor of Family Studies and Human Development, and Jordan Davidson, Editorial Director of Health-dot-com, and author of “So When Are You Having Kids?” onto the program.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
2,650 miles, the numbers fall short of the experience of accomplishing the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail encompasses the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges, touching the California-Mexico border on one end and the Washington-Canadian border on the other. The hike is trying to say the least. A feat of a lifetime and one that many people attempt yet never accomplish in its entirety. It is extremely physical, but also a spiritual journey for many. That includes a hiker who used this remarkable pilgrimage to overcome dire medical odds from a traumatic brain injury and found invaluable healing along the way. That hiker is Brandon Case, an author, and photographer, who will be sharing his inspiring journey at the Auburn State Theatre on Sunday as part of a fundraiser for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. The event is moderated by Alan Hammond with the non-profit Limit Situation Trail Magic. Correction: A previous version of this description misidentified the Pacific Crest Trail.
The historical context amplifying the humanitarian crisis in Turkey and Syria after a powerful and deadly earthquake. The state of California is looking to hire thousands of laid-off tech workers. A preview of this year’s Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Grass Valley and Nevada City.
Turkey-Syria earthquake
On Monday, February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake and 7.5-magnitude aftershock devasted Turkey and Syria, killing at least 36,000 people, and the death toll is still rising. The region affected by the earthquake has been struggling with political instability and unrest for years, making it difficult for humanitarian aid organizations to respond effectively to the disaster. Concerns about Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his coalition government’s response to the crisis have also raised questions if the death toll could have been minimized. The disaster in Turkey is one of the most complex and challenging humanitarian crises in recent history, with issues that spill into Syria and those displaced in the last decade by its civil war. Insight invited Baki Tezcan, a professor of History at UC Davis, onto the program to help unpack the history and challenges both countries are facing in the crisis.
Tech worker recruitment
The number of tech-related layoffs in California has been staggering. Since just the beginning of 2023, high-tech companies based in California have already let go of almost 25,000 positions. That is seriously outpacing all of the tech layoffs from last year - when the tech industry shed 44,000 jobs. Many analysts believe these jobs were the result of tech companies over-hiring during the COVID pandemic – and forced to shed payrolls as the economic headwinds of 2023 point to a slowdown in the economy, even possibly a recession. While layoffs of any kind are unpleasant, the state of California is looking to seize the opportunity by announcing a new program to try and lure laid-off tech workers into a career in state service. Matthias Jaime, who oversees the technology portfolio of California's Government Operations Agency, joined Insight to provide more details for this new recruiting mission for California’s tech workers.
Wild & Scenic film festival
Nevada County is getting ready to welcome festival goers to take in more than 100 unique films with a common thread. Reminding us of our relationship with nature and perhaps inspiring actions to preserve and restore the environment. The 21st annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival kicks off this Thursday and the five-day festival runs through Monday in both Grass Valley and Nevada City, with CapRadio among the list of sponsors. From adventure to activism, health, food, traveling the ocean, and getting up close to wildlife, there are plenty of films to choose from. Festival Director Lívia Campos de Menezes joined Insight to share what to expect this year.
How Governor Newsom’s political future and legacy hinge on how he addresses California’s homeless crisis. A vocational program at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center is helping incarcerated women gain skills to succeed in the coffee industry. The best wine and music parings for Valentine’s Day.
Gov. Newsom's homelessness legacy
California is the fourth largest economy in the world, but that prideful headline is challenged by a grim reality. A homeless population that far surpasses any other state, accounting for half of the country’s unhoused population. Experiencing homelessness touches each and every one of us, it's a crisis Gov. Gavin Newsom has devoted an unprecedented amount of investment towards, even preceding his time as governor. But Newsom is beginning his second term with a larger unhoused population since he first took office. Angela Hart, a senior reporter with Kaiser Health News, joined Insight to provide a better understanding of how his legacy as governor (and path forward in the Democratic Party) hinges on Gov. Newsom making visible headway on California’s homelessness crisis.
Redemption Coffee
Reducing reoffending through coffee. Jamie Mason, the Program Director for Redemption Coffee, shared more details on this vocational program offered by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center for incarcerated women. Students enter a specialty coffee training program, and upon completion, gain the skills to succeed in the coffee industry. Mason was joined by Legend Hightower, a successful Redemption alumna who went from jail in 2022 to a full-time job as a coffee roaster.
Valentine's Day wine and music
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and for some, that means it’s dinner out, for others, it’s a quiet night at home. Either way, the wine, food, and music all come together to show your partner that you care, appreciate them, and want to share a wonderful evening together. But making the night just perfect can be a bit stressful. Stay in? Go out? Where to go? What to order? How to get the mood just right. Wine expert Rick Kushman and CapRadio’s Classical Music host Jennifer Reason joined Insight to help take the stress out of your planning with the best wine and the best music to pair with your Valentine’s Day plans.
A first-of-its kind building has opened in Davis to provide shelter and services for those considered at-risk or experiencing homelessness. A new Study by UC Merced is revealing the chronic health issues farmworkers are experiencing and the challenges they face in accessing healthcare. CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia preview their top live music events in Sacramento for February.
Paul's Place
In 2016, civic, community, and faith leaders in the City of Davis collectively decided they needed to come together and find a solution to a mounting crisis. The number of people experiencing homelessness in our state has only grown over the years, but it has grown sharply since the start of the pandemic, and Davis was no exception. After years of planning and collaboration, the doors opened this week on a unique approach to better serve Davis' unhoused community. Paul’s Place celebrated its grand opening yesterday on H Street in Central Davis, becoming what is believed to be the first facility of its kind in California. The four-story, multi-purpose building is designed to both shelter and provide essential services to those who are at risk or are experiencing homelessness. Bill Pride, Executive Director for Davis Community Meals and Housing, joined Insight to share the story of Paul’s Place, what makes it a one-of-a-kind location, and how it hopes to inspire other communities to follow its lead.
California's farm workers health
There’s no debate, California is the king of agriculture in the United States. According to California’s Department of Food and Agriculture, more than a third of the country’s vegetables and 75% percent of its fruits and nuts are grown right here in the Golden State. This economic engine of our state wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of thousands of farmworkers who pick and package all the succulent fruits and crispy vegetables we crave. But an unprecedented study by researchers at the University of California, Merced is pulling back the curtain on the lives and health of these farmworkers, revealing how this disadvantaged workforce is experiencing chronic health issues and severe challenges accessing healthcare. Its survey of over 1200 farmworkers throughout the state is considered one of the largest academic studies ever conducted on the health and well-being of farmworkers in the nation. Edward Flores, Faculty Director of UC Merced’s Community and Labor Center, and Cesar Lara, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, joined Insight to share the study's key findings and what the health of farmworkers means for all Californians.
Upcoming music events
It’s almost the weekend, a perfect time to hear music from Sacramento's thriving music scene. On any given month, there are many fantastic local performances throughout the region, making it challenging to narrow down which new or established artists to check out. The host CapRadio’s Hey, Listen!, Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia, host of music and news, put their ear to the grindstone for us and joined Insight to share their top picks of shows to check out for the next two weeks.
The state of California has decided to drop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the state’s public and private school children. A conversation about missing and murdered indigenous people in California and why tribes are calling for action at the State Capitol. Friends and Family in Sacramento remember Tyre Nichols.
COVID vaccine requirement in schools
About three years ago we started hearing about a mysterious virus that was starting to spread around parts of China. Soon after, COVID-19 made its way to the United States and then quickly around the world. Local, state, and federal agencies responded, or scrambled to respond, the best they knew how. We all remember how we needed to stay home, stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask, and wash our hands. All of which was just supposed to last a few weeks to “stop the spread.” Since then, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been fought over, debated, and dissected, and will be for decades to come. Emergency laws were put into order, there were new rules and regulations, color codes, and tiers that touched every aspect of life as we knew it. But one of the most controversial measures taken here in California and other parts of the country was the mandate that schoolchildren be vaccinated against the virus in order to attend school. On February 28th California will officially end its COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration and that means public schoolchildren in California will no longer need COVID vaccines. Diana Lambert, an education reporter for EdSource, and Dr. Monica Gandhi, a Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco, joined insight to discuss the end of the mandate and what it means, moving forward.
Missing and murdered Indigenous People
California has the largest Native American population in the country, home to more than 100 federally recognized tribes. From the Northern to Central and Southern parts of the state, tribes have long been grappling with a crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people also known as M-M-I-P. An epidemic that is rooted in a complex web of neglected issues, from gaps in law enforcement and government funding to shortcomings in social services and generational trauma. For the first time ever, tribes across California gathered at the State Capitol to demand lawmakers take action in the form of legislation and funding. Specifically calling on lawmakers to pass two bills that tribes say will curb the crisis as well as approve $200 million in funding to build programs and services to prevent these tragedies from taking place. Joseph James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe which is the largest tribe in the state, joined insight to talk about this effort and why he believes real change is possible.
Remembering Tyre Nichols
The city of Sacramento is honoring Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died after being hospitalized following a brutal beating by Memphis Police. Five officers are facing second-degree murder charges in addition to the firing of a sixth officer and three medics with the Memphis Fire Department. But before Tennessee, Tyre called Sacramento home and would regularly skate at the Regency Community Park in North Natomas. Sacramento Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the city is in the process of renaming the park the “Tyre Nichols Skate Park.” That announcement came over the weekend during a celebration of life ceremony at Sac Ramp Skate Park, sharing memories of the father and avid skateboarder. Insight Producer Victor Corral Martinez met with two of Tyre’s friends, Ryan Wilson and Jerome Neal, and put together a remembrance in their own words.
California plans to transform three of its office buildings surrounding the State Capitol into affordable housing units. A Sacramento dietician-nutritionist discusses her new book “It’s Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies.” The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science shares its conservation and education efforts in the Tahoe basin.
Affordable housing
To address California’s affordable housing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom directed two agencies to find state-owned properties and aggressively find ways to transform them into affordable housing. According to his office, the order has so far resulted in at least 16 plans involving the state, housing developers, and communities to develop more than 5,000 new rental properties throughout the state. The most recently announced plan is to transform three state office buildings in downtown Sacramento into what’s promised to be hundreds of new, affordable housing units. The Department of General Services, one of the agencies tasked with this transformation hopes this project will “breathe new life into state office buildings” and downtown Sacramento. Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela whose district includes these buildings, Jason Kenney, Deputy Director of the Department of General Services, and Sasha Kergan, Deputy Secretary of Housing at the Department of Housing and Community Development joined Insight.
Rewriting the story of Black Women's bodies
A new book is asking us to rethink how we view “good” and “healthy” bodies. It's a view of diet culture that has long embraced “thinness”, literally restricting women with the size of their bodies—controlling what they can, and cannot, eat. A dynamic the book's author says is centuries in the making and since the beginning has disproportionately harmed women of color who are often left out of the conversation and an idyllic version of wellness. That author is Jessica Wilson, a Sacramento-based registered dietitian-nutritionist. Wilson joined Insight to discuss her new book “It’s Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies.”
Tahoe Institute of Natural Science
The Tahoe Basin is one of the most beautiful places in California to explore. For many, being in Tahoe’s abundant nature is important not just for leisure, but also critical for research. Combining both is what the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science is doing. The nonprofit organization has a long-term goal of bringing a world-class informative nature center and educational facility to the Lake Tahoe area. TINS (for short) works diligently to advance knowledge of the Tahoe Basin’s natural history, conservation, and ecosystem/ and aims to awaken the public’s curiosity and promote responsible environmental citizenship. Will Richardson, co-founder and executive director of The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, spoke with Insight host Vicki Gonzalez to discuss the organization and its important research.
Sacramento International Airport provides more details on its $1.3 billion renovation plan and what it means for travelers. A CSU East Bay professor shares her study on how the migration of African Americans from the South shaped the Sacramento Valley. A conversation with a Vallejo bookstore owner who focuses on African-American and multicultural books.
Sacramento airport upgrades
Sacramento International Airport is getting another major facelift. Terminal B, which is home to Southwest Airlines and other carriers is slated to expand with the addition of more gates and a new pedestrian walkway. Terminal A, which has needed to be updated for years, will also see significant changes. The bill for all of the upgrades is almost a billion-and-a-half dollars but the money is not coming from taxpayers. Cindy Nichol, Director of Sacramento County Department of Airports, joins us to share details about the improvements coming to SMF, where the funding is coming from and what passengers can expect over the next several years as construction gets underway.
Great Migration study
, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at CSU East Bay discusses their project the Great Migration Study which examines how the migration of African Americans from the South shaped the Sacramento Valley. Mariama is also looking for more participants who identify as African American, attended a school in the Bay Area or Sacramento Valley between 1930 (or earlier) and 1970, and you or your parents were born in a southern U.S. state. For those interested in the study, here’s a link to the form.
Ashay By The Bay
Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Reading is fundamental to tolerance and seeing your culture and identity in books is important to finding placement in the world. That is exactly what Ashay By The Bay, a Vallejo children’s bookstore, is doing by providing books focused on the African-American and multicultural experience. Ashay By The Bay owner Deborah Day joined Insight to talk about the mission of the bookstore and offer some recommendations in honor of Black History Month.
Updated 12:52 p.m.
Examining the race for U.S. Senate taking shape in California. A conversation on the culture of law enforcement in the aftermath of Tyre Nichols’ death. The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science shares how their conservation efforts in the Tahoe basin.
California Senate Race
30 years. That’s how long 89-year-old California’s Dianne Feinstein has served as Senator. Despite questions surrounding her capacity to continue in that role and seek another six-year term, candidates are not waiting for her to make her announcement, instead, they are already lining up to make a run for that seat. It's widely expected that Feinstein will make her intentions known soon, but within the last few weeks, we have seen a few prominent Democrats already launch their bids for her senate seat. They include California Congressman Adam Schiff from Los Angeles and Congresswoman Katie Porter from Orange County, and there are more, potentially, waiting in the wings. Melanie Mason, National Political Correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, and Tal Kopan, Deputy Washington D.C. Bureau Chief for the Boston Globe, joined insight to discuss the interesting 2024 senate race taking shape in California and Senator Feinstein's future
Law enforcement culture
Tyre Nichols will be remembered for the life he lived today. The 29-year-old called Sacramento home before moving to Tennessee. He's remembered as a free spirit who loved photography and had a passion for skateboarding. The video of Tyre’s violent beating by Memphis Police last month following a traffic stop is now part of a chronicle of videos in recent years taken either from police body cameras or from bystanders with cell phones that show a deadly encounter with law enforcement. Multiple officers have since been charged with second-degree murder, others have been relieved of duty and emergency responders who arrived on the scene have been fired. But once again the culture, practices, and policies of law enforcement are being called into question. Former Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, who is now the dean of the Public Safety Center at American River College, and Keon Gilbert, an associate professor of public health and social justice at Saint Louis University College and a fellow at The Brookings Institution, joined Insight to discuss the death of Tyre Nichols, the culture of law enforcement and the practice and intent of traffic stops some end in violence.Correction: In a previous version of this article, Keon Gilbert was misspelled. It has since been corrected.
Peet’s Coffee in Davis becomes the first in the country to unionize. New research is suggesting winter storms are becoming larger and dropping more rain due in part to climate change. A taste of some of the Black owned restaurants in Sacramento.
Peet's Coffee unionizing
Something is brewing at Peet’s Coffee in North Davis and it’s not just the beverages. It’s unionization. We’ve seen more workers take an interest in labor organizing over the past few years, from Amazon to Starbucks, fighting for better pay and conditions. Peet’s Coffee was originally founded in Berkeley and has grown to become the second-largest coffee chain in California, second only to Starbucks. And now like some Starbucks locations, its stores have begun to unionize. The Peet’s location in Davis, the first store to do so, with others interested in following. CapRadio’s Sacramento Communities reporter Janelle Salanga to tell us more about Peet’s Workers United.
More powerful winter storms
32 trillion gallons. That’s the estimated amount of rain and snow that came down on California in a three-week span from a series of nine atmospheric rivers in December and January. To put that in perspective, that amount is just shy of Lake Tahoe, one of the deepest lakes in North America which has on average about 37 trillion gallons of water. But these storms were also destructive and deadly, claiming the lives of at least 20 people, and the estimated cost is likely to end up being in the billions of dollars. And new research is revealing these storms will likely become larger and drop even more rain than what we experienced so far this winter. Dr. Ruby Leung, an atmospheric scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state, joined Insight to discuss what this means for Californians and how we can prepare for these more intense storms.
Black owned restaurants
Black History Month begins this week and as we reflect on the contributions by Black and African-Americans, we're reminded we still have much progress to make. The recent deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols is once again putting calls for racial and social justice at the front of a conversation. Martin Luther King Jr. worked diligently to encourage black economic empowerment and promoted investment in black-owned businesses as a measure of change. Benjy Egel, Food and Beverage Reporter for The Sacramento Bee, joined Insight for a conversation about Black-owned restaurants in Sacramento well-deserving of recognition and what food options he recommends trying.
An investigation revealing California is exporting almost half its toxic waste to other states. A conversation with NPR’s Nina Totenberg. A concert featuring the music of Elton John in Auburn to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Toxic waste
California has a rich history of environmentalism, enacting some of the strictest regulations in the country to combat pollution in our air, land, and water. But a new investigation by CalMatters suggests the state’s own watchdog for the handling and disposing of hazardous waste has become one of the biggest out-of-state dumpers of toxic waste for years, sending it to waste sites in Arizona and Utah which have less stringent environmental regulations. At this point, CalMatters found no evidence this dumping has led to public health issues or pollution, but it’s raising concerns with environmentalists and indigenous communities in those states. CalMatters Investigative Reporter Robert Lewis joined Insight to share his reporting, and explain why this is happening and the environmental consequences.
Nina Totenberg
Since 1975, we’ve heard Nina Totenberg’s voice on National Public Radio. The longtime legal affairs correspondent is considered a founding mother of NPR at a time when Nina says that she, Cokie Roberts, Susan Stamberg, and Linda Wertheimer were not trying to break a glass ceiling, but just trying to simply get a foot in the door. In the nearly 50 years since Totenberg has cemented herself as a journalist with an unparalleled perspective of the law and its highest court. She will be paying the Mondavi Center at UC Davis a visit on Friday for a conversation about her new book “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships." The memoir of course includes a nearly five-decade friendship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a friendship that began before Nina’s time at NPR and when Ginsberg was a college professor. Vicki Gonzalez sat down with Nina Totenberg and shared how this book is about more than one friendship, but beloved relationships that have anchored and shaped her life.
Leukemia & Lymphoma fundraiser
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Rocket Man. Bennie & The Jets. Your Song. The list goes on and on, but we think you have a pretty good idea of the artist we’ll be chatting about next. This weekend the Auburn State Theatre will come alive with Sir Elton John. The music will be performed by pianist and conductor Michael Sobie along with a talented team. But the event is more than celebrating Elton John but raising money for a personal cause. Ticket sales will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and fund fighting blood cancers across the world. Sobie joined Insight to give us a preview of this weekend's big show.
How individuals and communities can process secondary and collective trauma following mass violence and natural disasters. Development of a new honeybee vaccine to protect hives. A look back at CapRadio’s podcast “A Music of their Own.”
Healing from collective trauma
The New Year traditionally brings a sense of renewal and hope, inspiring some of us who were happy to say goodbye to the previous year that the new one will be one of inner peace and fulfillment. But in California, the level of destruction and loss we’ve collectively experienced in just the first weeks of 2023 is extraordinary. The wave of powerful storms earlier this month damaged homes and businesses and took the life of at least 22 people throughout the state. And just as the storms eased, all too familiar tragedies descended upon us. So far this month, at least 25 people have been killed in mass shootings in California from the Bay Area, to the Central Valley, and Los Angeles. The weight of these heavy events and the media coverage that follows can be a lot to bear, even for those who aren’t directly connected to them. Dr. Anjuli Amin, a clinical psychologist and President of the Asian American Psychological Association, joined Insight to tell us about these indirect traumas and what coping mechanisms and resources are out there for those who may be suffering from secondary or collective trauma.
Honeybee vaccine
Bees pollinate many of our favorite foods like almonds apples and even 90%of all berries. But according to the Department of Agriculture, there have been significant yearly declines in honeybee colonies since 2006. Researchers have listed many possible causes of the decline which include pests, diseases, and pesticides. Dalan Animal Health recently received conditional approval from the USDA for a bee vaccine that targets a bacterium that is deadly to colonies and destroys hives. Amy Floyd with Dalan Animal Health joined Insight to talk about the vaccine. Dr. Ramesh Sagili, an Associate Professor of Agriculture at Oregon State University who collaborates with beekeepers on the West Coast, also joined to share some of the other challenges that exist and solutions to save these critical insects.
"A Music of their Own"
If you’ve been listening to Insight on Thursdays, you may have noticed a reoccurring discussion focused on issues within the classical music industry. The discussions have varied in themes that focus on representation, diversity in programming, and what lies ahead to give a larger stake at the table to all. CapRadio’s new podcast, A Music of their Own hosted by Majel Connery shares the stories of women who’ve carved out success in classical music despite odds and opportunities being stacked against them. Connery stopped by to showcase the music and talent of these extraordinary women featured on the podcast.
A conversation with a journalist about the parallels between Sacramento and Monterey Park’s vibrant Asian-American history and culture. Monterey Park’s state representatives tell us about the community and how they’re coping with the tragedy. A board game based on the classic “monopoly” is helping Paradise rebuild and heal from the Camp Fire.
Monterey Park's Asian American history
Like many cities in California, Monterey Park has a thriving Asian-American community with a legacy to the fabric of California. But many are learning about Monterey Park this week through the aftermath of violence and loss following a mass shooting that has claimed the lives of at least 11 people at a dance hall following Lunar New Year celebrations. This city to the east of downtown Los Angeles is home to some 60,000 residents, roughly two-thirds of whom identify as Asian, according to the recent Census. Jeong Park is the Asian American communities reporter for the Los Angeles Times and a former Sacramento Bee reporter. Park joined Insight to explain why Monterey Park is significant for the Asian American community, and the parallels he sees with the Sacramento region's flourishing Asian-American community.
Monterey Park's state representatives
Insight continued its conversation about the mass shooting in Monterey Park by inviting two of its elected leaders to share about this community and how they are beginning to process and heal from this latest act of senseless violence. State Senator Susan Rubio and State Assemblymember Mike Fong, both of whom were in Monterey Park celebrating the Lunar New Year’s just hours before the tragedy began, joined Insight to tell us more about Monterey Park, it's people, and how they hope to lead their community through this tragedy.
Paradise-opoly
The Reading Railroad. St. James Place. Marvin Gardens, and of course, Boardwalk. These names are synonymous with the classic century-old board game “Monopoly”. Over the decades the game has inspired countless thematic spinoffs including even “Sacramento-opoly”. One of these thematic inspirations has risen out of the ashes of the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County. Paradise-opoly was created with the goal of helping those impacted by the fire heal from emotional wounds as well as raise funds to help them rebuild the foothill community. Insight spoke with the game’s creator Tanner Stauss, a Paradise native who hopes to share the history and culture of his hometown and leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
Updated 10:15 a.m.
What the closing of Madera County’s only hospital may signal for the rest of the state. A conversation with West Sacramento’s all-women city council. Sacramento County’s Commission on the Status of Women shares its work in shaping policy decisions to improve civic leadership opportunities for girls and women.
Central Valley County's only hospital closes
Madera County is located in the Central Valley, with Modesto to the north and Yosemite to the east. The agricultural community in the San Joaquin Valley is home to a Latino majority where roughly one-fifth live in poverty and access to healthcare is slim. This became even more challenging this month. The county’s lone community hospital closed its doors and with it the three clinics residents relied on. And there are signs other community hospitals across the state are struggling to stay open and may suffer the same fate. CalMatters reporters Ana Ibarra and Nicole Foy joined Insight to share their reporting on the state of community hospitals across California.
All-women West Sac City Council
They're moms, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters with a common goal to make the city of West Sacramento a great place to live, work and visit. Last November, voters in West Sacramento made history by electing its first-ever all-female city council. According to the League of California Cities, West Sacramento is one of six communities in our state with an all-female legislative body. Mayor Martha Guerrero, Councilmember Quirina Orozco, Councilmember Dr. Dawnte Early, and Councilmember Verna Sulpizio-Hull all joined Insight to discuss the historic makeup of the council and how they will work together to tackle the challenges of a growing West Sacramento.
Editor's Note: Councilmember Norma Alcala was invited to join our conversation but was unable to attend.
The Commission on the Status of Women
This week the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will be holding a reception to honor locally elected women and to inform them of what the commission does in and around Sacramento. They will also learn about several non-profits and how they can benefit women and girls here in our area. Sacramento County is one of the largest counties in California that did not have a Commission on the Status of Women and Girls until very recently. Erin Saberi, Chair of the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, joined Insight to provide more details on the commission’s work.
Updated at 10:26 a.m.
Lunar New Year is being celebrated as a state holiday in California for the first time. How public companies are not properly disclosing their wildfire risk with the federal government. A preview of The Sofia Soirée.
Lunar New Year
This week more than a billion people around the world began celebrating Lunar New Year, bidding farewell to the Year of the Tiger and welcoming in the Year of the Rabbit (or Year of the Cat for those of Vietnamese heritage). The beginning of the 2023 lunar calendar commences two weeks of food, festivities, and a focus on family and friends. In California, home to a third of the Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the country, Lunar New Year is being celebrated as a state holiday for the first time. Greg Jung, Executive Vice President of OCA Sacramento, a non-profit, that advocates for the APPI community, and Khanh Le, a member of the Kim Quang Youth Association in Sacramento, joined Insight to tell us more about the holiday and the importance of it being recognized as a state holiday.
Burying wildfire risks
Californians know all too well the significant threat wildfires pose to our communities with the potential to destroy and change lives forever. As larger, deadly, and more destructive fires become more common, they can also have a major ripple effect on our economy, from the damage to businesses and loss of employees to disruption of supply chains, and impacting the stock values of companies. But despite the increasing wildfire risk to companies based in the Western United States, a new report from UC Davis reveals only a fraction of publicly traded companies mention this risk which is required in disclosures to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The report suggests a vast majority of public companies are not being as forthcoming about their vulnerability to wildfires and other extreme weather events as they should be despite the risk it poses to them and our economy. Insight spoke with Professor Paul Griffin with the UC Davis Graduate School of Management and the lead author of the report about why these risks aren't being properly disclosed and the potential impacts.
The Sofia Soirée
A wonderful event is happening this weekend to support the arts in Sacramento. The Sofia Soirée is filled with savory creativity of food, wide-ranging talent of live performances, and getting down with some music. It’s a unique occasion that supports B Street Theatre which touches the lives of youth with exposure to arts education and literacy. The Sofia Soirée Committee Co-Chairs Jacob Gutiérrez-Montoya and Mary Daffin joined Insight ahead of the soiree.
How climate change is impacting learning in the classroom. Local perspectives on how the winter storms and impressive snowfall are impacting Lake Tahoe. Importance of music mentorship in classical music.
Climate change and education
If you’ve been in a classroom in the past five years, you may have become accustomed to interruptions on campus. From no outdoor activities due to wildfire smoke or heat waves to school closures due to snow days, storms, or wildfires. Not to mention distance learning during the pandemic. Although we might not reflexively connect climate change and extreme weather to learning, it certainly has created disruptions for students of all grades. This impact is gaining notice from state lawmakers, to therapists, and school districts. CapRadio’s Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha joined Insight to share what they learned about how climate-fueled school disruptions are impacting education.
Tahoe Basin storm aftermath
After California endured some of the driest winters on record, a wave of nine atmospheric rivers in less than a month has buried the Sierra in an impressive blanket of snow. The satellite images being shared of our snowpack are quite stunning, and so are the numbers behind the pictures. As of this week, the snowpack in the Central and Southern Sierra is above 250% of normal for this time of year according to California’s Department of Water Resources. And more snow came down Wednesday evening, but is it too much of a good thing? Under all, that snow is communities who live and work in the aftermath of each of these storms, which resulted in power outages, along with closures and dangerous conditions on some of its key roadways. Insight invited Alex Hunt, owner of Mountain Slice Cafe and Creamery in Tahoe City, and Carol Chaplin with Visit Lake Tahoe onto the program to hear directly from locals to learn how they fared during the rounds of intense weather.
Music mentorship
Wu Fei is a classically trained composer, singer, and master of the guzheng, a 21-string Chinese instrument with musical origins at least 2,500 years old. Her years at the China Conservatory of Music helped develop her abilities but that would change when she moved to California. Attending Mills College in Oakland, Fei was able to experiment musically and, with mentorship, found her voice. In CapRadio’s podcast A Music of Their Own, Host Majel Connery speaks with Wu Fei about how she overcomes tragedy, developing her sound, and a new vision for herself with the support of mentors. That influential mentor and professor would be Fred Frith, known for his work in progressive and avant-garde bands that pushed what instruments could do sonically. This mentorship would evolve into frequent music collaborations showcasing Fei’s talent, and most importantly, her voice and sound.
Why some Wilton residents chose to ignore evacuation orders. FEMA and SBA disaster assistance. A Davis psychiatrist’s novel “Aloha Vietnam” which explores mental health and cross-cultural identity.
Evacuation Orders
Major winter storms saw flooding across Sacramento County along with downed powerlines and trees. If you head south on Highway 99 you’ll find the community of Wilton located just east of Elk Grove which has had its fair share of flooding throughout the decades, and this round of storms was no different. The town of roughly 6,000 people received a rotation of evacuation warnings and orders, but many residents chose to stay. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam spoke with those who call Wilton home to learn more about why many chose not to evacuate. You can sign up for Sacramento County emergency alerts at Sacramento-Alert.org.
FEMA and SBA disaster assistance
The price tag from a series of deadly and destructive winter storms across California is too soon to tally. Still, with a major disaster declaration declared by President Joe Biden federal resources are now available for those in Sacramento, Santa Cruz, and Merced counties. President Biden is expected to personally assess the damage Thursday in a visit that could lead to more counties being included. For those affected by the storms, there are resources to help, but historically navigating federal assistance after a disaster can be stressful and emotionally taxing in an already difficult time. Insight invited two experts to help listeners navigate how things work on the federal level. Renee Bafalis with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) explained how the declaration process works and how residents can apply for those lifeline emergency services. Burl Kelton is with the Small Business Administration and explained the resources available for businesses, including loan assistance.
