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 Dangers Sacramento 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 Palmer For 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 Ngo This 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 Homelessness The 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 Gonzalez We 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 Bears The 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 Center A 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 Drops Sacramento 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 Pride The 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-5 A 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 Court In 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 Roadways California 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 Workers A 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 California A 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 Identity How 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 Alliance Auburn 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 Deer Chronic 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 Families How 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 Festival The 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 California What 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’ Documentary A 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. 

Lessons from the 10th anniversary of the Isla Vista shooting. A new immersive opera opens in Sacramento. Finally, tips for growing produce in the high Sierra. Isla Vista Shooting 10th Anniversary Ten years ago, a mass shooting and stabbing spree in the college town of Isla Vista killed six people and injured 14 more. Now the mother of the shooter is speaking up about possible warning signs, in the hopes of preventing future tragedies. That story is captured in a recent episode of the investigative program Reveal. Mark Follman, National Affairs Editor for Mother Jones magazine spoke with the mother, Chin Roger, and joins Insight with more about his investigation. Immersive Opera ‘Waiting Rooms’ A new immersive opera is premiering this Sunday, May 26 in an unconventional space - Sacramento’s Gender Health Center. The piece, titled Waiting Rooms, explores our relationship between memory and absence through the cultural experiences and materials of AIDS. Composer Trey Makler provides a preview of the show and talks about how Waiting Rooms is rooted in his own personal experiences. Tahoe Master Gardeners Growing your own produce is a rewarding and nourishing experience, but getting fruits and vegetables to thrive in the Tahoe region can be more of a challenge. Tahoe’s Master Gardeners are stepping in and holding several events next week on May 31, June 1, and June 8 to help interested gardeners. Master Gardener and Tahoe resident David Long shares some tips on how to grow healthy plants in the high Sierra.

A new Sacramento mural uplifts the stories of historic Japantown. An upcoming book looks at the growing power of the Latino electorate. Finally, how UC Davis Veterinary Medicine treats animal cancers. Sacramento’s Japantown Mural Sacramento’s Japantown was demolished more than 60 years ago, to make room for the Capitol Mall Redevelopment Project. But a new mural project is shining a light on the community’s history and the stories of Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes - twice. CapRadio reporter Kristin Lam provides a look at the illustrations being created by Reclaim Sacramento Japantown, and how they hope to educate the community. Upcoming Book ‘The Latino Century’ Latinos are the second largest ethnic voting group in the country, and that growing power has significant implications for American politics and democracy. An upcoming book titled The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy investigates this growing demographic. Author and political consultant Mike Madrid joins Insight with a preview of his work, which is set to release on June 18. Pet Cancer Treatment at UC Davis Pets are considered by many to be family, and so it can be devastating to discover that your animal companion has cancer. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has been helping pet owners overcome this challenging diagnosis. Dr. Michael Kent, a Professor of Radiation Oncology at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine talks about how cancers are diagnosed and treated in animals. Brian Boitano also shares the story of his dog Hunter, who was diagnosed with cancer and received treatment at UC Davis.

Former NBA champion Bill Cartwright talks about his life and career. A new professional baseball team makes its debut in Yolo County. Finally, a new book charts Sacramento Republic FC’s successful first year. Bill Cartwright   A three-time NBA Champion was recently honored as an inductee for the 2024 Sacramento Walk of Stars. Bill Cartwright joins Insight to share the story of his life and career - from growing up in Elk Grove, to playing in the NBA alongside 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.   Yolo High Wheelers Baseball Team    A new professional baseball team is making its debut in Yolo County. The Yolo High Wheelers, part of the independent Pioneer League, will play their inaugural game on Tuesday, May 21 at UC Davis’s Dobbins Stadium against the Rocky Mountain Vibes. Team manager Billy Horton talks about how the team came to settle in Davis, and what opportunities the High Wheelers offers to players looking to make their big break.   New Republic FC Book ‘Not When, But If?’ A new book, almost a decade in the making, charts the story of Sacramento Republic FC’s origins, and became a champion in its debut 2014 season. The book is titled Not When, But If?: How Sacramento Republic FC Rose From the Ashes of a Half Century of Failed Local Soccer Experiments to Win a Championship, Galvanize the City, and Become an MLS Expansion Favorite. Author Evan Ream talks how the team defied the odds to become a successful club from day one

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 Update One 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 Monument President 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 diversity American 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 Library There 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 Festival If 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 Revise The 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 Festival One 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 Security California’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 River The 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 performance CapRadio 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 Zoo The 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 Folsom Tonight 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 Protests Student 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 Mothers Every 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 Series A 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 Plan Long 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 Seasons On 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 & Wine CapRadio 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 Update Sacramento 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 Delgado Sacramento’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 Park The 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 Trusts If 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 101 Tomorrow 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 Disease Lyme 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 Protests Hundreds 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 & Fishes The 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 Contest There 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 Ban California 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 Network The 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 Rentals This 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.

Verge Center for the Arts sparks debate about inclusivity in Sacramento’s creative scene. Also, it’s peak time for baby deer - the dos and don’ts during fawn season. Finally, Aggie Square in Oak Park is putting a callout for local muralists. Controversy at Verge Center for the Arts Two artists of color were evicted from Verge Center for the Arts in March, sparking a public debate about the inclusivity of the region’s art scene. Many artists say it's symptomatic of broader trends outside of Verge. Earlier this year, SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) was publicly embroiled in a dispute over keffiyehs. And Wide Open Walls received backlash for overlooking Asian artists in their Lunar New Year and T?t mural. CapRadio Reporter Srishti Prabha shares conversations with leadership at Verge, as well as with local artists of color who argue these issues highlight the need for more inclusive practices in the Sacramento arts scene. Wildlife Dos and Don'ts for Fawn Season Spring is the season of new beginnings and that includes a variety of wildlife - like baby deer. Fawns are making their way into the world, and most of the time it is best to honor the “wild” in wildlife, and just leave them alone. But some humans can’t seem to help themselves, and they interfere with Mother Nature. Dave Cook (also known as Deer Dave) is a fawn rehabber at Sierra Wildlife Rescue and joins us as he gears up for another busy season. Aggie Square’s Callout for Muralists A major project in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood is putting a call out for local artists. The UC Davis Aggie Square innovation district wants to create two mural projects and is collecting artist applications until May 20 - with an information session on May 1. Donald Gensler is the Arts in Public Places Manager for the city of Sacramento and shares more details on how artists can apply for the projects, as well as the steps being taken to ensure that the selection process is open - and equitable - to artists from all communities and backgrounds.

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’ Recap Every 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 Resilience Jaron 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) project   Inaugural ‘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 County California'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 Case The 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 Museum An 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 EGUSD Sacramento 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 Bank The 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 Event The 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 Endowment CapRadio 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 Radio Climate 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 Recap Light 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 Tilson The 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 Playbook Governor 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 Sacramento An 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’ Drones The 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 College It’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 Season The 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 Event After 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 McCarty The 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 Improvements San 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 Sales It’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 Jubilee The 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.

Lawmakers propose an “early action plan” to tackle the state budget deficit. Also, Guy Fieri’s new Food Network show “Best Bite in Town” premieres in Davis. Finally, CLARA performing arts expands youth programs. Early Action Plan to Tackle CA’s Budget Shortfall Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the state legislature announced a deal on early action to shrink California's budget shortfall by $17 billion, ahead of action on the 2024-25 budget in May and June. CalMatters Capitol Reporter Alexei Koseff provides a breakdown of the proposed “early action plan” to tackle this deficit, which is expected to come up for a vote this week. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Guy Fieri’s ‘Best Bite in Town’ Premieres in Davis The first episode of the new Food Network program Best Bite in Town, with executive producer Guy Fieri, premiered this weekend and highlighted the city of Davis. Six local restaurants were featured, and three had their signature dishes judged in a head-to-head-to-head competition. Tad Franks, co-owner of The Hotdogger, and Ryan Fry, co-owner of Sudwerk Brewing Co, join Insight to talk about their experiences being on the show, and what this recognition means to their establishments and the larger Davis food scene. CLARA Performing Arts CLARA — the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts — focuses on arts education in Sacramento. In recent years they have expanded to bring arts education programs to Sacramento County public schools with low arts access, as well as teaching artist programs for adults. CLARA Executive Director Megan Wygant and Education Outreach Director Emili Danz join Insight with how the nonprofit is continuing to grow.

Oakland A’s to temporarily play in West Sacramento starting in 2025. Also, new Sacramento City Councilmember Shoun Thao. Finally, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe purchases ancestral homeland.  Oakland A’s to Temporarily Move to West Sac The Oakland A’s will play in West Sacramento for three years starting in 2025. The team, which is in the process of moving from the Bay Area to Las Vegas, will play at Sutter Health Park, the home of the Sacramento RiverCats. Fox 40 Sports Reporter Sean Cunningham shares more behind the temporary move. Barry Broome is the President & CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and discusses what this means for the region. And West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero explains the impact this will have on the city.  New District 2 Councilmember Shoun Thao Sacramento City Council District 2 spans neighborhoods like Del Paso Heights, Hagginwood and Woodlake. The city council seat has been vacant since former councilmember Sean Loloee’s resignation, following a federal indictment. An election is underway to fill that seat, with the top two candidates likely heading to the November runoff. Until then, a new councilmember has been appointed - with deep roots in the community. We’ll meet new councilmember Shoun Thao, who was raised in the district and is the executive director of Hmong Youth and Parents United. Thao was sworn in this week and will serve until December.  Nevada City Nisenan’s ‘Homeland Return’ The Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe is closing in on the purchase of some of its ancestral homeland, a 232-acre parcel at the site of the historic Nisenan village site of Yulica. Shelly Covert is the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribal Council Spokesperson and the Executive Director of the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP) and joins us about what this venture means for their tribal community, as well as the cultural and revitalization practices they hope to bring back.

The Diocese of Sacramento filed bankruptcy in response to a wave a lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors. Also, a new law boosts the minimum wage for fast food workers in California to $20 an hour. Finally, Davis-based folk duo “Misner & Smith.” Diocese of Sacramento Files for Bankruptcy The Diocese of Sacramento has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in response to a wave a lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees reaching back to the 1950’s. In a statement, Bishop Jaime Soto said the likely cost of the lawsuits goes beyond funds available and that the bankruptcy filing was the best way to provide some compensation to survivors of abuse. Dorothy Small and Melanie Sakoda are with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and join us with more on the significance of the diocese’s bankruptcy filing, as well as their response. Fast Food Minimum Wage Increase As of April 1, fast food workers in California now make a minimum of $20 an hour. But the new law behind that wage raise has faced its share of controversy, from the use of non-disclosure agreements during negotiations to alleged exceptions for certain franchises. KCRA 3 Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala lays out the timeline of this new law and the challenges it’s faced since it first passed in 2022. Folk Duo ‘Misner & Smith’ The pandemic put a lot of arts on hold. But a musical duo from Davis used that time to perfect the songs on their latest album.  Sam Misner and Megan Smith of “Misner and Smith” join us to discuss their new album “All is Song” and how it came to be after more than six years, as well as how each song answers one simple, yet thought-provoking question.

Gov. Newsom attends the April snow survey in the Sierra. Also, an investigation into a rise in jail deaths across the state. Finally, a memoir studying hip hop culture “Dancing the Afrofuture: Hula, Hip-Hop and the Dunham Legacy.” April Snow Survey Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to the April 1 snow survey in El Dorado County held by the Department of Water Resources near Echo Summit. For the second year in a row, California's snowpack is above the historical average - this year the snowpack is 110%, which is considered the peak snowpack for the season and critical for water managers as it marks the transition to spring snowmelt into the state’s rivers and reservoirs. Jay Lund is a professor emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Vice-Director of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and joins us with more on what this means for California’s evolving water needs. Investigating California Jail Deaths CalMatters Reporter Nigel Duara discusses his investigation into jail deaths in the state which found that despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pledge to address a rise in jail deaths early in his administration, fentanyl overdoses and suicides have death rates at historic highs - even though California jails are holding thousands fewer people. Memoir ‘Dancing the Afrofuture’ A UC Davis professor’s new memoir, titled Dancing the Afrofuture: Hula, Hip-Hop and the Dunham Legacy, chronicles her journey from being a dancer-activist in the Bay Area, to an academic scholar studying hip-hop culture. Author Dr. Halifu Osumare, Professor Emerita of African American & African Studies at UC Davis joins Insight to talk about how this transition from art to academia came to be, and how dance has been a “survival mechanism” for people of African descent to preserve culture and values.  

“Best of Insight”: The oldest Chinese restaurant in the state - and possibly the nation - is in Woodland. Also, 10-year-old Sacramento hip hop princess “Boss Tootie.” Finally, Sacramento-based Latin backpacking company Itacate Foods. ‘Best of Insight’: Woodland’s Historic Chinese Restaurant The oldest Chinese restaurant in California - and possibly the nation - is tucked away in a Yolo County suburb. Jack Chin is a professor at UC Davis School of Law and shares his research into finding the oldest Chinese restaurants in the U.S., which led him to Chicago Café in Woodland. Amy Fong’s parents own the restaurant, and she shares its history spanning more than a century. We’re also joined by Carla Meyer who is a Senior Editor at UC Davis School of Law, about the storytelling behind this discovery. Hip Hop Princess ‘Boss Tootie’ A Sacramento father and daughter have teamed up in a creative way that is bringing joy to others. Boss Tootie is a 10-year-old “hip hop princess” - as she likes to call herself. After watching her father Rinn Zee record songs, she decided to join the studio with her own voice and message. The fourth grader has created singles and music videos to entertain and inspire a young audience. And like many artists, she pulls from her own life. Boss Tootie is African American and Hmong. Her recent single embraces her Hmong roots, and last summer she performed at Juneteenth celebrations in Sacramento. Boss Tootie and her father Rinn Zee join Insight about how this all began. Latin Inspired ‘Itacate’ Hiking Food If you’ve been backpacking, you can appreciate when the time comes to plop down with a hot meal on the trail. Dehydrated or freeze-dried pouches have come a long way, and a Sacramento kitchen is putting its own spin on backpacking comfort food with a Latin twist. Martha Y Díaz is the founder of the Latin backpacking food company Itacate, which is now selling at REI.

Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela concedes the race to Phil Pluckebaum. Also, events for Placer County LGBTQ+ youth, family and allies. Finally, Sacramento Piano Day concert at American River College. Sacramento City Council District 4 Race Sacramento County has less than 100 ballots left to be counted. Which means election results are largely finalized. Today we are going to focus on a change of leadership in Sacramento City Council District 4 - which includes downtown, midtown and East Sacramento. On Tuesday, Councilmember Katie Valenzuela officially conceded the race for her seat to UC Davis Health project manager Phil Pluckebaum. Valenzuela received 46.17% of the vote (8,542) versus Pluckebaum’s 50.63% votes (9,366). Today, Councilmember Valenzuela joins us about how she will round out her term. We’re also joined by Pluckebaum about how he plans to lead District 4 once he is sworn-in in December.   ‘Landing Spot’ for LGBTQ+ Youth Loomis Basin UCC is an open and affirming congregation - which is an official designation for churches committed to welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. Pastor Casey Tinnin joins us about the candle lighting event to show solidarity for LGBTQ+ people, youth and their families. Pastor Tinnin also shares an update about The Landing Spot, a non-religious support group for LGBTQ+ youth in Placer County that has grown into its own separate nonprofit with Camp Fruit Loop this summer expanding to six days.   Sacramento Piano Day It’s the 88th day of the year and a piano has 88 keys, so today must be Sacramento Piano Day! CapRadio Music’s Classical Host Jennifer Reason and Pianist and Composer Philip Howard join us to talk about tonight’s celebration at American River College. We will learn more about Piano Day’s special performances and why music education is vital in our community.

A financial backer of CapRadio wants the public media station to merge with KVIE. Also, the delta city of Isleton creates a community flood insurance pilot program. Finally, take a listen to public service announcements about climate change. CapRadio Update Should Sacramento’s two largest public media organizations join as one? In an open letter last week, the Capital Public Radio Endowment urged CapRadio’s license holder - Sacramento State - to merge with the PBS television affiliate KVIE. The endowment is an independent nonprofit, separate from CapRadio, but has been a longtime financial backer of the public media station. In response, both CapRadio and Sac State officials say they have no plans for such a merger. This latest development follows months of public financial instability - including a CSU audit, layoffs and continued staff attrition. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols shares his conversations with the endowment, CapRadio and Sac State. Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly or broadcasted. You can follow the latest on CapRadio’s finances here. Isleton Community Flood Insurance Program UC Davis and the Sacramento Delta city of Isleton are working together to launch the state’s first community-based flood insurance program - a fast, low-cost option to help residents after a flood, while also building resilience. Project founder Kathleen Schaefer is a UC Davis Ph.D. candidate of civil and environmental engineering, and discusses how this insurance program would work. Isleton Mayor Pam Bulahan describes the importance of having affordable flood insurance, based on her own experiences. Climate Change Public Service Announcements Climate 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.

How a Supreme Court case on the abortion medication mifepristone could impact California. Also, California’s strategy to recover long declining salmon populations. Finally, the best way to view the upcoming April eclipse.  Supreme Court Abortion Pill Case This morning, the Supreme Court heard arguments for another case challenging the right to abortion. FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine challenges the use of mifepristone, a medication typically used in a two-combination dose to terminate a pregnancy (the other medication used is misoprostol). Medication abortions account for roughly two thirds of all abortions in the country - and this ruling can affect all states, regardless of what protections are in place. But there is more at stake than abortion - this case could impact the FDA’s regulatory power to approve all drugs and evaluate their safety. Leslie Gielow Jacobs is an Anthony Kennedy Professor of Law at McGeorge School of Law and joins us with a breakdown of today’s oral arguments.  California’s Salmon Strategy California’s salmon population has been in decline for decades, largely due to human activity and climate change. To help reverse these trends, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the “California “Salmon Strategy” earlier this year - bringing together governments, conservation groups and tribal communities to revive the salmon numbers by removing dams, restoring habitats, and modernizing hatcheries, among other strategies. Carson Jeffres is a Senior Researcher at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and discusses the current salmon population counts, as well as why there is still hope for a strong future for this iconic species. Best Way to See Upcoming Eclipse On April 8, Californians can view a partial solar eclipse. To get the obvious out of the way, at no point is it safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse. However, with special glasses or telescopes fitted with the right equipment, we can experience this firsthand. Vinita Domier is a coordinator of the Davis Astronomy Club - and calls herself an eclipse chaser. Vinita joins us with more on this celestial phenomena. 

New report says state’s minimum wage isn’t enough to keep up with cost of living. Also, La Tourangelle artisan oils and Siemens Mobility highlight women in manufacturing. Finally, a student charitable organization “ReDressed” for refugee students. CA Minimum Wage Report California’s minimum wage of $16 is over double the federal minimum. But a new report published by California's Legislative Analyst’s Office says that while this amount appears high by comparison, it is still not enough to keep up with the state’s high cost of living. CalMatters California Divide reporter Alejandra Reyes-Velarde breaks down the LAO’s findings. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Women in Manufacturing California leads the country in manufacturing. From aerospace, transportation, food and beverage, motor and zero emission vehicles, as well as electronics - this industry touches many parts of our lives. But many sectors lack representation of women - especially in leadership positions. Today we are going to highlight women in manufacturing. Christine Polycarpe is co-owner of La Tourangelle artisan cooking oils and founder of La Tourangelle Foundation based in Woodland. Jacquelyne Colvis is the Project Management Team Lead at Siemens Mobility, Inc which transforms passenger and freight rail across the state - with projects that include SacRT and is on the short list for California’s High Speed Rail. Refugee Student Organization ‘ReDressed’ A Sacramento high school sophomore has launched a new charitable organization to provide teen refugees with dresses and dance tickets to enjoy their high school experience - free of charge. Kendall Carey, founder of ReDressed, joins Insight to talk about how her organization at Rio Americano High School came to be, and how she’s spreading the word to help these students settle into their new schools.

A dispute over keffiyehs at Sacramento’s Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC). Also, the challenges facing California’s wine industry. Finally, the fifth annual Latinx Comic Arts Festival. MOSAC Keffiyeh Controversy Controversy has erupted at Sacramento’s Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) after some employees alleged they were treated poorly by management after wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress that has become synonymous with Palestinians. Now, they say, management has changed the workplace policy banning certain types of clothes that MOSAC says “makes a political statement.” CapRadio’s Kate Wolffe joins us on Insight with more background on the story, reaction from MOSAC management, and why employees took action by voting to unionize. California Wine Industry Challenges California is one of the top wine producers in the world. But the industry is facing some hard realities. Younger generations aren’t turning to wine like their elders. Inflation isn’t really helping. There is an overabundance of grapevines. And there’s some competition from the cannabis industry. Our resident wine expert Rick Kushman joins us with more on the “why?” and “what can be done?” He’ll also explain why spring is the best time to show tasting rooms a little love. Latinx Comic Arts Festival The Latinx Comic Arts Festival is an annual Central Valley celebration of Latinx cartoonists, animators, artists, and other creators. Now in its fifth year, the event returns to Modesto Junior College on March 22-23. Festival director Dr. Theresa Rojas provides a preview of this year’s festival, which will feature dozens of workshops, panel discussions, and even a lowrider exhibition.

Sacramento City Council approves a bilateral ceasefire resolution. Also, how California is harnessing artificial intelligence. Finally, El Dorado County author and illustrator of “A River Called Home: A River Fable.” Sacramento Votes on Bilateral Ceasefire The Sacramento City Council passed a Gaza ceasefire resolution just before midnight on Tuesday, after hearing from dozens of public comment testimonies. Officials approved the resolution in a 6 to 1 vote, with only Councilmember Lisa Kaplan opposing it. Councilmember Mai Vang was absent, due to a previously scheduled commitment. The resolution was crafted by Jewish and Muslim leaders in the community, and formally calls for Israel to stop bombing Gaza and the West Bank, as well as for Hamas to end attacks against Israel. The proposal also urges the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians who are held without charge - as well as denouncing antisemitism and Islamophobia. Joining us is Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of the Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), to discuss last night’s city council vote. California Testing AI for Efficiency California is harnessing artificial intelligence - using generative AI to ease traffic congestion, improve emissions goals, and increase safety on roadways. But there are questions about security, privacy and reliability. California’s Department of Technology CIO and Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins joins us about how the state is investing in the future - while ensuring guardrails and protections are in place. ‘A River Called Home’ An El Dorado County author and artist have put over 50 years of river adventure into a new book. Artist Robin Center and author Moira Magneson have boated 27 rivers across four continents, which inspired their novella A River Called Home: A River Fable, a love letter to the American River as well as a testament to the power of friendship.

POLITICO’s California Playbook on Gov. Newsom’s current challenges. Also, an all-volunteer group protecting Sacramento’s waterways. Finally, Sacramento’s only high school student-run radio station KYDS 91.5 FM. POLITICO California Playbook With his signature piece of legislation hanging on by a razor-thin margin, the vote for Proposition 1 is just the latest signal to state Capitol watchers of the struggles facing Governor Newsom these days. In addition to Prop. 1, Newsom's approval ratings are the lowest in years, he is facing another recall attempt, a budget deficit in the tens of billions, and is at the center of the storm over a controversial minimum-wage deal for fast-food restaurants. Today on Insight, Co-author of POLITCO’s California Playbook, Dustin Gardiner, joins us to talk about all of the political drama under the Capitol dome. Protecting Sacramento’s Waterways An all-volunteer group is dedicated to cleaning, restoring and protecting the waterways of Sacramento. The River City Waterway Alliance’s mission is preserving the ecological health of our local creek and river channels, banks, levees, and associated riparian habitat. Sacramento Area Creeks Council President Crystal Tobias and Vice President Dr. Roland Brady join River City Waterway Alliance co-founder Mark Baker to discuss how volunteers have removed over 1.2 million pounds of trash within the span of 15 months. High School Student-Run KYDS 91.5 FM A high school in San Juan Unified District is home to the only radio station entirely run by students in Sacramento County. Solving Sacramento journalist Helen Harlan introduces us to the voices behind KYDS 91.5 FM at El Camino Fundamental High School and explains how it has grown over the past 40-plus years. Students Tori “DJ T” Norlie and radio host Winston Huber share what they have gained from this educational radio station.

An update on primary election results and voting behavior. Also, the fate of Sacramento’s experimental homeless encampment “Camp Resolution.” Finally, the author of the 1978 unsolved mystery of the Yuba County Five. 2024 Primary Voting Behavior It’s been almost two full weeks since the California Primary and there are still several races that are too close to call. Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data, Inc. and political strategist Mike Madrid, join us to break down the latest election results, spot trends in local and statewide races, and discuss the outlook for voter engagement in the November general election. Sacramento’s Experimental Homeless Encampment CalMatters Homelessness Reporter Marisa Kendall provides an update on Camp Resolution in the city of Sacramento, a completely self-governed, city-sanctioned homeless encampment that was supposed to be a model Sacramento could copy for future sites. That didn’t happen, and now it’s under threat of prosecution by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Unsolved Mystery of the Yuba County Five In 1978, five Yuba County men - Bill Sterling, Jack Huett, Ted Weiher, Jack Madruga, and Gary Mathias - went to see a basketball game in Chico, and were never seen alive again. Their disappearance remains a cold case to this day. The mystery is captured in a new book, Things Aren’t Right: The Disappearance of the Yuba County Five by author Tony Wright. He joins Insight to talk about how he worked to capture in-depth details about the disappearance and its investigation for the first time.

California’s snowpack reaches 100% of the April 1 historical peak average. Also, Cal State Chancellor Mildred Garcia joins us for a conversation about the system’s wide-ranging challenges. Finally, CapRadio celebrates Pi(e) Day. California’s Snowpack 100% of Historical Average After an uncertain start to the winter season, California’s snowpack has reached a milestone - 100% of the April 1 average, which is a historic peak set by water managers. Reservoirs across the state are 117% of average levels. Michael Anderson is a State Climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources, and explains how this year’s snowpack will shape water needs. CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia Cal State University is home to 23 campuses - including Sac State - and is the largest public university system in the country. A size that comes with a fair share of challenges. California State University Chancellor Dr. Mildred Garcia is five months into leading campuses and joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the big tests she’s already faced. CapRadio Pi(e) Day Happy Pi Day. March 14th - also known as 3.14 - is the most “academic” celebration of the year. Here at CapRadio, we take it pretty seriously. Today on Insight, CapRadio colleagues battle it out for the title of Pi(e) Day champion and how it’s become a fun tradition all over the world.

Latest election results for statewide and Sacramento city races. Also, the podcast “Landslide” about the presidential primary between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. Finally, James Beard Award-winning writer of “Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook.” Updated Election Results As of Tuesday, Sacramento County still has over 80,000 ballots left to count from last week’s primary, with several local and statewide races still in the balance. CapRadio’s Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam and Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon join Insight to provide the latest analysis of ballot returns, from Sacramento mayor to Prop 1. History Podcast ‘Landslide’ The Republican Convention of 1976. It was personal, cutthroat, and ultimately reshaped a party that was headed for self-destruction. The battle between Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford ended on the convention floor in Kansas City, but it was the beginning of the new conservative party. Former CapRadio journalist Ben Bradford’s new podcast Landslide takes us through the closest presidential primary in U.S. history and how it opened and widened the political divide in America that continues today. ‘Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook’ A Sacramento-raised writer became the first Puerto Rican food columnist in the United States, earning a James Beard Award for her debut book Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook which is a visual record of recipes - including her family's - with the goal of preserving the diaspora. Illyanna Maisonet joins us about her journey of discovering how food connects us to family, history, conflict, and migration - ahead of her event at the Sacramento Public Library.