Aloha Vietnam
It’s a journey of self-identity spanning the world’s largest ocean. A personal voyage to overcome mental illness, and the grief that comes with the loss of one’s culture. That is the basis of “Aloha Vietnam” a novel about a Vietnamese-American family’s Odessey through the world of mental health treatment, and navigating life in a new country as they cope with the cultural loss and grief of leaving their homeland. The novel is the first written by Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen, a psychiatrist based in Davis. The book is a love letter of sorts to the land and people of her cross-cultural heritage: Vietnam and Hawaii. She hopes this novel can help heal the wounds of generational trauma and be a beacon of hope to those suffering from mental illness. Dr. Nguyen joined Insight to tell us more about her novel and the healing power of art and nature.
A non-partisan think tank examines how a series of winter storms exposed the shortfalls in California’s crisis communications. A preview of Dine Downtown in Sacramento. A non-alcoholic bar offers a sober social space in Sacramento. UC Davis professors discuss the history and science behind tea.
Crisis communication
The past three weeks of extraordinary weather have perhaps changed our perspective of comfortable or bearable while we long for sunshine. While some overdue dry and sunny conditions are forecasted this week there is still significant damage, cleanup, and loss. The series of atmospheric rivers forced the evacuations of tens of thousands of residents and claimed at least 20 lives throughout the state. Although our snowpack and overall precipitation totals are well above average for this time of year, there are learning lessons about getting current emergency information out to the public and shortcomings about the technology we rely on daily. Dr. Jeffrey Mount, a Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, joined Insight in his firsthand experience with these shortcomings and what can be done.
Dine Downtown
It's been a wet and cold January, and going out to dinner may not have been a high priority for many these last few weeks, including the fact that everything seems to be getting more expensive. But over 30 restaurants are joining together to entice you back to downtown Sacramento with a deal that is hard to beat. Madelyn Smith, Communications Manager for Downtown Sacramento Partnership, joined Insight to give a preview of Dine Downtown which runs until Jan. 22. Amanda Brincat and Kathryn Altman with The Teetotalist, a non-alcoholic pop-up bar in Sacramento, also joined Insight to discuss their sober social space and specialty alcohol-free drinks.
History and science of tea
The origins of tea date back millennia, the best estimate is nearly 5,000 years. And as you can imagine the evolution of tea is vast and there are researchers devoted to learning about this powerful and lucrative beverage. UC Davis Professors Jacquelyn Gervay Hague and Katharine Burnett discuss the history and science of tea ahead of The Global Tea Initiative Colloquium at UC Davis on Jan. 19.
Today on Insight, we're looking at the health of Sacramento trees, Southwest Airlines' meltdown, and diversity in classical music.
Sacramento tree health
CapRadio’s Environment Reporter Manola Secaira and Sacramento communities reporter Janelle Salanga discuss their reporting on the health and damage of the trees that devastated Sacramento during the winter storm and also what to do, and not do, if a tree damages your home or property.
Southwest meltdown
Shawn Hubler, California correspondent for the New York Times, discusses her reporting on Southwest Airlines and how it became the “unofficial” airline for California travel. Gabe Saglie, Travelzoo senior editor, discusses what happened in the meltdown with Southwest Airlines and how travelers can prepare for the unexpected.
Diversity in classical music
A conversation with three leaders in the classical music world, who are redefining what representation looks like and changing the narrative of what classical music currently will be in the future. Lee Pringle, Founder and Artistic Director of The Colour of Music Festival. Maestro Christian Baldini, is the Music Director of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra and Camellia Symphony Orchestra. And Aubrey Bergauer is CEO of Changing the Narrative and former executive director of the California Symphony.
How Sacramento is processing the intense scenes caused by the winter storms. Gov. Newsom’s state budget proposal, which includes a projected $22 billion deficit. Unique tasting room in Winters offering low alcohol infused aperitifs.
Winter challenges
The city of Sacramento estimates that roughly 1,000 trees have fallen since the first major storm on New Year’s Day. Estimates of financial damage won’t be known for weeks, but local businesses are dealing with the impact and residents are taking in the loss of some parks as we knew them. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe went out to one of the city’s largest parks, William Land Park, to get a better understanding on how the community is processing the intense scenes caused by the winter storms.
Proposed state budget
After years of record surplus, California is projecting a budget deficit this year. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon explains Gov. Newsom’s state budget proposal, which includes a projected $22 billion deficit, and how this could impact key investments on public education, homelessness and climate. Following Nicole, Wayne Winegarden, Senior Fellow of Business and Economics at the Pacific Research Institute, provides a critical lens of the state budget.
A new tasting room in Yolo County
Georgeanne Brennan, co-owner of one of the newest and unique tasting rooms in California bring us the story behind L’Aper les Trois. Georgeanne and her two partners opened their “authentically cute,” French-style location in the town of Winters. The idea, born during the COVID pandemic and developed on Zoom is already winning awards for its infused aperitifs, celebrating the bounty of Yolo County in every sip.
How unhoused residents are navigating the series of winter storms in Sacramento. How the Hoopa Valley Tribe is overcoming the digital divide. Why restaurants are turning to “ghost kitchens.”
Unhoused during winter storms
It has rained every single day so far this year, and flooding coupled with strong winds has caused destruction and dangerous conditions with a heavier hand on those without stable housing or reliable shelter. Since the New Year, the series of storms have proved deadly across Northern California, that tragically continued over the weekend the Sacramento County Coroner confirmed two unhoused people died during the weekend storm. However, an official cause is pending, and both were found with trees on top of their tents. Emergency warming centers are available for those experiencing homelessness, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people who need them know about them, can get to them, or feel comfortable staying in them. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his reporting on how unhoused residents are navigating the series of winter storms in Sacramento.
Hoopa Valley Tribe and the digital divide
Linnea Jackson, General Manager of the Hoopa Valley Tribe's Public Utilities discusses the challenges of creating internet services for California’s largest Indian Reservation. Adam Echelman, equity reporter at the Modesto Bee, and fellow with the Benton Institute for Broadband joins Insight to discuss the Digital Divide and how the Hoopa Valley Tribe faces exacerbated issues with limited internet access.
Ghost kitchens
Restaurants are still getting their footing following the early months of the pandemic. From supply chain and staffing shortages, many restaurants are not open full capacity for traditional “dine in”. Coupled with delivery apps growing in popularity / the words “pivot” and “new normal” still apply to the industry. Which leads me to “ghost kitchens” which are seen as a solution to adapting to new challenges and needs. Facilities like “Maker Kitchens” in Midtown / and “The Line” near Sacramento State / have developed as ways for entrepreneurs to serve Sacramento with lower overhead costs. Joining us to talk about “ghost kitchens” is Kimio Bazett who co-owns “Hook and Ladder” and “The Golden Bear”, as well as Scott Kingston with “Turton Commercial Real Estate.”
Updated at 1:15 p.m.
We are devoting our hour to the latest on the winter storm. We’ll have an updated forecast with NWS, plus updates from local and statewide emergency services on what is being done to mitigate the damage, flood risk and power outages.
California's storm forecast and damage
Meteorologist Cory Mueller with the National Weather Service Sacramento provides the latest forecast, as well as rain and snow totals. SMUD Spokesperson Lindsay VanLaningham discusses widespread outages impacting hundreds of thousands of customers over the weekend.
CapRadio Managing Editor of News Nick Miller shares his reporting on a series of storms over the past two weekends.
Storm resources
Matt Robinson, Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services provides an update on flood risk, school closures and resources for vulnerable residents.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, with California Office of Emergency Services, explains the state’s response and recovery across Northern California, as well as President Biden approving an emergency declaration for the state.
Water and flood infrastructure
Jay Lund, Co-Director of UC Davis Center for Watershed Science, explains the series of atmospheric rivers’ impact on reservoirs, levees, and other critical water and flood infrastructure.
California OES and San Joaquin County emergency services discuss their preparation for winter storms. A CalMatters investigation into how a disabled man was in jail for nine years waiting for trial. Youth and diversity in classical music.
Winter storm updates
The latest powerful winter storm has slammed into California just as Northern California was just beginning to recover from another storm over the New Year’s weekend. This most recent storm once again brought strong winds power outages and flooding concerns. In response to the series of atmospheric rivers forecasted, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency with more storms forecasted in the coming days. Brian Ferguson is with the California Office of Emergency Services to provide the very latest on the statewide response. Insight also spoke with Tiffany Heyer, Director of Emergency Operations for San Joaquin County to learn more about the storm's impact on the Central Valley.
Waiting for trial
Nine years in custody and never tried for a crime. CalMatters’ Jocelyn Wiener shares her reporting on the story of Lorenzo Mays, a Sacramento County man who was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in 2010, but due to his intellectual disability and mental issues, spent a large portion of his life waiting for justice in the legal system, but never faced a jury of his peers. Jocelyn untangles a long and painful road for Lorenzo and exposes the legal red tape, bureaucracy and delays that ultimately failed.
Youth and diversity in classical music
As we’ve heard through conversations on CapRadio’s new podcast, A Music of Their Own the world of classical music hasn’t been welcoming to women and people of color. Some would argue that is still the case. But it is changing thanks to music educators who work to inspire children with classical music. Insight took time to speak with two classical leaders in their fields who are making a difference. Robert Vann is the General Manager of the Sacramento Youth Symphony. And Maestro Christian Baldini, is the Music Director of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra and Camellia Symphony Orchestra.
KCRA’s Chief Meteorologist provides a forecast of the next major winter storm in Northern California. A series of winter storms is boosting the snowpack in the Sierra. The benefits and risks of psychedelic treatment and how a proposed bill could reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatments.
Storm forcast
We have all been warned. The weather system winding up off the coast of California is a big one and it’s here. Lots of rain, and most concerning, very strong winds. Power outages are likely and roadway flooding, like the kind the region saw on New Year's Eve weekend, is also likely. This as cleanup crews still catching up from a weekend that brought several inches of rain throughout Northern California, along with downed power lines and fallen trees in the Valley – and in the Sierra, first a drenching rain followed by lots and lots of snow. KCRA Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan joined Insight to provide the timing and severity of the storm and how listeners should be best prepared.
Sierra snowpack
The most recent and powerful winter storms have dumped much needed in the Sierra. Last weekend’s storm alone dropped at least two to four feet of snow throughout the high country, and On January 3rd state scientists reported our snowpack at 174% of normal for this time of year, making it one of best starts in four decades. But as we learned last year those conditions can change very quickly. To put this season’s impressive snowfall into context and share why the state isn’t out of its historic drought quite yet, Insight spoke with Andrew Schwartz, Lead Scientist, and Manager of the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab.
Psychedelic treatments
From docuseries to books, scientific research, and clinical trials the healing potential of psychedelics is gaining the mainstream spotlight. Drugs like psilocybin (which is found in magic mushrooms) are being explored as treatments for disorders from PTSD, depression, anxiety, as well as addiction. In recent years, this has included legislation. From Oregon to Colorado and Washington D.C., laws surrounding the use of psychedelics have been loosened, decriminalized, or even legalized in a supervised setting. And more conservative states like Texas and Utah are moving forward with investigating the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. A conversation is also taking place at California’s State Capitol. Senate Bill 58 sponsored by Senator Scott Weiner of San Francisco would decriminalize some psychedelic drugs. A similar bill proposed by Sen. Weiner last year stalled. This legislation has the backing of some physicians and even combat veterans, claiming that psychedelics have the potential to heal trauma. But the bill is once again seeing pushback from law enforcement groups who claim decriminalization will lead to more crime and that the lasting health impacts of these drugs are still largely unknown. Today Insight took some time to better understand the benefits and risks by speaking with Dr. Janis Phelps, Director of the Center for Psychedelic Therapy and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
An unexpectedly strong storm resulted in extensive flooding and damage to the Sacramento region on New Year’s Eve. Street medicine teams bring healthcare into homelessness encampments across the state. The psychology behind wellness to thrive in both mind and body.
NYE storm
The end of 2022 proved to be among the wettest on record across many spots in Northern California, and the New Year did not disappoint. From Sierra snowpack to dangerous winds toppling trees, massive power outages across the valley, and flooding shutting down Highway 99, the first days of January are shaping up to be powerful weather-wise with the potential for stronger atmospheric rivers in store this week. While many of us we’re counting down the clock to 2023, CapRadio was out covering the New Year storm and its aftermath. CapRadio’s Managing Editor of News Nick Miller joined Insight to provide the latest on the storm's impact and discuss the bigger picture.
Street medicine
Navigating healthcare is complicated. From establishing primary care to getting connected to specialists, understanding coverage, and knowing how much services can cost, the healthcare system is far from user-friendly. As California’s record unhoused population continues to grow so does a homelessness health crisis that strains emergency rooms as well as our moral compass. Because preventative care isn’t realistic for a vulnerable population that faces economic and logistical barriers to accessing a traditional brick-and-mortar doctor’s office or clinic. “Street medicine” has been around for decades, created in the early 1990s as a tool to directly offer medical care to those living on the streets. But this has long been a grassroots response to homelessness which means consistent funding can be a big challenge. However, in late 2022, California’s Medi-Cal agency, which serves low-income residents, announced a big change so that street medicine can fit into traditional healthcare. There currently are 25 street medicine teams across the state. CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe, and Kristen Hwang who covers Health Policy for CalMatters, joined Insight to share how street medicine works from rural to urban cities.
Wellness psychology
Gym memberships, “Dry January,” cutting back on spending, perhaps achieving the ever elusive “work-life balance” and a wide array of intention lists to create a better year for mind and body. The tradition of resolutions is back because it can feel like we lose ourselves a bit by the end of the year. We get overwhelmed and caught up, which are the perfect ingredients for stress and make us feel depleted as we reflect on what we want to achieve for the new year. But at the core of annual goal setting is a desire to improve our health whether it’s physical, mental, financial, or spiritual, and “well-being” is certainly within our reach. Dr. Elissa Epel is Director of the Aging Metabolism and Emotions Center at UCSF and a New York Times bestselling author with a new book "The Stress Prescription". She joined Insight to explain the psychology behind wellness.
“Best of Insight 2022” Former CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar.” The Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in the state, restores the lost art of hand-built canoes from California redwoods. The non-profit Stockton Soul takes performances into classrooms and throughout San Joaquin County.
Photos of Manzanar
Former CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar” on the 80th anniversary of the start of the Japanese internment camp during WWII in the Eastern Sierra.
Yurok Tribe Redwood canoe tours
Known as great fisherman, the Klamath River has long been a lifeline for the Yurok Tribe, located in the heart of the California redwoods. Yurok Canoe Captain Julian Markussen, Yurok Culture Bearer Hop Norris and Yurok Canoe Builder David Eric Severns discuss reviving the lost art of hand-built canoes from fallen redwoods, and offering guided Yurok Redwood Canoe Tours in Del Norte County to the public. A beautiful and serene, two- or four-hour, voyage that shares the history of Yurok culture and a way of life that goes back centuries. The canoes are handmade from redwoods, never cut down, with a deep respect for the tallest tree in the world. The redwood-Yurok bond dates back centuries, passed down through oral tradition. But like countless Native American traditions was nearly decimated. The tours open to the public help fund the revival of the Yurok tradition of redwood canoes— logs which can be costly to acquire and transport. The song performed is titled “Neypuy Rek’woy” from Yurok singer James Gensaw Sr.
Stockton Soul
When you think of string instruments, like the violin and cello, the reflexive connection may likely lead to classical music. But these elegant orchestral instruments have a range far beyond what we view as “traditional.” Two musicians from San Joaquin County saw what was lacking in their field and felt trapped. So, they did something about it, not just to satisfy their needs, but also to educate others in an entertaining way about the foundation of American music. Stockton Soul was created as a revival of the days of “soul orchestra” made popular by the likes of Motown in the ’60s and ’70s. The non-profit takes its performances into classrooms and throughout the San Joaquin County community. Darcy Ford-James, Director of Stockton Soul joined insight to tell us more about their music.
“Best of Insight 2022”: A Cal State program called “Project Rebound” creates a higher education pipeline for those incarcerated. We’ll learn about the program at Sac State. CapRadio Jazz Host Avery Jeffery’s shares his conversation with Keith Hatschek on his book “The Real Ambassadors”.
Project Rebound
In 2016, the RAND Corporation found that individuals who participate in educational programs while in prison are 43% less likely to return to prison. And California State University campuses are offering education as a gateway to avoid re-incarceration. Project Rebound was created in that spirit. The program began at San Francisco State University by John Irwin, a former prison inmate who became a college professor. The program has now expanded to over 14 Cal State campuses including Sacramento State. Insight spoke with Aaron Greene, who is a former student turned director of Project Rebound at Sac State as well as current student Desiree McFarland about how the program is working to help those formerly incarcerated achieve their higher education goals and avoid re-offending.
"The Real Ambassadors"
Dave Brubeck is a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, but he's much more than a jazz icon. Brubeck also composed classical music, choral works, and ballet. He even wrote a Broadway-style musical in collaboration with his wife Lola. That musical, The Real Ambassadors starring Louis Armstrong, is the subject of a new book by retired University of the Pacific professor Keith Hatschek. It tells the social justice back-story of the Brubecks’ magnum opus, which premiered at the Monterey Jazz Festival 60 years ago this month. CapRadio Jazz Host Avery Jeffry shared his conversation with Hatschek and the impact of the musical.
“Best of Insight”: PG&E CEO Patti Poppe joins us to discuss the challenges she inherited from the troubled utility and her vision for regaining the trust of millions of customers in California. Also, Central Valley native Aaron Judge with the NY Yankees breaks a Major League homerun record.
PG&E CEO Patti Poppe
PG&E is the largest utility company in the country, with a service footprint from the Oregon border to Bakersfield serving roughly 40% of California’s population. Insight spoke with PG&E's CEO Patti Poppe about inheriting a utility giant connected to deadly wildfires and power safety shut-offs, all while emerging from federal probation and bankruptcy. She addressed these challenges and shared her vision and investments being made towards improving safety and restoring trust.
Baseball player Aaron Judge
NY Yankee superstar Aaron Judge achieved something which hasn’t been done in baseball in 61 years, breaking the American League homerun record set by another Yankee in 1961. The 30-year-old slugger’s pursuit of baseball glory began in his hometown of Linden, a small farming community just east of Stockton. Former Linden Herald sports journalist Craig Anderson joins us to discuss Aaron Judge’s historic season and what the Yankee superstar’s homerun chase means for his small hometown in the Central Valley.
“Best of Insight” A conversation with Sacramento County District Attorney-Elect Thien Ho. State Assemblymember Jim Cooper discusses being elected Sacramento County Sheriff.
A conversation with Thien Ho
Sacramento County has elected a new district attorney. Thien Ho has been with the Sac County District Attorney's Office for nearly two decades, known for prosecuting the Golden State Killer trial, also known as the East Area Rapist. But to some residents, he may be an unfamiliar name and face. Insight sat down with District Attorney-Elect Thien Ho about his lived experiences that shaped a career in law and what the county’s 1.5-million residents can expect from its top prosecutor.
Sheriff-Elect Jim Cooper
Sacramento County Sheriff-Elect Jim Cooper is no stranger to politics. The former Elk Grove mayor is finishing eight years as an assemblymember at the State Capitol, before being sworn in as sheriff. But this will also be a homecoming of sorts for Cooper who spent three decades within the sheriff’s department and rose to the ranks of captain. Insight sat down with Sacramento County Sheriff-Elect Jim Cooper to discuss how he hopes to bring his law enforcement experience and State Capitol relationships to lead the department in this new era.
Scientists in Northern California make a significant breakthrough in fusion energy. A conversation about the expectation of sex appeal and stigma around aging for women in the music industry. A preview of the best seasonal wine and music for the holidays.
Nuclear fusion breakthrough
Insight decided to nerd out a little bit and dive into a scientific breakthrough that dominated headlines this week. A “thermonuclear fusion reaction” that, simply put, is the same reaction that powers the sun and stars, was reproduced in a laboratory, producing more energy than was used. It’s a big deal because scientists say it’s some 60 years in the making and this opens the doors to advancements to clean, potentially unlimited energy. But we’re a-ways-away from that becoming a reality. Nonetheless, it’s a historic moment that took place in California at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory located in the Bay Area about an hour-and-a-half south of Sacramento. Matthias Hohenberger is an experimental scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and group leader working on the project at the National Ignition Facility. He joined Insight to tell us more about the significance of this achievement.
Sex appeal and aging in the music industry
Ageism and sexism are the founding materials of a "glass ceiling” women have spent decades dismantling, a foundation that doesn’t discriminate no matter the industry. CapRadio’s new podcast, “A Music of their Own” shares the stories of women who’ve carved out success in classical music despite odds and opportunities being stacked against them. It's an industry where just a sliver of music programmed by American orchestras was written by women in the last year alone. There aren’t just plenty of personal experiences to illustrate these barriers, but also science. Indre Viskontas is both a neuroscientist and opera performer with an accomplished career in science and music, but also, the success that includes obstacles based on her age or simply identifying as a woman. Indre joined Insight along with Majel Connery, the host of “A Music of their Own" to discuss these challenges and help illuminate these barriers.
Seasonal holiday wine and music selections
‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations, tasty food, good wine, and festive music. If your calendar is starting to get busy with parties, family gatherings, and social get-togethers, Insight has two of the best experts to get you ready for the holidays. Wine expert Rick Kushman is a regular on Insight and invited him back on to share his expertise on what to serve during the holidays. Jennifer Reason, CapRadio’s Classical Music host, joined to share some of her favorite holiday music from around the world to pair perfectly with your parties.
The federal government is terminating its contract with the Yuba County Jail for detaining immigrants. A pilot program in Sacramento County is helping low-income homeowners with the “green energy” transition. Crocker Art Museum provides a preview of their upcoming exhibit featuring Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray.
ICE ends contract with Yuba County Jail
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (also known as ICE) has ended a contract to hold immigrant detainees with Yuba County Jail / about an hour north of Sacramento. The termination ends a contract that dates back nearly 30 years ago to 1994. The news is hailed by elected officials and immigration rights advocates as long overdue / because of the facility’s record of failing to meet ICE inspection standards. Tyche Hendricks, Senior Editor for Immigration at KQED, joined us to share her reporting on the termination of the contract.
SMUD energy transition
California has set lofty goals and is continuing to make strides in reducing its carbon footprint and minimize the impact of climate change. Part of that effort includes encouraging residents to make this transition in their everyday lives, from buying electric cars, swapping out stoves, and installing solar panels. But for many the environmental arguments for “going green” may not be convincing enough to make the switch, especially when many green technologies are financially out of reach. But a new pilot program in Sacramento County aims to help low-income homeowners who live in older, gas-reliant houses make the transition. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira joined Insight us now to tell us more about this program and share what she learned speaking to Sacramento residents who are taking part in this energy transition.
Crocker Art Museum's new exhibit
William Breazeale, Curator of Art at the Crocker Art Museum, shares the upcoming Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray exhibit debuting Dec. 17, 2022.
California Hall of Fame 2022 class. Sac City Unified’s fentanyl warning. New majority women Sacramento City Council. Peter Petty’s “Hepcat’s Holla’Daze Swingin’ Yuletide Revue” returns to The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre.
California Hall of Fame
Amanda Meeker, Executive Director of the California Museum, joins us to discuss the latest class of California Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include actor and singer-songwriter Lynda Carter, ice skater Peggy Fleming, and soccer player Megan Rapinoe. Meeker also shares details of the museum’s latest exhibits.
SCUSD fentanyl warning
Zach Didier was a 17-year-old senior at Rocklin’s Whitney High School with dreams of attending UCLA. Although Zach was accepted, he would never step foot on campus. The teen’s life was tragically cut short by Fentanyl poisoning just days after Christmas in 2020. Zach was just one of the more than 10,000 Californians who died from drug-related overdoses from October 2020 to September 2021, with Fentanyl accounting for more than half of those deaths, according to the state. Since then, the opioid crisis has only worsened. In Sacramento County alone, over 800 people were hospitalized for opioid overdoses in 2021 and claimed the lives of 174 others. In October, we spoke with the Sacramento City Unified School District about its plans to distribute a potentially life-saving drug to prevent poisoning and overdoses on all of its campuses. CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha joined us to provide an update on that effort and how Zach Didier’s family and others are sharing their stories.
Sacramento's majority women city council
For the first time in 30 years, Sacramento has a women-majority city council. Three of whom are new faces and will be sworn in Tuesday night. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam joins us with an introduction to the new face of the city council as well as a refresher on what these “hyper-local” elected officials do.
Hepcat's Holla'Daze
Holiday music and gatherings are a highly anticipated tradition for some, while others may be done hearing the same songs and may dread the return of holiday parties. If the latter is you, there is a scintillating party in Sacramento to shake up the holiday season. Hepcat's Holla'Daze Swingin Yuletide Revue is making a roaring return this weekend at The Sofia, Home of B Street in Sacramento. It's a holiday tradition like no other, with music that promises to transport you back to the height of the "Swing Era." At the center of it all is Band leader and Master of Ceremonies Peter Petty, along with his Jazz orchestra the "Mercenaries of Merry." The ringleader of this swingin' Christmas celebration joined Insight to provide a preview of the celebration.
A statewide look at how three viruses are impacting hospital capacity. Localis restaurant earns Michelin Star status and a perspective of Sacramento’s culinary scene. A preview of the top Classic Rock box sets.
Tripledemic
If you’re feeling a bit under the weather or taking care of someone who is, the trip to the pharmacy is a bit like a medicinal ghost town. Shelves can be pretty barren which means the demand is high. But this year is more than COVID, Flu cases have been rising. According to the state’s weekly report, the numbers are higher when compared to the same time in previous years, coupled with an early start to RSV which can cause serious illness in infants. Insight invited Dr. Tomás Aragón with the California Department of Public Health onto the program to get a better understanding of a “trifecta” of respiratory bugs circulating around.
Localis
The “Michelin Guide” for California has been revealed, awarding its stars to restaurants in what is considered fine dining's highest honor. Many Michelin-starred restaurants are in San Francisco or Southern California. However, Sacramento is making strides and has added a second Michelin-star restaurant with acclaimed culinary distinction. The Kitchen restaurant was the lone Michelin-star restaurant in Sacramento, but Localis, led in the kitchen by the owner and head chef Chris Barnum-Dann, has joined the Michelin guide list. Barnum-Dann joined Insight to discuss his culinary journey and what drove the success of Localis to receive the highest honor in food. Benjy Egel, Food and Beverage Reporter for The Sacramento Bee, also joined to Sacramento’s food culture and thriving scene that has become home to incredible chefs and restaurants.
New music box sets
If holiday music isn’t your thing there are new opportunities to experience some of the “greats” in rock 'n roll. This time of year also comes with new box set releases. From the Beatles, Beach Boys, Elton John, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers which make for a great gift (or a present for yourself). Dennis Newhall is the host KZAP on CapRadio and he stopped by our studio with new box sets in hand and shared some tracks with us.
Sacramento County is seeking applications for its Grand Jury. A wide-ranging discussion with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. A preview of CapRadio’s new original podcast, “A Music of their Own.”
Sacramento County Grand Jury
They serve as public stewards, volunteering their time to investigate the actions of local government agencies and ensuring your tax dollars are spent well. Each year, the 19 members of Sacramento County’s Grand Jury take on the huge responsibility of monitoring the performance of the county’s many agencies. They Investigate complaints and compile in-depth reports to provide solutions to improve county services and enhance the quality of life for every resident. If this sounds like a challenge you’re up for, the opportunity has arrived. Sacramento County is currently accepting applications for those interested in becoming members of its Grand Jury. Judge Steven Gevercer with the Sacramento County Superior Court and the supervising judge for the grand jury joined Insight to share more details on the grand jury’s role and responsibilities and how you can apply to become a member.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg
When we slow down and take stock of 2022, a lot happened this year. Like most places, Sacramento was hoping to move forward after two years of the pandemic and all of the economic challenges to get up and running again with a vibrant downtown. But a mass shooting in the city center in April, followed by another deadly shooting in downtown, shook a feeling of safety as families mourned the senseless loss. Meantime, the crisis of homelessness remains front and center, as well as an ongoing affordable housing crunch. But out of tragedy and challenges comes change. There is a renewed focus on safety and security, including a new police chief. Voters approved a measure billed as a tool to curb and help those unhoused. And continuing on the bright side, we’ve had some few-and-far-between wins and underdog stories that spark the spirit of one of the most diverse places in all of California. Mayor Darrell Steinberg joined Insight to talk all things Sacramento with hindsight and an eye toward the future.
A Music of their Own
Music is powerful. It’s transformative, can spark a movement, and touch our souls. But as an industry, it has long been dominated by men. A new CapRadio podcast, “A Music of Their Own,” uncovers the stories of women who have carved a path to success despite the odds. The host and producer of the podcast is Majel Connery, a vocalist, composer, and musicologist making unique sounds of “electro dream-pop” with classical influences. She applies this experience and an extensive academic career to the podcast series to highlight the extraordinary women in the music industry. Majel provided Insight a preview of the first season, which highlights the accomplishments of women at the top of their field in classical works, an industry where only 12% of the music programmed by American orchestras over the last year was written by women.
A new state commission on hate crimes is seeking community-based solutions and resources in response to a sharp rise in hate crimes. The latest developments on the women-led protests in Iran. An update on Sacramento’s African American Experience Project.
California's hate crime commission
We have seen videos from the streets of San Francisco where an older Asian woman or man is beaten and attacked for no reason. Mass shootings targeting a certain group, race, and ethnicity. In our area, antisemitic symbols are left on both Sac State and UC Davis campuses or hung on freeway overpasses for all to see. If you think you've been hearing more about hate crimes over the past couple of years, especially since the start of the pandemic, you'd be right. According to a recently published report, the California Attorney General's office says hate crimes are at their highest reported level in 20 years, up 32% when just comparing 2020 to 2021. That includes crimes against Hispanics, the LGBTQ+ community, and African-Americans. But the highest rise in hate crimes targeted Asian Americans, up 177%. Now, California is making it easier for citizens to report these types of crimes. CapRadio's Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan joined Insight to share more details on the new Commission on the State of Hate and the resources available for reporting cases. You can also report cases by phone at 1-833-8NO-HATE.
Iran protests
Nearly three months ago, the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman in the custody of Iran's morality police ignited massive protests across the Islamic Republic. Since Mahsa Amini's death, the protests, led by women and the country's youth, have plunged the country into political turmoil. The Iranian government confirms at least 300 Iranians have been killed in the nationwide protests so far, but human rights groups believe the number is far higher. And the United Nations believes at least 14,000 have been detained, including children. The government took an even more drastic step to quell the protests, its parliament voting to approve the death penalty for those found guilty of participating in the unrest. The turmoil also spilled onto the global stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Although the country has seen several large protests since the Iranian Revolution more than four decades ago, the death of Mahsa Amini has called into question the strength and legitimacy of Iran's clerical rule. Dr. Sahar Razavi, Director of the Iranian and Middle East Studies Center at Sacramento State, first joined Insight almost two weeks after Amini's death to help provide more context behind the protests. She rejoined us to discuss the latest developments in the protests and how the Iranian community in California is reacting.
African American Experience Project
This year the city of Sacramento launched an ambitious historical review of African American history to highlight the significant contributions of Black Sacramentans from the city’s earliest years through the 20th century. Before the African American Experience Project began, the city lacked a historical framework to preserve the physical embodiments or intangible memories of Sacramento’s black experience for future generations. Recently, the project achieved a big milestone in this effort, releasing its first public draft of its Historic Context Statement. The nearly 150-page document is an initial outline that will eventually help the city preserve buildings and other landmarks of Black cultural and historical significance in Sacramento. Carson Anderson, Co-Director of the project, Joined Insight to tell us more about this document and provide an update on the project.
The latest updates on the UC Strike, one the largest academic strikes in higher education in American history. A new report from CalMatters shows that Cal Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo enrolls the lowest rate of black students among all of California’s public universities. An etiquette expert shares her social “dos” and “don’ts” this holiday season.
UC strike
A work stoppage by University of California graduate workers, postdoctoral students and researchers has slowed work across the 10 UC campuses. Many are calling it the largest strike in the history of higher education in America. Although a tentative agreement was reached between the UC and its postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers, those employees won’t resume their work in solidarity with the academic student employees and student researchers who still don’t have a contract. The strike's outcome could have major impacts on higher education in California and the workforce it relies upon. CapRadio Reporter Janelle Salanga joined Insight to share their reporting and provide the latest on this nearly month-long strike.
Cal Poly SLO diversity investigation
According to California State University, the higher education system educates the most racially, ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. However, an investigative series found the data without context can be misleading and overshadow room for improvement, particularly with Black and African American students. Mikhail Zinshteyn covers higher education for CalMatters and Insight spoke with to discuss his ongoing series titled, "Lagging behind: Cal State's education of Black students." We focused specifically on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which Mikhail found is the only public university in the state where more than half of undergraduate students are white. He also found Cal Poly has the lowest enrollment of Black undergraduates out of any Cal State or UC campus, enrolling just 146 Black students out of a student body of more than 20,000, that's less than one percent. Mikhail shared how this gap ultimately shapes campus culture and the college experience.
Holiday etiquette
For better or for worse, December can be packed with socializing. Holiday parties of all types and sizes can fill the month, which means the opportunity for fun, but also perhaps some uncomfortable moments. Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette and civility expert. She joined Insight to help us navigate holiday gatherings with ease, which can be easier said than done.
Putting the first major winter storm of 2022 into context. Why California’s wildfire season this year was less severe than in recent years. How to process the “holiday blues.”
Winter weather outlook
A series of storms has given the Sierra a boost of snow, allowing ski resorts to open and, more importantly, giving a base to the snowpack. Along with the snow, the state saw a strong soaking rain from north to south. Our parched state saw some decent rain totals, all typical for this time of year. But as we all know, it needs to continue. Just go back to last year when we had a great start to the season, plus a nice blast around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and then the faucet seemed to just shut off, leaving us with a dry January and marginal Spring. To put all of this wet weather into perspective and context, Insight invited KCRA3 Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan back onto the program.
2022 Wildfire season
If you thought we had a less severe wildfire season this year, you’d be correct. According to CalFire (as of December 5th), in 2022, 362,000 acres were lost to fire this year so far. Just a fraction of the 2.5 million acres burned last year. And the over 4 million acres lost to fire in 2020. That’s a stunning decrease. But why? Our fire season is basically year-round. Our summers are hotter, our winters are unpredictable, and the weather is getting more extreme. All the while, the push to combat or curtail climate change continues as much of the world works on new agreements, laws, regulations, and incentives to get consumers and industries off carbon-fueled energy and into “greener” habits. To help us understand all of this, Insight invited Michael Wara, a senior research scholar at the Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment, onto the program.
Holiday mental health triggers
Holidays are a time for cheer for many, but for those living with mental health challenges, the holidays can also provide more time to reflect on trauma and amplify the feeling of "holiday blues." Adverse Childhood Experiences Resource Network is working to inform the community and help those suffering from the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, and toxic stress. Sarah Marikos, the network's executive director, joined Insight to discuss how people can process trauma and heal during the holidays. She was joined by Nefertiti Khemet Goudjayi, a licensed clinical social worker with "Stop Stigma Sac," and Sacramentan Mike McCarthy, who shared his personal experiences dealing with mental health during the holidays.
UC Davis study looks at teen mental health during COVID-19 online learning. The Public Policy Institute of California releases its annual report on the state’s water challenges. Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito performs in Sacramento.
Mental health and online learning
From the beginning of the pandemic, there was concern about how stay-at-home orders would impact children. A constant thread throughout COVID-19 has been understanding the toll if any, remote learning would have on students. Followed by passionate debates about the best way to balance public health while reducing harm. We’ve had a good number of these conversations on Insight because the issue of mental health and social isolation is far from a fixed topic. It often involves a lot of anecdotes of personal experiences. But researchers are continuing to learn more and better understand how varied the consequences of the pandemic can be. A new study looked at a specific age group, teens between 14 and 16 years of age. Researchers looked at how in-person learning versus hybrid or fully remote shaped high schoolers’ mental health and their overall experience with school as well as their academic performance. Drew Cingel is an associate professor at UC Davis and the lead author of the study and joined Insight to share how teens were impacted by online learning during COVID-19.
California's water outlook
Today we turn the calendar to December and storms arriving in the region seem to signal a promising start for snowfall to ease California’s prolonged drought. But for now, the overall outlook is not optimistic. Federal climate scientists at NOAA have forecasted a warmer and drier than average winter for California and the broader Western U.S. And according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of the state is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. All of this suggests California could be in for another year with less water. So, what can Californians expect in the upcoming year as our climate’s future becomes more uncertain? To help answer those questions and explain how California can thrive with less water, Insight invited Jeffrey Mount, a Senior Fellow with the non-partisan Public Policy Institute of California, onto the program.
Pasquale Esposito performs in Sacramento
The holiday season is upon us. Lights are up, homes and trees are decorated, the leaves are falling and the weather is just perfect for that warm cup of tea and your favorite fuzzy sweater. Add to that the sounds and music of the season. And next week at The Sofia Theater, a special event with the work of renowned artist Pasquale Esposito. Esposito will perform many of his holiday favorites along with an original composition at The Sofia on December 9th, accompanied by San Jose State University’s orchestra. Pasquale Esposito joined Insight ahead of his performance in Sacramento to share his catalog of Christmas songs and holiday favorites.
Sacramento voters approved Measure O, a contentious ballot measure that allows the city to clear homeless encampments. An organization helping economic development with a community-focused approach and investing in local entrepreneurs. A discussion about the importance of indigenous heritage.
Measure O
Midterm results will be certified in California in a little over a week, so registrars are busy tallying up the remaining largely vote-by-mail ballots. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, there are roughly a quarter-million ballots to be processed. In Sacramento County, there are some 89,000 left to tally, but we are getting a good picture of one of the more controversial items on the local ballot: Measure O. A highly debated proposal in response to Sacramento County’s growing and record-high unhoused population. If passed, Measure O will allow encampments to be moved off public property if certain conditions are met, such as scaling up shelter capacity, as well as the city and county reaching a binding agreement outlining services for those experiencing homelessness. But Measure O received stiff opposition from homelessness advocates and elected officials like Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, who represents the city center, over concerns this may result in an “out of sight, out of mind” approach that will strain already tight funding. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols joined Insight to get us up to speed on where the measure stands and what Sacramentans can expect next.
Unseen Heroes
Often when we talk about revitalization within neighborhoods, it can feel impersonal — a focus on numbers from dollar signs to housing and jobs. But a homegrown organization in Sacramento turns inward, transforming what they believe are the connective tissues of the community — investing in the people who call these neighborhoods home, so redevelopment doesn't turn into displacement. Unseen Heroes creates economic development by building an environment of local talent, from entrepreneurs and creatives to farmers and chefs. It's a network of talent that often may move away to bigger cities for more opportunities. The founder of Unseen Heroes is a local himself. Roshaun Davis joined Insight to share how the organization works with local governments, corporations, and entrepreneurs to retain the culture and community that attracts investment in the first place, but too often gets lost and displaced.
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum
We are rounding out Native American Heritage Month at a time when there is a long-overdue call to rededicate and reeducate the invaluable contributions made by indigenous people as well as all that was taken. In this year's proclamation, President Biden acknowledged a painful history of broken promises and policies that "sought to decimate Native populations and their ways of life." An important piece of honoring that commitment is museums, and there are several in our area to visit and learn from. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center is located in Nixon, about 45 minutes northeast of Reno, Nevada. The Museum's Director, Billie Jean Gurrero, joined insight to reveal the tribe's rich history, which includes a 19th-century war, a fight for voting rights, and land reclamation.
A statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization discusses the historic gains made in this year’s Midterm election and how the community is responding to this month’s mass shooting at a gay club in Colorado. Yosemite National Park’s decision to suspend its peak hour reservation system for Summer 2023 and its impact on the local tourism economy.
Equality California
The Midterm saw a record-breaking number of openly LGBTQ+ candidates running for and winning elected offices across the country in what advocates are calling a “Rainbow Wave”. That wave also crested here in the Golden State as California became the first state in the nation to reach at least 10% LGBTQ+ representation in its state legislature. These lawmakers will be taking office during a poignant time in our country after more than a dozen states passed what advocates call “anti-LGBTQ+” legislation and a mass shooting at a gay club in Colorado Springs which claimed the lives of five people and injured at least 17 others less than two weeks after Election Day. Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, joined Insight to talk about how the LGBTQ+ community is responding to the tragedy as well as the historic gains made by candidates this year.
Yosemite National Park ends reservations
Visiting one of California’s natural treasures will be a little bit easier next summer. Yosemite National Park announced it no longer requires reservations to enter the park for Summer 2023. The reservation system was put in place in 2020 to stymie the flow of people flocking to the park during the early months of the pandemic. And it’s remained through 2021 and even this summer, partly due to park renovations. While some environmentalists hailed the decision to limit the number of park visitors, the reservation system put a squeeze on Mariposa County’s tourism economy. The park admits it’s been struggling to address overcrowding and congestion at one of America’s most popular national parks for decades and hopes to apply the lesson’s learned over the last three summers to improve the visitor experience while preserving Yosemite’s natural splendor. Scott Gediman, Park Ranger and spokesperson for Yosemite National Park, joined Insight to provide more details about the decision, and Jonathan Farrington, Executive Director of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, shares how this decision is expected to impact the county’s tourism industry.
B Street Theatre's 'Tis the Season
Lyndsay Burch, Artistic Director of The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre and Director of "'Tis The Season," discusses the upcoming performance for the Family series at the B Street Theatre and the holiday cheer shared through storytelling.
California is projected to see a budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year, according to a non-partisan analysis. UC Davis Health is using an innovative process to connect kidney donors with recipients to save hundreds of lives.
California's projected budget shortfall
California is no stranger to economic booms and busts. But 2022 may be a prime example of how quickly and drastically the state's fiscal outlook can change. Earlier this year, a historic project budget surplus of nearly $100 billion allowed Governor Newsom and the Democratic-led legislature to expand government programs and financial assistance. But a report released by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office has forecasted the state could be faced with a nearly $25 billion "budget problem," an estimate they say is the weakest revenue performance California has seen since the 2008 Great Recession. This report is only a projection, but how did the state's fiscal outlook change so drastically in just one calendar year? Does it mean a recession is on the horizon? To help us unpack all of this, Insight invited H.D. Palmer, who heads the California Department of Finance, to explain the program.
UC Davis' health kidney transplant process
This fall, the U.S. hit a major milestone of one million organ transplants which began nearly 70 years ago in 1954. And UC Davis Health is celebrated as one of the top facilities, crossing 5,000 kidney transplants since conducting the first one more than three decades ago. The success at UC Davis Health is due to creative solutions and outreach to donors. To tell us more about the process of kidney donation and transplants, Insight spoke with Dr. Eric Huang, the medical director of the UC Davis Health Kidney Transplant Program. Transplant recipient Wilson Du also joined us to share their experience living with renal failure and waiting for a lifesaving kidney.
Sac State Hornet football season
The Sacramento State Hornets Football team finished their regular season undefeated, "11-0" after defeating crosstown rivals at UC Davis in the Causeway Classic. The Big Sky Champions are now looking ahead to the Football Championship Subdivision, where they are ranked second in the FCS playoffs. Sac State has never won an FCS Championship, but fans believe the Hornets have become unstoppable this year. The Hornet's play-by-play announcer Jason Ross joined Insight to talk about the team and how the program became a football juggernaut.
Insight is devoting the hour to storytelling and letting CapRadio colleagues tell personal stories of the meaning of family, how that meaning can evolve, and the conversations and memories that come up during the holiday season.
Laura and Victor
You’re going to get to know some of the people at CapRadio a little better this hour. As we head into the holidays, Insight has been having sideline conversations about our families, traditions, and just some wacky stories that capture how unique and varied our experiences are. It’s been fun learning about what the holidays mean and don’t mean from one person to the next. So, we thought to share these stories with our listeners and perhaps it’ll spark some personal memories to share with loved ones. We start with CapRadio’s new Midday Host, Laura West, and Insight Assistant Producer, Victor Corral Martinez about how being mixed race, opens up a pretty wide palate for a Thanksgiving feast.
Emily
We’re devoting the hour to a little bit of storytelling from our CapRadio colleagues sharing some fun, wacky and meaningful stories about the memories that shape their definition of family. When CapRadio Data Reporter Emily Zentner thinks of Thanksgiving, her fondest memories are tied to her late Aunt Teri and a promise about “minced pie” that Emily has kept in the years since her aunt’s passing.
Srishti
American traditions can come with some learning curves for immigrants. CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha knows that all too well. Srishti’s family immigrated from India with a new language, culture, and way of life. Insight sat down with Srishti about how they and their family adopted holidays like Thanksgiving while planting their roots.
Andrew Garcia
The holidays can become tough when the nucleus of a family passes on. Especially the first get-together without them because it sets into motion a bittersweet new chapter. Their absence is powerful but doesn’t have to be silent. CapRadio Weekend Host Andrew Garcia sat down with his family to remember the last holiday trip with their grandfather.
Andrew Nixon
We're wrapping up a storytelling hour with the person who sparked the idea in the first place. Andrew Nixon is CapRadio's Multimedia Journalist, and a couple of months ago, he stopped by Insight host Vicki Gonzalez's desk, wanting to share a pretty wacky but thoroughly entertaining story about his dad Bert and Uncle George. It's a story that doesn't really have a defined place for radio. But we thought about how this story, although unique to Andrew's family, kind of encapsulates how we can go down a rabbit hole of storytelling and learning about a loved one's past choices that may feel like they're unrecognizable.
Revisiting some of the best Insight conversations of 2022. Yurok Tribe releases endangered California Condors onto ancestral lands for the first time in 100 years. The history of lowrider culture. Jazz pianist Michael Wolff’s autobiography “On That Note.”
Endangered condors returned to Northern California Redwoods
We’re taking a “listen back” to some of our best conversations this year. Starting off, we head to the northwest corner of the state where the California Condor, one of the largest and rarest flying birds on the planet, once thrived on the West Coast. With nine-foot wingspans allowing them to soar up to 15,000 feet in the air, they could be seen from British Columbia to as far south as Baja California. But beginning in the 19th century, their numbers steadily declined and were nearly driven to extinction before scientists captured the few remaining condors and saved the species through a captive breeding program. Today, there are about 330 Condors in the wild and another 200 in captivity. In April, I spoke with Tiana Williams-Clausen, Director of the Yurok Tribe’s Wildlife Department, about not only an ecological milestone but also how condors are a spiritual centerpiece for the Yurok people.
Understanding lowrider culture
We’re revisiting some of the best conversations we’ve had this year. Which brings us to “low and slow.” Lowrider culture has been around for decades in California and, more broadly the Southwest. But recently, there has been a push from lowrider car clubs to reevaluate the intention, effectiveness, and harm of “anti-cruising” ordinances across the state. Earlier this year, the Sacramento City Council joined a larger shift and repealed its ban on cruising put in place back in the 1980s. Back in June, Insight spoke with Chicano Studies professor Denise Sandoval, based at California State University, Northridge. She has long worked to promote, highlight and bring awareness to the lowrider cultural movement, which is currently experiencing a revival of participation, leadership as well as representation by women of color.
Jazz Pianist Michael Wolff's autobiography
We’re rounding out a special hour of Insight, taking a listen back to some of the most meaningful conversations this year. Our final piece comes from CapRadio’s Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli, who sat down with Michael Wolff back in June, a critically acclaimed pianist with a rich musical history. Wolff recently published an autobiography, “On That Note,” sharing an incredible career as well as a profound joy for living following a serious health scare.
An update on Midterm election results across the country. California College Corp embarks on its second year. The artist behind Insight’s new theme music.
Midterm election update
Former President Donald Trump is expected to announce that he will run for President once again. His expected announcement comes one week after the midterm elections in which his party and several of his chosen candidates failed to take back the Senate and made only marginal gains in the House, all despite President Biden’s low approval ratings. In the House of Representatives, California Congressman Kevin McCarthy will face a critical test as GOP members hold a leadership election as ballots across the country are still being counted for the final makeup of Congress. In California, Governor Newsom and many of his fellow Democrats cruised to victory last week, all the while, speculation continues to grow about Newsom’s future and if it includes a 2024 presidential run and potentially takes on people like Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another presumed Presidential candidate. To bring us up to speed and provide more analysis, Insight invited Robin Swanson, a Democratic Strategist and Founder of Swanson Communications, and Republican political consultant Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, onto the program.
California College Corp
California has a new volunteer program for college students called College Corps, and it will mobilize a workforce of over three thousand students. The program aims to create a debt-free pathway for college students while working to solve problems in their communities. The College Corps’ goals are to aid with K-12 educational tutoring, tackle food insecurity, and take steps to help address climate change. Spearheading this task is Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Locally, Lynn Fowler, Consortium Director of Sacramento Valley College Corps, collaborates with other community colleges and universities to produce the massive undertaking. They both joined Insight to talk about the history, challenges, and how they envision the volunteer program for the years to come.
Poor Majesty
You may have noticed our theme music has changed, which was produced by Adrian Gilmore. Insight spoke with Gilmore about his work as a Northern California artist Poor Majesty and how his sound is influenced by his surroundings. He also discussed his influences in creating the show's theme music, the many instruments used to compose it, and how he wants listeners to interpret the show's new music.
Wildfires in California have grown increasingly extreme and devastating in the last decade.
BURNED, a yearlong investigation from the California Newsroom, reveals how the U.S. Forest Service is struggling to complete the work it knows it must do to keep Californians safe from wildfires. For decades, the agency has developed projects to thin and manage overgrown forests in an effort to reduce wildfire intensity. But those plans routinely stall out, and sometimes are abandoned completely.
The 2021 Caldor Fire destroyed most of Grizzly Flats, a foothills community in Northern California that borders Forest Service land.
CapRadio’s Scott Rodd investigated how the Forest Service took years to develop a large forest management project around Grizzly Flats, and only finished a small portion by the time the Caldor Fire ignited in 2021. The agency originally committed to finishing the 15,000-acre project by 2020.
Towns up and down California fear they could be next.
KCRW’s Caleigh Wells uncovered how the Forest Service tackles only a fraction of the prescribed burning work it needs to get done to protect communities in Southern California. The agency delayed or canceled multiple projects around Big Bear Lake, a popular tourist town surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The town narrowly avoided disaster this year when the Radford Fire ignited.
CapRadio’s Scott Rodd and KCRW’s Caleigh Wells reported this special investigation. Additional reporting by George LeVines and Emily Zentner. It was edited by Adriene Hill and Mike Kessler of the California Newsroom, a collaboration of the state’s public radio stations.
California Secretary of State updates the statewide ballot count. Shasta County Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen. The Beatles Guitar Project’s upcoming performance.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber
Registrars across the state are busy tallying returns for the Midterm with the number of mail-in and drop-off ballots, it’s a process that requires patience and steadiness. We’re going to check in with California’s Chief Elections Officer California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. Secretary Weber, who was also up for election, will be embarking on her first full term since being appointed by Gov. Newsom. The Associated Press called the race in Weber’s favor. Secretary Weber joined Insight to provide a look at how election results are shaping up and what voters should keep in mind with a few weeks until the Midterm results are certified.
Shasta County Elections
The concern of political violence has begun to fade as Election Day across the country largely proceeded as planned with many state and local election officials reporting the democratic process went without incident. Tensions rose in the weeks leading up to the Midterm after reports of armed people watching ballot boxes in Arizona The attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband (as well as candidates from both parties who were assaulted) and warnings of a “heightened threat” to the election due to a rise in domestic violent extremism. A potential flash point for these political tensions in this year's midterm was Shasta County, where a contentious primary election led to tense moments at the county elections office back in June. Shortly after the primary Cathy Darling Allen, the county Registrar of Voters, joined us to discuss navigating an unprecedented primary election. Registrar Allen joined Insight to share how this week has been and how she has become a national advocate for election workers.
Beatles Guitar Project
This weekend the music of the Beatles comes alive with The Beatles Guitar Project performance in Sacramento. The concert is a collaboration of students and professional musicians performing the iconic Beatles albums “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The concerts benefits schools that need funding for their music programs. Ben McClara, the founding director of The Beatles Guitar Project, and CapRadio Classical Music Host Jennifer Reason stopped by ahead of the concert to share the preparation the Sacramento Preparatory Music Academy and The Beatles Guitar Project do to put in to create what will be a magical evening of music.
The latest results and analysis of the midterm election from statewide races and ballot measures to races and measures in the Sacramento area.
Midterm election recap with CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon
After weeks of analysis and speculation, we’re getting a picture that is still very much taking shape about how this Midterm is shaping up. From statewide, congressional, as well as local races and measures. Patience is key, and election results take days, in some cases weeks, to finalize. Some election races have already been called, and there are bigger themes and messages beyond this single election. We’re starting off with a statewide look. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon had a busy night bouncing around watch parties in Sacramento and joins us with what we know so far.
Political Data Inc.
We’re sifting through Midterm election results across the state and country. From the highly competitive races in California and beyond, the balance of Congress is still taking shape. Still, within the unknowns of election returns are broader themes and messages of where voters stand and what issues fueled them to the polls. We will have a roundtable of analysis with Laurel Rosenhall from the LA Times, political strategist Luis Alvarado and Paul Mitchell with the ballot tracking firm “Political Data Inc.”
CapRadio Digital
The CapRadio news and digital teams have been on high alert over the last 13 hours since the polls closed, gathering and carefully organizing and analyzing the midterm election results. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam and CapRadio’s Managing Editor of Digital Content Chris Hagan break down the latest on the races and measures in Sacramento.
Midterm Election Day coverage, including last-minute voting tips from the California Voter Foundation. Understanding the untapped power of the Latino vote. Author of the new book “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath.”
Election Day
CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols joins us live from a polling center in Sacramento to share what’s motivating voters in this midterm election and how they feel about Measure O on the city’s ballot.
Last minute voting tips
President of the California Voter Foundation, joins us to navigate last-minute voting in California and the greater Sacramento area. We will also discuss new protections afforded to election day workers and monitor any news regarding irregularities or voter intimidation across the country and here at home.
Power of the Latino vote
CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses the untapped power of the Latino vote and why campaigns often ignore them.
Bravo Company
The Wall Street Journal Reporter Ben Kesling joins Insight to discuss his new book “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and Its Aftermath.”
The outreach and challenges with mobilizing first-time and younger voters. The ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous languages in California. A Dixon-based author discusses new book “Awaiting the Sun: WWII Veterans Remember the Aleutians.”
Voter outreach
It’s “Election Eve.” According to “Political Data Inc,” which tracks mail-in ballots, roughly a fifth of ballots have been turned in. About 20%, which makes up more than four million returned ballots. The largest voting block showing up so far are those 65 and older making up 41% of ballot returns – as of midnight. The age group at the bottom, those 18 to 34 just 7% of the electoral pie slice. Despite the single-digit percentile a day before the Midterm, there has been a push to fire up enthusiasm for the youngest generation of voters. CapRadio’s Srishti Prabha discusses the outreach and challenges of mobilizing first-time and younger voters leading up to the Nov.8 Midterm.
Preserving indigenous language
November is “Native American Heritage Month,” first enacted in 1990 to pay tribute to the ancestry and culture of this nation’s indigenous people. One of the essential pillars of Native American culture is under threat of fading from existence: Their languages. According to Ethnologue, a resource on world languages, 98% of indigenous languages in the US are considered endangered. And a United Nations report suggests that California could lose all of its American Indian languages if serious efforts aren’t taken to preserve them. One of the groups behind that effort is the “Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival.” An organization striving to restore and revive these languages so they may survive as an everlasting piece of indigenous culture in the state. Joining us is Carly Tex, the advocacy group’s executive director
Awaiting the Sun: WWII Veterans Remember the Aleutians
When thinking of WWII, the attack on Pearl Harbor and the theaters in Europe and the South Pacific may come to the top of mind. But an author based in Dixon devoted to research to telling a neglected story of WWII. Aleutian veterans deployed to the islands off the Alaskan mainland that were the only North American territory invaded and occupied during the war; many soldiers never returned home. Bill Paul is that author and a veteran himself. He joins us to discuss his new book “Awaiting the Sun: WWII Veterans Remember the Aleutians.”
Wildfires in California have grown increasingly extreme and devastating in the last decade.
BURNED, a yearlong investigation from the California Newsroom, reveals how the U.S. Forest Service is struggling to complete the work it knows it must do to keep Californians safe from wildfires. For decades, the agency has developed projects to thin and manage overgrown forests in an effort to reduce wildfire intensity. But those plans routinely stall out, and sometimes are abandoned completely.
The 2021 Caldor Fire destroyed most of Grizzly Flats, a foothills community in Northern California that borders Forest Service land.
CapRadio’s Scott Rodd investigated how the Forest Service took years to develop a large forest management project around Grizzly Flats, and only finished a small portion by the time the Caldor Fire ignited in 2021. The agency originally committed to finishing the 15,000-acre project by 2020.
Towns up and down California fear they could be next.
KCRW’s Caleigh Wells uncovered how the Forest Service tackles only a fraction of the prescribed burning work it needs to get done to protect communities in Southern California. The agency delayed or canceled multiple projects around Big Bear Lake, a popular tourist town surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The town narrowly avoided disaster this year when the Radford Fire ignited.
CapRadio’s Scott Rodd and KCRW’s Caleigh Wells reported this special investigation. Additional reporting by George LeVines and Emily Zentner. It was edited by Adriene Hill and Mike Kessler of the California Newsroom, a collaboration of the state’s public radio stations.
A glimpse of voting behaviors as the midterm election approaches. A new study e political factions and the likelihood they’ll support or engage in political violence. Revisiting our conversation about monarch butterflies and the effort to preserve their migration to the California coast.
Midterm voting behaviors
We have five days left to turn in our mail-in ballot or vote the old-fashioned way. Despite ballots being sent out a month in advance and offering conditional “same day” registration on Election Day, there is a wide range of factors why someone shows up to take part in the electoral process while others sit it out. Insight's first guest today argues the simplified explanation of “apathy” isn’t only inaccurate but ultimately harmful to voter engagement. Mindy Romero is a professor and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, a nonpartisan research center focused on elections, voting behaviors, and political participation. She also has a strong understanding of the barriers and factors that lead to a voter turnout that is far from reflective of California’s diversity with the goal of creating opportunities to close that historical gap so that elections are representative of all those impacted by policies. Political violence study
As we head into a midterm election there is concern over the potential for political violence if election results are not accepted by Trump-endorsed politicians. In the aftermath of the attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the threat of political violence is more real. A recent survey conducted by UC Davis focuses on the identification of groups that may be at high risk for political violence, such as MAGA Republicans. Dr. Garen Wintemute, the emergency medicine physician and firearm violence researcher who conducted the survey, joined Insight to share these alarming findings and discussed potential solutions to prevent political violence. Monarch butterfly migration
As the weather cools down and we break out those winter coats and hats, a beloved insect makes their return to the California coast. The famed monarch butterflies are making their epic migration from the Rockies to California gathering in impressive clusters along our coast. But in recent years scientists have seen sharp declines and slight increases in their populations leading scientists to question why their numbers are fluctuating. One of the keys to solving this riddle are “butterfly counters” which help provide a tally of butterflies fluttering along our coast. Earlier this year, CapRadio’s environment reporter Manola Secaira took a trip to the coast to better understand how both Monarchs and their dedicated counters descend upon Pacific Grove this time of year to measure the health of these incredible creatures.
Governor Gavin Newsom and state Sen. Brian Dahle met Sunday for the only scheduled gubernatorial debate before the Nov. 8 general election.
Newsom is asking voters for a second fourth-year term, just a year after surviving a recall attempt. Dahle represents rural Northern California. The debate was hosted by KQED in San Francisco on Sunday afternoon, and was moderated by the station’s Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos.
The debate surrounding Sacramento’s Measure O, aimed at increasing the ability to clear homeless encampments in the city while increasing shelter space, followed by CapRadio analysis. The Ironman California triathlon takes place in Sacramento over the weekend.
Unpacking Sacramento's Measure O
9,278. That's the conservative estimate of people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County according to the most recent point-in-time count. It's a crisis that has worsened in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic and the rising cost of living, leading to more people living and dying on our streets, as well as mounting frustration from residents and businesses. Out of that frustration in Sacramento came Measure O, an ordinance on the city's ballot which would compel the city officials to clear homeless encampments and increase shelter space. But even if this passes, the measure is contingent on the city's ability to scale up shelter space and reach a legally binding agreement with the county. We're going to hear from the most outspoken voices for and against Measure O. Daniel Conway is the chair of the "Yes on O" Campaign. And Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela is one of the strongest voices on the "No on O" campaign.