The Yolo County DA announces a new “FastPass” initiative to curb retail theft. Also, California’s newest city Mountain House in San Joaquin County. Finally, Friends of Sacramento Arts’ “Heroes of Arts Education Gala.” Yolo County DA’s New Approach to Retail Theft As the state of California continues to look for legislative ways to combat retail theft, many counties in the state are partnering up with law enforcement and retailers to send a message that thieves will be prosecuted. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig joins us to talk about his new initiative called FastPass to Prosecution which takes the police officer or deputy out of the picture and closes the gap between the retailer and the DA’s office. We’ll talk to DA Reisig about the program, how it’s been working, and concerns over false positives and misunderstandings. Mountain House, California’s Newest City San Joaquin County may soon be home to California’s newest city - the first in over a decade. The community of Mountain House voted during last week’s primary and early results suggest overwhelming support for independent self-governance. Steve Pinkerton, General Manager of the Mountain House Community Services District, and MHCSD Vice President and longtime resident Bernice King-Tingle, talk about how this incorporation came to be, and what it means for the community’s future. Heroes of Arts Education , Executive Director and Founder of Friends of Sacramento Arts, and Dalia Velazquez with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, discuss fueling arts education ahead of the 2024 Heroes of Arts Education Gala on March 14 that recognizes outstanding arts leaders and educators from school districts in our region, emceed by CapRadio Music Excellence in Jazz Host Avery Jeffry.  

A Stockton doctor returns from a two-week trip to Gaza offering emergency medical aid. Also, a Palestinian author and journalist visits Sacramento. Finally, observing Ramadan. Stockton Doctor Returns from Gaza A Stockton doctor born and raised in the West Bank has returned from Gaza, after spending two weeks leading a medical team to provide emergency aid to Palestinians trapped in a conflict between Israel and Hamas - as the death toll continues to climb and hundreds of thousands more are suffering starvation. Dr. Yousef Khelfa is the co-founder of the Palestinian American Medical Association and joins us with more about his humanitarian mission. Palestinian Author Visits Sacramento It has been over five months since Israel began bombing campaigns and military operations in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Laila el-Haddad is a Palestinian author, social activist and journalist from Gaza, and spoke in Sacramento last week about the ongoing crisis. She joins Insight to share her perspective, as well as how she uses food to introduce and humanize the stories of Palestinians and keep the memories of family members killed in the conflict alive. Ramadan The holy month of Ramadan is now underway and practicing Muslims all over the world will unite in the ritual of daily fasting, worship, and charity. This year, Ramadan has increased meaning as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on. From famine to the intense loss of innocent lives, Dr. Hiba Hamdan, a Palestinian-American from Sacramento, joins us to discuss what Ramadan will be like globally, locally, and through a medical lens, in light of what’s happening in Gaza.

An update on the early results of school board races in the Sacramento region. Plus, an investigation into deadly police prone restraints across California. Finally, Sacramento’s Jewish Film Festival kicks off this weekend. School Board Races School board elections may be down-ballot races, but these bodies have significant power to shape their students’ educational experiences - and the community that surrounds these schools. CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha provides an update on the early results of school board races in the Sacramento region. Investigation into Deadly Police Restraints As far back as the 1990s, medical experts and law enforcement officials have been aware of the dangers of prone restraint - which is holding someone on their stomach face down. In California, a 2022 law banned any maneuvers that put people at risk of being unable to breathe due to the position of their body - a common cause of death in prone restraint cases. But an investigation found that despite decades of warnings, police continue to hold people facedown - with deadly consequences. Emily Zentner is Data Journalist at The California Newsroom, a collaboration between California public radio and nonprofit newsrooms. Lisa Pickoff-White is the Director of Research for the California Reporting Project. They join Insight with their investigation, which was published in partnership with the Guardian. Jewish Film Festival  Sacramento’s Jewish Film Festival kicks off this weekend celebrating 25 years of inspirational films that tell the Jewish story. The festival has both in-person live events and several online options as well.  Festival Director Teven Laxer joins us today to talk about the 25th anniversary, how the festival has evolved, and how the current events in the Middle East will play an educational role in this year’s event.

We’ll have an initial look at primary election results for statewide races - including Senate and Prop 1. Also, we’ll look at the results for Sacramento’s mayoral race and city council seats. Finally, a discussion on voter turnout and behavior. Sacramento City Races CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam updates the latest results for city races - including mayor, city council and Measure C. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg weighs in on the mayoral race to replace him at the end of his term. Statewide Races CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon and Lara Korte, Co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, discuss the latest results for statewide races - including Senate and Prop 1. Voter Turnout & November Outlook While the votes from California’s March 5th Primary are still being counted, it is already clear that this election may have one the lowest voter turnouts in recent years. It may even set a new record. Paul Mitchell is the Vice President of Political Data, Inc., a non-partisan voter information service that tracks ballot returns and demographics. Paul joins us to break down who voted, who did not, and what the turnout might tell us about the General Election in November.

Today is the California Primary. We will have a look at statewide and local races. Also, we’ll be joined by the California Voter Foundation for last minute tips. Finally, the Sacramento, Yolo and Placer County registrars join us. Statewide Elections CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon and CalMatters Capitol Reporter Alexei Koseff give a statewide look at the California Primary. You can also follow CapRadio’s Voter Guide for Sacramento County. Calmatters also has a 2024 Voter Guide. Prop 1 and Last-Minute Tips CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe breaks down Prop 1 on the ballot. CapRadio Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha shares voices from voters in Sacramento and updates local school board races. And Kim Alexander, President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation, provides last minute tips for voters. Local County Election Kenneth Casparis with Sacramento County Elections, Yolo County Registrar Jesse Salinas and Placer County Registrar Ryan Ronco provide a look at the primary in their counties.  

An update on an extreme winter storm in the Sierra. Also, how Sacramento’s leading mayoral candidates would respond to homelessness and affordable housing. Finally, “Shaken Not Stirred” combines music and dance at The Sofia. Snow storm update Snow measured in feet, howling wind and blizzard conditions all led to road closures, power issues, and an overall wild weekend in the Sierra. We are getting updates from Dr. Andrew Schwarz, Lead Scientist and Manager at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory - which is based at Donner Summit. We will also hear from ABC10 Meteorologist Rob Carlmark on the totals of the storm and its impact on the snow season. And Jeremy Linder, a Public Information Officer for Caltrans District 3, provides an update on the roads following weekend closures over both summits.  Sacramento mayoral candidate profiles It’s the day before the California Primary and we are honing in on the race for Sacramento mayor - which can be decided on March 5 if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. We’re focusing on how the candidates would approach two of the city’s most pressing issues - homelessness and affordable housing. CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols profiled the leading four mayoral candidates and shares conversations with former city councilmember Steve Hansen, current state Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, former state Senator Dr. Richard Pan, and epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer.  'Shaken Not Stirred' at The Sofia A new performance this weekend at The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre, combines dance and the music behind the world’s most famous fictional spy - James Bond. Shaken Not Stirred runs Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m., as well as Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Artistic Director and Choreographer Jacob Gutiérrez-Montoya and Assistant Artistic Director Kendra Barrera from the Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre preview the song-and-dance performance, which includes a collaboration with the Samantics Choir.

A major Sierra storm is forecast Thursday through the weekend. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidate - and former state senator - Dr. Richard Pan. Finally, CapRadio’s Interim GM steps down and discusses the public media station’s next steps. Major Sierra Storm This Weekend Snow, and lots of it, will be the headliner of this latest storm to smack Northern California and the Sierra starting today and through the weekend. Caltrans and the National Weather Service are advising drivers to avoid mountain travel due to periods of very heavy snow and strong winds with periods of near-zero visibility. ABC10 Meteorologist Rob Carlmark joins Insight to time out the storm and the predictions for snow and the impact here in the valley. Sac Mayoral Candidate Dr. Richard Pan The primary is days away. Sacramento voters will be deciding the city’s next mayor. It’s a race that can be decided on March 5 - if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. We are closing in on our conversations with the four leading candidates - which included former city councilmember Steve Hansen, epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer, and current state Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. Today, we welcome former state Senator Dr. Richard Pan to discuss his vision for Sacramento. CapRadio Interim GM Steps Down CapRadio Interim General Manager Tom Karlo came out of retirement during an unprecedented time at CapRadio, which also runs North State Public Radio based in Chico. He was appointed interim general manager of the news and music stations in August - two weeks before CapRadio laid off staff - and he was behind pivotal decisions following a damning audit by the California State University system detailing deep rooted financial mismanagement at the public media station - which is an auxiliary of Sac State. Tom Karlo joins Insight on his last day and explains his new role as a special consultant to CapRadio. You can follow ongoing reporting on CapRadio’s finances here. Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was broadcasted or posted publicly.

Caltrans prepares for a major winter storm disrupting Sierra travel. Also, last minute voter guides for the California primary. Plus, Senate candidate Rep. Barbara Lee. Finally, Sierra College hosts “The Business of Art Symposium.” Winter Storm Travel Another major winter storm is headed toward Northern California and the National Weather Service is warning travel over the Sierra Thursday through Sunday will be dangerous. Forecasts are calling for upwards of 10 feet of snow in some areas and Caltrans is warning drivers of major delays and even road closures throughout the storm.  Jeremy Linder, Caltrans Public Information Officer, joins us with a look at how the agency is preparing and how drivers can stay up to date over the next few days. League of Women Voters With the primary days away, there is still time for voters to research candidates, turn in their ballots and prepare to go to the polls. Paula Lee, President of the League of Women Voters of Sacramento County, provides an update on resources and information voters can use before they make their choices. Senate Candidate Rep. Barbara Lee We’re closing in on our conversations with the leading candidates for Senate. With less than a week to the California Primary Rep. Barbara Lee joins us about what sets her apart from her Democratic opponents - who are also her congressional colleagues - as well as the lived experiences that shapes how she leads. Business of Art Symposium This weekend, artists will be heading to Sierra College in Grass Valley to learn about the business of art - a symposium for professional development in the creative community which includes workshops, business planning, partnerships, legal advice, and mentoring across California. Kellie Cutler with the Truckee Cultural District and Eliza Tudor with the Nevada County Arts Council join Insight to discuss The Business of Art Symposium happening Saturday, March 2 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Understanding California Latino voters ahead of the March 5 primary. Also, a Sacramento journalist covering Ukraine reflects on marking the second year of war. Finally, back-to-back drag shows this weekend in Rocklin and Sacramento. California’s Latino Voters California is home to the most Latinos in the country - over 15 million people, making up 40% of the state’s population. And that translates to voting power. According to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, more than six million ballots were mailed out to California Latino voters for next week’s Primary. And the nonprofit projects voter turnout may break a record - which was set in the 2020 presidential election. But voting behaviors have also evolved in that time - and are far from uniform. Political strategist Luis Alvarado joins Insight to discuss the transformation the Latino vote has gone through over the years and the impact it will have on the 2024 election. Sac Journalist Covering the Ukraine War  It’s been over two years since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The war has cost tens of thousands of Ukrainian lives and there appears to be no end on the horizon. Sacramento-based independent journalist Martin Kuz has been traveling to Ukraine since the beginning to humanize the conflict. He recently released a newsletter to mark the war’s second anniversary. Martin returns to Insight to talk about the current situation and morale in Ukraine, and the impact on Ukrainians faced with ongoing fighting. Weekend Drag Shows in Rocklin & Sacramento This weekend there are back-to-back drag show performances in Placer and Sacramento counties. Drag artist A La Mode talks about the Wildflower Daydreams Boutique fashion show at the Rocklin Event Center on Saturday, March 2. And on Sunday, March 3 the Sacramento LGBT Community Center will be holding their annual Mama’s Makin’ Bacon drag brunch fundraiser at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Priya Kumar and Collin Lourenco with the Sac LGBT Community Center join A La Mode with a preview of both performances.

Another recall effort against Gov. Newsom. Also, why voters elect local judges and how to vet candidates. Plus, Sac State launches the first-ever MMA sports program “Combat U.” Finally, All City Writers’ upcoming performance “Liminal States.” Another Gov Recall Attempt Another recall effort has been launched against Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to POLITICO. Citing the deepening budget crisis, immigration, education, and public safety concerns as some of their top reasons, the group Rescue California will try once again to unseat Gov. Newsom. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us to unpack this latest effort and explain what it would take to make it onto the ballot. Why Do We Elect Judges? When a judicial election comes before California voters, finding information on candidates can be more difficult than other elected offices. And because of California’s appointment process, these races may rarely make the ballot, as judges often continue in their seats once their term is up. Mary-Beth Moylan is an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Experiential Learning at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, and explains the ethical rules surrounding judicial candidates, as well as resources for voters to get informed. Sac State’s ‘Combat U’ MMA Program Sacramento State is embarking on the first ever combat sports program for boxing, wrestling, muay thai, and jiu jitsu. Combat U – officially Combat Sports and Martial Arts University – launches in the fall semester under the university’s Department of Athletics, and in partnership with UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, the owner of Ultimate Fitness. Sac State President Luke Wood and Urijah Faber explain how this will be the first collegiate training ground for students who want to pursue a professional fight career in mixed martial arts (MMA) or in that sport's individual components. All City Writers ‘Liminal States’ This weekend you can immerse yourself in creative expression. All City Writers is a collective of local performers. On Saturday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m., they will be at the West Sacramento Black Box Theatre for Liminal States which explores mental health, ancestry, family, and love through one-person shows. Liminal States is directed by Nicole Limón, the founder of Matriarchy Theatre and Sacramento Theatres of Color. Also joining us are performance poet Natachi Mez and Grand Slam Poetry Champion David Loret de Mola (who goes by the pen name AndYes).