Emergency Shelter and Enforcement Act of 2022
CapRadio reporter Chris Nichols who coverers housing and homelessness in Sacramento, provides an analysis of the arguments made by Councilmember Katie Valenzuela and Daniel Conway about Measure O, also known as the “Emergency Shelter and Enforcement Act of 2022.”
Ironman Triathlon
Around 4,000 triathletes are expected to participate in the California IronMan challenge this weekend in Sacramento. Around 4,000 triathletes are expected to participate in the California IronMan challenge this weekend in Sacramento. The course is not for the faint of heart but only for those willing to persevere through 140+ miles of swimming, bicycling, and running. Tim Brosious is the regional director for The IRONMAN Group and joined Insight to break down the course and provide a preview of what spectators can expect from the triathlon.
What UC Davis Post-COVID Clinic has learned about ‘long covid.’ The migration of a herd of wild horses in eastern California has reignited a decades-long controversy over their growing population. Pacific Standard Jazz Orchestra debuts this weekend.
Studying Long COVID
In the public eye, the pandemic feels more and more like past tense. This week Governor Gavin Newsom said California’s COVID “state of emergency” will come to an end in February, which will mark three years since our way of life was uprooted and dismantled with stay-at-home orders and shutdowns in the spirit of public health. This follows President Biden, telling 60 Minutes last month that “the pandemic is over” while also cautioning that “COVID is still a problem.” But people are still getting COVID; hundreds are still dying each day in the U.S., and for some who recover, they face a “grey area” of perplexing lingering symptoms that can last for weeks or months from what we’ve come to call “long covid.” This week, in an interview with the Guardian, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned of prematurely declaring the pandemic over because of long covid, calling it “a very insidious beneath-the-radar-screen public health emergency.” Although still mysterious in many ways, researchers do know more now. UC Davis Health is one of the select university hospitals across the country that created a Post COVID-Clinic back in 2020. With the perspective of two years of treating patients, we’ve invited Dr. Bradley Sanville, a pulmonary and critical care physician, to discuss what they’ve learned.
California's wild horses
They're an iconic (and beloved) symbol of the American West: wild horses. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), over 64,000 wild horses roam the western United States, with roughly 75% of them galloping throughout most of Nevada and portions of California. The most recent migration, a herd, moving from Northern Nevada to Mono County in the Eastern Sierra, is reigniting a decades-long debate between protecting these symbolic creatures and the sustainability of the landscape. Over the years, these horses have dominated public lands to the point where some consider them a destructive nuisance. However, others believe they are a vital aspect of the ecosystem, and more needs to be done to increase their numbers. To tell us more about wild horses and the complicated issues surrounding them, Insight invited Dr. Amanda Gearhart, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, to join the program, she's a rangeland scientist who focuses on restoring Nevada rangelands and formerly a wild horse and burro specialist with the BLM.
Pacific Standard Jazz Orchestra
Think of the perfect jazz partnership of Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald and combine it with the big band style of Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra. That is the inspiration for a new ensemble in Sacramento. The Pacific Standard Jazz Orchestra is a mixed jazz ensemble that celebrates what they call “The Great American Songbook,” a compilation of great musical works from the early 20th century. But they’re approaching these classics with a modern twist. Elizabeth Unpingco and Levi Saelua are the co-directors of the orchestra and joined Insight to discuss their debut live performance this weekend at the Delta King on Saturday, Oct. 22, along the Sacramento Waterfront.
Investigation finds a Sacramento council member lives in the district they represent. Why is the price of gasoline in California so high? Can the Sacramento Kings break a record 16-season losing streak and make it to the playoffs?
Sean Loloee investigation
A nearly three-month investigation into a Sacramento City Council member is complete. Accusations that Council Member Sean Loloee does not live in the North Sacramento district he serves, instead in a million-dollar Granite Bay home in neighboring Placer County, have been put to rest in Loloee’s favor. The independent investigation found the Sacramento City Council member meets residency requirements. CapRadio's Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam joins to share her reporting on how the council member and the community he serves moves forward. California gas prices
Some 23 million Californians began seeing direct deposits to buffer the high cost of living in the state. The payments, which were part of a state budget deal back in June, were meant to ease the pain at the pump. Although prices are not as high as this summer and are beginning to decline, they are still well above the national average. As of this morning, the average price of gas in California is just over $6 a gallon. The national average is more than two bucks less (at $3.87). But California’s price-per-gallon is up 56 cents from a month ago and more than $1.54 compared to the same time last year, according to AAA. The frustration is palpable. And blame and solutions are being thrown around the partisan roundtable, especially with an election fast approaching. To go beyond politics and make sense of the dollars we’re paying at the pump, Insight invited Erich Muehlegger, a professor of economics at UC Davis, onto the program. Kings season kickoff
They say there are two guarantees in life, death, and taxes. If you're a Sacramento Kings fan, you can add another: missing the playoffs. That has been the case for the past 16 years. An entire generation of fans has never seen their hometown team in the postseason. The Kings will kick off another season of NBA basketball full of hope to finally make the postseason and break the longest streak of any team in professional sports. The dream has always been of rallies and parades along the Capitol Mall, but since 2007 those dreams have been dashed year after year. So, will this be the year? FOX40 sports reporter Sean Cunningham has covered the team for years and joined Insight to weigh in on the Kings and if this could be the season where the Kings finally make it.
Sac City Unified distributes Narcan on all campuses for suspected overdose. How education on fentanyl and other drugs varies greatly across California schools. Stockton Soul discusses the “Sound + Mind Celebration” on Oct. 22.
SCUSD Stocks Narcan on Campuses Opioid deaths fueled by Fentanyl are on the rise in California. Data from the state shows a roughly 25% increase from 2020 to 2021. But drug overdoses jump to 45% that same period when isolated just to the synthetic opioid fentanyl, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The trajectory is truly staggering when looking back over the past several years. In Sacramento County, there were 57 opioid-related deaths in 2019. In 2021, just two years later, that number rose to 174 a more than three-fold increase. And this is increasingly impacting young adults and children. Fentanyl deaths jumped 625% statewide between 2018 and 2020. And often they are unaware that they are taking fentanyl.
In response, the California Department of Public Health offers free Naloxone to schools to reverse an opioid overdose. Victoria Flores heads the Student Support and Health Services at Sac City Unified Sacramento City Unified joined Insight to share how they are stocking this life-saving medication across all campuses.
Drug Education in Schools Earlier in the show, we heard from Sacramento City Unified about the preventative measure the district is taking to help or even save children from potentially dangerous, or fatal, overdoses by stocking Narcan on all campuses. But aside from prevention on the back end, there is concern about the lack of education about the dangers of fentanyl and other dangerous substances. Some districts do it well, while others don’t. According to reporting by Edsource only two-thirds of California middle and high schools teach health education, and many times, the classes are optional. It's important because last year almost 800 Californians under the age of 24 died of fentanyl overdoses, more than 20-times the number of deaths in 2016. Fentanyl is also blamed for more than 80% of all drug-related deaths among California young people last year. Carolyn Jones is a Senior Reporter at EdSource and joined Insight to share her reporting.
Stockton Soul ‘Sound + Mind Celebration’ When you think of string instruments, like the violin and cello, the reflexive connection may likely lead to classical music. But these elegant orchestral instruments have a range far beyond what we view as “traditional.” Two musicians from San Joaquin County saw what was lacking in their field and felt trapped. So they did something about it, not just to satisfy their needs, but also to educate others in an entertaining way about the foundation of American music. Stockton Soul was created as a revival of the days of “soul orchestra” made popular by the likes of Motown in the ’60s and ’70s. The non-profit takes its performances into classrooms and throughout the San Joaquin County community, including a musical wellness event.
Darcy Ford-James, Director of Stockton Soul, will be hosting the “Sound + Mind Celebration” on Saturday, Oct. 22, and joined insight to give to tell us more about their music and preview the event.
A conversation with the chairwoman of the California Republican Party ahead of the Midterm. UC Davis successfully conducts the world’s first stem cell treatment for Spina Bifida on a fetus before birth. Former SacBee reporter discusses his new book, “The Abolitionist’s Journal.”
California Republican Party's midterm strategy
California is well known for its deep-blue political tilt, but this November the Golden State is providing opportunities for Republicans to potentially win their first statewide race in more than a decade and possibly determine the balance of power in Congress. The party is hoping to tap into Californian’s concerns over soaring inflation, crime, and homelessness — and to turn that discontent into votes. But Democrats have utilized the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion to energize their base in the hopes of flipping a handful of congressional seats they lost in 2018. Jessica Millan Patterson, Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, joined us on Insight to provide her party’s strategy and priorities less than a month before Election Day. World's first Spina Bifida fetal surgery
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it also can bring understandable stress. There are big unknowns and discoveries along the way that are out of our control. A variety of testing and screenings are available to give soon-to-be parents a clearer picture of the baby’s overall health and development. One screening is for Spina Bifida which is an abnormal development of the spine that can carry lifelong disabilities including, at its most extreme, paralysis. Up until now, parents have had the option of treatment after birth to reduce Spina Bifida’s defects, but it is far from a perfect solution. But UC Davis Health has discovered a completely novel approach that is a “first in the world.” A surgery using stem cell treatment that takes place while the fetus is still in the womb. The trial began last year, and this month achieved a historic milestone. UC Davis announced three babies have been born after undergoing this groundbreaking treatment. Dr. Diana Farmer, chair of the Department of Surgery at UC Davis Health and leading the trial, joined Insight to discuss this groundbreaking surgery. "An Abolitionist's Journal: Memories of an American Antislavery Family"
Regardless of how well we know our family history, the generations before us help shape who we are today, whether we know it or not. For those interested in learning about their ancestors, it is a great deal of work with a lot of curves, dead ends, and unexpected roads. James Richardson was more than up for the task. The former senior writer with the Sacramento Bee and retired Episcopal priest spent more than 20 years retracing the life of his great-great-grandfather George Richardson. Without giving too much away what he found was powerful, but nearly at risk of becoming forgotten. This journey culminated in Jim’s new book, “The Abolitionist's Journal: Memories of an American Antislavery Family.”
A survey reveals the inequities of child-care access for Black families in the Sacramento region. Stockton’s Police Chief provides the latest on a string of deadly shootings his department says are connected. A world-renowned violinist will perform with the Davis High School Baroque Ensemble.
Inequities in child-care access
Child-care can rival a mortgage and rent in California. A financial burden that is further weighed down by the reality that there is a shortage of available spaces. KidsData is a non-profit that tracks child-care costs and availability. Statewide the average cost for a child-care center is just under $1,500 a month. But that number is from 2018. The pandemic further strained what was already a difficult or unaffordable option for working households. A poll conducted by Valley Vision and in partnership with CapRadio surveyed residents across our six-county region (Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties). It found about a third of parents say they do not have access to the child-care that they need. CapRadio’s Education Reporter Srishti Prabha spent time understanding the “why” as well as sharing the voices and lived experiences behind this data.
Update on serial shooter from Stockton Police Chief
Stockton has been on edge in recent weeks. Police are searching for who they believe is a serial shooter, killing six people in the past year-and-a-half and injuring another victim who survived. The shootings were recently linked through ballistics analysis. Police are not saying that the shootings are race-related, but there is a common theme. The shootings are happening late at night in isolated areas. Four of the victims appear to be of Hispanic descent and some of the victims were also experiencing homelessness. So far, police have shared a grainy security camera video of a person of interest. Stockton’s new police chief Stanley McFadden joined Insight to provide the latest on the investigation.
Rachel Barton Pine to perform with Davis High School Baroque Ensemble
Rachel Barton Pine has used her remarkable musical talent to connect with people around the world. Described as an exciting, boundary-defying performer, Pine’s versatility on the violin has helped her earn countless awards and frequent performances among some of the most renowned orchestras. Her powerful and evocative performances have even been featured on the big screen/ including the award-winning 2018 film “The Favourite.” Pine’s next stop is here in Northern California where she’ll be performing with the Davis High School Baroque Ensemble. The virtuoso joined Insight to tell us more about this performance along with Angelo Moreno, the Orchestra Director for Davis Senior High School.
Sen. Alex Padilla ahead of the Midterm. A breakdown of CapRadio’s voter guide. California Voter Foundation discusses a new bill expanding poll worker protections. GoldenSky Music Festival this weekend.
Senator Alex Padilla Less than one month until Americans head to the polls in what is shaping up to be a pivotal Midterm election. California voters will begin receiving their ballots in the mail and can begin weighing in on the candidates and issues most important to them. One of those candidates (who you’ll see on the ballot twice) is Democratic Senator Alex Padilla. Padilla is running to complete the current term he was appointed to after Kamala Harris became Vice President and Sen. Padilla is also running for a full six-year term against Republican candidate Mark Meuser. Insight spoke with the senator about the challenges of rising above congressional gridlock and why he thinks the stakes are so high this November. He also discussed recent legislation to address the federal government's response to wildfires and strengthen environmental justice for underserved communities.
CapRadio Voter Guide, Protections for Election Day Poll Workers The November ballot can be overwhelming. From local, state, and congressional, candidates, to propositions (not to mention city and county measures). The General Election is a lot to sort through. CapRadio's Managing Editor of News and Information Nick Miller joined Insight to break down the comprehensive Sacramento voter guide. Insight also spoke with Kim Alexander, President of the California Voter Foundation, about what voters need to know about the voting process and expanded protections for poll workers.
GoldenSky Music Festival Sacramento is quickly becoming a music festival destination. The success of Aftershock has helped make Sacramento a yearly destination for the best in rock music. The same festival producers are following up with GoldenSky, the country music festival featuring country music’s biggest names and upcoming artists but also in the festival spirit provides much more than music. Chamie McCurry with Danny Wimmer Presents, which puts on Aftershock and GoldenSky joined us to take a broader look at how the Capital City is carving its way into the festival shuffle.
An immigration attorney provides an update Ukrainians and Russians seeking asylum in Northern California. The CEO of WEAVE discusses Domestic Violence Action Month. A conversation with the new host of NPR’s “It’s Been a Minute” show and podcast.
Russians and Ukrainians seeking refuge
It’s been more than seven months since Russia’s war in Ukraine and developments are continuing to unfold rapidly. This week, Russia claims more than 200,000 people have been drafted into their army, but the conscription has also sparked an exodus of hundreds of thousands of Russians from their homeland as well as protests. Many have escaped to neighboring countries. But we're learning some are also seeking asylum here in Northern California. Alex Tovarian is an immigration attorney who is active in the Russian, Ukrainian, and broader Slavic communities in California. He’s joined us on Insight a few times since the onset of the war to share the experiences of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and provided an update on the ever-evolving asylum crisis.
Domestic Violence Action Month
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been serious discussions about the unintended consequences of sheltering at home beyond COVID-19. The United Nations has called it a “shadow pandemic” a rise in domestic violence that is difficult to measure behind closed doors but one that the UN believes has risen to unprecedented levels. The Harvard Gazette reports an increase in the U.S. at about 8% / following the 2020 lockdowns, but finding an accurate number is difficult because calls to hotlines dropped at the beginning of the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean domestic violence dropped. Two and a half years in, we’re starting to get a better picture of the demand for domestic violence resources and support. WEAVE is leading the provider for domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in Sacramento County and their CEO Beth Hassett joined us to discuss this issue as well as Domestic Violence Action Month.
NPR's new It's Been A Minute host
NPR’s “It’s Been a Minute” explores how pop culture shapes current events. But for the past several months, the search has been on for a new host to take the place of Sam Sanders. That search is over. Brittany Luse is the new host of NPR’s “It's Been a Minute” podcast. Brittany is an award-winning journalist and cultural critic with a love for podcasting. Most recently, she has been co-hosting the podcast “For Colored Nerds.” Brittany’s work has been seen in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vulture, Harper's Bazaar as well as NPR’s “Planet Money” podcasts. Insight spoke with Brittany ahead of her weekend debut.
An annual livability poll is revealing Sacramento’s Black residents are most concerned about the region’s high housing costs. A conversation with Sacramento’s new nighttime economic manager. A preview of the Riverbank Food and Wine Festival.
Black Sacramento's housing concerns
The housing market may be cooling due to the rise in interest rates, but homes are still out of reach for many people in the Sacramento area. Rents are really no better higher than the year prior. Housing affordability is a widespread issue that breaks down unevenly, affecting communities of color the most. A new poll published this week by Valley Vision in partnership with CapRadio found nearly nine of every 10 Black residents are concerned about the cost of housing in the Sacramento region, a level higher than any other racial or ethnic group. And policy experts are not surprised. CapRadio reporter Chris Nichols covers affordable housing and homelessness and joins us this morning to discuss the findings.
Sacramento's nighttime economy manager
Let’s face it. It’s been a painful year in Sacramento. Just as the city started to emerge from the pandemic with restaurants, bars, and clubs reopening with looser restrictions, a mass shooting on K Street between rival gangs left six dead and 12 injured in April. Three months later, a shooting outside “Mix” nightclub killed one person and injured four others. And then, in late September, a shooting happened outside of BarWest on J Street; a man was shot and killed. The aftermath is trauma and mourning, something we still are very much in. But there are also people nervous about going out and staying late in the city center. And it’s hard because businesses want the crowds after being shut down or limited, in so many ways during the height of COVID. They need the crowds, and we all want the vibe of downtown to come back. Sacramento was on a roll with DOCO, the arena, bars and restaurants. But safety comes first. The city is moving forward with Sacramento’s first “nighttime economy manager.” Her name is Tina Lee-Vogt, and she joins us to talk about her new role and how she plans on making the city core a vibrant, fun and safe place to enjoy.
Riverbank Food and Wine Festival
The City of Riverbank North of Modesto in Stanislaus County is celebrating its centennial. 100 years! This weekend is the “Riverbank Wine & Cheese Festival,” the 45th anniversary of the event. The festival is a homage to the region’s diversity of people, food and wine. With a year to make changes and expand the festival, there is much to see, smell and taste. The event will highlight local wineries and have entertainment to enjoy. Joining us is Tamra Spade, festival organizer and CEO of “Simply Divine Events.”
The latest on California’s Reparations Task Force. Valley Vision hosts its inaugural Livability Summit at Sac State. Central Valley native Aaron Judge with the NY Yankees inches closer to breaking a Major League homerun record.
California's reparations task force
It's been two years since California launched a task force recognizing the legacy of harm slavery has had on the state and taking steps to atone for that painful history. Part of that includes pinpointing a dollar amount for reparations to help repair the harm that still reverberates today, from disproportionate incarceration rates to housing discrimination and health disparities experienced by generations of Black Californians throughout the decades. That was largely the focus of the task force's most recent meeting in Los Angeles as they tried to determine potentially a dollar amount and other forms of reparations for descendants of enslaved people in California. The task force currently has less than a year to complete its work, and there are many logistical and political challenges left to untangle, including a bill allowing the task force to extend its 2023 deadline is sparking a contentious debate. Annelise Finney is a reporter at KQED in the Bay Area and has been reporting on the task force for the last year and joins us to get us up to speed with where things stand now.
Valley Vision
Livability is a loaded word that many cities, like Sacramento, are grappling with. From cost of living to education, economic opportunity, and public safety, there is a lot of meaning behind “quality of life.” For nearly 30 years, “Valley Vision” has worked to understand these complex, and systemic, issues across the Sacramento region. CapRadio has been a partner reporting on Valley Vision’s research to better understand and improve the quality of life for all residents. This year comes with a new addition for solutions. Next week, on Tuesday, October 4, “Valley Vision” will be hosting its first-ever “Livability Summit” at Sacramento State. A day with honest conversations about what an “equitable neighborhood” is, from homelessness to housing and building a more livable future for the next generation. We’re joined by Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision. Also joining is keynote speaker Alicia John-Baptiste who leads the Bay Area urban policy nonprofit SPUR.
Baseball player Aaron Judge
NY Yankee superstar Aaron Judge achieved something which hasn’t been done in baseball in 61 years, tying an American League homerun record set by another Yankee in 1961. The 30-year-old slugger’s pursuit of baseball glory began in his hometown of Linden, a small farming community just east of Stockton. Former Linden Herald sports journalist Craig Anderson joins us to discuss Aaron Judge’s historic season and what the Yankee superstar’s homerun chase means for his small hometown in the Central Valley.
The death of a 22-year-old woman in Iran is sparking violent protests in the country and outrage worldwide, including Northern California. A new law legalizes human composting in California as an alternative to burial and cremation. A wine expert explains what “natural wine” is and helps us sort out some of the health claims behind this latest trend in the wine industry.
Global Iranian protests
Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old's name is being shared worldwide after she died in the custody of Iran's so-called "morality" police for improperly wearing her hijab. Investigations into her death are being called from as high as the United Nations. Meanwhile, on the ground in Iran and in cities worldwide, protests, the scale of which – not seen in years - have erupted, demanding the end of human rights abuses and social reforms by the extreme ruling party in Iran. More specifically, women's rights have been severely restricted over the past several decades. In response to these protests, Iran has already cracked down hard. The internet has been shut down or restricted and protestors are being rounded up and persecuted / And there are fears that even harsher moves are coming in the near future. Dr. Sahar Razavi, Director of the Iranian and Middle East Studies Center at Sacramento State, joined us to discuss the latest developments and what the protests could signal for the future of reforms in Iran.
Human composting
The only thing guaranteed in life is death, and a new law signed by Gov. Newsom offers another option besides burying or cremating a loved one. The law establishes a natural organic reduction facility to be allowed in California, informally known as human composting. This new law follows the states of Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont. The goal of “natural organic reduction” is to create an environmentally friendly process for returning bodies to the land with nutrient-rich soil from the remains of individuals. To tell us more about the history and the process, Insight invited Morgan Yarborough from Recompose, which offers this service in the Pacific Northwest.
Natural wine
It's one of the buzziest trends in the wine world many may have never heard of: Natural wine. Although the concept has been around for centuries, the demand for "eco-friendly" has steadily grown over the last decade. Enthusiasts say it is wine returning to its purest form and a movement away from industrialized production without pesticides, herbicides, and additives. A Google search reveals a bevy of blog posts touting several health benefits/including digestive health and less severe hangovers. But what makes a wine a "natural" wine, and how do the health claims stack up to the science? To help us unpack all of this and give us a taste of how the "crush" season is going so far, Insight Dr. Anita Oberholster, a wine and grape expert at UC Davis, onto the program.
A law Gov. Newsom signed changes employer’s drug testing for marijuana. The son of a late Stockton homeless advocate shares his father’s life, work, and how he plans to continue his father’s legacy. Podcast revisiting the investigation and trial of the Hillside Strangler.
Law changes to marijuana testing
According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (known as NORML for short), California has become the seventh state to create worker protections for marijuana use. Assembly Bill 2188 was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom this month, which prohibits certain employers from drug testing employees who use cannabis outside of work hours. The bill received strong opposition from groups representing employer organizations and the Chamber of Commerce, arguing the bill would bring a potentially impaired employee into the workplace, putting coworkers at risk. Dale Gieringer, Director of California's NORML chapter, joined Insight to discuss the bill's passage and what it means for workers' rights in the state.
Remembering a Stockton homeless advocate
A tireless advocate for Stockton’s unhoused community and a man who dedicated his life and career to helping those experiencing homelessness. That is how family, friends, and colleagues are remembering Bill Mendelson, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 74. Bill’s advocacy spanned over three decades overseeing the construction of the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, which still exists today. Throughout his career, he’s credited for creating and expanding housing programs that have helped thousands of people move off the streets. In 1999, Bill was named Executive Director of the Central Valley Low Income Housing Corp, a position he held until 2021. He continued his advocacy for the homeless community until he died. One of his children, Jon Mendelson, joined Insight about his father’s life and advocacy in the Central Valley. Jon is also the new Executive Director of the Central Valley Low Income Housing Corp and shared how he plans to carry on his father’s work.
Revisiting the Hillside Strangler
True Crime is a genre that dominates TV, streaming, books, and podcasts with the capacity to challenge the criminal justice system and question convictions with weak or compromised evidence. But it can also re-victimize those who suffered and propel infamous killers into a warped kind of celebrity. A new podcast is approaching one of California's most heinous crime sprees with a different lens that puts the victims and nuances of detective work into focus. The Hillside Strangler gripped neighborhoods in Los Angeles in the late 1970s. More than four decades later, a podcast is revisiting the longest murder trial in U.S. history, described as a story of crime, politics, and personal redemption. Joe Rodota, the creator of the "Hillside Podcast," joins us about the podcast ahead of a live discussion at Sacramento's B Street Theatre.
Sacramento schools try to address the mental health crisis. An international human rights organization report suggests California and the United States are failing to protect children's rights. Sacramento Ballet kicks off its 68th season.
Addressing the mental health crisis
The pandemic revealed and exacerbated a mental health crisis among youth nationwide. In Sacramento, the public health department, in tandem with school districts, is responding to an overwhelming number of students needing support. That need falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable youth, including students of color. The county is investing in mental health resources on campuses, but the pace is struggling to meet the demand. CapRadio’s Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha has been following the county’s progress and learning one solution is leaning on community organizations to fill the gap and, most importantly, listening to those living through these challenges — Youth.
California children's rights report card
The United States has a lot of work to do regarding children's rights; according to the "Human Rights Watch," an international non-profit that reports every state, including California, is falling behind international standards when judged on four metrics. Child marriage, child labor, juvenile incarceration, and corporal punishment. According to the "scorecard," almost all states received a grade of "D" or "F," including our state, which received a "D" overall. And no states received a grade of "A" or "B." To top it off, the United States, as a whole, is an outlier in adopting international standards to protect children when compared to nearly 200 other countries. Helping to understand better why and hear some solutions to improve children's rights in California is Elizabeth Calvin, Senior Advocate of Human Rights Watch's "Children's Division," and Dr. Elizabeth Barnert, a professor of pediatrics at UCLA and a juvenile justice policy advisor at the state legislature and Congress.
Sacramento Ballet kicks off 68th season
For nearly 70 years, Sacramento Ballet has drawn upwards of 80,000 attendees each season. The upcoming 68th season kicks off this weekend with its “Beer and Ballet” series, which partners with Bike Dog Brewing and local food trucks outdoors. But this year also includes a brand-new addition-- an inaugural second company. Sacramento Ballet Artistic and Executive Director Anthony Krutzkamp gets Insight up to speed on the season and shares details about the second ballet company.
New research is revealing the impact of giant wildfire plumes on air quality throughout the Western United States. A federal report shows climate change is threatening the American River Basin, a critical watershed providing water to millions of people. CapRadio Jazz Host Avery Jeffery shares his conversation with Keith Hatschek on his new book “The Real Ambassadors.”
Impact of wildfire smoke
Kai Wilmot is a post-doctoral researcher at The University of Utah, where he worked on research to determine the effects of wildfire plumes on air quality. The findings showcased that the increase in altitude for fire plume clouds directly correlates with air quality. As mega wildfires become the norm in the Western United States, aerosols being injected into the atmosphere will continue to grow.
American River Basin climate study
The Sacramento Region promotes itself as “a region on the rise,” with population growth to back up the claim. According to a report released this year by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, the region was the fastest growing metro area in the state between 2016-2021 and is expected to see even more growth over the next five years. A lifeblood of the region is the American River Basin. This watershed spans over 3,600 square miles providing water to millions of people from Sacramento, to its rapidly growing suburbs, to the smaller communities that call the Sierra and its foothills home. But a new report released by the Bureau of Reclamation shows this lifeblood is threatened by climate change. The study states this essential watershed will see increased temperatures and a shrinking snowpack through the end of this century. The variability of rain in the fall and winter will also increase the severity of droughts and flooding. The new research sheds light on the challenges the region will face in balancing water demands and supply with a future full of uncertainty. Gary Bardini, Director of Planning with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, and Kenneth Payne, General Manager of the El Dorado Water Agency, joined Insight to tell us more about the study and how they plan to use its findings to prepare the region for the challenges ahead.
Dave Brubeck's "The Real Ambassadors"
Dave Brubeck is a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, but he's much more than a jazz icon. Brubeck also composed classical music, choral works, and ballet. He even wrote a Broadway-style musical in collaboration with his wife, Lola. That musical, The Real Ambassadors starring Louis Armstrong, is the subject of a new book by retired UOP professor Keith Hatschek. It tells the social justice back-story of the Brubecks' magnum opus, which premiered at the Monterey Jazz Festival 60 years ago this month. CapRadio Jazz Host Avery Jeffry shared his conversation with Hatschek and the impact of the musical.
An independent journalist in Puerto Rico joins us in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona and how the U.S. territory continues to struggle to overcome compounding crises. Efforts are underway to protect Yosemite National Park’s giant sequoia trees from the threat of wildfires and climate change. A preview of this year’s Farm-To-Fork Festival in Sacramento.
Hurricane Fiona
Hurricane Fiona has strengthened into a Category 4 storm. The damage and devastation can be seen from the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico-- where many are still without power, clean water, and any comfort of stability. Fiona happened on the near five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria, and Puerto Ricans were still rebuilding. The reasons are rooted in Puerto Rico's complicated and painful history with the United States. Although by law, U.S. Territories are treated equally, if you ask Boricuas-- those native or born in Puerto Rico-- many would say that is far from the truth. Bianca Graulau is an independent journalist who returned to Puerto Rico to tell the underreported realities that take place in her home. She joined Insight to discuss the U.S. Territory's challenges in navigating and responding to compounding disasters.
Protecting Yosemite's Sequoias
California’s giant sequoias. They are one of our state’s most majestic, beautiful and precious national treasures. People come from all over the country and world to see them, flocking to national parks like Yosemite to see just how beautiful they are. Over the past several years, California’s intensifying and changing climate has caused enormous damage to our state’s sequoia groves. Whether it’s wildfires turning the monstrous trees into ash, weeks and weeks of choking smoke filling the air, or the extremes of our dry seasons, parching their roots and branches, climate change and especially the wildfires are literally transforming our landscape. Those who study the sequoias in hopes of protecting them for thousands more years are very concerned about their future. As the environment changes, so is the way researchers are thinking about how much more the giant trees will be able to endure. CapRadio Environment reporter Manola Secaira is here with me to talk about what she learned on a recent trip to Yosemite — right in the middle of wildfire season.
Farm-to-Fork Festival
Sacramento is known as the city of trees, but to many, it’s also the capital of the farm-to-fork culinary scene. One of the region's most anticipated music and food festival will return to the Capitol Mall this September. The Farm-To-fork Festival, which began in 2013, is the gastronomical celebration of Sacramento’s culinary roots and pays homage to the farmers and chefs who feed the region. The two-day festival hosts various demonstrations, exhibitions, and discussions on food advocacy, providing a seat at the table for the diverse population that call Sacramento home. Mike Testa, CEO and President of Visit Sacramento, joined Insight to provide a preview of this culinary celebration.
Disaster researcher discusses Hurricane Fiona, an Alaskan storm, and an earthquake in Mexico in terms of the impact of emergency response on historically vulnerable communities. The latest on Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia and how California’s Armenian diaspora is responding to the invasion. A remembrance of Fred Franzia and his legacy on the wine industry.
Hard lessons from disaster response
Hurricane Fiona, an Alaskan storm, is flooding the remote coastline and a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Mexico on the anniversary of two deadly quakes. Not to mention that firefighters will be working to contain the largest wildfire — so far — this year in California. Dr. Samantha Montano views these as connected. The disaster researcher says these crises are predictable, and the response in the aftermath can be managed strategically. But often, that isn’t the case, and the most vulnerable shoulder the impact. Dr. Montano joined Insight to talk about her work and being the author of “Disasterology: Frontlines from The Climate Crisis.”
Azerbaijan invades Armenia
One week ago, news broke worldwide about another round of fighting between two former Soviet Republics and neighbors — Armenia and Azerbaijan. Simply put, just as Russia invaded the sovereign territory of Ukraine earlier this year, the same thing is happening right now in Armenia. The sovereign nation of Armenia is being invaded and hit by heavy artillery and drones. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and thousands of Armenians have been displaced. In a moment, we will learn more about the “why,” But for context, California is home to one of the largest Armenian diasporas outside of Armenia. Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Sacramento, especially the Rancho Cordova area, are home to tens of thousands of Armenian-American families. Many of whom have relatives back in Armenia. This conflict is once again highlighting the issue of human rights, democracy around the world, and, as our next guest puts it, the need to confront denial as a shared responsibility. Keith David Watenpaugh is a UC Davis Professor and Founding Director of Human Rights Studies and joined the program to talk about the conflict.
Remembering Fred Franzia
“Franzia,” the word alone conjures up the image of one of the best-known boxed wines in America with a family origin that traces back to the Central Valley. Franzia Brothers Winery started in Modesto and sold its business to Coca-Cola and The Wine Group decades ago. However, the Franzia family still shapes the way we drink wine today. Fred Franzia set off with his venture “Bronco Wine Company,” behind the popular Charles Shaw or “two buck Chuck” sold at Trader Joe’s, which costs a couple of bucks more now. The way Fred Franzia viewed and pursued the wine industry was formative, to say the least, and controversial. As with many successful people who shake up industries, Fred Franzia is a complicated one to dissect. Last week, he passed away at his home in Stanislaus County. He was 79 years old. We’ll spend some time talking about his life and legacy. Rick Kushman is a familiar voice on Insight, and the New York Times Best Selling author has long provided context about California’s wine industry. He joined us to discuss Frank Franzia’s life and legacy.
An infectious disease expert provides details on what families need to know about COVID boosters, MPOX, and the flu heading into the fall. A new organization at Modesto Junior College supports the growing number of Afghan women pursuing education. The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce discusses the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of the Hispanic and Latino community in the Sacramento region.
Fall Virus Outlook Summer is coming to a close and Fall is fast approaching this week. A time which typically kicks off flu season and for the past couple of years surges in covid subvariants. This year comes to an additional concern with the rise in Monkeypox (or MPOX). MPOX cases are also on the decline, but not before sharp criticism by some the response to the virus (and vaccines rollout) has been slow. As we head into the third Fall of the COVID Pandemic a new booster is being rolled out promising stronger protection. And of course, we’re on the cusp of the Flu season. Some health experts are warning this season could be severe for people who haven’t built up a natural immunity over the last two years and begin to gather with others during the holidays. To get a prognosis on where we are with all three of these viruses, Insight invited back Dr. Dean Blumberg Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis.
Modesto Junior College Supporting Afghan Education As quickly as the Taliban took over Afghanistan, educational rights for women began to diminish. Many were denied education after sixth grade and forced to wait at home for instructions if they would be able to attend school. Those who came to the United States faced a new set of challenges, including a new culture that includes co-ed education and a different language. Modesto Junior College Professor Ruth Luman saw a need for a program aimed at helping those who were settling in the region. Hambastagizanan is the new student organization helping Afghan women find a place to support each other and better the community by navigating this new challenge. Helping to lead the charge are two students with incredible stories of perseverance, Laila Noorani and Shabnam Mujaddidi.
Hispanic Heritage Month “UNIDOS. Inclusivity for a stronger nation.” That is the theme of this year’s National Hispanic Heritage month. The celebration of culture, identity, belonging, and inclusion kicked off last week on September 15th and runs through October 15th. Originally a week-long celebration first adopted by President Lyndon Johnson, years later, President Reagan extended the observation into a month-long celebration in 1988. Here in Sacramento, events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month are already underway. Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, President and CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, joined insight to discuss the month-long celebration and the impact of Hispanic Americans on the Sacramento region.
A breakdown of the bills on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk that he will either sign into law or veto by the end of the month. California launches a new website providing abortion resources and information for both Californians and those living outside the state. Folk Artist Hayley Reardon joins us ahead of her performance at The Sofia in Sacramento.
Bills left to sign or veto
Governor Newsom has two more weeks to sign or veto a stack of bills sitting on his desk. After a marathon legislative session that went into overtime at the August 31st deadline to get bills through to Newsom, several still need to be decided on. Some are more controversial than others. CapRadio Politics reporter Nicole Nixon breaks down the remaining bills and how one of the statewide propositions on this November’s ballot is making for some strange bedfellows.
California launches abortion resources website
Amy Tong, Secretary of the Secretary of the Government Operations Agency, and Jodi Hicks, President, and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, share more details about the launch of “Abortion.CA.Gov,” a website dedicated to those seeking abortion resources for both Californians and those out of state.
Hayley Reardon
Hayley Reardon is a folk artist who has spent a decade developing her sound. Hailing from Massachusetts, Hayley has quickly jumped onto the scene with recognition from the WBURs Tiny Desk Contest and earning an artist residency in Germany. The music is deeply rooted in her life adventures as a world traveler)and showcases influences from Flamenco to traditional Folk sounds. She has collaborated with Folk legends like Grammy Award-winning Lori McKenna and performed at the Music Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts, known for breaking through some of the biggest names in Folk music. Reardon stopped by the Insight studio ahead of her performance at The Sophia in Sacramento to showcase some of her music.
A new report shows a record number of homeless people died in Sacramento County in 2021. An investigative reporter reveals the failures of California’s legal cannabis market since marijuana became legal in the state in 2016. A volunteer group shares how much trash they’re moving from Lake Tahoe and surrounding lakes to help restore their natural beauty.
Sacramento's record homeless deaths
Nearly 200 unhoused Sacramento County residents died on sidewalks, in tents, vehicles, shelters, or hospitals last year — a record number. That’s according to a new report published this week. It’s a nearly 50% increase from the year before, and more deaths are linked to hypothermia than in the previous two decades combined. The report also suggests the homicide rate among the unhoused community was nearly 14 times higher than the county homicide rate. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols joined Insight to share more on these findings, the difficult conversations being had, and understanding how investment is falling short.
Investigation into the legal cannabis market
The passage of Proposition 64 in 2016 came with big promises for California voters. The legalization of recreational cannabis in the largest market in the nation also came with clearing records of those previously prosecuted as well as equity investments. However, heavy taxes and regulations coupled with a lack of enforcement resources to combat illegal grows have led to an explosive black market that is driving out legal businesses. As enforcement agencies work to stamp out one illegal operation, many more pop up and with the outlaw grows come environmental degradation, labor exploitation, violence, and death. Paige St. John, a reporter with the Los Angeles Times, joined Insight to discuss their investigative reporting titled, “Legal Weed, Broken Promises: The fallout of legal pot in California.”
Cleaning up Lake Tahoe
The organization's name is simple: "Clean Up the Lake." It's also their mission. Since 2018, Colin West and his group of volunteers have dedicated their time, expertise, and diving skills to go inch by inch along the coastline of Lake Tahoe and surrounding smaller lakes to fish out as much junk and trash as they can get their hands on. Included in those numbers is their latest effort at "Fallen Leaf Lake," near Lake Tahoe, a much smaller and shallower lake. And their work has paid off big-time, but with some surprising results. Colin joined us on Insight to talk about their efforts to clean the lake and what they've found over the years.
A wrap of the frenetic end of the legislative session at the California Capitol. CapRadio reporters share their reporting on how the Sacramento City Unified school district is working to ensure safety and equity as thousands of students head back to class this week. A preview of the Oak Park Black Film Festival.
Legislative session ends
The political marathon has come to a close at the State Capitol. Hundreds upon hundreds of bills bounced between chambers, shape-shifting along the current of negotiations. The legislative deadline has come and gone, and the bills still standing now await the governor's signature into law or veto. To help break down the key bills and convey the bigger message from this session, Insight invited KCRA3 California Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala onto the program.
Back-to-school
Tens of thousands of Sacramento public school students will return to class Thursday after enduring more than two years of COVID protocols and mandates. Schools are open, and students, teachers and staff are headed back to a more “normal” school year. But there are still concerns over health and safety issues along with equity and accessibility. CapRadio reporters Janelle Salanga and Srishti Prabha join us with their reporting on how the district is addressing some of those issues and how schools are getting ready to welcome everyone back.
Oak Park Black Film Festival
Oak Park's foundation is Sacramento's Black contributions, community, and history. And for the first time, the neighborhood is rolling out a "red carpet" of sorts. The inaugural Oak Park Black Film Festival will showcase more than a dozen films, as well as panel discussions over five days. Cassandra Jennings is the CEO of St. Hope and oversees a family of nonprofits committed to revitalizing Oak Park, joined Insight to provide a preview of the festival.
The latest on a bill to allow farm workers the right to vote for union representation by mail or through a “card check” system. A trauma surgeon and professor who responded to the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas shares their research on “best practices” for emergency rooms responding to mass shootings. A preview of this weekend’s “Chalk It Up” event, which benefits art programs in Sacramento.
Farm workers labor law
United Farm Workers have seen a fraction of union membership since the historic days of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong. Four weeks ago, UFW embarked on a 335-mile pilgrimage from Kern County to the State Capitol in support of a bill that they say would ensure labor rights by allowing farm workers to vote by mail to unionize as opposed to solely voting in person. But Governor Newsom said he would not support the bill as is, and he vetoed a similar bill last year. With the legislative session quickly closing, Insight looked at where things stand by speaking with Teresa Romero, President of UFW, who talked about what compromise looks like, and Fresno Bee Reporter Melissa Montalvo whose been reporting on the negotiations.
Mass shooting emergency response
October 1, 2017, became America’s deadliest mass shooting in modern history at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival across the Las Vegas strip from Mandalay Bay. Fifty-eight people died late Sunday evening, and more than 800 were injured. As a journalist, Insight host Vicki Gonzalez was there. She spent the first week of the aftermath listening to emergency responders, families, and victims sharing their voices. Mass shootings are hard to fathom until confronted with that level of violence, but it’s a reality that is growing in numbers and death toll. Fifteen of the deadliest mass shootings have happened since 2000, seven in the last five years alone. Dr. Deborah Kuhls, a Trauma and Critical Care Surgeon at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, is taking her response to the mass shooting and funneling it into research to help others in emergency response. Vicki talked with Dr. Kuhls about working with medical colleagues across the country who also responded to mass shootings about developing “best practices” to save lives.
Chalk it up festival
We all know it’s going to be a blazing hot weekend here in Sacramento. Excessive heat is forecasted all weekend, but that’s not stopping one of Sacramento’s favorite festivals from happening. The Chalk It Up chalk art and music festival at Sacramento’s Fremont Park will celebrate its 32nd year this weekend. Artists take over the entire square block surrounding Fremont Park and turn each square of the city block into spectacular works of art, and the creativity is quite stunning. Will Morris, a Chalk It Up Board member, joined the program to explain how the money raised during the festival helps improve art education and art programs all over Sacramento.
Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen discusses the 75th anniversary of the university and welcoming back students. We say goodbye to CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone, who is stepping away after more than 20 years.
Sacramento State's anniversary
Sacramento State is back in session, and it's a big year. The university is celebrating 75 years, its diamond anniversary. The residence halls are full, and if you've been anywhere near Sac State, you know that traffic is back too. Sacramento State University expects to welcome back around 31,000 students as the campus emerges from the pandemic. Sac State President Robert S. Nelsen joined us CapRadio studios and outlined his plan for the future while celebrating the university's past.
Donna Apidone
If you have been listening to CapRadio for any time over the last two decades, you no doubt have heard the soothing and distinctive voice of Donna Apidone. She has done it all here. Donna has hosted the midday show on the music station CapRadio Reads and even Insight. For the past 21 years, she kept us moving, grooving, and up to date on Morning Edition. Donna is that familiar voice who guides us through our morning with her one-of-a-kind charm, wit, and calm. When the news is tough, and the world is seemingly turned upside-down, listening to Donna gave us that sense of peace, clarity, and that feeling of "everything is going to be OK." After 21 years, Donna is stepping away as the host of Morning Edition. Insight sat down with Donna about the decades of meaningful conversations she's led here at CapRadio.
PG&E CEO Patti Poppe joins us to discuss the challenges she inherited from the troubled utility and her vision for regaining the trust of millions of customers in California. We’ll also speak to Wall Street Journal reporter, and author Katherine Blunt about the progress PG&E has made and the challenges the utility still faces.
Patti Poppe and Katherine Blunt
PG&E is the largest utility company in the country, with a service footprint from the Oregon border to Bakersfield, serving roughly 40% of California's population. Insight spoke with PG&E's CEO Patti Poppe about inheriting a utility giant connected to deadly wildfires and power safety shut-offs, all while emerging from federal probation and bankruptcy. She addressed these challenges and shared her vision and investments to improve safety and restore trust. At the end of the episode, Insight invited Katherine Blunt, who covers renewable energy and utilities at the Wall Street Journal and is the author of a new book, "California Burning: The Fall of Pacific Gas and Electric and What it Means for America's Power Grid." Blunt discusses the progress since Poppe has taken over and the biggest challenges the company still faces.
CapRadio reporters share their latest reporting on California’s CARE Court proposal and how it could impact local governments. Members of the United Farm Workers union near the end of their march through the central valley to pay homage to its founders and highlight the rights they’re still fighting for today. A journalist and Sacramento State professor prepares to launch his third season of the “What is California?” Podcast.
CARE Court
A proposal promising to help mental health and substance abuse services to the most severely impaired Californians is making its way through the state legislature and soon faces a key vote. The “Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court,” more commonly known as CARE Court, was announced earlier this year by Governor Newsom as a new solution to the homelessness crisis through court-mandated treatment and intervention to help those unhoused get off the streets and away from jail. The Governor pitched this as the state taking more responsibility to change the “status quo” to reduce the growing number of people who are living and dying on the streets. But civil rights groups in California and across the country are pushing back. And California’s county governments, who would be responsible for implementing this plan, are also raising red flags. CapRadio Reporters Nicole Nixon and Chris Nichols joined Insight to share their reporting on where the proposal currently stands and its potential impacts.
UFW march to the Capitol
The United Farm Workers are making their way to the steps of California’s state capitol to demand Governor Gavin Newsom sign Assembly Bill 2183 after vetoing the “voting choice” bill last year. UFW says it would allow farm workers to vote free of intimidation in secret or wherever they feel safe. Leading the 335-mile march that began in Delano in Kern County just north of Bakersfield is current “United Farm Workers” president Teresa Romero. Our very own Insight assistant producer, Victor Corral Martinez, joined her on the pilgrimage earlier this week while they were in Galt marching through Hope Road in the farming backroads of Sacramento County and discussed why the march was necessary. Insight also invited Adem Echelman from the Modesto Bee and Dr. Edward Flores from the UC Merced Community and Labor Center onto the program to discuss the march.
"What is California" podcast
Our final on Insight shares our passion for deeper conversations with notable Californians to better understand our history, culture, environment, and politics. Stu VanAirsdale is a journalist and lecturer at Sacramento State and hosts the “What is California?” Podcast. VanAirsdale, whose previous work has been featured in the New York Times, Slate, Esquire, and Vanity Fair, launched the first episode of his podcast last September with the goal of better understanding the Golden State through conversations with noteworthy residents. Since then, he’s produced two seasons and a third is set to be released in September.
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill allowing three cities to establish supervised drug injection sites to address the rampant overdose crisis. Researchers and farmers are looking into whether agave can be grown commercially as California faces a prolonged drought. CapRadio’s Donna Apidone shares her conversation with the authors of “Dear White Women.”
Safe injection site
An effort to open the first safe drug consumption sites for those struggling with addiction in California fell short once again on the governor's desk. Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 57, a bill that would have authorized pilot programs for these sites in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. The bill has been a persistent effort by progressives within the governor's own party to address an escalating overdose crisis. Proponents said the bill could have helped reduce overdose deaths in the state, which rose to more than 10,000 from October 2020 to September 2021. But the idea of allowing people to consume drugs in a supervised environment, and connect them with other services, faced strong political opposition. Ultimately, the governor expressed concerns about the "unintended consequences" of these programs in his veto message. Insight invited CalMatters health reporter Ana Ibarra onto the program to share her reporting on the governor's decision and its impacts on the effort to reduce overdose deaths in California.
Agave in California
Within the past decade, a new crop is beginning to plant roots across the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. The crop is new to California growers, but south of the border, it dates back centuries: Agave is the source for tequila and mezcal when distilled and a low-water crop that pairs well with the California drought. This year there has been some movement to establish a network for the California agave industry to grow. The California Agave Council was created earlier this year, and its founder is a grower in Yolo County. And earlier this month, UC Davis announced its devoting research into agave and its viability in the state. Craig Reynolds, the founding director of the California Agave Council, Ron Runnebaum, assistant professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis, and Stuart Woolf, a Central Valley farmer who gifted the initial agave research funding to UC Davis, joined Insight to discuss this potential future California cash crop.
"Dear White Women"
Dear White Women is a book about race and how to have the hard conversations about it, and why those conversations are so important. CapRadio’s Donna Apidone shares her conversation with the authors of Dear White Women, which breaks down the psychology and barriers to meaningful race discussions for White people.
A CalMatters reporter shares her reporting on Central Valley communities' challenges in accessing Monkeypox vaccines. A government watchdog agency explains its efforts to increase campaign transparency in the digital age. The creators of "Dinner at Tiger" share more details on their latest culinary experience.
Monkeypox resources in the Central Valley
California’s response to the spread of MPV, the virus that causes Monkeypox, varies depending on where you live in the state. One city council member from Tracy, who recently recovered from the illness, says healthcare support in the Central Valley for this declared state emergency lags far behind the rest of California. The Central Valley has a minority of cases, leading some to say they’re concerned communities in this region are being overlooked or ignored. Kristen Hwang, a Health and Policy Reporter for CalMatters, joined Insight to share her reporting on the issue and shared what she learned.
Cryptocurrency and campaign finance
As we get closer to the midterms in November, our mailboxes will be stuffed with election flyers, campaign ads will bombard commercial breaks, and text messages from unfamiliar numbers will ask us to vote "yes" or "no" on ballot measures. And as we spend more of our days online/so too has the significance and spending on digital campaign ads seeking the attention of potential voters. According to one analysis, nearly $435 million was spent on digital ads in the 2020 presidential election, making up almost a quarter of total ad spending nationally. In California, the state's campaign finance watchdog agency is pushing for the creation of an online digital archive for these ads. That agency is California's Fair Political Practices Commission, and they say the archive will allow voters to easily find who's behind and financing each ad that pops up on their laptop or smartphone. The commission also made headlines across the country this summer when they voted to allow Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for political contributions. The FPPC's Chair Richard Miadich joined Insight to discuss all of this and shared how they're preparing for the upcoming Midterms.
Dinner at Tiger
Sacramento's "Curators of Cool," Tony Christian, and Byron Hughes, produce HOF music events Last Supper Society. Still, their latest project is Dinner at Tiger, the highly regarded dinner and bar in Sacramento is their love letter to the city. Tiger's General manager Tony Christian and chef Ryan Royster are staples of Sacramento's culinary and music scene. They, along with Tiger's Director of Marketing Robbie Metcalf, have a hand in everything Sacramento, from producing music festivals, block parties, and culinary societies. All these projects have one goal: to show love for their city, Sacramento, and celebrate the diversity that makes Sacramento unique and special. The creators of Dinner at Tiger joined Insight to share how their latest collaboration showcases an incredible culinary experience in Sacramento.
What’s new this school year across California districts. An investigative documentary series on California’s conservatorship law. The World Butchers Challenge at Golden 1 Center.
Back-to-school changes
This school year marks the fourth navigating Covid-19. A lot has changed since the Spring of 202, but challenges continue to evolve. While some resources are expanding, like transitional kindergarten and after-school programs, others are becoming further strained, such as school staff and the overall mental health of students and adults. These changes can also vary from one school district to the next. Diana Lambert, a senior reporter with EdSource, spoke with school districts large and small across the state and shared with us the big themes for the 2022-2023 school year.
Conservatorship investigation
Conservatorships have been catapulted into the national spotlight after Brittney Spears’ public battle to control her own finances, medical decisions, and personal life. It revealed to many a little-known or understood legal process impacting over one million Americans and thousands of Californians every year. An investigative journalist decided to dig deeper into this issue and, over the span of two years, zeroed in on the California Department of Developmental Services (or DDS) limited conservatorship over some of the most vulnerable Californians —adults with developmental disabilities. In her first report, a Sacramento family shared their ongoing struggle to regain guardianship of their loved one. Andie Judson, an investigative reporter for ABC 10, joined Insight to share her latest docuseries, “The Price of Care: Taken by the State.” Thomas Coleman, Legal Director of the Spectrum Institute, a non-profit dedicated to conservatorship reform, also joined the program.
World Butchers Challenge
The “Olympics of Butchery” will be held in Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend. The World Butchers Challenge will be held at Golden 1 Center and teams from across the world will display their skill and craftmanship as they compete to be crowned the best in their craft. We’re talking about close to 100 of the world’s most skilled butchers from Canada, Brazil, Australia, Wales, and Portugal, just to name a few. Danny Johnson, the co-owner and butcher at Taylor’s Market in Sacramento, joined Insight to provide a preview of the event and how he will be leading Team USA at the challenge.
Homeless activists in Sacramento have filed suit against the city to prevent an “anti-camping” measure on the November ballot. A conversation with Sacramento County District Attorney-Elect Thien Ho. “The Color Purple” comes to Broadway at Music Circle.
Anti-camping lawsuit
Activist organizations filed a lawsuit against the city of Sacramento / to try to prevent a homelessness measure from appearing on the November election ballot. Voters would decide whether to approve an ordinance that would outlaw homeless encampments / once the city creates enough shelter spaces or Safe Ground camping sites. This measure is a compromise to more aggressive version business leaders proposed. But this lawsuit to pull the so-called “Emergency Shelter and Enforcement Act of 2022” is running against a quickly approaching deadline. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam joined Insight to share her reporting.
District Attorney-Elect Thien Ho
Sacramento County has elected a new district attorney. Thien Ho has been with the Sac County district attorney's office for nearly two decades, known for prosecuting the Golden State Killer trial, conviction, and sentencing of Joseph de Angelo, also known as the East Area Rapist. But to some Sacramento County residents, he may be an unfamiliar name and face. Insight sat down with District Attorney-Elect Thien Ho about his lived experiences that shaped a career in law and what the county's 1.5-million residents can expect from its top prosecutor.
The Color Purple
“The Color Purple” is an iconic Pulitzer prize-winning book written by Alice Walker that speaks about the power of hope, perseverance, and cyclical, generational trauma. The novel was adapted into a Tony award-winning musical by Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. Broadway at Music Circus will produce the highly acclaimed musical for the first time for Sacramentans to enjoy, learn and reflect on the lives of characters like Celie, Shug Avery, and Mister. Christina Acosta Robinson, who plays Shug Avery, and Ken Robinson, playing Mister, joined Insight to discuss the upcoming performance.
New research predicts climate change is increasing the chances of a catastrophic megaflood in California, inundating the Sacramento and Central Valleys. Nasa is measuring plant “sweat” contributes to wildfire intensity. Donna Apidone shares her conversation with author Jennifer Raff about her newly released book that tells us where we came from.
California's megaflood
The word megaflood has sparked many conversations and thought-provoking worst-case scenarios this week. The research that took off across the country was published in the journal Science Advances. Predicting that climate change is increasing the risk of a California megaflood, the likes of which we haven’t seen in intensity before, with devastating impacts that will touch every corner of the state. And the chances of it occurring within our lifetime are becoming more likely if the planet continues to warm. Researchers behind the study said the goal of the research was to be solution-oriented, not to be alarmist or apocalyptic. Because there is a great deal we can do to prepare for extreme weather events, including megastorms and this research is part of that preparation. To learn more about what is being forecasted and how the state is using this research to develop solutions, Insight invited Michael Anderson, a state climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources, and Jeffrey Mount, a Senior Fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California.
NASA ISS studies California
From an altitude of roughly 250 miles from Earth’s surface, NASA is working to better understand wildfires across California. Aboard the International Space Station NASA launched ECOSTRESS, which stands for Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station. The instrument can measure a patch of Earth smaller than the size of a football field from space. A study published this month measured the temperature of plants across the footprints of six wildfires in California from 2020 to better understand how plant “sweat”, the non-scientific equivalent for evapotranspiration, can contribute to the severity of wildfires. Madeleine Pascolini-Campbell, a scientist at NASA’s “Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and led the study, joined Insight to talk about her research and explain the findings aren’t simply that dry plants burn more than hydrated ones, but that it's more complicated. And understanding why can hopefully lead to predicting the probability of wildfire severity before they begin.
"Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas"
Today on Insight we have a history lesson. It’s not the history of our city, state or country, but rather the history of the human race. Anthropologist Jennifer Raff uncovered the untold history, and mystery, of how humans first migrated to the Americas. The book is called Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas. CapRadio’s Donna Apidone talked with Jennifer about her newly released book that tells us where we came from.
CapRadio-California Newsroom unveiled a months-long investigation into the Caldor Fire and how a U.S. Forest Service protection plan fell short. How rising temperatures and wildfires are impacting Northern Nevada’s air quality. Behavioral health specialist offers back-to-school mental health and resources.
Caldor Fire investigation
One year ago today, the community of Grizzly Flats was in the direct path of 150-foot wind-driven flames, chewing through a dense, over-grown forest that had long been a huge threat. That threat became a reality when the Caldor Fire ignited on August 14th, 2021. Two days later one year ago exactly from today, it reached the town of Grizzly Flats. After the smoke cleared and the wildfire marched towards Meyers and South Lake Tahoe, more than 400 of Grizzly Flats’ 600 homes, over two-thirds, were destroyed. The Caldor Fire would eventually destroy over a thousand buildings and was officially fully contained more than two months after it started. About nine months ago, CapRadio and the California Newsroom, a collaboration of public radio stations, NPR, and CalMatters, teamed up to investigate the Caldor Fire. They found the U.S. Forest Service knew Grizzly Flats was at risk nearly two decades ago and had a plan to protect the town, but only a fraction of the work was done to mitigate the danger. CapRadio state government reporter Scott Rodd, CapRadio data reporter Emily Zentner, and the “California Newsroom’s” data journalist, George LeVines joined Insight to share more details of their months-long investigation.
Washoe County's air quality
A heat wave is upon most of Northern California. The Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, and neighboring foothills will see temperatures rise to between 100-109 degrees. This summer so far hasn’t “felt” as hot as last year. If you remember 2021 was the warmest on record in the state and across the country. But there’s one city where the mercury is rising faster than any other city in the nation. According to Climate Central, a non-profit research group, the average summer temperatures in Reno, Nevada have increased by more than10 degrees since 1970, making it the fastest “warming” city in the country. Last summer, residents in Reno and the rest of Washoe County endured both higher temperatures and hazardous wildfire smoke from the Dixie and Caldor fires. Brendan Schnieder, an Air Quality Specialist at Washoe County Health District joined Insight to share how the county is expanding its air monitoring system to gain a more complete picture of the region's air quality, and help its citizens better prepare for hotter, smokier summers.
Back-to-school mental health
It’s time for kids to head back to school. And many students, families, and school staff, are navigating unparalleled times. Mass shootings, COVID precautions, and an ever-more polarizing political climate that directly impacts schools. Students navigating all these external influences can weigh heavy on their mental health, and they might not be equipped or prepared for the pressures. Dr. Nicole Stelter, Director of Behavioral Health for Blue Shield of California, joined Insight to discuss ways to ease the transition for back-to-school mental health.
What the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act California means for California. Supreme Court Chief Justice announces she will not seek re-election this fall. A film producer and director discusses their film, which was selected for the Nevada County Film Festival.
Inflation Reduction Act
After much gridlock, discussion and compromise, lawmakers finally passed a sweeping bill through Congress, which now sits on Biden's desk to be signed. On Sunday, Aug. 7, the U.S. Senate passed The Inflation Reduction Act to tackle tax reform, medical provisions, and investment in climate and clean energy. Outlined in the bill is the historic investment of $369 Billion to combat climate change. The bill includes significant investment in the transportation and manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines. In addition to investments, the bill provides tax credits for those purchasing electric vehicles and homeowners who upgrade their houses to be more energy efficient. Laura Deehan, State Director of Environment California, joined Insight to discuss what the landmark legislation means for California.
California Supreme Court Chief Justice retiring
A daughter of Filipino farmworkers in the Sacramento Valley who would grow up and rise to the top jurist in California and oversee the nation’s largest court system. That’s the story of Tani Cantil-Sakauye, who became the first person of color, and only the second woman, to be appointed Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court in 2011. But after a 12-year term, Cantil Sakauye announced just months before the midterms that she will not seek re-election this fall. She’s credited with guiding the court through two big crises: The Great Recession and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Governor Gavin Newsom praised her for being a fierce defender of access to the courts who fought against immigration enforcement raids at courthouses and a leading voice of bail reform. The announcement surprised some legal experts, and others noted her departure could allow Governor Newsom to shift the ideological make-up of the court further to the left. Last week, Newsom nominated Justice Patricia Gurrero, who joined the court in March this year, to Chief Justice. Insight to the Chief Justice about her decision to step down, her career and legacy, and the biggest challenges facing her successor.