An explanation about Prop 1 which would fund mental health services. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidate - and current state assemblymember - Kevin McCarty. Finally, local girl scouts speak with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. What is Prop 1 on the Ballot? Voters will decide whether to overhaul how California funds mental health services. Proposition 1 is tied to the state’s crisis of homelessness, mental health and addiction. But it is complex. One piece would authorize a $6.38 billion bond to build permanent supportive housing and treatment beds. Another piece would redirect mental health services funding from counties to the state - shifting away from existing county services like outpatient treatment and crisis response, and instead focusing more on housing and personalized support services. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe breaks down the arguments surrounding Prop 1 ahead of the March 5 primary. Sac Mayoral Candidate Kevin McCarty Throughout this month, we’ve been devoting Thursdays to have conversations with the leading candidates for Sacramento mayor. Today we welcome current state Assemblymember Kevin McCarty - who was previously a Sacramento city councilmember before moving to the State Legislature. He joins us about why he’s the best fit for the city, and his top priorities if elected mayor.  Note: Assemblymember McCarty placed $2 million in the 2022 state budget to help pay for construction of CapRadio's new downtown studios. He has since put that funding on hold. Girl Scouts Speak with ISS Astronaut The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program aims to get young people interested in space, radio communications, and STEM fields. This year, a group of Sacramento Girl Scouts was selected to contact an astronaut aboard the International Space Station via a Ham radio they built themselves - with the help of the River City Amateur Radio Communications Society. Scouts Edie Blanke, Fred Dasinger, and Ainsley Fong from Troop 1089 join Insight after speaking with American astronaut, Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli.

LAO projects the state budget deficit has grown to $73 billion. Plus, the Placer County Registrar of Voters joins us ahead of the primary. Finally, the Matthew Shepard inspired-play “The Laramie Project.” State Budget Shortfall Grows If you go by the latest projections from the Legislative Analyst Office, California’s budget deficit is getting worse. The LAO, which provides nonpartisan fiscal advice to California lawmakers, revised its forecast from a $58 billion gap to a now $73 billion gap. The numbers follow Gov. Newsom’s different budget analysis from the Dept. of Finance - which last month projected a lesser shortfall of $38 billion. No matter who is right, lawmakers and the Governor are going to need to make some serious decisions ahead of the May Revise. Joining us to discuss are H.D. Palmer, Deputy Director for External Affairs with the Department of Finance, and CapRadio State Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon. Placer County Registrar of Voters With the primary election just two weeks away, voters in Placer County have more opportunities to cast their ballot, thanks to the recent adoption of the state’s Voter’s Choice Act. Placer County Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco explains what some of the major changes are, and how his office is preparing to make sure elections are both well-staffed and safe. Matthew Shepard Inspired-Play ‘The Laramie Project’ In 1998 the body of Matthew Shepard was found severely beaten and tied to a fence post in the Wyoming town of Laramie. The 21-year-old college student’s murder became one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history and spawned a wave of activism that continues today. Activism that also includes art. The Laramie Project is a play written by Moisés Kaufman and chronicles the reaction to Shepard’s murder by the rural American community. The play draws on hundreds of interviews with Laramie residents and news reports. The latest production is directed by Scott Ebersold which will be presented by the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance from Feb. 22 to March 2. Warning: This play includes strong language and mature content that some may find upsetting.

The state student aid commission addresses ongoing FAFSA challenges for college hopefuls. Also, why licensed midwives face barriers to stay in business in California. Finally, what Black History Month looks like in Oak Park classrooms. FAFSA Challenges Continue We have been following the latest developments with the delayed and problematic rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Now, a new glitch is making it even more difficult for some applications to get their forms in. Jon Waldrep, Analyst at the California Student Aid Commission, joins us with how the glitch is impacting certain students and their families, as well as how it’s putting students at risk of not getting the aid they need to attend the college of their choice. California Barriers for Midwives A new UCSF study highlights obstacles midwives face doing business in California, especially when serving patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Midwives provide many of the same services as doctors in low-risk pregnancies, and are becoming increasingly essential following a wave of maternity ward closures across the state - in largely low-income communities. Calmatters Health Reporter Kristen Hwang shares her reporting alongside licensed midwife Madeleine Wisner, who was the only licensed community midwife who took Medi-Cal patients in the greater Sacramento region - but closed her birth center last fall. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Black History Month in Classrooms Black History Month goes beyond just a history lesson in some Oak Park classrooms, with learning opportunities in the forms of business fairs, cooking demonstrations, theater and more. Cassandra Jennings, President and CEO of St. HOPE, and CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha, provide a look at how Black history is being taught, as well as talk about upcoming events that seek to inspire students both inside and outside the classroom.

Wilton Rancheria’s MMIP partnership with Sacramento Sheriffs. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidate — epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer. Finally, Crocker Art’s new exhibit “Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial.”  Wilton Rancheria MMIP Partnership with Sac Sheriff California has the largest population of Native Americans anywhere in the country - as well as the most tribes. We also have one of the highest rates of murder and missing people within the Indigenous community. Wilton Rancheria Chairman, Jesus Tarango, joins Insight today to discuss a new partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and how both sides plan to work closer together to end the epidemic of violence and trafficking in Sacramento County. Sacramento Mayoral Candidate Flojaune Cofer This month, we are dedicating Thursdays to speaking with the four leading candidates in Sacramento’s mayoral race — which can be decided following the primary on March 5. Today we welcome epidemiologist and public health professional Dr. Flojaune Cofer to discuss why she is running for Sacramento mayor, what sets her apart from opponents, and top priorities if elected.  Crocker Museum’s “Black Artists in America” A new traveling exhibit opened last week at the Crocker Art Museum, pulling together local collection pieces with national works. Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial explores the work of Black American artists in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.  Dr. Francesca Wilmott, Curator at the Crocker Art Museum, talks about how the artists’ work celebrated their identity and captured the struggle against inequality. The conversation also features poetry readings by local students Nas Muhammad, Nasara McDaniels Keys, and Kyle Hayes.

Wide Open Walls faces criticism over Lunar New Year murals in Sacramento’s Little Saigon. Also, Rep. Katie Porter discusses why she is a candidate for U.S. Senate. Finally, author of “Judith Letting Go” and how to approach death. Wide Open Walls Lunar New Year Controversy is known for putting artists in the spotlight, by showcasing vibrant murals throughout Sacramento streets. But the organization is coming under fire for its latest murals surrounding Lunar New Year in the city’s Little Saigon community - accused of cultural inaccuracies and not including Asian artists. Hannah Ross is a journalist with Solving Sacramento - a journalism collaborative that partners with CapRadio - and shares her reporting with local artists and city officials, as well as some possible solutions. Wide Open Walls CEO David Sobon sent a statement to Insight that says in part, “We stand behind the fact that, when compared to other mural festivals in the country, we feature one of the most diverse portfolios of participating artists, including many API artists, Black, LatinX, non-binary, LGBT, women, and more. This diversity is central to our mission and ethos…We realize in this particular instance, we could’ve done better in the planning stages and we’re committed to making those changes.”  Senate Candidate Rep. Katie Porter Democratic Congressmember Katie Porter joins us on Insight as part of our series of conversations with the candidates for U.S. Senate. Rep. Porter, according to polls, is in a neck-and-neck race for second place with Republican Steve Garvey, and is looking for a way to differentiate herself from him and frontrunner, Congressmember Adam Schiff (D) as the top two candidates move on to the general election in November.   Author on How to Approach Death How can talking about - or even preparing - one’s death give it meaning as a part of life, and increase compassion for those who are approaching the inevitable? That is the subject of a new book called Judith Letting Go by author Mark Dowie, who remembers his six-month friendship with poet Judith Tannenbaum as she made her decision to “let go.” Mark joins Insight to talk about experience with Judith and learning how to approach death, ahead of an event on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Capital Books.

FOX40 moderates the second California Senate debate. Also, Kru chef and founder Billy Ngo is nominated for a James Beard Award. Finally, Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations in Sacramento. FOX40 Senate Debate Analysis With three weeks left until the California Primary, the four main candidates for U.S. Senate faced off last night in a televised debate.  While the three Democrats tried to differentiate themselves from each other, Republican Steve Garvey tried to solidify himself as an alternative and viable candidate. Joining us today is Nikki Laurenzo, debate moderator and co-host of “Inside California Politics,” and Lara Korte, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook. Kru Chef Nominated for James Beard Award We know how to eat well in Sacramento. In recent years, the city has been growing in the national culinary spotlight. And we can add another homegrown chef to a prestigious list. Billy Ngo is the founder of the Japanese restaurant Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine and has been named as a semifinalist for Best California Chef from the James Beard Awards. Billy joins Insight about this recognition, as well as how his nearly two decade career in Sacramento has grown into becoming a local restaurateur.  Lunar New Year in Sacramento Lunar New Year began this past weekend, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. RungFong Hsu from the Chinese New Year Culture Association speaks about Lunar New Year in Sacramento - as well as the CNYCA’s upcoming Spring Festival celebrations on Feb. 27. Tido Hoang, President of the Vietnamese American Community of Sacramento, talks about the holiday’s importance for the local Vietnamese community.

UC Davis Police swears in its first DACA immigrant officer. Also, a conversation with Senate candidate Rep. Adam Schiff. Finally, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Nevada County. UC Davis PD Hires First DACA Officer A recent California law removed the U.S. citizenship requirement for people seeking to become peace officers - expanding eligibility to those with federal work authorization. UC Davis Police Department recently hired its first officer who is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Officer Ernesto Moron joins Insight to talk about his life experience along with UC Davis police chief Joe Farrow - one of the champions of the new law, who talks about what the expanded eligibility can mean for both police departments and people seeking a career in law enforcement. Senate Candidate Rep. Adam Schiff As we round the corner to the primary election, we’re going to narrow in on the pivotal race for Senate and have conversations with the leading candidates. Rep. Adam Schiff joins us about what sets him apart from his opponents - as well as his top priorities if elected. Wild & Scenic Film Festival Lívia Campos de Menezes, Festival Director of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, discusses how the event has celebrated inspiring activism through film and art. The 22nd annual festival will take place February 15-19 in Nevada County. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is produced by SYRCL, the South Yuba River Citizens League, and it's the nonprofit's largest annual fundraiser, helping to raise money for year-round conservation projects to protect and restore the Yuba River watershed.

Sacramento Mayoral candidate Steve Hansen. Also, a conversation with Fran Lebowitz ahead of her event at the Mondavi Center. Finally, comedian Greg Proops from “Whose Line is it Anyway?” at The Sofia. Sacramento Mayoral Candidate Steve Hansen In the month leading up to the primary election, we’ll be sitting down with the four leading candidates for Sacramento mayor. Today, former Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Hansen joins Insight about why he believes he’s best to lead the city - as well as his top priorities if elected.  Steve Hansen joined CapRadio's governing board in 2021, after he left the city council. He resigned from the board in May 2023, prior to launching his mayoral campaign. Fran Lebowitz at the Mondavi Center She is a social commentator with a unique blend of humor, wit, and sarcasm. Fran Lebowitz joins us today ahead of her appearance Friday night at the Mondavi Center in Davis. We talk to her about her disregard for technology, social media, traveling - and we’ll explore why she doesn't even have an email address or cell phone. Comedian Greg Proops at the Sofia Comedian and improviser Greg Proops is perhaps most well known for his appearances on the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? But he also has a decades-long career performing stand-up, acting - and more recently - hosting a podcast. Greg will be performing in Sacramento at The Sofia on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., and he joins Insight to talk about what audiences can look forward to, his career and varied interests, and what he thinks about the future of comedy and entertainment.

A podcast investigates CA State Prison, Sacramento - formerly called New Folsom. Also, a Placer County production company makes a film on homelessness starring Billy Baldwin. Finally, the nation’s first Black woman cartoonist in the mainstream press. Podcast Investigates CA State Prison in Sac The second season of KQED’s investigative podcast On Our Watch debuted this week, focusing on the deaths of two correctional officers at California State Prison, Sacramento - formerly called New Folsom - who reported misconduct, corruption, and abuse by fellow officers. KQED Criminal Justice Reporters Sukey Lewis and Julie Small join Insight to talk about what their investigation uncovered within the walls of “New Folsom,” and the barriers and challenges officers faced when trying to report wrongdoing. The California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation released the following statement in response to the podcast: CDCR takes every allegation of employee misconduct very seriously and has restructured its process to ensure complaints are properly, fairly and thoroughly reviewed. In January 2022, CDCR implemented emergency regulations to improve the investigations process on staff misconduct allegations, and the department received funding in the 2022-23 state budget to support these continued efforts. A system of fixed and body-worn cameras is in place. In September 2022, CDCR announced changes to employee discipline for misconduct directed at incarcerated people, parolees, other employees, or members of the public. CDCR continues to work with outside law enforcement agencies on this case and cannot comment on many specific questions raised by reporters for this story. Placer County Movie on Homelessness There’s a lot of movie buzz in Sacramento these days and one of the films that’s getting attention is called No Address, starring William Baldwin. The feature movie, along with an accompanying documentary, will tell the story of the homelessness crisis and how so many Americans are one paycheck, one job loss, or one medical emergency away from ending up on the streets. Actor William “Billy” Baldwin, along with Jennifer Stolo, CEO of Placer County-based Robert Craig Films, join us to talk about the movie and why they believe the story of homelessness is an important topic to tackle, especially in light of the situation here in California. ‘STILL: Racism in America, A Retrospective in Cartoons’ It’s a special bond when a parent and child share a common passion. But one father and daughter took it to a whole other level, pioneering their own groundbreaking paths as Black cartoonists in the mainstream press. And their decades-long work is now on display, with a message that still resonates today. Cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft and curator Tara Nakashima Donahue, discuss their new installation at the UC Davis Design Museum “STILL: Racism in America, A Retrospective in Cartoons," which explores racism through cartoons by Brandon-Croft and her late father Brumsic Brandon, Jr. The exhibit runs through April 21.

An investigation into required abortion pill access at California public universities. Also, growing pains for homeowner’s last resort for fire insurance “FAIR Plan.” Finally, Hidden Brain’s new series “U.S. 2.0” about how we form political beliefs. Abortion Pill Access at CA Universities A year ago, California required its public colleges and universities to start providing medication abortions on campus - the first state in the country to do so. But a new investigation by LAist has discovered that many schools haven’t even told their students that abortion pills are available. Senior Health Reporter Jackie Fortiér sheds more light on what information students are - and aren’t - getting, and what the consequences of this lack of accessibility can be. Growing Pains with CA’s ‘Fair Plan’ for Fire Insurance is an Economy Reporter at CalMatters and provides an update on California's FAIR Plan - a pool of insurers required by state statute to provide fire-insurance policies when property owners can’t find them elsewhere. Levi’s reporting found the plan is experiencing major growing pains. As the FAIR Plan writes more fire-insurance policies, homeowners complain about poor service, rising costs and threats of getting kicked off. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Hidden Brain’s New Series ‘U.S. 2.0’ is the host and creator of the podcast Hidden Brain. Shankar joins Insight about his latest series “U.S. 2.0,” which is part of an annual series about finding wisdom amidst the chaos of everyday life. As we begin a pivotal election season, “U.S. 2.0” kicks off its latest series throughout February about how we form our political beliefs.

Grizzly Flats post office reopens following the Caldor Fire. Also, Sacramento County’s progress and challenges to add mental health clinicians at every school. Finally, the largest bilingual university fair in Northern California, “Steps to College.” Grizzly Flats Post Office Reopens Following Caldor Fire The 2021 Caldor Fire largely destroyed the community of Grizzly Flats, and rebuilding has been slow. But this week there is a landmark to celebrate. More than two years after the devastating wildfire, the town’s U.S. Post Office has reopened. And this milestone is about more than just mail. Grizzly Flats resident Eileen Strangfeld, Postmaster Alicia Leech, and Mark Almer from the Grizzly Flats Fire Safe Council join Insight with an update on the town’s restoration. Sac County’s Progress to Add Mental Health Clinicians to Schools CapRadio's Sacramento K-12 Education Reporter Srishti Prabha shares their reporting on the progress and challenges Sacramento County is facing in their push to add mental health clinicians in classrooms. In 2020, the Sacramento County Office of Education set a goal to have a clinician at every school - roughly 300 campuses - but progress has been slow. However there are bright spots. Srishti explains that schools like Ethel I Baker Elementary within Sac City Unified show promising potential.  You can also read Srishti’s reporting in The Sacramento Observer. Bilingual University Fair Navigating the next steps after high school can be daunting. Applications, money - and even a family’s status here in California - can all be factored into where students choose to go to college. Steps to College is the largest bilingual and binational university fair in Northern California. The one-day event in Sacramento provides students and their families with valuable information on the financial aid process, meet with college and university counselors, and learn about higher education options. Joining us with more on “Steps to College” are organizers, Dr. Miguel Molina, Academic Advisor for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Sac State, and Tonatiuh Gonzalez, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento.    

Sacramento County’s biennial Point-in-Time homelessness count. Also, the oldest Chinese restaurant in the state - and possibly the nation - is in Woodland. Finally, goodbye to CapRadio’s Mike Hagerty, who is retiring. Sac’s 2024 Point-in-Time Homelessness Count Sacramento County’s last Point-in-Time Count in 2022 reported a record 9,300 unhoused residents, and this was only a conservative snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county on any given night. Last week, over 800 volunteers conducted the biennial count again. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols joins Insight with a deeper look at what the recent PIT looked like, and the experiences and challenges being faced by some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. Oldest Chinese Restaurant is in Woodland The oldest Chinese restaurant in California - and possibly the nation - is tucked away in a Yolo County suburb. Jack Chin is a professor at UC Davis School of Law and shares his research into finding the oldest Chinese restaurants in the U.S., which led him to Chicago Café in Woodland. Amy Fong’s parents own the restaurant, and she shares its history spanning more than a century. And we’re also joined by Carla Meyer who is a Senior Editor at UC Davis School of Law, about the storytelling behind this discovery. CapRadio’s Mike Hagerty Retires Today, we celebrate the distinguished career of CapRadio anchor and reporter, Mike Hagerty. After decades in the news business, Mike has decided to enter retirement and spend more time with his family, including grandchildren who live on the East Coast. We’ll sit down with Mike and go down memory lane with him, and ask him to impart a few words of wisdom to current and future journalists.

Strong atmospheric river forecasted this week. Also, an empowerment center for human trafficking survivors opens in Sacramento. Finally, Will Rogers' great-granddaughter discusses “The Legacy of the Cherokee Kid.” Atmospheric River Arrives This Week After a few days of mild, spring-like weather, Northern California is poised to take a direct hit from an atmospheric river ramping up off the coast. Along with the rain, it is forecasted to be gusty and potentially dangerous wind - which has the potential to knock out power and cause property damage. Joining us today to walk us through the timing of the storms is National Weather Service Sacramento meteorologist, Jeffrey Wood. Empowerment Center for Human Trafficking Survivors (3SGF) works to create a world free from human trafficking. The nonprofit is set to open The Table in downtown Sacramento– an empowerment center for survivors of human trafficking and those at risk of exploitation. Ashlie Bryant is the President & CEO 3Strands Global Foundation. Kaitlyn DiCicco is Vice President Survivor Services. And Kristi Merrill is a Survivor Leader Advocate. They join Insight to discuss how The Table will provide services for survivors and at-risk youth - ranging from basic needs, to mental health support, career workshops, and childcare. Will Rogers Presentation at C.K. McClatchy High School A presentation this weekend in Land Park will focus on one of the Cherokee Nation’s most famous citizens. “Will Rogers: The Legacy of the Cherokee Kid,” will be presented by family representative and Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry at C.K. McClatchy High School on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2-4 p.m. Jennifer and Mike Webb, Cultural Center Chair for Cherokees of Northern Central Valley, join Insight to talk about Will Rogers’ life and legacy, as well as how the presentation ties into the CNCV’s larger cultural education efforts - for both Cherokee and non-Cherokee people alike.

Sac International Airport is working towards nonstop international travel. Also, the Sacramento and Placer county district attorneys discuss new approaches in response to retail theft. Finally, youth hold a forum for Sacramento mayoral candidates. SMF’s Push for Nonstop International Travel is working on expanding its network of routes, with a major focus on international flights. Right now, the airport is looking to connect Sacramento with Europe, and Germany in particular. Stephen Clark, Deputy Director of Airport Commercial Development at SMF, joins Insight to provide a closer look at the new “Air Service Alliance'' initiative, what its benefits could be, and how it brings together the airport and local business community. Placer & Sacramento County DAs on Retail Theft Sacramento and Placer counties are responding to retail theft. State dollars aimed at dedicating more resources at organized crime appear to be working, despite an uptick in some retail crime. Placer County’s program includes a warning sign in retail shops alerting would-be thieves that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And Sacramento County recently created an organized retail theft unit. Joining us to discuss the new resources dedicated to curbing organized theft are Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire and Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho. Youth Participate in Sac Mayoral Candidate Forum It’s five weeks until the primary election, and a big local race is for Sacramento mayor. The candidates have been participating in community forums on a range of issues– like climate and homelessness. But over the weekend, the leading mayoral candidates took questions from some of the youngest residents. Monica Ruelas Mares is the Manager of Local Children's Policy and Coordinator of Sac Kids First and discusses hosting a mayoral forum at Hiram Johnson High School on Saturday. We’re also joined by June Lee, who is a senior at The Met– a public charter school within Sac City Unified– about why it was important to participate. The topics ranged from youth homelessness, youth mental health, youth violence, substance use, and views on the implementation of the Sacramento Children’s Fund– a multi-million dollar initiative to support children and youth.

The head of California’s High Speed Rail project joins us. Also, CalMatters shares how the massive transportation project could reshape the Central Valley. Finally, the Sacramento Public Library hosts the disability film festival “Superfest.”  What’s up with California’s High Speed Rail? California’s High Speed Rail project has been the source of public scrutiny for years thanks to budget-busting financial overruns, mismanagement and delays. Just a few weeks ago, the Biden administration pumped another $3 billion into the project, which won’t be ready for another several years, and that’s just Phase 1 from Bakersfield to Merced. Today on Insight, we take a deep dive into the high speed rail with CEO Brian Kelly. Plus, we are joined with CalMatters’ Commentary Editor, Yousef Baig with his reporting on how high-speed rail could help re-shape the future of the Central Valley. Disability Film Festival ‘Superfest’ at Sac Public Library It is the longest running disability festival in the world, and this weekend will be landing in Sacramento. Cara Latham, Supervisor of the Ella K McClatchy branch of the Sacramento Public Library, joins us about the 5th annual Sacramento Superfest happening Sunday, Jan. 28 from 3pm to 6pm. We’re also joined by Shaina Ghuraya, the co-director of Superfest, about the cutting-edge cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, complex and engaging lens that prioritizes access for disabled filmgoers of all kinds.

Gov. Newsom said he will veto a bill that would limit youth tackle football. Also, remembering the late Sacramento Councilmember Lauren Hammond. Finally, McGeorge School of Law is celebrating its centennial. Newsom Sacks Bill Limiting Youth Tackle Football CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe updates a bill that would limit youth tackle football over concerns that it could lead to chronic brain injuries. The legislation was authored by Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, who is also a Sacramento mayoral candidate. It sparked passionate debate about safety and parental rights. But the bill has been stopped in its tracks. Gov. Newsom has said he would veto the legislation if it passed the State Legislature. Kate explains why McCarty has said he will not move forward with the bill.  Remembering Late Councilmember Lauren Hammond A pioneering Sacramento leader has passed away. Former City Councilmember Lauren Hammond, the first Black woman elected to the governing body, died last Thursday at the age of 68. State Sen. Angelique Ashby, current District 8 Councilmember Mai Vang, and former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo join Insight for a remembrance of Hammond, who was not only a trailblazing leader, but also an influential mentor. McGeorge Law School Celebrates 100 Years Sacramento’s McGeorge School of Law is celebrating its centennial this year.  The school, which started as a one-room night school in downtown Sacramento in 1924, has grown to become one of California’s premiere law schools. Joining us today on Insight is Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of the McGeorge Law School, who was recently named as one of the country’s most influential people in legal education.

Cal State faculty union ends strike. Also, California launches a new homebuyer assistance program. Plus, analysis from the first CA Senate debate. Finally, a Mira Loma student is selected for the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search. Cal State Faculty Union Ends Strike Less than 24 hours after Cal State faculty began a weeklong strike across its 23 campuses, the California Faculty Association and California State University system reached a tentative agreement. EdSource Higher Education Reporter Ashley Smith returns to Insight to discuss the end of the historic systemwide strike for the CSU system.  CA Homebuying Assistance Program California ranks near the bottom of home ownership in America.  Now, the state is re-launching a program to make it easier for people to get a first-time homebuyer loan. The California Dream for All was so successful that it unintentionally left many of the people it was designed to help, unable to land an affordable loan. This Spring, the program will relaunch with a few tweaks to help get the money where it is meant to to go. Felicia Mello is a California Divide reporter for CalMatters and joins us with the new changes and how the updated rules might impact the chance of getting accepted into this coveted down payment assistance program. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. First Senate Debate Analysis POLITICO Senior Political Reporter Melanie Mason provides analysis after co-moderating the first debate for California Senate candidates that included Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee and Republican Steve Garvey in Los Angeles Monday night. Mira Loma Student Selected in Prestigious Science Competition The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious math and science competition, recognizing 300 high school students  around the world every year for their original research. This year’s STS cohort includes a local talent from Mira Loma High School, senior Hari Srikanth. He joins Insight to talk about his interest in research, and his project focused on helping people escape from a burning structure.

Cal State faculty go on strike across 23 campuses, including Sac State. Also, a new auto exhibit celebrates women in lowriding. Finally,  Sacramento-based Latin backpacking food company will start selling at REI stores. Cal State Faculty Strike Back to school means back to the picket line for thousands of faculty at all of California State University system’s 23 campuses, including Sacramento State. The planned, five-day strike is the first systemwide strike in CSU’s history as the union representing 29,000 professors, lecturers, and other staff demands a 12% pay increase including other benefits. CapRadio’s Mike Hagerty joins us with a live report on how the strike is impacting classes for students on the Sac State campus. We’re also joined by EdSource Higher Education Reporter Ashley Smith for more context on the back-and-forth negotiations with CSU. Museum Spotlights Women in Lowriding A new exhibit at the California Automobile Museum is highlighting the connection between women and lowriding culture, and just held its grand opening ceremony this weekend. Titled Rucas y Carruchas: Ladies in Lowriders, the display features a variety of custom cars, artwork and more, and runs until April 2024 . Exhibits manager ShaVolla Rodriguez and her daughter Nayeli Rodriguez talk about how this exhibit came about, their own connections to lowriding and car culture, and how Rucas y Carruchas celebrates this group of drivers, builders, designers and owners. Latin Backpacking Food If you’ve been backpacking, you can appreciate when the time comes to plop down with a hot meal on the trail. Dehydrated pouches have come a long way, and a Sacramento kitchen is putting its own spin on backpacking comfort food with a Latin twist. Martha Y Díaz is the founder of the Latin backpacking food company Itacate, which will start selling at REI stores.