Nevada County Film Festival
Regarded as the “Sundance of the Sierra,” The Nevada City Film Festival kicks off on August 26 in historic Nevada City. The films will screen at the Onyx Theatre, Pioneer Park, and the historic Nevada Theatre, California’s oldest existing theatre. In previous years, The Nevada City Film Festival hosted filmmakers such as Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris, Academy Award-winning film Little Miss Sunshine directors, and many iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers music videos. The 22nd anniversary of The Nevada City Film Festival will feature a list of international feature-length and short films, including a special screening of “Ghost World,” the 2001 cult classic directed by Terry Zwigoff. Joining us today to talk about the Nevada City Film Festival is Executive Director Jesse Locks. Also joining us is Nancy Svendsen, director and producer of “Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest.”
A CapRadio investigation into Sacramento Councilmember Sean Loloee’s North Sacramento residence. A newly released study reveals the extent of sex trafficking in Sacramento County. A preview of wine "harvest season" in Northern California.
Councilmember Sean Loloee
For roughly six weeks, Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee has been at the center of an independent investigation into his residency. The councilmember, who represents District 2, has been accused of not living in the district he was elected to serve, which is against the law, and instead living in neighboring Placer County in his wife's Granite Bay home. Councilmember Loloee has denied these allegations first reported by the Sacramento Bee since the beginning, saying he lives permanently at the North Sacramento home off Nogales Street, where he is also registered to vote. But now there is another development. Sacramento Police records show that there have been nine complaints at the North Sacramento residence Councilmember Loloee owns and says he lives at "seven days a week." CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks obtained those records and joined Insight to share more about what he found and the councilmember's response to the police reports.
Sex Trafficking in Sacramento County
Sex trafficking has received growing attention recently, especially since Congress passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. But 20 years isn’t necessarily a lot of time. There is limited research on the prevalence from one community to the next because trafficking is a hidden crime that can happen gradually over time. Sacramento County funded what it calls the first study of its kind in California, and the numbers gave us pause. From 2015 to 2020, the study found in Sacramento County that there are more than 13,000 victims of sex trafficking, a number that is likely an underestimate. The research also included interviewing more than 150 survivors with the goal of prevention and creating the right resources. Insight spoke with three guests who each played a key role in the study: Dr. Shannon Williams with the Institute for Social Research at Sacramento State, Terri Galvan with the non-profit Community Against Sexual Harm, and Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra, who helped lock down the state funding for the project.
Wine harvest season preview
With everything going on in the world, we all deserve a break from the news. And there's no better way to take a break than with a fantastic glass (or two) of wine. So Insight decided to set aside our last segment of the week to talk wine. And not so much about the business of wine, but dig deeper into what we like, what's good this time of year, and what we can expect in the upcoming harvest. So with all due respect to climate change and supply chain issues, today’s segment is about what’s good in your glass with a few weeks left in summer and what to drink a few months from now. For this segment, Insight welcomed back Rick Kushman, a New York Times bestselling author, former Sac Bee columnist, and longtime Insight contributor who knows a thing or two about wine.
North Sacramento’s residents feel underrepresented at City Hall. The Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in the state, restores the lost art of hand-built canoes from California redwoods. CapRadio series listens to North Sacramento residents who call for investments in community. A preview of the Mariachi Festival De Sacramento.
North Sacramento
For the past year, CapRadio producers, editors, and reporters have been listening to residents in North Sacramento, known as City Council District 2. All this week, CapRadio has been sharing conversations about some of the issues facing the area, from homelessness to a lack of investment and a drought of resources for youth. One issue we heard about is the area’s inadequate representation at City Hall. And now, Council Member Sean Loloee, who represents the district, is currently under investigation because of claims he does not live there. But he isn’t District 2’s first divisive politician. CapRadio reporters Janelle Salanga and Kristin Lam joined Insight to share their reporting on North Sacramento and its residents.
Yurok Tribe Redwood canoe tours
Known as a great fisherman, the Klamath River has long been a lifeline for the Yurok Tribe, located in the heart of the California redwoods. The largest tribe in the state has more than 5,000 members with land that spans the coastline, along Highway 101, up the Klamath River towards the Oregon border. Yurok Canoe Captain Julian Markussen, Yurok Culture Bearer Hop Norris and Yurok Canoe Builder David Eric Severns discuss reviving the lost art of hand-built canoes from fallen redwoods and offering guided Yurok Redwood Canoe Tours in Del Norte County to the public. A beautiful and serene, two- or four-hour voyage that shares the history of Yurok culture and a way of life that goes back centuries. The canoes are handmade from redwoods, never cut down, with a deep respect for the tallest tree in the world. The redwood-Yurok bond dates back centuries, passed down through oral tradition. But like countless Native American traditions, was nearly decimated. The tours open to the public help fund the revival of the Yurok tradition of redwood canoes — logs which can be costly to acquire and transport. The song performed is titled “Neypuy Rek’woy” from Yurok singer James Gensaw Sr.
Mariachi Festival de Sacramento
Whimsical strings. Triumphal trumpets. A hypnotic guitar rhythm and, of course, soaring voices to raise the spirit or break the heart. All of these ingredients are key to Mariachi, one of the most distinctive and unmistakable musical styles in the world. This iconic music is being celebrated at Mariachi Festival de Sacramento held at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Sac. The event promises to showcase the beautiful music of Mexico, including a performance by Mariachi Estrella de Mexico, the largest Mariachi in the world. But another notable Mariachi performing is Mariachi Bonitas, an all-female Mariachi created to share the captivating art of Mariachi Northern California. Dinorah Klingler, the manager and lead singer of Mariachi Bonitas and organizer of Mariachi Festival de Sacramento, joined Insight to share her music and give us a preview of the festival.
A conversation with a national school safety expert regarding the fatal stabbing at Stockton’s Stagg High School and campus safety ahead of the new school year. Shoun Thao, with Hmong Organizing for Progress and Empowerment (HOPE) Center, and Daniel Savala, with the Del Paso Boulevard Partnership, discuss the issues and needs of the North Sacramento community. Two of California’s three existing wolf packs have produced 11 new pups, reflecting promising momentum in the comeback of the species in Northern California.
School safety
Around Northern California, students around the region are wrapping up their summer breaks and preparing to return to class for a new school year. Safety was top of mind on the first day of school at Stockton’s Stagg High, where nearly four months ago, 15-year-old Alycia Reynaga was tragically stabbed to death by an intruder. Documents recently obtained by the Stockton Record from the Stockton Unified School District reveal a security booth at the school’s main entrance was empty the morning of the attack, and four of the school’s seven security guards were absent that day. Stockton Unified School District’s Interim Superintendent has announced new security measures at the school, including a “security monitor” at the school entrance, expanded gates and fencing, and a larger police presence. The tragedy at Stagg High highlights the many challenges schools face in keeping everyone on campus safe from the threat of violence. To better understand these challenges Insight spoke with Kenneth Trump, President of the National School Safety and Security Services, onto the program.
North Sacramento organizations overcoming neglect
Sixty years ago, North Sacramento was its own city. At the time, it had a population of roughly 16,000 people with its own city council, police department, and fire stations. That changed in 1964 when the city of Sacramento voted to annex North Sac and fold it into the city limits now known as District 2. Since the beginning, residents against annexation argued that elected officials would overlook them and that neighborhoods like Hagginwood, Del Paso Heights, Old North Sacramento, and other nearby communities would shoulder more than their share of the city’s most pressing issues. Jump ahead to the present day, and North Sacramento represents roughly 68,000 people. CapRadio spent nearly a year meeting with residents, listening to their current concerns, frustrations, and ideas about possible solutions. Those conversations are the foundation of a CapRadio week-long series. In this episode of Insight, Shoun Thou, founder of the Hmong Organizing for Progress and Empowerment (HOPE) Center, and Daniel Savala, Executive Director of the Del Paso Boulevard Partnership, discuss working to overcome the collective feeling of neglect by transforming underserved neighborhoods through services and changing perspectives.
Northern California wolf pups
Nearly a decade ago, a lone male wolf left his pack in Oregon and journeyed across the California border into Siskiyou County, becoming the first wolf to return to the Golden State since they were eradicated nearly a century ago. In the years since the wolf packs have slowly reestablished themselves in the state's northeastern corner. The overall population grew to about 20 wolves between the three packs by the end of last year. But wolf advocates say they're overjoyed to learn that two of those packs got notably bigger just last week. The Center for Biological Diversity announced eleven new wolf pups were born in two packs who roam the Siskiyou, Plumas, and Lassen County regions. This brings the population to approximately 28 known wolves in the state. For conservationists, the births marked a milestone in their efforts to reestablish California as "wolf country." But not everyone is enthused with their return, and the wolves remain increasingly threatened by human activity and a changing climate. Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, joined Insight to discuss the latest additions to California's wolf family and what steps are being taken to protect the endangered animals.
How California is ramping up its Monkeypox response after the virus has been declared a public health emergency by the state and federal governments. CapRadio’s week-long reporting series on North Sacramento. StocktonCon celebrates its 10th anniversary.
California's new monkeypox committee
In the past week, both the Biden Administration and Governor Newsom declared Monkeypox a public health emergency. The declarations open access to emergency funding to ramp up and streamline vaccine clinics, treatment, and outreach, especially to the most vulnerable communities. Newsom says California will build upon the infrastructure from the pandemic. But the initial response to this new public health crisis has been criticized for repeating similar missteps of COVID-19 back in 2020. Even though a vaccine and antiviral treatment already exist for Monkeypox, availability is limited across the country. This is once again creating a response of “catch up,” with long lines for vaccines, test results that can take so long it pretty much renders them useless, and not enough treatment to go around for a virus that is rarely deadly but can be very painful and, in extreme cases, require hospitalization. State Senator Scott Wiener has been concerned and critical about the public health response pretty much from the beginning. The Democrat from the Bay Area joined Insight to discuss becoming the chair of a new select committee at the State Capitol to improve the state’s response to the Monkeypox outbreak.
North Sacramento series
Nearly 60 years ago, North Sacramento became absorbed into Sacramento. Since the beginning, residents argued that elected officials would overlook them and that their neighborhoods would shoulder more than their share of the city’s most pressing issues. For the past year, CapRadio spent time listening to those who call North Sac home, culminating in a weeklong reporting series. CapRadio spent the past year listening to those who call North Sac home, culminating in a weeklong series CapRadio’s News Editor Nick Miller joined Insight to share more about the reporting series and CapRadio reporter Chris Nichols shared his reporting on the unhoused community and housing issues in North Sacramento.
StocktonCon
Stan Lee is regarded as the godfather of comic books because of his pivotal role in writing many of the Marvel Universe's iconic superheroes. In 1986, in the Fantastic Four comic, issue 296, Lee confirmed the home of "Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing" is Stockton, California. However, Stockton isn't just home to superheroes. StocktonCon is in its 10th year and is the Central Valley's gathering place for all things pop culture and entertainment. Like many superhero origin stories, the event began small but, over the past decade, evolved and grew into costume contests, gaming tournaments, panels, exhibitions, vendors, and more. StocktonCon President Mike Millerick joined Insight to share how the event has grown and give listeners of this year's convention.
Sacramento has become a hub for Ukrainian refugees fleeing their war-torn country. Sierra Health Foundation announces the relaunching of youth “PopUp” programs for the month of August. The city of Sacramento is asking for the community’s help with their “Black Experience Project.”
Sacramento's Ukrainian refugees
Thousands of Ukrainians crossed the border from Mexico to California following the Russian invasion of their home country. Many have chosen to stay in the Sacramento area, which already has a large and tight-knit Ukrainian community. CapRadio Editor Pauline Bartolone has been following the migration of these refugees to our region over the past months and joined Insight with more conversations with refugees to find out why they’re coming here, how they’re faring, and where they’re finding support. She also learned that one of their biggest challenges was getting permission to work.
Sacramento's youth PopUp programs
Four years ago, the City of Sacramento, in partnership with community organizations, created a free safe place for children and their families. Youth pop-ups, from bowling alleys to movies, ice skating rinks, BBQs at the park / the list of activities goes on and on. In that time, more than 2,000 youth pop-ups have taken place across the city’s eight neighborhoods, thanks to several dozen community-based organizations. To get a status check on the impact these events have had on communities, Insight spoke with Kaying Hang of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center, Pastor Les Simmons of the Simmons Community Center, and Mai Yang Thor of Hmong Youth and Parents United.
Sacramento's Black Experience Project
The City of Sacramento needs help filling in the gaps and painting a complete picture of African American history and the experience in the Capital City. In collaboration with Sacramento State University, the city is creating the African American Experience Project, an effort to cultivate the Black experience in Sacramento. The team behind the project is expanding the project so the whole African American community can contribute and highlight this either untold or neglected history by contributing family artifacts, newspaper clippings, family photos, and sharing their recordings of conversations with their elders. Sean De Courcy, Preservation Director for the City of Sacramento, joined Insight to share more about the project and how the community can participate.
Covered California explains why health insurance rates are projected to increase. Author of “The Fight to Save the Town: Reimagining Discarded America” discusses lessons from Stockton. Woodland Opera House performs the Broadway musical “In the Heights.”
Covered California rate increases
Six percent. That’s how much the cost of health plans offered by Covered California are expected to go up next year. And that’s just the average. There are some parts of the state where rates will likely increase by double digits. And if federal funding isn’t renewed, health insurance marketplaces across the country like Covered California may push rates even higher. And as more people resume doctor appointments at this stage in the pandemic, costs to see a physician are also having an impact. There is also another big change at Covered California this year. For the first time since the state health insurance marketplace launched in 2012 Covered California has a new leader. Covered California's new Executive Director Jessica Altman joined Insight to discuss her journey to becoming the leader of Covered California and the rate changes.
Stockton reinvestment
It’s been 10 years since Stockton filed bankruptcy, the largest municipality to do so at the time (Detroit would file bankruptcy the following year). During the 2008 recession, a perfect financial storm hit cities like Stockton hard. Foreclosures, declining home values, loose spending, and not planning for a negative downturn. Stockton is one of the most diverse cities in the country, yet it is often used as a headline as a poverty-stricken and high-crime place. But headlines as just that and there is always more to the story. Michelle Wilde Anderson is an Urban Law Professor at Stanford University and her new book, “The Fight to Save the Town: Reimagining Discarded America,” documents the dismantling (and rebuilding) of local government in high-poverty communities. Professor Anderson joined Insight to unpack what happened to Stockton and how residents are reinventing their city and fighting urban decline.
"In the Heights" at the Woodland Opera House
A Tony-award-winning musical and major motion picture will take the stage in Yolo County. The Woodland Opera House is opening its season with "In the Heights," based on the book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and transformed into a Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In the Heights showcases the thriving migrant community of Washington Heights in Manhattan, incorporating Caribbean rhythms, Hip-Hop, and traditional musical ballads to tell the story of a predominantly Latinx and Black neighborhood. The lead character Usnavi de la Vega, is the owner of a "bodega," a small Spanish grocery store, following his ambitions, struggles, and longing for a home. Jacob Gutiérrez-Montoya, Director and Choreographer for the musical at the Woodland Opera House, joined Insight to discuss the performance.
The latest on the deadly McKinney wildfire in Siskiyou County. A new state law revoked anti-loitering provisions that target sex workers. Cirque Du Soleil’s “Alegria” debuts in West Sacramento.
McKinney Fire Update
The McKinney Fire has charred over 86 square miles of the Klamath National Forest in less than four days and devastated at least one community along the Klamath River in Siskiyou County. At least 2,000 people were forced to evacuate, including residents of Yreka, which is home to more than 7,500 people and remains within the fire’s reach. The extent of the damage to homes and property along the Klamath River remains unknown/ but officials confirmed at least two people were unable to escape and sadly perished in the fire. Rain helped slow the fire’s ferocious pace, but thunderstorms sparked at least a dozen smaller fires in the county and the threat of gusty winds and dry lightning combined for a dangerous combination that could potentially fuel the state’s largest wildfire so far this year. Mike Lindbery, the public information officer for the McKinney Fire joined Insight to provide the very latest on the fire and how the weather has and will continue to impact efforts to bring it under control.
Sex Workers Outreach Project
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new state law that repeals an anti-loitering provision that targets prostitution. The bill was approved by the legislature last fall but was delayed roughly nine months to allow those for and against the bill to weigh in. In signing the bill, Gov. Newsom said it does not legalize prostitution, but revokes provisions of a law that has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, those previously convicted can ask for those convictions to be dismissed or sealed. Those in support include the ACLU, Trans LatinX Coalition, the San Francisco and Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and Sex Workers Outreach Project. However, the opposition includes the Republican Senate Caucus and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Their argument is that the unintended consequences of this law will embolden human traffickers and hinder law enforcement’s ability to help victims. Joining Insight to talk about the challenges of sex workers is Co-Founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project Kristen DiAngelo.
Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria in West Sacramento
There is a vibe in West Sacramento that “things are happening.” If you’ve driven by the West Sacramento waterfront lately, you may have noticed a few changes. Construction is booming, hotels are springing up, roads are being improved, and there are new restaurants that have opened or re-opened in the last few months. One of the “things to do in West Sac” that is hard to miss, especially if you are passing by the Capital City Freeway. Right next to Sutter Health Park is a big, beautiful setup for Cirque du Soleil’s production of Alegria. Joining Insight is the artistic director of Alegria Michael G. Smith, along with Denice Domke with the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce to discuss this revitalizing vibe in West Sacramento.
California’s response to the monkeypox outbreak. Researchers at UC Davis release their annual report, which raises concerns about the ecological health of Lake Tahoe. All-age venue Café Colonial fights to stay open.
California's monkeypox response
California Public Health officials are holding off on declaring a statewide emergency declaration for monkeypox - for now. During a call with reporters on July 29, Dr. Thomas Aragon, California’s Director of Public Health, said that while they are keeping a close eye on monkeypox and are taking it seriously, the infrastructure from COVID is in place to get necessary vaccines out to those who need them and that the surveillance of the disease is working well. This is despite the fact that the City of San Francisco declared its own state of emergency. That’s because San Francisco leaders say the state and feds need to be more aggressive in fighting monkeypox, and there are growing concerns that it is being labeled a disease that only the LGBTQ+ community needs to worry about - much like AIDS back in the early 1980s. Emily Hoeven from CalMatters, who writes the daily newsletter, What Matters, joined Insight to share more on California’s decision not to declare a state of emergency and why some are not happy with the response to monkeypox.
Lake Tahoe's ecological health
Lake Tahoe is the sapphire crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada. The Washoe Tribe are the original inhabitants of what they named "Da ow aga," meaning "Edge of the lake." And the word "Tahoe" is actually a mispronunciation of the Washoe word for "lake." Since then, John Muir has called the largest alpine lake in North America a "water heaven." Today, roughly 40,000 people call Tahoe home, with some 15 million tourists each year. But a new report is once again raising the alarm over the lake's long-term health. The report is from the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at UC Davis, which has conducted yearly reports on the lake since 1968, that's more than 50 years. The center's director Geoffrey Schladow joined Insight to provide more details on this year's report.
Café Colonial's fight to stay open
The arts and culture scene are still recovering from the scars of the pandemic over two-plus years, causing massive disruption to the industry. A live venue in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood is among those fighting to stay open. Café Colonial was originally conceived as part of the Colonial Theater built back in 1940. The current chapter of the Cafe Colonial is an independent all-age sanctuary for many. But now, the venue is on the verge of closing its doors permanently. Owners Gabriell and Ben Garcia have put in everything to keep Café Colonial open for the Sacramento music community.
The impact of two wildfires on the Mariposa County community. The Sacramento-based journalist who traveled to war-torn Ukraine and reconnected with his late father’s homeland. A volunteer-ran library is uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.
Mariposa County wildfires Mariposa County is considered by many to be the main gateway to one of America's greatest national treasures: Yosemite National Park. But it's more than just a "gateway." This rural county along the western foothills of the Sierra is home to more than 17,000 people with deep roots in California history. Although it has no incorporated cities (or stop lights), its people are united by a strong sense of community, which was put to the test again with both the Washburn and Oak fires. The Washburn fire is largely contained, and firefighters are beginning to gain the upper hand against the Oak Fire. But as more progress is being made, the extent of the destruction and impact on residents is being realized. The Oak Fire has destroyed at least 77 Homes, and hundreds more remain threatened. Insight invited Dallin Kimble, Mariposa County's Administrative Officer, and Elizabeth Darcy, the county's Health and Human Services Department spokesperson, to learn more about what efforts are being made to assist those impacted / and how people in the region can help.
Martin Kuz's journey to Ukraine
In February 2022, life for Ukrainians unraveled into war. The Russian invasion, however, miscalculated the resistance they would face. An independent journalist based in Sacramento knew Ukrainians’ strength and resilience very well, as well as the history of hard-fought turmoil and sorrow leading to their country’s independence, which is again in jeopardy. Martin Kuz is that journalist. His later father escaped the Soviet Union becoming a refugee in the United States following WWII and building a life that in many ways fits the traditional definition of the “American Dream.” Martin returned to his late father’s homeland in the days leading up to the war and shared his reporting woven with family history into the July 2022 issue of Sactown Magazine and a spring edition of Christian Science Monitor. Insight spoke with Martin Kuz after he returned from his second trip to Ukraine in 2022.
Lavender Library
During Pride month, Anti-LGBTQ+ groups targeted pride events across the nation, but about 20 miles west of Sacramento, the city of Woodland dealt with similar threats by agitators at a local Pride event. With all the tension locally and beyond, the 23-year-old Lavender Library works as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Sacramento region, providing an oasis for the community to check out literature, movies, and resources that reflect the LGBTQ+ identity and needs. The Lavender Library is community-run and supported, and over the decades, many in Sacramento have joined the library to thrive in an environment that offers books with LGBTQ+ representation. With over two decades of existence, the all-volunteer library still needs help from the community and membership support as they navigate the pandemic and work to be more inclusive and accessible to all in the community.CapRadio’s Northern California Janelle Salanga joined Insight to discuss their reporting of the Lavender Library’s vibrant history and how the library adapted to a changing world.
Sacramento real estate market. Why homeownership remains low for Black Americans. Plus, Sacramento Republic FC hosts the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal soccer match. Finally, the new Manetti Shrem Museum exhibit, “Young, Gifted and Black.”
Sacramento's real estate market
If you or someone you know has been looking to buy a house recently, it’s amazing how the market has changed in just a few months. From red-hot sales and astronomical prices to today where we are starting to see signs of a somewhat more reasonable or normal situation as the market cools. While it may be a little less competitive to grab that house of your dreams as supply is on the upswing, it may be a little more expensive to borrow the money needed to buy your house thanks to another upswing in interest rates. Insight took a closer look at navigating the current market and what pitfalls still linger as the economy compromises consumer confidence. To get a market update, Insight invited Ryan Lundquist, a Sacramento real estate analyst and appraiser, and Kee Mathews, a Broker & Owner of Mathews & Co Realty Group, who also hosts a radio talk show called “Selling Sacramento.”
Sacramento Republic FC
It’s David versus Goliath. A classic underdog story is set to play out at Cal Expo’s Heart Health Park. That’s when the Sacramento Republic FC soccer team will take on Sporting Kansas City in front of a sold-out crowd for a chance to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Sac FC is in the USL Championship league, a division lower than Major League Soccer. Sporting KC is a Major League team. Sac FC had to beat not one but two Major League Teams to get to this point. If you are a fan of soccer or just a fan of good things happening in Sacramento, this is a big deal. To explain, Insight invited President and General Manager of Republic FC Todd Dunivant, a former MLS championship player who is leading this team on its Cinderella championship run.
Young, Gifted and Black
The contemporary art world has largely been viewed through a white male lens. However, in recent years, a social reckoning in representation has shifted the art world’s focus to feature and uplift a new generation of Black gifted artists. A powerful exhibition that has been touring exclusively on the East Coast will make its West Coast debut at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art in Davis. The collection is titled “ “Young, Gifted and Black,” which highlights the work of artists of African descent who are exploring identity, politics, and art history. Susie Kantor, the Associate Curator and Exhibition Department Head at the museum, joined Insight to share more details about the powerful exhibit.
Updated 9:43 a.m.
Gov. Newsom signs new gun-related bills into law. UC Davis nationwide survey reveals an alarming trend toward political violence. Sacramento Republic FC hosts the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal game.
UC Davis political violence survey
Current conditions in the United States jeopardize its future as a free and democratic society. That is the headline conclusion from a nationwide survey conducted by researchers at the Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis. The survey, which has yet to be peer-reviewed (meaning it has yet to be evaluated by the medical community), suggests an alarming trend toward political violence across the country and is the first of its kind to gauge people’s willingness to participate in violent political acts. The research also reveals an escalating level of mistrust in American democracy and its institutions. Half of those responding believe the country will see another civil war soon. While some of these findings appear grim, others lay the groundwork for hope. A large majority of those who responded said they reject political violence entirely/ or were unwilling to resort to violence themselves. To go beyond the headlines and get a better understanding of what this research means, Insight spoke with Dr. Garen Wintemute, Director of the California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Program at UC Davis.
Firearm legislation
It's a first-of-its-kind, it's controversial, and even Governor Newsom thinks the new gun control law he signed will likely end up in the Supreme Court. Gun rights advocates call the new law a cheap political trick, and even the ACLU is not happy with it. The new law is almost a "copy and paste" of Texas' recent abortion law, which empowers citizens to report and sue violators. Newsom's gun control law, which was signed at Santa Monica College, the site of a 2013 mass shooting that left six people dead, will allow Californians to sue anyone who sells or manufactures illegal guns, including assault rifles. If the plaintiff wins in court, the state will pay them up to $10,000 per violation and per weapon. The law also applies to ghost guns and the parts used to make them. This is just the latest in a flurry of gun-related bills signed by Governor Newsom. CapRadio's state politics reporter Nicole Nixon shed more light on this bill and others, which will all likely be challenged in the courts.
Spencer Day
Spencer Day is a critically acclaimed jazz vocalist who also loves musical theatre. His rich baritone voice has wowed audiences in large and small venues alike. From piano bars in New York City to an appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Spencer Day delivers a performance that’s always uplifting. He reimagines classic Broadway show tunes in a jazz-flavored setting on his latest album. Cap Radio Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli spoke with Spencer this Spring and began by asking him why he chose this theme.
California State Fair returns after a two-year hiatus. “Bloodless Bullfighting” makes its debut at the Stanislaus County Fair. Tahoe businesses navigate a turbulent two years.
California's State Fair returns Summer in Sacramento just hasn't been the same the past couple of years. The pandemic shut down a popular summertime tradition, the California State Fair. During the height of the pandemic, portions of Cal Expo were transformed into a safe housing area for those experiencing homelessness, as well as a mass COVID testing site. But after a two-year hiatus, the state fair is back. The smell of deep-fried food, corn dogs, and cotton candy wafting over Cal Expo has returned, not to mention rides and entertainment. The CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair, Rick Pickering, joins Insight to discuss the fair's return, what's different this year, and how they're ensuring that tens of thousands of attendees remain safe.
Portuguese bloodless bullfighting Taking the bull by the horns figuratively means facing a daunting challenge directly and confidently. But in Portuguese culture, this saying can be quite literal. While bullfighting is banned in California, “Bloodless Bullfighting” has been legal in the state since the 1950s. A Portuguese spectacle between men and bulls where the animals are not physically harmed. These bullfights have been part of religious festivals in the state for decades but this month made their debut at the Stanislaus County Fair. Insight invited Clarence Oliveira and Tony Machado, who organized the event at the Stanislaus County Fair, as well as Diniz Borges, Director of the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute at Fresno State University, to share the cultural significance of these bullfights and the history of the Portuguese in California.
Tahoe Businesses Since 2020, business owners in the Tahoe Basin have had to hurdle one challenge after another to keep their staff employed and their doors open. An ongoing and ever-evolving pandemic, wildfires, log-jammed supply chains, inflation, and the cost of living have added more pressure on the service industry, which is an essential pillar of Tahoe’s economic well-being. In the past two years, we’ve checked in a few times with Alex Hunt, the owner of Mountain Slice Cafe and Creamery on Lake Tahoe’s west shore. He has shared his odyssey with Insight, from fears of closing the cafe’s doors for good to finding an inventive way to keep serving pizza and staying connected with the community. Alex rejoined Insight to share the challenges that lay ahead for him and other businesses in the Tahoe region.
The challenges in California’s “Housing First” funding for a sobriety program for mothers experiencing homelessness and a bill that would amend funding requirements. ‘Political Junkie’ Ken Rudin. Sobriety program and "housing first" challenges California has devoted a historic amount of funding in recent years toward solving the complex layers of homelessness. The most recent budget homelessness package totals more than $10 billion over two years. But a longstanding non-profit that provides a sobriety and residential program for formerly unhoused women and children says they can't access that government funding due to California's Housing First policy. Adopted in 2016, the mandate leads with a harm reduction philosophy, meaning in part the use of alcohol or drugs in and of itself is not a reason for eviction. That conflicts with Saint John's Program for Real Change, which requires court-mandated sobriety in a housing environment that is entirely women and children. Julie Hirota is the CEO and has been vocal about this policy crack that leaves her non-profit without millions in funding. In response State Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua penned a piece of legislation to amend the policy, but it stalled at the State Capitol this session.
Ken Rudin A lot is going on in the political world these days. The January 6th select committee is approaching what is expected to be its final hearing. The past six weeks have investigated the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, focusing on President Trump’s believed inaction, or involvement, while protestors were mobbing the capitol. In the meantime, there are signals from the former president that he might once again challenge President Biden in 2024. But do Americans really want a rematch? Poll numbers suggest otherwise. President Biden is also struggling in the polls as gas prices, inflation, the overall economy, and crime are all impacting his presidency. And rumors are circulating about Gov. Gavin Newsom making a play for 2024 despite his repeated assertions that he would not challenge Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. To discuss all of this, Insight welcomed back Ken Rudin, a long-time political journalist and host of the Political Junkie podcast, to help put what’s happening into context.
AB195 to provide tax relief to the cannabis industry affected by the black market. Assemblymember Jim Cooper discusses being elected Sacramento County Sheriff. Modesto Nuts' general manager is the first Latina GM in Minor League Baseball.
Tax relief for the state's cannabis industry
Voters gave the green light for recreational marijuana sales in 2016, and six years later, there are still costly and contentious growing pains. Not to mention strong competition from the black market. To help curb the financial burden, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 195 with the hope of providing much-needed cannabis tax relief. But through a lens of social equity, critics argue it's simply a drop in the bucket. In an industry that largely has skewed white with deep pockets, advocates say the relief does little to create more opportunity and repair the historical harm the war on drugs has had on Black and Brown communities. Alexei Koseff is a reporter at Cal Matters and has been following the latest policy relief and proposals across the state and shares his reporting.