The history of the Iowa caucuses and its role in setting the course for the general election. Also, a Folsom biotech company works on new treatments and cures for serious diseases. Finally, a new Sacramento nonprofit aims to help first-time homebuyers. Why Does the Iowa Caucus Still Matter? Former President Donald Trump is coming off a decisive win in Iowa, even causing two of his challengers to drop out.  Next week, voters in New Hampshire head to the polls where Trump may face a more challenging electorate. But both of these states are small in population, and far from reflect the diversity of the state. So why are they so important? Today on Insight, political strategist and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rob Stutzman, joins us to dissect the role Iowa and New Hampshire play in setting the course for the general election in November.  We’ll also examine the history of the Iowa Caucasus and why the winner doesn’t always become the nominee. Folsom Biotech Company Works on Cancer Treatments and Cures A biotechnology research center in Sacramento County is working to speed up advancements for new treatments and cures for patients diagnosed with cancer and other serious conditions– in some instances, offering an alternative to chemotherapy, or even preventing a disease in the first place. Cate Spears is the CEO & Founder of CGT Global. Based in Folsom, the name stands for “Cell & Gene Therapies,” which works to expedite medical research and broaden patient access to life-changing therapies. Sacramento Nonprofit for First Time Homebuyers Becoming a homeowner opens the door to building generational wealth and providing a sense of security. But enduring high home values, interest rates, and a lack of housing stock can make it intimidating to take the first step. A new nonprofit called Sac Club 100 is helping first-time homebuyers navigate the challenges of the current market. Founder and real estate broker Keisha “Kee” Mathews talks about how the organization is making homeownership more inclusive and equitable, and also provides tips for first-time homebuyers. 

Rep. Josh Harder challenges ongoing PG&E rate hikes. Also, a Sac City high school is among the first in the state to be part of an EV technician pilot program. Finally, how the city of Sacramento’s Community Ambassadors Program works. Rep. Harder on PG&E Rate Hikes As PG&E customers get ready for the sticker shock of their January bill, they may be wondering if there will ever be an end in sight to rising utility rates, which the utility giant says is needed for safety upgrades. Today on Insight, we welcome Congressman Josh Harder to discuss what can be done on a federal level to stave off future rate hikes and if there is a legislative fix to the continuous increases in recent years. High School’s New EV Pilot Program California is planning for a greener transportation future, with all new cars sold from 2035 onward required to be zero-emission. Since the start of the new year, a groundbreaking pilot program at John F. Kennedy High School is preparing students for future careers as electric and hybrid vehicle technicians. CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha explains how this Sac City Unified school is among the first in the state to be part of this inaugural pilot program. We’re also joined by JB Polanco who is the automotive pathway instructor at Kennedy High. Sacramento’s Community Ambassadors Program Sacramento’s Community Ambassadors program will soon announce the members of its 2024-2025 cohort. Sacramento Community Engagement Manager Lynette Hall and community ambassador Juan Carlos Ruiz Guajardo provide a deeper look at how ambassadors build multicultural bridges between Sacramento’s many communities, and how the program helps spread important information, resources, and opportunities.

Supreme Court to hear a case that could change homeless encampment sweeps. Also, the PPIC discusses retail theft and robbery rates. Finally, Black American folk musician Jake Blount to perform at The Sofia. SCOTUS Homelessness Camping Case Last Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could change existing restrictions on criminalizing homelessness and sweeping encampments in western states - including California.  CalMatters Homelessness Reporter Marisa Kendall breaks down both the new case and current precedent, and what the high court’s ruling could mean for both cities and people who are unhoused across the state. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that is a content sharing partner with public media stations across the state. PPIC on Retail Theft and Robbery Rates in California Since the pandemic, California’s crime rate has dominated news headlines– from a reported increase in violent crime, retail theft and robberies in many of the state’s largest counties. But when you look at the data, gauging that increase – or whether there is even an increase at all – largely depends on what year you use as a comparison. Overall, although violent crime has trended upward in recent years, it still remains drastically below the peak in the 1990s. And there is a similar caveat with retail thefts and robberies. Shoplifting, commercial burglaries and robberies in California have jumped since 2020. But when you narrow in on the 15 largest counties, some have actually experienced a drop during the same time period. So it’s complicated. Magnus Lofstrom is the Policy Director of Criminal Justice as well as a Senior Fellow at the PPIC, and joins us with more about the nuance within crime data. Black American Folk Musician Jake Blount at The Sofia is an Afrofuturist folk musician and ethnomusicology PhD student who is a scholar of Black American folk with a focus on the profound ways African Americans have shaped and defined roots music and Americana. Jake will be performing at The Sofia on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. You can watch his NPR “Tiny Desk” performance here.  

Winter storm update, as well as avalanche risks and terrain around Tahoe Basin. Also, how Gov. Newsom plans to close California’s $38 billion budget shortfall. Finally, Opera Modesto’s new production of Sherlock Holmes and Jack and the Beanstalk. Palisades Avalanche and Snow Update On Wednesday morning, an avalanche struck on the slope of Palisades Tahoe Resort. The avalanche occurred on the slopes under the KT-22 lift on its opening day, killing one skier, injuring another and catching two more in the slide. Brian Hickey is a longtime reporter and traffic anchor at KCRA, and also a lifelong backcountry adventurer in the Sierra. He joins Insight to discuss the avalanche risks and terrain around Tahoe. And Dr. Andrew Schwartz, Lead Scientist and Manager of UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab, provides an update on snowfall in the region after the recent spate of storms. California’s Budget Shortfall Outlook Gov. Gavin Newsom detailed how California plans to close a budget shortfall. Gov. Newsom’s Department of Finance projects a $38 billion deficit, which is far less than the $68 billion that was projected late last year by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). CapRadio State Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon walks us through the budget adjustments the governor’s office plans to make. We also have the perspective of Wayne Winegarden, a Senior Fellow for Business and Economics at the Pacific Research Institute -  which works to advance free-market solutions. Opera Modesto’s Upcoming Performances ’s latest production is a modern twist on two classic fairy tales.  This weekend, the opera presents the professional world premiere of “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant,” an operatic mashup of “Jack and the Beanstalk and Sherlock Holmes.”  The production is slated for full-length two-act performances this weekend, then Opera Modesto will take the show on the road to five community theaters in three counties and over 4,000 students.  Joining us today are Opera Modesto General Director Roy Stevens, Composer Evan Meier, and Librettist E.M. Lewis to discuss the production and the outreach program to regional schools.

A new state law allows for a leave of absence following a reproductive loss. Also, Roseville welcomes the premier women’s soccer team Iron Rose FC. Plus, how to enjoy “Dry January” throughout Sacramento. New CA Law Offers Reproductive Loss Leave In California, employees are allowed to take leave due to a variety of circumstances. This year, a new state law adds another type of leave of absence for hopeful parents - allowing employees to take unpaid leave following a reproductive loss. An example of a type of loss is a miscarriage. But it also can mean much more - from a failed adoption, to surrogacy, an IVF transfer, as well as other fertility diagnoses. CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe has more about this new California law. Women’s Soccer Expands to Roseville Women’s soccer is growing in popularity across the country, and in California. The city of Roseville was recently announced as the home of a new expansion team - Iron Rose FC - which will start playing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League later this year. Ahead of the team’s first open tryouts on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Mahany Park, Evin Nadaner, Chief Operating Officer of Roseville Youth Soccer Club and managing partner of Blue Ribbon Football Group, joins Insight to talk about how the semi-pro team got started, what its goals are, and how Iron Rose aims to help the next generation of players. ‘Dry January’ in Sacramento Whether it’s for health benefits or to save a little money after the holidays, a lot of people are taking the opportunity to quit drinking during January.  Called “Dry January,” it’s a time to put away the wine or whiskey and let the body reset and reboot. Sacramento Bee Food and Drink Reporter Benjy Egel joins the program with some ideas on how to stay social in Sacramento without the booze, and still have a great time in the city.

What to know as the “Super Tuesday” primary approaches. New workshops and programs are training people from underrepresented communities for a future in public office. Ten-year-old Sacramento hip hop princess “Boss Tootie.” ‘Super Tuesday’ Countdown California is likely to play a more impactful role in the 2024 election as our state’s primary has been moved up to Tuesday, March 5– also known as “Super Tuesday.” Ballots will be sent out next month and voting starts soon after, but there is concern over voter enthusiasm and participation. Joining us to discuss what we all need to know as the primary approaches are Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, and Mindy Romero, founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy. Getting Underrepresented Communities to Run for Office A number of new workshops and programs around the Sacramento region are working to train people from underrepresented and diverse communities for positions in public office. CapRadio’s Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam sheds light on why three of these groups - Nueva Epoca, Stonewall Democrats of Greater Sacramento, and New Leaders Council Sacramento - were formed, and also introduces some of the program participants looking to shape civic policy in the future. Sacramento Hip Hop Princess ‘Boss Tootie’ A Sacramento father and daughter have teamed up in a creative way that is bringing joy to others. Boss Tootie is a 10-year-old “hip hop princess” as she likes to call herself. After watching her father Rinn Zee record songs, she decided to join the studio with her own voice and message. The fourth grader has created singles and music videos to entertain and inspire a young audience. And like many artists, she pulls from her own life. Boss Tootie is African American and Hmong. Her latest single embraces her Hmong roots, and last summer she performed at Juneteenth celebrations in Sacramento. Boss Tootie and her father Rinn Zee join Insight about how this all began.

COVID, RSV and flu cases have been on the rise. Also, a former UC Davis student charged with stabbing deaths is competent to stand trial. Finally, Donna Apidone’s book “Drive-Time Meditations” will be performed at Stories on Stage Davis. COVID, RSV & Flu Season A triple-whammy of respiratory infections has a lot of people sick with fever, cough, and just plain misery. RSV, COVID, and flu are surging in our state and around the country. While California ranks high, there are areas of the country that are much worse off. As schools go back into session and people head back to work, we asked Dr. Dean Blumberg, ?Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health, to give us an update on the situation and what can be done to try and stay healthy through the rest of the winter season. Davis Stabbing Suspect Competent to Stand Trial Carlos Reales Dominguez, the 22-year-old former UC Davis student accused of fatally stabbing two people and injuring a third last year, was deemed competent to stand trial on Friday. The ruling comes five months after he was initially declared incompetent and sent to a state hospital for treatment. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe joins Insight with a perspective from inside the courtroom, and shares her reporting on UC Davis launching a 24/7 mobile team called Health 34 to intervene with students before a crisis. The service is available to all students, faculty and staff free of charge and can be reached at (530) 754-3434. Also joining Insight is Michael Vitiello, Distinguished Professor at the McGeorge School of Law, who provides a breakdown of what competency means, the legal standards of the insanity defense, and how Dominguez’s future trial could play out. Donna Apidone at Stories on Stage Davis There is a unique space for literature in Yolo County. Stories on Stage Davis highlights the work of talented writers by pairing their work with actors who bring new life by performing literature. Stories on Stage Davis Founder Jeri Howitt joins Insight about the a new year of shows, which includes freelance writer and former CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone’s newest book Drive-Time Meditations, which will be read in part by director, actress and theatre educator Janis Stevens on Saturday, Jan. 13.  

Drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable auto insurance in California. Also, college financial aid changes. Finally, how to recycle your Christmas tree, as well as an update on the state’s mandatory composting mandate. Difficulty Getting Auto Insurance in California Drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable car insurance in California, with many facing higher premiums and extended waiting periods. In response, California’s Insurance Commissioner has warned insurers that their practices could be in violation of state law, and is threatening enforcement. CalMatters economy reporter Levi Sumagaysay discusses the shifting auto insurance landscape, and also talks about the resources drivers can take advantage of to get insured. CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that is a content sharing partner with public media stations across the state. FAFSA & Cal Grant Financial Aid Changes The new and improved federal financial aid program for college, also known as FAFSA, is off to a rough start as tens of millions of high school seniors and their families try to navigate the newly revamped application process. In addition, several new changes to FAFSA will either make it easier or difficult to get college aid. Joining us to sift through all of the tweaks and changes are Melissa McClellan, Director of College Counseling at Christian Brothers High School, Jackie Nevarez, Coordinator for College and Career Experience at the Sacramento City Unified School District, and John Waldrep with the California Student Aid Commission. Christmas Tree Recycling For those counting the final days with a Christmas tree, there are ways you can recycle your Christmas tree for free. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira explains how it differs from one city to the next, and she also provides an update a year after California’s composting mandate. Starting this year, California municipalities will have the option to fine residents who aren’t complying with the mandate. But for Sacramento-region officials, the priority has been educating residents and boosting participation in the mandatory program.

Conversation with Sacramento State President Luke Wood. Also, unpacking two new state laws about policing and a traffic speed camera pilot. Finally, Sacramento County needs volunteers for it’s homelessness point-in-time count. Sac State President Luke Wood From the day Sacramento State President Luke Wood arrived on campus, he was tasked with overcoming big obstacles that could jeopardize the success of the university– from ongoing negotiations and labor strikes for faculty and staff, as well as steering the campus auxiliary CapRadio off a financial cliff. Less than six months in, President Wood’s time has been filled with big tests– but not all are crises. President Wood joins us with the highlights and some big milestones to look forward to for the new year. New Laws: Police Stops and Traffic Cameras Continuing our breakdown of new legislation taking effect in 2024, CapRadio State Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins Insight to talk about two new laws related to policing and safety on California’s roadways. Assembly Bill 2773 requires law enforcement officers to tell drivers why they were stopped or pulled over, while Assembly Bill 645 establishes a new traffic speed camera pilot program in six cities across the state. Nicole also highlights new workplace and labor legislation that took effect in the new year. Sacramento’s 2024 Point-In-Time Count The last count of unsheltered homeless living in the Sacramento area showed an increase of 67% since the last report in 2019.  Known as the “point-in-time count,” volunteers fan across the county over two days, providing a conservative snapshot of who is unhoused. Lisa Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Sacramento Steps Forward, joins us with information on the latest PIT, the need for volunteers for the upcoming count in late January, and how that can translate into federal homelessness response dollars.

A new state law paves the way for salary increases for certain city councils - the first adjustment in four decades. Also, PG&E ratepayers experience another increase to their utility bills. Finally, realistic wellness tips for the new year. City Council Salary Caps A new year means new laws taking effect in California, including one that paves the way for salary increases for certain city councils - the first adjustment in four decades. CapRadio’s Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam breaks down the provisions of the law, Senate Bill 329, and also provides an update on recent important developments within Sacramento’s governing body, including calls for the resignation of councilmember Sean Loloee after his federal indictment. PG&E Rate Hikes (Again) This month brings a new rate increase for PG&E customers, amounting to an average of $33 a month to utility bills. The utility giant says it needs the money to pay for undergrounding lines in wildfire-prone areas, among other safety improvements. However, PG&E is already requesting an additional rate hike, on top of the already-approved increase. Mark Toney is the Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network) and Meredith Fowlie is a Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, and the Faculty Director at the Energy Institute at Haas. They join us to discuss why the utility giant is asking for more money again, and the impact it will have on customers. Realistic Wellness Tips for the New Year Jan. 1 is usually when a lot of us think about wellness. And health can mean a lot of things: from committing more time to fitness, prioritizing mental health, a work-life-balance, eating better, reducing stress, and taking up a new hobby or pastime. The list is varied, and often they relate to each other. We’re going to focus on incorporating healthy habits that can meet different lifestyles and abilities. Dr. Brandee Waite is the Director of UC Davis Health Sports Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Skyler Hanka is the Associate Director of Culinary Health at the UC Davis Office of Wellness Education.

Glenna Walters at her home during the summer 2022 in Rio Linda, Calif. Andrew Nixon/CapRadio We’re highlighting two CapRadio podcasts that launched this year: “Mid Pacific” which explores what it means to be Asian American and “This is What it Feels Like” which puts us in the shoes of everyday people. Mid Pacific CapRadio’s launched “Mid Pacific” this spring, which explores what it means to be Asian American and the feeling of being caught between two worlds. As host Sarah Mizes-Tan explains, through food, politics, mental health, music– and much more– we learn how loaded of a question it can be. Today, we’re going to revisit a conversation we had about family. Whether Asian American, or you have a story of immigration– or you’re a 10th generation Californian– the family that comes before us shapes how we walk through life. And in recent years, the dynamic of Asian American families is taking more of the spotlight in pop culture. The biggest example this year is the Oscar winning film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” And this film resonates deeply with some CapRadio journalists. Back in May, I sat down with Mid Pacific host Sarah Mizes-Tan, as well as CapRadio reporters Janelle Salanga and Kristin Lam about the significance of the film.  This is What it Feels Like CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” has a simple, open-ended premise: “In a world that feels more divided than ever, put yourself in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society. It’s not simple. It’s not black and white.” Host Terra Lopez explains the life experiences were wide ranging, and all first person narratives. The first season just wrapped this fall, and while all episodes were powerful, there was a fan favorite. It features a 106-year-old woman named Glenna who dismantles, and gives us, a deeper understanding about getting older. As Terra Lopez puts: Instead of focusing on what we lose as we age, Glenna’s focus is living simply and staying inspired– to the very last moment. Glenna passed away shortly after her 107th birthday, surrounded by family. 

Insight’s best conversations of the year. Today we listen back to the creatives behind the local art scene– from music, to children’s books, a new Grammys category with Sacramento roots, art for healing, and a bittersweet goodbye to Luna’s Cafe. 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 in August to tell us more about this incubator for creation. Chasing A Spider Publishing  Finding children’s books that reflect our diverse community can be difficult, especially for children and families of color. A Sacramento husband and wife team, inspired by their daughter, decided it was time to make cultural books more accessible to all by publishing picture books for kids.  Award-winning author and publisher Samuel Narh joined Insight in December to talk about the need for diverse children’s books and what led him to start Chasing a Spider Publishing. Best African Music Performance Grammy is a Sacramento-based musician with a unique expertise as a steel drum musician from his Trinidadian roots. He is also a member of The Recording Academy, a.k.a. The Grammys. In June, Shawn Joined Insight about a huge milestone in music excellence. He helped author the new Best African Music Performance category, which will debut at the upcoming awards show. Shawn opened up about how this is a big step forward to recognize the contributions of musical traditions of Africa that have entertained people for generations. Monterey Jazz Festival The Monterey Jazz Festival  is coined as the “longest continuously running jazz festival in the world.” Each year the festival features several student bands, like the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, which was created in 2019 to feature top high school women jazz players from across the country. Only six students get in, and this year, two of them happen to be from Sacramento. In September, CapRadio's Excellence in Jazz host Avery Jeffry sat down with the two student musicians ahead of the 66th annual festival. Paloma Cobbs-Silva and Salome Ospina discussed their journey to Monterey. Both were involved in the “Teagarden Jazz Camp” with the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation. 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. In August, CapRadio’s Paul Conley took a look back to celebrate the end of a beloved chapter in Sacramento arts.

Insight’s best conversations of the year. We revisit interviews with two Sacramento-based Pulitzer-Prize winning editorial cartoonists– Jack Ohman and Darrin Bell. Jack Ohman  At 19 years old Jack Ohman became a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist and, decades later, earned 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 year, the Sacramento Bee’s parent company “McClatchy” let go of Jack, along with other Pulitzer-Prize-winning editorial cartoonists saying it would no longer publish editorial cartoons. Insight sat down with Jack Ohman in July 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, and is far from over. Darrin Bell 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 joined Insight in September about his career as an editorial cartoonist with syndicated comic strips, and a passion for graphic novels.

CapRadio’s interim GM provides an end-of-year update on the public media station’s financial challenges. Plus, a winter classical music and wine tour around the world. Finally, some favorite new music from musical acts with local ties. Update on CapRadio Financial Challenges  CapRadio Interim General Manager Tom Karlo gives an end-of-year update on the financial challenges facing the NPR-member station, which is home to both news and music channels, and operates North State Public Radio in Chico. CapRadio is an auxiliary of Sac State, which holds the public media station’s license. Chico State holds the license to NSPR. This summer, CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff and canceled longtime music programs. An audit commissioned by the California State University system found numerous instances of financial mismanagement, largely tied to an ambitious yearslong move to a new downtown headquarters and creation of a live venue, which now has an uncertain future. CapRadio still operates on campus.  Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was broadcasted or posted publicly. Winter Wine & Classical Tour Around the World If you are planning on hosting or attending a holiday party in the coming weeks, we have the perfect pair to help you with your wine and music selections.  CapRadio Midday Classical Host, Jennifer Reason and wine expert, Rick Kushman joins us today with their picks to help make the holidays extra bright. Jennifer will also share with us a preview of her annual “December Around the World” music special that will air on CapRadio this month. Local(ish) Music Picks of 2023 Many of you already have your “Spotify Wrapped” playlists. But there are great musical acts, with local ties, that released new music this year(ish). We put a callout to CapRadio colleagues and asked which songs rose to the top for them in 2023. CapRadio Midday Host Andrew Garcia presents the picks. The selections are Rituals of Mine “Overcome,” Slow Pulp “Cramps,” Cosmic Roots “Weight Up,” Victoria Monet “On My Mama,” Mediocre Cafe “Coolpix Sled Jam.”

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg reflects on 2023. Also, Cal OES delivers humanitarian aid to Israel and Gaza. Plus, how Palestinians across the Sacramento Valley are coping with war abroad. Finally, a snow season outlook in the central Sierra. Sacramento Mayor Year in Review Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg joins Insight to reflect on the year and look ahead to 2024– as his final year as mayor.  From homelessness to the post-COVID economy in Sacramento, we ask the mayor how he measures success, as well as what are his goals for this final year in office. We also ask him about who he thinks might be the best fit to replace him as mayor when his term ends, as well as what his plans are in the future and if they include a run for higher office. Cal OES Delivers Aid to Israel & Gaza The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has been assisting civilians impacted by the war between Israel and Hamas. Cal OES Deputy Director of Crisis Communication Brian Ferguson discusses the shipment of nearly identical supplies of humanitarian aid that arrived to Israel and Gaza. The pallets of medical supplies include a field hospital, wound and IV kits, defibrillators, wheelchairs, personal protective equipment, and other emergency-response items. Palestinians in Sacramento Valley is the Executive Director of the civil rights organization CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) in the Sacramento Valley. A Palestinian himself, Elkarra shares how the Palestinian community is coping and grappling with war abroad– many with loved ones in Gaza. Sierra Snow Outlook California saw near record-breaking snowfall from 2022-2023, with hundreds of inches accumulating in some areas. But how will the current snow season stack up? Dr. Andrew Schwartz, the Lead Scientist and Manager of UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab provides an update on current snowfalls and future predictions, and also discusses a new sensor network the lab is rolling out this winter.

Final environmental impact report for the Delta Conveyance Project. Also, Shriners partners with Sacramento-area high schools to empower women in orthopedic surgery. Finally, K-ZAP brings their music box selections released this year. Delta Conveyance (Tunnel) Project Climate change is challenging the way California captures and delivers water to drier parts of the state, like the South Bay and Southern California. For years, farmers, preservationists and environmentalists have fought over the proposed ‘Delta Tunnel’ project. Last week, the project cleared a major environmental hurdle which could re-energize plans to drill a single tunnel under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and divert water to parts of the Bay Area, Central Coast and Southern California. Jay Lund is a water resource engineering expert with the PPIC and UC Davis and joins us to explain the latest on the ‘Delta Conveyance' proposal and how the new environmental impact report could affect water delivery in the future. Women in Orthopedic Surgery Women make up roughly half of all medical students, but that doesn’t trickle down to all specialties. Orthopedics rank at the bottom with just 7% female surgeons. We’ll go straight to the source to better understand why that’s the case. Dr. Michelle James is an Emeritus Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and a pediatric hand surgeon at Shriners Children’s Northern California, and Dr. Claire Manske is an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Northern California. They join Insight to discuss an event this weekend with The Perry Initiative designed to encourage and empower young women to explore careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering. Participants across Sacramento-area schools will engage in mock surgical exercises, and attendees will hear lectures from local women surgeons and engineers about their experiences and journeys in these fields. New Music Box Set Selections When holiday shopping for the music-lovers in your life, one of the best gifts to get is a CD box set, packed full of unreleased tracks, remastered tunes, memorabilia and more. And 2023 saw no shortage of musical offerings. Dennis Newhall, co-founder and announcer of K-ZAP returns to Insight with a selection of box set collections released this year, from Bob Dylan and The Who, to Joni Mitchell and The Doors.

California’s projected $68 billion budget shortfall. Also, the how California Bountiful Foundation uplifts upcoming farmers and ranchers. Finally, Peter Petty’s “Hepcat’s Holla-Daze! Swinging Yuletide Revue” at the Crest Theatre. $68 Billion Budget Shortfall California's projected budget shortfall has gone from bad to worse.  The state now faces a $68 billion gap and the projections for the next couple of years are not much better.  CapRadio State Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us with details on how the deficit doubled in size in a matter of months.  We’ll also learn why this budget gap is different from those the state experienced in the early to mid-2000s and examine a few different paths the state can take to avoid deep, across-the-board cuts. California Bountiful Society’s New Project for Farmers and Ranchers The USDA recently announced the investment of nearly $28 million to support programs that will teach new farmers and ranchers. One of the funding recipients is the California Farm Bureau’s nonprofit California Bountiful Foundation, which plans to offer an agricultural mentoring and education program to people who are veterans or socially disadvantaged. CFB Administrator Jim Houston and Michael O’Gorman, founder of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, join Insight to shed more light on the new project. Peter Petty ‘Hepcat’s Holla-Daze! Swinging Yuletide Revue’ We are well into holiday music this month. If you’re craving something different, the Crest Theatre this weekend may be just what you’re wanting to experience. Peter Petty’s upcoming event with a 12-piece orchestra has become a holiday tradition, inspired by the swing era, burlesque and traditional jazz, which make for a lively evening. Bandleader Peter Petty joins us ahead of his annual “Hepcat’s Holla-Daze! Swinging Yuletide Revue” at the Crest Theatre on Saturday Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. And a heads up, the show is a full variety program with some adult language.