Sheriff-Elect Jim Cooper
When Assemblymember Jim Cooper is sworn in as Sacramento County Sheriff in 2023, he will make history as the first Black sheriff in the county’s 170-year history. The former Elk Grove Mayor spent eight years as a lawmaker at the State Capitol before throwing his hat into the Sheriff race this year, defeating current Undersheriff Jim Barnes. This will be a homecoming of sorts for Cooper, who spent three decades within the department and rose to the ranks of Captain. He hopes to bring with him his experience and relationships at the Capitol. But will be taking over a sheriff’s department that faces many challenges, from staffing, an escalating homelessness crisis, rising violent crime, and rebuilding trust within the community. Insight sat down with Sacramento County Sheriff-Elect Jim Cooper to discuss how he will lead the department in this new era.
First Latina GM in Minor League Baseball
Veronica Hernandez doesn’t focus on barriers, she concentrates on the job at hand with passion and determination that led to breaking through a milestone in baseball. Veronica was named General Manager of the Modesto Nuts minor league baseball organization, becoming not only the first Latina GM in the team’s history / but also the first in Minor League Baseball. She is just the latest in a growing team of women across the country who are swinging for the fences to shatter baseball’s glass ceiling. Hernandez joined Insight to talk about this major milestone and how she and other women are stepping up to the plate to change the face of America’s pastime.
How climate change is impacting the greater Sacramento economy and how industries are adapting. The national rollout of dialing 988, a new hotline for mental health calls. The American Political Items National this week in Reno.
Climate change's impact on Sacramento's economy From the agriculture industry to home builders and restaurants, climate change impacts how business is done across the Sacramento and Central Valleys. Those who decide to adapt, innovate, and have the means to do so may find themselves better able to take on the challenges, while others who wait may struggle to survive in the new reality we are finding ourselves trying to navigate. Our “ag” industry is a big one and has been dealing with years of drought, extreme weather, and of course, devastating wildfires. Farmers are trying to stay ahead of a rapidly changing landscape. Adam Steinhauer, editor-at-large at the Sacramento Business Journal, and reporter Emily Hamann produced a series of reports on how climate change is already or will soon impact how business is conducted in our area.
988 hotline The "911 for mental health" is officially live across the country. "988" is a new hotline that routes callers to the "National Suicide Prevention Lifeline." People can call, text or chat and be connected with trained counselors to connect them to resources and support. But this isn't simply a light switch, but rather years in the making, and a transition of this magnitude also comes with funding (and staffing) challenges for the long-term. On Insight, we learned more about California's rollout of "988" by speaking with Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, the CEO of The California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, which represents four of the state's 13 call centers. Insight also spoke with Tara Gamboa-Eastman with the Steinberg Institute. The non-profit was founded by Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and focuses on public policy surrounding issues of brain health.
American Political Items Convention What is history for one is a valuable collector’s item for another. This week the nation’s largest political memorabilia convention embarks on Reno, which means hundreds of collectors converge with thousands of political buttons, campaign posters, pop culture, and other historical items in tow. The annual event is hosted by the “American Political Items Convention,” or APIC for short. Adam Gottlieb is with the American Political Items Convention and joined Insight with a lay of the land to the national convention in Reno.
Nevada law enforcement agencies pilot a virtual response program for mental health emergencies. NASA’s groundbreaking James Webb Telescope. Sacramento performance troupe “Authentic Voices.”
Nevada mental health program
In recent years, law enforcement has come under criticism for failing to be adequately prepared for mental health crisis calls. In Nevada, one hopeful solution is taking shape. Recently, the Nevada “Department of Health and Human Services” received a nearly $4 million grant to equip law enforcement agencies with capabilities to virtually provide 24/7 access to behavioral health professionals. The pilot will begin across seven counties in Nevada, including Washoe and Carson City. The goal of the “Virtual Crisis Care” program is to ensure that Nevada’s most remote residents receive similar access to mental health resources that one would receive in Las Vegas or Reno. KUNR Public Radio reporter Lucretia Cunningham joined Insight to tell us more about the program.
NASA James Webb telescope
Our feet may have been planted firmly on Earth this week, but our minds have traveled to the far reaches of the universe. This epic journey was made possible by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, which released its first images of deep space, and the pictures are nothing short of breathtaking. Cosmic cliffs and valleys of gasses sprinkled with shimmering stars. A gathering of galaxies caught in a delicate dance with thousands more in the vast darkness of space, and the most captivating and clearest image so far of the 14 billion-year-old universe in its infancy. The images were hailed as a triumph by scientists around the world, and some of the most excited scientists could be found at universities in the Central Valley. Astrophysicist Guillermo Barro at the University of the Pacific immediately downloaded the photos when they were published and instantly saw Webb’s potential to unlock more cosmic mysteries. Physicist Dr. Anna Nierenberg and her team at UC Merced have been granted highly coveted time with Webb and devised a plan to use the most powerful telescope ever launched into space.
Authentic Voices
CapRadio Host Donna Apidone shares her conversation with Authentic Voices, a Sacramento performance troupe that, through personal experiences, and humor, enables the audience to experience people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and European-Americans without shame or judgment.
How public health is navigating COVID-19 sub-variants. UC Davis Health explains the psychology of COVID-19 mental fatigue. Paradise Symphony Orchestra shares persevering through the Camp Fire.
Navigating COVID-19 sub-variants
California’s COVID test positivity rate is currently hovering around 16%. But that’s just the people who get tested through a lab. Nowadays, many people are taking at-home tests, so the real number is likely to be severely undercounted. The surge of cases is thanks to a handful of new (highly contagious) variants (like B-A 5) and an even newer one (B-A 2.75). While hospitalizations in California are up, deaths and severe illnesses remain low. And yet, with new variants taking off, life goes on. Airports are full, people are traveling, events continue as school will soon re-start and masking is optional for the most part. While COVID fatigue is real, the reality is it’s still here. To get a real sense of where we are locally, Insight spoke with Dr. Aimee Sisson, the Public Health Officer for Yolo County.
Psychology of COVID mental fatigue
We’re going to get into a more nuanced aspect of the pandemic. Despite new variants taking off, life goes on. Airports are full, people are traveling, events continue as planned / schools will soon re-start, and masking is optional for the most part. Turn back the clock to 2020, and many felt a sense of coming together by quarantining and following protocols. Fast forward two-plus years, and many are exhausted. Not to mention the added stress of global, social, and economic issues can make it feel even more difficult to stay engaged and tune out the relentless news cycle. UC Davis clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Angela Drake joined Insight to talk about the psychology of social responsibility and mental fatigue.
Paradise Symphony Orchestra
For more than 60 years, musicians in and around the town of Paradise have come together to play in the Symphony Orchestra. Over time, the orchestra steadily grew and increased the number of performances over the years. But in November 2018, the town and the symphony were forever changed after the Camp Fire took the lives of at least 85 people and destroyed nearly 20,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings. Although the community was displaced in the aftermath, the orchestra found a way to perform just two months after the wildfire. But then came the pandemic and although nearly half of their members initially left the band at the onset of COVID, they never missed a single performance over the last two-plus years. The orchestra is now gaining back musicians and continuing to rebuild the heart of the community following loss and trauma. Paradise Orchestra Symphony Conductor Lloyd Roby and Maureen Wisener, who was president of the symphony’s board from 2011 to 2021, joined Insight to share their incredible journey.
Reports of racism among African American school administrators in Sacramento. How downtown businesses are navigating deadly gun violence and economic recovery. Inflation impact on California’s wine industry.
Reports of racism
Public schools have long struggled to reflect on the students they serve. From teachers to principals, staff has been disproportionately white, trailing behind the growing racial and ethnic diversity of school populations. In the past year, there has been growing attention to the number of Black teachers and administrators leaving education, including in the city of Sacramento.
The most recent public resignation came this spring as Elysse Versher stepped down as Vice Principal of West Campus High School, citing racist treatment that had gone on for years. Versher has since filed a lawsuit against the Sacramento City Unified School District. But advocates in the community say this resignation is far from an isolated incident and reveals the historic challenges African American educators continue to face in schools.CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah-Mizes Tan joined Insight to share her reporting on the story and provide a better understanding of these challenges.
Downtown Sacramento
Sacramento's downtown is relatively small, just shy of five square miles and 5% of the city's total landmass. But a 2017 study by the International Downtown Association shows it's Sacramento's economic engine accounting for nearly 40% of jobs and generating 46% of the city's total property tax revenue. The revitalization of the city's core means more than just economic benefits but a renaissance of culture, vibrancy, identity, and resiliency. But over the last two-plus years, downtown has been put to the test.
First, a debilitating pandemic that drove tens of thousands of workers from downtown offices and, most recently, two deadly mass shootings in less than three months. To gain a better understanding of how downtown Sacramento is navigating safety while caring for its employees and the challenges of recovering from the pandemic, Insight invited Scott Ford with Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Amanda Blackwood with the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Testa with Visit Sacramento to share how they're working together to find solutions to these challenges.
Inflation impact
California's wine industry, the 4th largest in the world, has become used to rolling with the punches over the years. From climate change and drought to wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and now the inflation crisis, wine growers have endured a lot, especially recently. According to figures from 2021 by the California Wine Institute, the wine industry's economic impact on our state is over $57 billion. That's everything from planting to bottling and exporting. But along with the successes, significant challenges remain for an industry that has become used to innovating, adapting and maneuvering an ever-changing landscape, both physically and financially. Rick Kushman, a wine expert, New York Times bestselling author, former Sacramento Bee columnist, and regular contributor to Insight, joined us to provide more details about the industry and the challenges it's facing.
Research at the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State. A discussion about women in fire restoration. Jazz pianist Dave Bass releases new albums ahead of his upcoming performance at the Auburn State Theatre.
Wildfire weather research
Some of the world’s oldest living organisms are in the immediate path of danger. The Washburn Fire burning within Yosemite National Park is threatening Mariposa Grove, home to Giant Sequoia Trees believed to be some of the largest and oldest living things on the planet. As the fire enters its fourth day, the smoke has begun to impact air quality from the Tahoe Basin to the Bay Area. And the activity was reportedly so intense it catapulted tree debris hundreds of feet into the air, nearly striking a firefighting aircraft. So, how can a fire lift burning tree debris hundreds of feet into the air? According to Craig Clements, Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State, part of the answer is the weather inside and surrounding the fire. Craig leads the university’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, which is the only one of its kind in the country. He joins Insight to share their ongoing research into extreme fire behavior and the new research programs in Northern California launching this fire season.
Women in fire restoration
As wildfire season ramps up in California, there is a growing push to change the decades-long mindset of fire suppression which has led to dense areas of vegetation. That, coupled with climate change and drought, has contributed to extreme fire risk across the state. The conversation and funding are shifting to change the way we live with fire, which includes reintroducing a long-overdue relationship with prescribed burns to manage forests and reduce mega-record wildfires in recent years. Joining Insight are leading experts in forestry management from the Bay Area to the North Coast and central Sierra. All women in a field that historically has been overwhelmingly male and white. Dr. Sasha Berleman is the director of the Fire Forward Program at the non-profit Audubon Canyon Ranch based in the Bay Area and is the first graduate of the state’s “burn boss” program. Lenya Quinn-Davidson is a Fire Advisor with the “University of California Cooperative Extension” in Humboldt County. Susie Kocher is a Forestry Advisor also with the University of California Cooperative Extension based in South Lake Tahoe.
Jazz pianist Dave Bass
Dave Bass is a pianist, composer, and lyricist whose distinguished music career started at the age of seven. He played piano all throughout his childhood and college years, then supported his family as a full-time musician. It was his destiny. Then a freak accident seriously damaged his wrist and sidelined his music career, putting his livelihood in jeopardy and passion on hold seemingly for good. That’s when Dave decided to enroll in law school. After earning his degree, he worked his way up and eventually was hired by the state of California as a Deputy Attorney General. Twenty years passed since Dave’s injury when one day, while still working at the AG’s office, an impromptu event at a party reshaped and restarted his musical career all over again. Dave joins Insight ahead of his concert at the Auburn State Theatre on August 6th to discuss a musical career far from guaranteed.
“Best of Insight”: Dr. Daisy Gonzales shares their journey from a foster youth navigating the system to becoming second in command of the state’s community college system. The first openly transgender person appointed by a governor in California history.
Deputy Chancellor of California community colleges
We’ve been taking stock of the first half of 2022 and revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations. One of those conversations was with California’s community college system, which is the largest in the country.
Back in March, Insight spoke with Dr. Daisy Gonzales, a first-generation college student who didn’t learn English until the fourth grade and navigated the state’s foster care system. When she was emancipated, the barriers were high, but she overcame each and every one. From her start at community college, to eventually a Ph.D., and now second in command at California Community Colleges.
Transgender Judge's historic appointment
Andi Mudryk is a significant milestone in California history. The 58-year-old was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as Superior Court Judge in Sacramento County. In April, Insight spoke with Judge Mudryk about being the first openly transgender person appointed by a governor to serve on the bench in state history.
She also spoke about overcoming a severe disability and what her appointment means at a time when transgender rights are being threatened in other parts of the country.
“Best of Insight”: Sacramento County’s initiative to place mental health clinicians in every school to create “Centers of Wellness.” The Youth Advisory Board discusses what’s missing on campuses. Muralist Jermaine Tilson.
Centers for wellness
Insight is taking a listen back to some of the most meaningful conversations this year. Just before the start of the New Year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory / to address the mental health crisis among America’s youth. In Sacramento County, the “Office of Education” launched an initiative that they say isn’t really being done elsewhere in the state—binding together healthcare and schools and placing a mental health clinician across the county’s more than 300 campuses. Back in January, Insight spoke with Dave Gordon, the Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Chris Williams, the Director of “School-Based Mental Health and Wellness” about the launch and how they secured ongoing funding to ensure it sticks around.
Mental health
Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Office of Education launched an unparalleled initiative to transform schools into “Centers of Wellness” and, at its core, changed the conversation surrounding mental health for youth. In tandem, the county appointed its first-ever “Youth Advisory Board.” The board members range between 14 and 24 years old and shape policy that directly impacts mental and behavioral health resources for their peers. Back in January, Insight spoke with Sydney Spitzer, who is the “PRO Youth and Families Program Coordinator” for the Behavioral Health Youth Advisory Board. As well as three of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board Members. Savanna Karmue is the CEO of the nonprofit “Happy Heart Advices.” Jordan Kaitapu is the Founder of “Black Alumni of Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.” And Trayzell White is writing two books, “5 phrases to change someone’s life” and “15 steps to loving someone with a mental illness.”
Muralist Jermaine Tilson
We’re closing a special “Best of” show with an inspiring story of rising above adversity. Insight host Vicki Gonzalez initially met artist Jermaine Tilson a couple of years at a foster program with Volunteers for America in Sacramento. Jermaine aged out of the foster care system and experienced homelessness but continued to create and paint. Vicki caught up with Jermain back in February about his murals on display as part of Wide Open Walls, his recent accomplishments and personally how creating a family deepened his passion.
“Best of Insight”: Northern California Regional Intelligence Center on threats leading up to Jan. 6. A program for veterans and first responders centered on moral injury. The push for South Lake Tahoe to become a “dark sky community.”
Jan. 6 Regional Intelligence Over the last several weeks, the House committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol has presented evidence and testimony, they believe, reveals an orchestrated scheme by former President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election. Earlier this year, we learned intelligence officials did, in fact, receive tips and threats in the days leading up to Jan. 6, alerting law enforcement agencies. So what went wrong? To better understand the complexities, Insight spoke with Mike Sena, Executive Director of the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, who shared some of the threats and red flags the center received and shared with federal officials in the days leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Center for Post Traumatic Growth As we continue to reflect on some of the best conversations on Insight so far this year, we turn to a unique center of healing for veterans and first responders in Sacramento that struck a chord with us. The Center for Post Traumatic Growth in Rancho Cordova offers treatment for “moral injury”, a new field in psychology that is different from PTSD. In April, Insight spoke with Dr. Melinda Keenan, a psychologist and Executive Director of the non-profit, which opened its doors just before the pandemic, and since then, dozens have completed, or are on their way to, unparalleled healing.
South Lake Tahoe "Dark Sky" designation
When we look up at the night sky, some of us are lucky enough to gaze at a sea of stars, spot a planet or streaking meteor, or, if you’re truly blessed, drink in the Milky Way. But for an increasing number of us in California and the world, artificial light clutters the evening hours, turning night into day. One study estimates that 80% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. Earlier this year, South Lake Tahoe joined a growing movement of cities that are exploring becoming a “dark sky community.” Insight spoke with Michael Marlin, an “International Dark-Sky Association Ambassador,” about how a darker sky could benefit South Lake Tahoe and every community across the country.
Separate calls for investigations into Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency. Caregiving challenges in Stanislaus and Merced counties. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” returns to Broadway At Music Circus after 20 years.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks shares his reporting on Mayor Darrell Steinberg and a group of north Sacramento community, business and neighborhood association leaders separately calling for independent investigations into City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency in District 2.
- Jeffery Lewis, President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment, shares their recent survey in Stanislaus and Merced counties of more than 1,700 caregivers about the challenges of caring for loved ones at home and a program they’re developing to help people remain at homes instead of being moved to nursing homes.
- CapRadio Classical Music Host Jennifer Reason and Producing Artistic Director Scott Klier discuss the Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece “Carousel,” which returns to Broadway At Music Circus for the first time in 20 years.
Updated at 9:59 a.m.
Statewide composting mandate goes into effect in Sacramento. State bill seeks to alleviate the college student housing shortage by taking aim at an environmental law. A conversation with Vanessa Hua about her new book “Forbidden City.”
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira shares her reporting on a new law beginning in July aimed at decreasing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in California that's coming into play in Sacramento County and what residents need to know.
- Michelle Andrews, Vice-Chair of Government Relations for the University of California Student Association and an undergraduate student at UC Davis, talks about the implementation and impact of CEQA rules on student housing. David Ramirez, Pasadena City College student trustee and UCLA transfer student talks to us about his findings with students in Southern California who struggle with housing.
- CapRadio Host Donna Apidone shares her conversation with journalist and author Vanessa Hua about her second novel, “Forbidden City.”
- We revisit a conversation with Photographer Enoch Ku who discusses his latest Ordinary Sacramento project, a photography book “My Neighborhood Rosemont, CA,” which is a love letter to the neighborhood where he grew up.
Sacramento 2022 homeless point-in-time count and future funding for programs and services. Recipient discusses DACA 10 years later, and a law professor explains the legal challenges ahead.
Today's Guests
- CapRaido’s Chris Nichols breaks down the 2022 homeless point-in-time count in Sacramento.
- Shannon Dominguez-Stevens from Loaves and Fishes and Emily Halcon, Sacramento County’s Homeless Initiatives Director, to discuss the findings and how the city and county will use the information for future funding and services.
- Kevin R. Johnson, Dean, Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o Studies at UC Davis, discusses legal challenges and the future of DACA. Erik Ramirez, Sacramento State’s Director of Equity and Affinity Centers (which includes the Dreamers Resource Center), will discuss his experience as a DACA recipient and work helping DACA recipients navigate higher education.
California’s legislative response to overturning Roe v. Wade. Implications on same-sex marriage and healthcare. Impacts of other recent Supreme Court Decisions on California. “The Landing Spot,” a non-religious LGBTQ+ safe space in Placer County.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon explains California’s legislative response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
- Lisa Ikemoto, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis, on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Roe and the potential implications for health care law and medical research.
- Leslie Gielow Jacobs, Anthony Kennedy Professor and Executive Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy, McGeorge School of Law, discusses U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion and other and how other recent rulings will impact California.
- Pastor Casey Tinnin with Loomis Basin Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Placer County, discusses creating “The Landing Spot,” a non-religious safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
What parents need to know about COVID-19 for vaccines for young children. Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency disputed. Jazz vocalist Vivian Lee performs at the Crocker Art Museum.
Today's Guests
- Dr. Donald Alcendor, Associate Professor at Meharry Medical College and Associate Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt, explains what parents need to know about COVID-19 for vaccines for young children.
- SacBee Reporter, Theresa Clift, shares her reporting disputing Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee lives in the district he serves.
- Longtime Sacramento vocalist Vivian Lee performs at the Crocker Art Museum Thursday at 7 p.m, kicking-off its Summer Jazz Concert Series
Southern California water purchases across the Sacramento Valley. The history of lowrider culture across the state and challenging anti-cruising ordinances. Author Stacey Vanek Smith’s book “Machiavelli for Women.”
Today's Guests
- Jay Lund, Director for UC Davis Watershed Sciences, and Josue Medellin-Azuara, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Merced, discuss Southern California water purchases across the Sacramento Valley.
- Denise Sandoval, professor of Chicano/a studies at California State University, Northridge, discusses the history and culture of lowrider cruising during a time of community leadership challenging anti-cruising ordinances across California.
- CapRadio Host Donna Apidone interviews author Stacey Vanek Smith about their new book “Machiavelli for Women.”
California Newsroom investigation about Cal Fire fumbles responsibilities in wildfire prevention despite a historic budget. Plus a CalMatters series on how firefighters are facing a mental health crisis following years of intensifying wildfires.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd and KQED Science Reporter Danielle Venton share their investigation about how Cal Fire fumbles key responsibilities to prevent catastrophic wildfires despite a historic budget.
- Julie Cart, Environment Reporter with CalMatters, and Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Burrow discuss how Cal Fire firefighters are overworked and facing a mental health crisis following years of intensifying wildfires.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s State of the City address. California State Budget and an update on gas price relief proposals. The importance of Juneteenth and events scheduled this weekend.
Today's Guests
- Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg discusses his State of the City 2022 address.
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon breaks down the California State Budget following its June 15 deadline, as well as an update on gas price relief proposals.
- CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses the importance of Juneteenth and events scheduled this weekend.
Joshua’s House Hospice for those terminally ill experiencing homelessness. Sacramento LGBT Center discusses monkeypox and reducing harm as well as stigma. Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus previews their Spring concert.
Today's Guests
- Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater, founder of Joshua’s House Hospice, which will become the first hospice care for those terminally ill experiencing homelessness in the West Coast.
- David Heitstuman, CEO of the Sacramento LGBT Center, as well as Director of Advocacy and Training Alexis Sanchez, discusses the balance of raising awareness of monkeypox while reducing harm and stigma.
- Christian Bohm, Artistic Director of the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, previews their Spring concert SGMC To the Max! featuring classic rock and pop songs from the 1980s.
Sacramento County approves tiny home communities for unhoused residents in South Sacramento. Primary election in Shasta County amid a contentious political atmosphere. A photography exhibit in Sacramento focusing on gender dysphoria.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his reporting on the approval of a tiny home village for the unhoused in Sacramento County.
- Shasta County Clerk and Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen joins us to discuss the primary election in Shasta County amid a contentious political atmosphere.
- Sacramento Photographer Salgu Wissmath joins us to discuss their exhibit Documenting Dysphoria examining the diversity of experiences around gender dysphoria across the gender spectrum.
Updated at 12:46 p.m.
UC Davis recruits pregnant people during last year’s wildfires to understand the impact on baby development. Sacramento County clinic helps Ukrainian refugees. Craig McNamara’s Vietnam War memoir, “Because Our Fathers Lied.”
Today's Guests
- Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, Molecular Epidemiologist at UC Davis, discusses her ongoing research on the health effects of wildfire exposure on pregnant people and infants and is recruiting those impacted by last year’s Dixie and Caldor Fires for the study.
- Kate Levco, Social Care Department Supervisor at Elica Health Centers, discuss how their clinic’s locations are assisting Ukrainian refugees in Sacramento County.
- CapRadio Host Donna Apidone shares her interview with author Craig McNamara about his book, “Because Our Fathers Lied: A Memoir of Truth and Family, from Vietnam to Today.”
Midterm Primary election results. Political Data breaks down-ballot returns across the state. Inaugural California Capital International Documentary Film Festival from June 10-12.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Reporters Nicole Nixon and Scott Rodd, along with CapRadio News Managing Editor Nick Miller, discuss Midterm Primary election results.
- Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data, breaks down ballot returns across the state.
- Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Linda Budge and Charles Lago with the California Capital Arts Foundation discuss the inaugural California Capital International Documentary Film Festival from June 10-12.
Midterm Primary election coverage. California Voter Foundation provides last-minute tips. Outreach for the unhoused community to vote. Sacramento Pride Festival and March this weekend.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan joins us live from a polling place on Election Day.
- CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his reporting on the outreach to ensure Sacramento’s unhoused community understands and has access to voting for the Primary.
- Kim Alexander with the California Voter Foundation provides last-minute tips for mail-in, registration and in-person voting.
- Sacramento Pride Team Collin Lourenco, Camille Adams, Jason Alviar preview the Sacramento Pride Festival and March this weekend, June 11-12.
Updated at 11:36 a.m.
HIV prevention setbacks during the pandemic. Latest COVID-19 research and vaccine recommendations. Voting trends for the 2022 Primary. Jazz pianist Michael Wolff’s autobiography “On That Note.”
Today's Guests
- Dr. Monica Gandhi, Infectious Diseases doctor, Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research and the Medical Director of the HIV Clinic at SFGH ("Ward 86"), discusses the setbacks to the HIV epidemic during the pandemic, as well as the latest COVID-19 research and recommendations for second boosters, pediatric vaccinations, and hybrid immunity.
- Mindy Romero, Director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, discusses voting trends and consequences of underrepresentation for the 2022 Primary.
- CapRadio Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli shares his interview with pianist Michael Wolff who published his autobiography “On That Note.”
Correction: Dr. Monica Gandhi's title was unclear in a previous version of this article. It has been updated.
Early voting turnout ahead of the June 7 primary. Sacramento County District Attorney race. CapRadio’s Sacramento Voter Guide. Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar.”
Today's Guests
- Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data, discusses early voting turnout ahead of the June 7 primary.
- CapRadio Race & Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan shares her reporting on the Sacramento County District Attorney race.
- CapRadio Managing Editor of Digital Content Chris Hagan and CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks lay out our Sacramento Voter Guide and Election 2022 coverage.
- CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar” on the 80th anniversary of the start of the Japanese internment camp during WWII in the Eastern Sierra.
Three leading candidates looking to represent California's new District 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives shared the stage Tuesday night at a debate hosted by KCRA 3 and CapRadio.
Today's Guests (Note: originally aired live Tuesday night)
- CapRadio KCRA Congressional District 3 debate candidates Dr. Kermit Jones, a Democrat, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, a Republican, and Republican state Assemblymember Kevin Kiley.
- Moderators CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon and KCRA3 Anchor Edie Lambert.
Best of Insight 2022. Book “Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker.” Missing indigenous women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast. Sacramento County is a hot spot for new HIV infections in the United States.
Today's Guests
- Prosecutor Maggy Krell discusses her new book, “Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker,” which explains the misunderstandings of human trafficking and how social media and the internet make it more difficult to track and prosecute.
- Dr. Blythe George, Assistant Professor of Sociology at UC Merced, member of the Yurok Tribe and research partner for the “I will see you again in a good way” project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit peoples, discusses a missing women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast.
- Jacob Bradley-Rowe, Executive Director of the non-profit Sunburst Projects, discusses new grant funding for HIV and STD testing in Sacramento County, which is one of 40 hot spots for new HIV infections in the United States.
We’re taking a look back at the best Insight conversations this year. Paul Chavez, son of the late labor rights activist Cesar Chavez discusses his father’s legacy. A conversation with civil rights activist Dolores Huerta honoring her 92nd birthday.
Today's Guests
- Paul Chavez, President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation and son of the late civil rights farm labor activist, discusses the legacy for farm working families today.
- A conversation with labor and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta in honor of Dolores Huerta Day on April 10, which is her 92nd birthday.
We are revisiting Insight’s best conversations. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber reflects on her first year as the first African American to hold the position in state history. Yosemite Park ranger receives national coveted award.
Today's Guests
- California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, discusses her first year in office as the first African American secretary of state in California history.
- Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson joins us to discuss being awarded the 2022 American Park Experience Award, a national award honoring his extraordinary effort to enhance appreciation of our national parks and advocating for more diversity in the park system.
Undersheriff Jim Barnes and Assemblymember Jim Cooper discuss their candidacies for Sacramento County Sheriff.
Today's Guests
- Sacramento County Undersheriff Jim Barnes discusses his run for Sacramento County Sheriff.
- State Assemblymember Jim Cooper, who represents District 9, discusses his run for Sacramento County Sheriff.
- We listen to NPR’s 2022 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Alisa Amador from Boston, Mass.
California Voter Foundation’s online voter guide and changes for the Midterm election. UC Davis Health's pregnancy study looks at the effects of chemicals from plastics and pesticides on fetal development. Sacramento Bacon Fest this week.
Today's Guests
- Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, discusses the non-profit’s online voter guide and major changes for the Midterm primary and general election.
- Rebecca J. Schmidt, an epidemiologist and professor, and Deborah Bennett, a professor of environmental health within UC Davis School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, discuss a pregnancy study they co-authored which found an increase in exposure to chemicals from plastics and pesticides that may be harmful to fetal development.
- Chef and owners Brad Cecchi at Canon East Sacramento and Franquette in West Sacramento, chef and owner Patricio Wise at Nixtaco Mexican Kitchen in Roseville, as well as butcher and owner Eric Veldman Miller of V. Miller Meats in Sacramento, preview the weeklong Sacramento Bacon Fest culminating on Saturday, May 22.
Gov. Newsom’s revised state budget and what’s next. Legal and practical implications if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra at the Grass Valley Center for the Arts.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon breaks down Governor Newsom’s revised state budget and the negotiations that could take place in the weeks ahead before the budget is finalized.
- UC Davis Martin Luther King Jr. professors of law Lisa Ikemoto and Courtney Joslin discuss the legal and practical implications in the event the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
- Executive Director Jenny Darlington-Person, and Artistic Director and Conductor Ryan Murray with Music in the Mountains discuss its youth orchestra closing its season with a concert on May 16 at the Grass Valley Center for the Arts.
Sacramento City Unified considers extending the current school year following missed days from a teacher and staff strike. “Imported Comedy" showcases immigrants and comedians of color. AC/DC tribute band “GayC/DC” performs in Sacramento.
Today's Guests
- Sawsan Morrar, School Accountability Reporter with The Sacramento Bee, updates Sacramento City Unified discussions to extend the school year following missed days from the teacher and school staff strike.
- Co-creator and host Mikhail Chernyavsky discusses their upcoming show "Imported Comedy" on Friday, May 13, a stand-up comedy showcase of immigrants and comedians of color.
- Chris Freeman and Brian Welch with the AC/DC tribute band GayC/DC perform at Harlow’s in Sacramento on Saturday, May 14.
How California may reduce hidden court fees. California's Strategic Plan for Expanding the use of Beneficial Fire. Sacramento children's book "MIGUEL'S COMMUNITY GARDEN." Performance of “Verdi’s Requiem” honors Sacramento restaurateur Biba Caggiano.
Today's Guests
- CalMatters Reporter Jeanne Kuang shares her reporting on how California may reduce so-called “hidden” court fees that add hundreds of dollars to traffic tickets.
- Patrick Wright, director of the Governor's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force; Craig Thomas, founder of The Fire Restoration Group; and attorney and partner Sara Clark at Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, discuss California's Strategic Plan for Expanding the Use of Beneficial Fire.
- Sacramento author JaNay Brown-Wood is hosting a reading & garden tour at Sojourner Truth Park Community Garden on Saturday at 10 a.m. to celebrate the launch of her children's book MIGUEL'S COMMUNITY GARDEN.
- Dr. Donald Kendrick, Music Director of the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, joins us to talk about the upcoming performance of Verdi’s Requiem and the special tribute to the legendary Sacramento restaurateur Biba Caggiano.
California is preparing to become a “sanctuary” state for abortion and reproductive rights, including a possible amendment to the state constitution. Cal Fire’s union discusses their staffing and retention issues ahead of wildfire season and a California state senator’s bill to address the shortage. Sacramento Ballet talks about this year’s “Beer and Ballet” series.
Today's Guests
- California Assemblymember and Women’s Caucus Chair Cristina Garcia provides more details into California’s legislative response if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark abortion law Roe v. Wade this year.
- California State Senator Mike McGuire provides an update on his bill to address the state’s firefighter shortage.
- Tim Edwards, President of Cal Fire Local 2881, joins us to discuss the staffing and retention issues the state’s firefighting agency is facing ahead of wildfire season.
- Anthony Krutzkamp, Artistic and Executive Director of the Sacramento Ballet, joins us to talk about this year’s Beer and Ballet series, the new outdoor performance stage and why beer and ballet are the perfect match.
We are revisiting Insight’s best conversations this year. Congressman Jerry McNerney discusses retirement. Jessica Millan Patterson, Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, lays out priorities for the Midterms. Celebrity chef Martin Yan on his culinary donation to UC Davis.
Today's Guests
- Seven-term Congressman Jerry McNerney (D), representing portions of Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and Contra Costa County, on his decision to not seek reelection in California’s newly drawn 9th district.
- Jessica Millan Patterson, Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, discusses the CA GOP’s priorities for the midterm election.
- World-renowned celebrity chef Chef Martin Yan talks about his donation of 3,000 cookbooks, his first wok, and thousands of photographs from his world travels to UC Davis, his alma mater.
Murder charges filed in Sacramento’s deadly mass shooting. Sen. Alex Padilla discusses efforts to protect abortion rights. USC settles sex abuse lawsuit with former LGBTQ+ students. Yolo Food Bank’s initiative to support farm and food system workers.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks updates the murder charges filed in Sacramento’s deadly K Street mass shooting.
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D) responds to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.
- Mikayla Kellogg and Kelly Van Aken, partners at Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, discuss reaching an undisclosed settlement with USC following a lawsuit on behalf of 80 former USC students, the vast majority who identify as male and LGBTQ+, who allege a former USC physician sexually abused them. The university did not admit fault in the settlement.
- Yolo Food Bank Executive Director Michael Bisch joins us to talk about the food bank’s “Flipping the Food System” initiative, a program that helps address the needs of farmworkers and other food system workers.
California leaders call for a constitutional amendment to abortion rights if Roe v. Wade is overturned. State’s $300M plan to deal with extreme heat. Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates discuss “May is Bike Month.”
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon discusses California leaders’ vow for a constitutional amendment to abortion rights if Roe v. Wade is overturned, following a leaked first draft from the U.S. Supreme Court.
- CapRadio Environment reporter, Manola Secaira, discusses the state’s plan to deal with what is expected to be another hot summer, including how to care for the homeless population during stretches of extreme heat.
- Debra Banks, Executive Director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, joins us to discuss May is Bike Month.
Why California’s population continues its downward trend. “Brother 2 Brother” is a community organization that mentors at-risk youth with a focus on gang prevention. Author Suzanne Roberts’ book “Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties.”
Today's Guests
- California’s population continues its downward trend. Eric McGhee, Senior Fellow at the PPIC, joins us to break down the latest numbers and discuss the reasons why California’s record growth has hit a rut and the political and economic implications for the state.
- Mervin Brookins, founder of Brother 2 Brother, a community organization that mentors at-risk youth with a focus on gang prevention.
- Writer and professor Dr. Suzanne Roberts discusses her recent book “Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties.”
CapRadio’s election road map for the June 7 primary. The diversity of California Latino voters and what political parties get wrong. Musician Xochitl Hermosillo of Coyote Creates shares her first album, “Bitter.”
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Managing Editor of News, Nick Miller, and CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks discuss the upcoming California primary, hot local and statewide races and key objectives of CapRadio’s coverage priorities.
- Mike Madrid, communications expert and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and political strategist Luis Alvarado discuss Latino politics and Latino voter groups.
- Sacramento musician Xochitl Hermosillo of Coyote Creates stops by to discuss and share songs from her first album, “Bitter.”
What's at stake with Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter. A new initiative for organ transplant equity. Sol Blume R&B Festival in Sacramento. Favorite NPR "2022 Tiny Desk Contest" entrants from Northern California.
Today's Guests
- Dr. Andy Jones, UC Davis writing professor, journalist and social media expert, discusses what's at stake with Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter and why it should still matter to people who don't use social media.
- Dr. Martin Cadeiras, Medical Director for the Heart Transplantation Program at UC Davis Health, explains a new initiative for organ transplant equity. Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, discusses advancing health equity.
- CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks previews the Sol Blume R&B Festival this weekend in Sacramento.
- Jasmine Vu, with CapRadio Member Engagement, selects their favorite NPR "2022 Tiny Desk Contest" entrants from Northern California.
- Arson Whales "Zephyr & Sycophant"
- eggcorn "Observer Effect"
- The Little Army “2021”
- Maya Unagi “Deep Red”
Sacramento County’s plan to open its first community of tiny homes for unhoused residents. An Auburn grandfather’s journey to rescue his 3-year-old grandson from Ukraine. Opera Modesto's "La Boheme."
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his reporting on Sacramento County’s plan to open its first "Safe Stay Community," a village of tiny homes for unhoused residents.
- CapRadio Editor Pauline Bartolone provides our listeners an update on her reporting of a Ukrainian family in Auburn and a grandfather’s journey to rescue his 3-year-old grandson from the warzone.
- Opera Modesto "La Boheme" brings back Puccini’s classic to the Gallo Center in Modesto with two rising stars in opera from New York. We’ll hear from the artists as well as the opera’s general director about this weekend’s performances.
The role of the California Attorney General and main issues for the Midterm. DWR’s airborne technology to monitor and forecast groundwater during drought conditions. Apollo 16th astronaut Charlie Duke's interview commemorates the 50th anniversary.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon discusses the role of the California Attorney General and the issues candidates will focus on for the Midterm election.
- Karla Nemeth, Director of the California Department of Water Resources, joins us to discuss the department’s innovative airborne technology to improve the state’s monitoring and forecasting of groundwater during drought conditions.
- Dave Schlom, host of Blue Dot at North State Public Radio, shares his “Apollo@50” series commemorating the fifth lunar landing mission, Apollo 16, in 1972.
What a late-season storm means for the overall water year and wildfire season. Yurok Tribe is poised to release four endangered California Condors onto ancestral lands in the redwoods. Northern California NPR Tiny Desk Contest entrants for 2022.
Today's Guests
- KCRA Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan discusses the latest round of rain and snow to pass through Northern California and what it means to the overall water year and anticipated wildfire season.
- Tiana Williams-Claussen, Director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, shares her tribe’s efforts to release four endangered California Condors on their tribal lands. It will be the first time the birds will be flying over the tribe’s ancestral lands in 100 years.
- Musician Terra Lopez, and lead singer for Rituals of Mine, discusses Northern California NPR Tiny Desk Contest entrants for 2022.
Sacramento County charter high school, where students develop trade skills and take college courses. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and reported concerns over her mental fitness. Historical ageism and sexism in Congress. Author Reyna Grande’s book “A Ballad of Love and Glory.”
Today's Guests
- Kevin Dobson, founder and executive director of Capital College & Career Academy, discusses the free charter school approved by Sacramento County, where students develop trade skills and take college courses before high school graduation.
- San Francisco Chronicle Washington Correspondent Tal Kopan shares her reporting on Senator Dianne Feinstein and reported concerns over her mental fitness to serve.
- TIME Magazine’s Washington correspondent, Philip Elliott, joins us with his perspective on the Sen. Feinstein story, and argues that concerns of her service have the classic undertones of ageism and sexism, especially when examined through a historical lens in Washington D.C.
- CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone interviews author Reyna Grande’s new book “A Ballad of Love and Glory.”
How the pandemic worsened food insecurity issues in the greater Sacramento area. Community organizations are calling for more youth financial support to address the gun violence crisis. Simple Summers, a free website that filters summer camps.
Today's Guests * Sacramento Business Journal agriculture reporter Emily Hamann shares new information about how the COVID-19 pandemic worsened food insecurity issues in the greater Sacramento area, despite being one of the leading food producing regions in the world.
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CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan shares her reporting on community organizations coming together to call for more financial support to address Sacramento’s rise in gun violence.
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Meghan Phillips and DJ Waldow, co-founders of Simple Summers, discuss their free website that aggregates and filters summer camps across the Sacramento region.
We revisit CapRadio’s After the Assault podcast, which explores what survivors experience in the aftermath of sexual violence, from barriers to the reluctance to report, how it impacts the brain, and how best to be an ally and offer support.
Today's Guests
- Rev. Elaine Whitefeather explains why people of color and trans communities are more reluctant to report sexual assault, along with the systemic and cultural barriers that keep some silent about their assault.
- Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Emily Dworkin, explains living with the trauma of sexual assault and how survivors find resources, support, and build resilience
- Trauma educator, advocate, and host of That's a MindFULL! Podcast, Marianne Candela breaks down the lasting impacts that sexual violence has on brain function.
- ValorUs former Communications Manager Carissa Gutierrez explains how to be an ally for a survivor of sexual assault without expectations, offering advice on how to best offer support loved ones through trauma while also taking care of yourself.
If you or someone you know needs help:
National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE).
WEAVE, Sacramento's Rape Crisis Center's 24/7 hotline at 916-920-2952 You can find additional resources at CapRadio.org/After.
Updated at 10:13 a.m.
Why one of the suspects in the Sacramento mass shooting previously received a reduced prison sentence and what some would call a favorable plea deal. Program for veteran and first responders centered on moral injury. Local ‘2022 Tiny Desk Contest’ Favorites.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon shares her latest reporting on how one of the suspects in the Sacramento mass shooting previously received what some see as a favorable plea deal and how that figures into the upcoming primary and political conversation over public safety.
- Dr. Melinda Keenan, Psychologist and Executive Director of the Center for Post Traumatic Growth discusses a program for veterans and first responders that is centered on moral injury. She also explains how it differs from post-traumatic stress disorder.
- CapRadio Modern Music Director and Hey, Listen! Host Nick Brunner and Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez release their top picks from NPR’s 2022 Tiny Desk Contest entrants from Northern California.
- JMSEY
- Lilian Frances
- Farrow and the Peach Leaves
- Coco Leilani
- New Spell
Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester discusses the rise in gun violence. An expected increase in black bear activity in the Tahoe Basin following last summer’s Caldor Fire. UC Davis Native American and Indigenous speaker and documentary series.
Today's Guests
- Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester joins us to talk about the recent acts of gun violence in the city and her plan to address the crisis moving forward.
- Tahoe Bear expert Toogee Sielsch provides more details on the expected rise in black bear activity in the Tahoe Basin following last summer’s Caldor Fire.
- Dr. Juan Avila Hernandez, Professor of Native American Studies at UC Davis, joins us to discuss the department’s Spring guest and documentary series focusing on indigenous traditions and healing through the telling of native people’s stories.
A CapRadio investigation finds California's two-year-old program to fast-track wildfire prevention work hasn't resulted in a single finished project. University of California Firearm Violence Research Center discusses the rise in gun violence. A preview of Photography Month Sacramento.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio State Government Reporter, Scott Rodd, shares his investigation into Gov. Newsom’s program to dramatically speed up California’s wildfire prevention work, which hasn’t resulted in a single completed project two and a half years later.
- Dr. Garen Wintemute, emergency medicine physician and director of the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center, discusses research surrounding the rise in gun violence across the country and Northern California.
- Roberta McClellan, Director of Photography Month Sacramento and photographer Sean Flansbaum join us to discuss the month-long celebration of photography and the importance of experiencing this art form in person in the digital age.
Updated at 1:54 PM
Today on Insight, we're looking at California's new law on eviction protections, the first openly transgender person to be appointed a judge by a governor, and Sac State's student-run radio station, KSSU, celebrates 30 years on the air.
Today's Guests
- Manuela Tobias, housing reporter for CalMatters, discusses California’s new law on eviction protections and what this means for tenants and landlords.
- Andi Mudryk discusses being appointed as a judge for the Superior Court of Sacramento County and becoming the first openly transgender person appointed by the governor to the bench in state history.
- CapRadio weekend fill-in host Andrew Garcia discusses KSSU, Sacramento State’s student-run Radio Station celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the position appointed by the governor. It has been corrected
A look at the legal complexities surrounding Sacramento’s deadly shooting on K Street. A conversation with civil rights activist Dolores Huerta ahead of her 92nd birthday. A look at Northern California entrants to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.
Today's Guests
- Attorney and former state and federal prosecutor William J. Portanova joins us to break down the legal complexities facing police and prosecutors regarding the downtown Sacramento shooting.
- A conversation with labor and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta in honor of Dolores Huerta Day on April 10, which is her 92nd birthday.
- CapRadio Modern Music Director and “Hey, Listen!” host Nick Brunner shares Northern California submissions to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.
Updated on April 7, 2022 at 12:55 p.m.
Black Child Legacy Campaign discusses a movement to reduce the disproportionate number of African-American children's deaths in Sacramento County. Sac City Unified strike ends, students return to class. Jazz vocalist Spencer Day performs at the Sofia.
Today's Guests
- Kim Williams, Hub Director for Sacramento Building Healthy Communities, and Shelly Dyer, Senior Program Officer at The Black Child Legacy Campaign, joins us to discuss how they’re helping those impacted by the mass shooting as well as their violence and prevention work to reduce the disproportionate number of African-American children deaths in Sacramento County.
- Sacramento Bee School Accountability Reporter Sawsan Morrar shares her reporting on the negotiations which ended the eight-day strike between Sacramento City Unified School District and employee unions and the challenges which still lay ahead.
- CapRadio Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli’s conversation with acclaimed jazz vocalist Spencer Day ahead of his performance at the Sofia in Sacramento on April 10.
Correction: A previous version of this post misspelled the name of Sawsan Morrar. It has been corrected.
Clarification: Black Child Legacy Campaign pop-up youth events in Sacramento were suspended in-person in 2020 due to public health mandates, but continued virtually during the pandemic. New pop ups are being developed as safety protocol allows, according to Sierra Health Foundation which organizes the youth PopUps.
Editor’s note: In response to an interview with Sacramento Bee reporter Sawsan Morrar about negotiations that ended an eight-day strike at the Sacramento City Unified School District, a district spokesperson said the SCUSD board did not put the SCTA/SEIU agreements on their agenda for Thursday’s board meeting.
Anniversary of the Sacramento Police shooting death of Stephon Clark. How Ukrainian churches in Sacramento are assisting Ukrainians under siege. Former Sacramento Kings head coach Jerry Reynolds and fans remember ARCO Arena ahead of its demolition.
Today's Guests * CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses the anniversary of the 2018 police shooting death of Stephon Clark, who was unarmed in his grandmother’s backyard when shot and killed by Sacramento Police.
- CapRadio Editor Pauline Batolone shares her reporting on how Ukrainian churches in Sacramento are on the forefront of the war effort to assist Ukrainians under siege.
- Former Sacramento Kings head coach and broadcaster, Jerry Reynolds and longtime Kings fans share their memories of ARCO Arena ahead of its upcoming demolition to make way for a new medical university in Sacramento’s Natomas area.
Why California Highway Patrol does not provide body cameras for 97% of officers. Republicans push to suspend the gas tax. Legislative fix of UC Berkeley’s enrollment cap. Resolution to end the State of Emergency. Author John Lescroart’s latest book.
Today's Guests * CalMatters Justice Reporter Byrhonda Lyons gives us a deeper look into her reporting on why California Highway Patrol, one of the state’s largest police agencies, does not provide body cameras for 97% of its officers.
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CapRadio Politics Report Nicole Nixon updates the latest from the State Capitol including a push to suspend the gas tax, undoing UC Berkeley’s enrollment cap, and a resolution to end the pandemic State of Emergency.
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UC Davis law professor Christopher S. Elmendorf discusses the environment law at the core of the court order for UC Berkeley to enact an enrollment cap, which would have cut its Fall 2022 enrollment by 2,600 students.
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CapRadio Morning Edition Host, Donna Apidone, brings us her conversation with author John Lescroart about his latest book “The Missing Piece.”
Ending statewide indoor mask requirements at schools. Tahoe Basin residents “quality of life” community survey. New grant for HIV and STD testing in Sacramento County, which is one of 40 hot spots for new HIV infections in the United States.
Today's Guests
- Dr. Hakeem Adeniyi, Medical Director of the Sacramento Native American Health Center, discusses ending statewide indoor masking requirements at schools.
- Tahoe Prosperity Center CEO Heidi Hill Drum and Envision Tahoe Co-Chairman Chris McNamara share with us the key findings of a community survey from residents living and working in the Tahoe Basin.
- Jacob Bradley-Rowe, Executive Director of the non-profit Sunburst Projects, discusses new grant funding for HIV and STD testing in Sacramento County, which is one of 40 hot spots for new HIV infections in the United States.
A vital source of news for Northern California’s Slavic community has been banned in Russia. Dr. Daisy Gonzales shares her journey from a foster youth navigating the system to becoming second in command of the state’s community college system. The Honey Agency, Inc. shares their SXSW Presentation “Passion Economy”.
Today's guests
- Ruslan Gurzhiy, Editor-in-Chief of Slavic Sacramento, discusses how his website, which serves over 150,000 monthly readers in the greater Sacramento area, has been banned in Russia.
- Deputy Chancellor Dr. Daisy Gonzales of California Community Colleges, shares her story as a foster youth navigating higher education and goals to increase equity and representation across its 116 campuses.
- Meghan Phillips, Founder and CEO of the Sacramento creative studio The Honey Agency, Inc., shares her presentation about the “Passion Economy” at SXSW.
Residents in rural communities are embracing a century-old technology to respond to natural disasters: two-way radios. Author and journalist Mark Arax explores how racism shaped the Central Valley. Sacramento folk trio “Dear Darling.”
Today's Guests
- CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd shares his reporting on the El Dorado County Neighborhood Radio Watch, an amateur radio network helping broadcast emergency messages, a growing movement in rural California amid more extreme wildfires and natural disasters.
- Author and journalist Mark Arax explores how the city of Fresno became one of the most racially segregated areas in the country and why the examination and discovery of the city’s racist history led to a controversial renaming of a local elementary school. Arax will speak on genocide, memory, racism and the human landscape of the Great Central Valley at UC Davis on March 12.
- Casey Lipka, Hannah Kile, and Natalie Hagwood, with the Sacramento folk trio Dear Darling join us ahead of the release of their debut album “Believe.” You can buy tickets to their virtual concert on March 12 here.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s main points from his State of the State, as well as a Republican perspective. How progressives in California’s Democratic party are struggling for influence. Missing indigenous women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon gives us Governor Gavin Newsom’s main points from his State of the State address Tuesday evening.
- Republican political strategist Luis Alvarado discusses the State of the State address and what was missing from the speech.
- Cal Matters state government reporter Alexi Kossef shares his reporting on how progressives in California’s Democratic party are struggling for influence within the party.
- Dr. Blythe George, Assistant Professor of Sociology at UC Merced, member of the Yurok Tribe and research partner for the “I will see you again in a good way” project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit peoples, discusses a missing women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his annual State of the State address Tuesday evening, touting his administration’s pandemic response and highlighting his push to get unhoused people into homes and shelters.
Newsom gave his speech in front of lawmakers and reporters for the first time since 2020, when he stood in the Assembly chambers just weeks before the start of the pandemic.
Listen back to the full broadcast, including Newsom's address, Republican response and analysis from reporters around the state.
Updated at 10:34 a.m.
We learn how the State of the State has changed over the years. Congressman John Garamendi shares his conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Plus, a look at the ICE PAC Exhibition.
Today's Guests
- LA Times Editorial Writer, Laurel Rosenhall, breaks down how the State of the State has changed, and what we might expect from Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address later this evening.
- Congressman John Garamendi joins us to share his conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the challenges the U.S. and NATO faces in supporting Ukraine without provoking a wider conflict with Russia.
- Experimental and display artist Keia Kodama, artist Joha Harrison and curator and gallerist Faith J. Mckinnie discuss the Coordinates: ICE PAC Exhibition, which features immersive installations from the region’s most influential and celebrated artists. Runs until March 26. Buy tickets here.
A California immigration attorney explains “temporary status” for Ukrainian refugees and the latest on the crisis. A conversation with Nevada’s newly appointed Lieutenant Governor. The President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce explains how the Inclusivity Project will help struggling small businesses.
Today's Guests
- Immigration Attorney Alex Tovarian joins us with the latest on the international refugee crisis, as well as the largest Ukrainian fund here in Sacramento. He explains what “temporary status” means as over a million Ukrainians flee their homeland in search of safety.
- Nevada Lieutenant Governor Lisa Cano Burkhead shares her story of a first-generation American with a 25-year career in education recently appointed to the state’s second-highest office. She also addresses the challenges Nevada faces in improving its K-12 public education system as well as hiring and retaining educators.
- President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, Jay King, explains the struggles of starting a small business and how the Inclusivity Project can help.
Sacramento pastors who serve the Slavic community discuss what the greatest needs are for Ukrainians. A discussion about reports of racism and segregation taking place during the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Sacramento’s Jewish Film Festival is underway.
Today's Guests
- Eduard Kislyanka, the senior pastor at House of Bread Church in Sacramento County which serves the Slavic community, discusses what the greatest needs are for Ukrainians.
- Kevin Johnson, Dean of UC Davis Law School, discusses reports of racism taking place during the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
- Sacramento’s Jewish Film Festival is underway. Insight will profile three of the feature films, including a Jewish-Ukrainian film, and we’ll learn how to participate in the festival and special events.
State again taps Trump border wall company for COVID-19 staffing amid omicron. A homelessness Point-in-Time Count is taking place for the first time since the pandemic. Sacramento discusses “active transportation” goals for 2045 carbon neutrality.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd shares his reporting on another no-bid contract between the state of California and a company that helped build the border wall under the Trump administration.
- Sacramento Steps Forward CEO Lisa Bates, the lead regional agency that coordinates housing and services for homeless families and individuals, discusses the upcoming 2022 Point-In-Time Count, which is a volunteer-based canvass of the unsheltered homelessness community.
- Chair of Mayors' Commission on Climate Change Anne Stausboll discusses the importance of active transportation ahead of the Sacramento City Council meeting, which has a workshop on climate and transportation.
Today marks five years since the Oroville Dam Spillway crisis. The Butte County Sheriff shares the lessons learned. A citizen’s advisory commissioner discusses the push to rebuild trust and oversight. And dam safety engineers explain what went wrong.
Today's Guests
- Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea discusses his decision-making during the 2017 Oroville Dam Spillway Crisis and the lessons learned.
- Genoa Northern, commissioner on the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, shares her experience during the Oroville Dam Spillway Crisis, her involvement in citizen oversight, and where things stand 5 years later.
- John France, civil engineering consultant who shares findings from an Independent Forensic Team Report on the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident.
- Mark Ogden, with the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, discusses a national perspective on the state of dams, if the Oroville crisis has shaped state and federal safety procedures, and how the public can prepare for a dam emergency.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber discusses her first year in office as the first African American to hold the position in state history. The intersection of sports, social justice and diversity.
Today's Guests
- California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, discusses her first year in office as the first African American secretary of state in California history.
- Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, Executive Director for the Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change & Associate Professor in the Department of African American Studies at San Jose State University, discusses the intersection of sports, social justice and diversity.
Yolo County COVID-19 testing update. Delays in the opening of respite centers in Sacramento. Sacramento County resolves most sexual assault cases without arrest or trial. Brubeck Jazz Music Celebration featuring the Brubeck Brothers Quartet.
Today's Guests
- Dr. Aimee Sisson, preventive medicine physician and Public Health Officer for Yolo County, discusses the current COVID-19 case rate and testing turnaround.
- CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his reporting on how the city of Sacramento failed to open two Safe Ground camping sites and a permanent respite center in January following promises they would open during the first month of the year.
- CapRadio’s Data Reporter, Emily Zentner, continues her reporting following CapRadio’s podcast “After the Assault” and explains why Sacramento County uses exceptional clearance when handling sexual assault cases and how it skews the number of cases that are actually solved.
- CapRadio Jazz Announcer Avery Jeffrey interviews Chris Brubeck, son of famed musician Dave Brubeck ahead of a special event at the Crest Theater to honor the late Jazz great.
Sen. Alex Padilla’s first year in office and reelection campaign. The history of Allensworth, California’s first community, founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Celebrity chef Martin Yan donates a culinary archive to UC Davis.
Today's Guests
- Senator Alex Padilla discusses an array of topics, including federal funding for water infrastructure and wildfire prevention, efforts to get President Biden’s stalled agenda through the Senate, and looking ahead to his campaign for his first full term in Congress.
- Fresno State Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies, Robert Mikell, shares the history of the Central Valley town of Allensworth, California’s first community founded, financed and governed by African Americans.
- World-renowned celebrity chef Chef Martin Yan talks about his donation of 3,000 cookbooks, his first wok, and thousands of photographs from his world travels to UC Davis, his alma mater.
Sacramento City Unified School District appoints a new Equity Officer. How climate change will impact agriculture and disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley. Co-founder of the B Street Theatre retires.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses the Sacramento City Unified School District’s appointment of a new Equity Officer to address incidents of racism in the district last year. Sarah explores what this new officer will do, how the district hopes their presence can improve race relations at school, and what other examples of this are happening elsewhere in the country.
- Dr. Joshua Viers, Professor of Water Resources Management at UC Merced and Director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, outlines the key findings of a UC Merced study on how climate change will likely impact agriculture and disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley.
- Buck Busfield, Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of B Street Theatre at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts, talks about his upcoming retirement after 36 years.
California lawmakers puch ‘Abortion Sanctuary’ package. Tsunami and volcano scientists discuss the Tonga volcano eruption. 16-year-old UC Davis musical prodigy receives the competitive, national 2022 YoungArts Award.
Today's guests
- California Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D) on the state pushing for for increased funding and resources for abortions and other reproductive care, as the Supreme Court considers a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade.
- CapRadio News Anchor Ed Fletcher shares his conversation with scientists from the National Tsunami Warning Center and the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory about the Tonga volcano eruption on Jan. 15 and reflects on traveling as a journalist during the 2011 tsunami in Japan.
- 16-year-old UC Davis musical prodigy, Tiara Abraham, is the only young artist in the Sacramento-Davis region to receive a 2022 YoungArts Award, which selected 720 of the nation’s most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts.
Sacramento converts a hotel into permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness. Longtime Democratic Congressman Jerry McNerney will not seek reelection. Midterm Election update. Sacramento photographer’s love letter to Rosemont, CA.
Today's Guests
- CapRadio Reporter, Chirs Nichols, on the conversion of a Best Western in Sacramento into permanent housing for unhoused Californians.
- Seven-term Congressman Jerry McNerney (D), representing portions of Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and Contra Costa County, on his decision to not seek reelection in California’s newly drawn 9th district.
- Fox 40’s Anchor and Inside California Politics Host, Nikki Laurenzo, discusses the latest reshuffling of election campaigns and main races for the Midterm Election.
- Photographer Enoch Ku discusses his latest Ordinary Sacramento project, a photography book, “My Neighborhood Rosemont, CA,” which is a love letter to the neighborhood where he grew up.
Chico State returns with mostly in-person learning as the majority of CSU campuses opt to begin remotely. South Lake Tahoe’s affordable housing incentive program for locals. Author of “Forgotten California Murders.”
Today's Guests
- Dr. Gayle Hutchinson, President of California State University, Chico joins us to discuss the university’s decision to begin the spring semester with mostly in-person learning when a vast majority of CSU campuses elected to begin the first few weeks remotely.
- South Lake Tahoe housing manager Zachary Thomas and Colin Frolich, founder of Landing Locals, join us to discuss a program that helps low to middle-income residents find affordable housing by incentivizing property owners to turn their seldom-used vacation homes into long-term rentals.
- David Kulczyk, Author and Homicide Historian, joins us to discuss his latest book: “Forgotten California Murders: 1915 to 1968”
Reno and Chico hospitals discuss capacity and current pandemic challenges. Profile on the nearly 200 homeless deaths in Sacramento in 2021. An immersive “Forest Fire Exhibition” in Truckee.
Today's Guests
- Dr. Jake Keeperman, Executive Medical Director of the Renown Transfer and Operations Center in Reno, and Dr. Marcia Nelson, Chief Medical Officer for Enloe Medical Center in Chico, discuss hospital capacity and current challenges during the pandemic.
- Theresa Clift, Senior Sacramento Bee Reporter covering city hall and homelessness, shares her profile on the nearly 200 people experiencing homelessness who died in 2021.
- Jeff Brown and Faerthen Felix with the UC Berkeley Sagehen Creek Field Station Art Program and artists Michael and Heather Llewellyn discuss the immersive Forest Fire Exhibition at Truckee Community Recreation Center.