Sacramento study recommends ways to improve the city’s entertainment economy. Also, Sacramento Jewish leaders discuss how they are observing Hanukkah amid ongoing war. Finally, the author of “Poster Girl” and the story of WWII women welders. Improving Sacramento’s Entertainment Economy    Last year, Sacramento created a new position to build the city’s nighttime economy so that entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and other businesses can thrive after hours. Tina Lee-Vogt became the city’s first Nighttime Economy Manager in October 2022. In the year-plus since leading the new Office of Nighttime Economy, Tina has been canvassing downtown and midtown Sacramento listening to what’s needed, the city’s strengths, and the challenges to creating a vibrant entertainment economy. Tina returns to Insight with what she learned from a Sociable City Assessment and Music Economy Census conducted this year, as well as the changes that could happen in 2024.   How Sacramento is Observing Hanukkah Today marks two months since the attack on Israel by Hamas. Today is also the start of Hanukkah. Rabbi Mona Alfi, from Sacramento’s Congregation B’nai Israel and Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, from the Chabad Jewish Community Center, join Insight to discuss how their congregations are celebrating the holiday while their hearts and minds are on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. We will also understand what conversations are taking place within their communities during a rise in antisemitism. “Poster Girl” and the Story of WWII Women Welders During World War II millions of women took up jobs on production lines and in the defense industry to fulfill wartime orders for aircraft, munitions, and ships. These “Rosie the Riveters” and “Wendy the Welders” broke down barriers, and became symbols of inspiration and empowerment. On the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we speak with historical novelist Shelley Blanton-Stroud about her newly-released book “Poster Girl,” which captures the experiences - and hardships - faced by these female patriots.

Sac State joins CSU campuses in a faculty one-day strike over stalled negotiations. Also, western Monarch butterflies are clustering along the California coast this winter. Finally, a Sacramento cover band performs the Beatles “Rubber Soul” album. Sac State Faculty to take part in CSU Strike Faculty at Sac State will walk off the job tomorrow in a planned, one-day strike.  The issue stems from a disagreement and stalled negotiations between CSU and faculty over proposed salary increases. Sac State is the fourth campus to be impacted by the strikes this week and we’ll discuss the impact to students, classes and staff with CapRadio Northern California reporter, Janelle Salanga, and EdSource’ higher education reporter, Ashley Smith. California’s Monarch Butterfly Migration Over the next several months, tens of thousands of monarch butterflies will migrate across the western United States to spend the winter along the California coast. This “overwintering” is crucial on the insect’s journey to breed, and comes at a time when the monarch runs the risk of going extinct. Isis Howard, an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation discusses this year’s migration, the best places to see the butterflies, and how we can help protect this brilliant species. Sac Band Performs Beatles ‘Rubber Soul’   Green Grass Snakes drummer Larry Schiavone and Juelie Roggli, with the Davis Odd Fellows, discuss their Thursday Live! performance on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. The cover band will perform the Beatles 1965 album “Rubber Soul” in full. The show is free to the greater Sacramento area and all donations go to the musicians.  

Sac City Unified holds a hygiene donation drive for unhoused students and families. Also, girls flag football dominates high school sports across the state. Finally, CapRadio staff recommend the best Sacramento-themed gifts. Sac City Unified’s ‘Hygiene Drive’ for Unhoused Students The Sacramento City Unified School District is running a new kind of collection effort to help local unhoused students and families. The district is conducting a “hygiene drive” from now through Dec. 22, and is accepting donations of items like shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks, diapers, pads, tampons and more. Ashley Powers Clark, Homeless Education Services Program Coordinator for SCUSD, joins Insight to shed more light on the initiative, and how these resources can be critical to those in need throughout the district. Donations can be dropped off at the Serna Center at 5735 47th Ave. in the blue bin by the front desk in the lobby between normal business hours. More information about the district’s Homeless Education Services is available by calling (916)643-2450 or emailing [email protected]. Girls Flag Football  Girls flag football. It’s the buzz on high school campuses all over California these days. The newly-sanctioned sport has become so popular so quickly, that coaches have more girls signing up than they have room for on their teams.  On Insight, we’ll revisit our conversation about the explosive growth of girls flag football with Will DeBoard, Assistant Commissioner with the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, as well as Varsity Flag Football Coach, Melissa Triebwasser, of Sacramento’s St. Francis High School, and learn how the game is similar yet also very different from the boys version.  We’ll also find out why it means so much to the players and their coaches to be able to take the field in this historically male-dominated sport. SacramenKnow Local Gift Ideas  CapRadio SacramenKnow Newsletter editors Claire Morgan and Janelle Salanga asked staff for their go-to picks when it comes to local gifts. And CapRadio colleagues did not disappoint. Claire and Janelle share this year’s list for the best Sacramento-themed gifts. You can get the SacramenKnow Newsletter delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday. The twice-weekly newsletter lets you explore the region, get involved in your community and experience moments of joy.

Analysis of the Gov. Newsom-Gov. DeSantis debate. Also, Sacramento barbershops host free therapy sessions. Finally, the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” performances. Gov. Newsom-DeSantis Debate Analysis Last week’s Newsom-DeSantis debate had its fair share of memorable moments and one-liners. Each side believed they made their case for the future of their party and the country. We are going to take a closer look, beyond the soundbites, at what the debate accomplished through a California lens, what it means for Governor Newsom and if California politics are the future direction of the United States. Two long-time Sacramento political veterans, Republican Rob Stutzman and Democrat Robin Swanson, join Insight to discuss the Newsom-DeSantis debate and how it will shape the upcoming race in 2024 and beyond. Barbershops Host Free Therapy Sessions  Sacramento barbershops are hosting free therapy sessions targeted towards Black men and reducing the stigma of mental health. The program is called “Cut to the Chase” and it's hosted by the Greater Sacramento Urban League. The events help foster a sense of community, support and understanding among attendees– ultimately empowering them to address their mental health needs. Greater Sacramento Urban League Chief Impact Officer Dr. Troy M. Williams and Senior Director of Partnerships Ronnie Cobb join Insight to discuss the program. Meetups are held in north and south Sacramento from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tapers Barber Shop & Salon at 3310 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd on the first Thursday of the month, as well as at Five Starr Fades at 1332 Del Paso Blvd on the second Thursday of the month.  Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra  The holidays are fast approaching, and the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra is getting ready to kick off the season with “merriment guaranteed.” Home for the Holidays is returning for its 28th year to the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Founder and Music Director Dr. Donald Kendrick and President Dr. Jim McCormick provides a preview of the performance’s sights and sounds, and also talk about the show’s local honoree - the late Suzanne Kenyon.

Sacramento County becomes the first community in California to use the “Blue Zones” model to create a dementia-friendly community. Also, why maternity wards are closing across the state. Finally, a ski resort opening forecast for the Tahoe area.  Sacramento County’s Alzheimer's Initiative California is home to the largest aging population. As we get older, the risk increases for debilitating health conditions– including for dementia and Alzheimer’s, which can rob a person’s cognition and quality of life. But there are countries with larger older populations than the U.S., and they offer some good insight when it comes to aging and wellness. Those that lead the pack– like Japan, Italy and Greece– are home to “blue zones” where people are both living longer and healthier. Sacramento County is taking notice, and has been selected as the first community in the state to adopt a “blue zone” model– with a specific focus on creating a dementia-friendly community. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe got a better understanding of what this exactly means and joins us with her reporting.  Why Maternity Wards are Closing Across CA Over the past decade, dozens of hospitals across California have closed their maternity wards, according to new analysis by the non-profit newsroom CalMatters. The pace of these closures has accelerated in recent years, and it is leaving many communities with increased barriers to care, including long travel times for childbirth and prenatal appointments. And these findings align with roughly the same time period when pregnancy-related deaths in California reached a 10-year high. CalMatters health reporter Ana Ibarra explains the investigation which dives into the factors behind these closures.  CalMatters is a content sharing partner with public radio newsrooms across the state. Ski Resort Opening Forecast This time last year the Sierra was caked in snow, ski resorts were starting to open, and it was just the beginning of what turned out to be an epic winter. Now, as we get closer to the end of 2023 and upcoming holidays, those who enjoy the snow are waiting for that one big storm to kick-off the season in Tahoe. Joining us to talk ski and snow business are Davis Bedient with Donner Ski Ranch and Paul Raymore with Diamond Peak. We’ll learn what’s new at their ski resorts this year and how you can save some money this season– if you plan your snow days right.

Caltrans proposes toll express lanes on parts of I-80 and US 50 in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The nation’s first commercial direct air capture plant opens in Tracy. A Sacramento independent publisher of children’s books for a diverse audience. Caltrans Proposes Toll Lanes Across Yolo Causeway If you commute through Sacramento and Yolo counties, chances are you’ve experienced traffic come to a crawl on I-80 over the Yolo Causeway. Caltrans and the Yolo Transportation District have a plan to alleviate that gridlock with toll express lanes on portions of I-80 and HWY 50. The agency is seeking public comment on this $465 million project, with an upcoming date scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library on 315 E. 14th St. in Davis from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dennis Keaton from Caltrans joins Insight to talk more about how the proposal plans to reduce delays and improve travel. Tracy’s First-in-the-Nation Direct Air Capture Facility A commercial direct air capture facility in Tracy is setting a national precedent in climate goals. It is the first in the United States that can extract carbon from the air, permanently store it and sell carbon removal credits to customers. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira talks more about the science behind carbon sequestration and direct air capture, and how the new facility factors into California’s fight against climate change. Sacramento Children’s Book Publisher Finding children’s books that reflect our diverse community can be difficult, especially for children and families of color.  A Sacramento husband and wife team, inspired by their daughter, decided it was time to make cultural books more accessible to all by publishing picture books for kids.  Award-winning author and publisher Samuel Narh joins us to talk about the need for diverse children’s books and what led him to start Chasing a Spider Publishing.  

CPUC approves PG&E rate increases. California’s first and only Black-led conservation group acquires land in Placer County. Sutter Street Theatre’s “Holiday in the Hills.” PG&E Rate Increase PG&E customers will be paying close to $400 more per year for their service due to new rate hikes approved earlier this month by the California Public Utilities Commission. While the rate hikes were not a surprise, they come at a time where customers are dealing with massive cost of living increases. Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network), joins us to discuss the impact of the increases especially on lower income, vulnerable Californians. Note:  PG&E’s press release regarding the rate increases can be found here. Black-led Conservation Group Acquires Placer County Land Accessing the outdoors can provide a variety of benefits, including improving one’s physical and mental well-being. But many people in highly-urban areas, especially people of color, can face barriers when trying to access these opportunities. Recently, California’s first - and only - Black-led conservation group acquired hundreds of acres of land in Placer County to provide more economic, environmental, and recreational equity.  Jade Stevens, President of the 40 Acre Conservation League talks about the organization’s history, and its plans for the new parcel. Sutter Street Theatre’s ‘Holiday in the Hills’ “Holiday in the Hills” returns to Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom. Director Mike Jimena and Artistic Director Connie Mockenhaupt discuss the research that went into this year’s family-friendly rendition. The play takes place in the late 1800’s and everyone you see onstage was an actual resident or visitor to Folsom at that time of year. “Holiday in the Hills” runs Dec. 2 to  Dec. 23 and is rated G.

POLITICO’S “California Playbook” joins us with the latest in state politics. Plus, the number of evictions in California remains high across large counties. Finally, NPR’s 2023 “Books We Love” selections. ‘California Playbook’ , co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, discusses the latest in state politics including California congressional retirements, how the Israel-Hamas war is creating divisions within the Democratic Party, as well as an upcoming debate this week between Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.   Evictions on the Rise The number of Californians facing eviction was relatively low during a statewide moratorium put in place during the pandemic. In the year after it ended, Calmatters found that cases soared and still remain high in large counties, despite a nearly decade-long trend of declining evictions. Calmatters reporter Jeanne Kuang joins Insight to discuss the reasons underlying the spike, what the situation looks like in the greater Sacramento region, and the implications for both landlords and tenants. NPR’s 2023 ‘Books We Love’ For those who enjoy a new book, there is help to relieve the choice paralysis while combing through a bookstore. For the past decade, NPR has curated its “Books We Love,” an interactive reading guide based on staff and critics’ selections of their top picks of the year. And the 2023 edition is now live. There are nearly 400 books to choose from, which can feel intimidating, but you can mix and match genre tags to find the right book. Andrew Limbong is NPR’s Arts Desk Reporter, and host of the “Book We Love” podcast, and talks about this year’s Books We Love selections.  

Elk Grove Food Bank is in need of turkey donations. Also, an organization helps Stockton youth experiencing homelessness. Finally, some Thanksgiving wine selections. Elk Grove Food Bank in Need of Donations The risk of hunger is a growing concern in the United States. According to the Sacramento Food Bank, which distributes essentials to more than 120 partner agencies across the county, food insecurity has risen dramatically in recent years– last year roughly 100,000 more people a month were in need of their food assistance services.  And as the holidays approach, many people are still looking for help. Dr. Suman Singha, board chair for Elk Grove Food Bank Services, joins Insight to talk about increasing levels of food insecurity, particularly among seniors, as well as the organization’s ongoing turkey drive, which runs through Friday, Nov. 17. Helping Stockton Homeless Youth An estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States each year. The causes range from housing instability to family conflict, and youth homelessness can have lasting impacts on the rest of a person’s life. However, one local organization is looking to draw attention and help young at-risk members in their community. Elizabeth Sanchez, Director of Community Engagement at the Stockton nonprofit PREVAIL, talks about the services her organization provides to homeless youth, as well as its Nov. 16 Light Up the Night Mixer event at Weberstown Mall to raise awareness. Thanksgiving Wine If your shopping list includes wine for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday or an upcoming party, wine expert and New York Times bestselling author Rick Kushman joins us Insight with some helpful ideas to wow your crowd. We’ll learn about what kind of glassware works best with certain wines, and where to find the perfect bottle here in the Sacramento area to satisfy your budget and curiosity.

Sacramento County hospitals are seeing the second-to-worst ER wait times in the state. Gov. Newsom streamlines the Sites Reservoir Project. New recipe cookbook celebrates Sacramento’s best restaurants. Sacramento County ER Wait Times Sacramento County has the second-worst emergency room wait times in California, averaging nearly an hour to get from an ambulance to a hospital bed. These delays are tying up first responders, and also putting patients’ health at risk. CapRadio’s Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe joins Insight to shed more light on how these delays are affecting both medical workers and patients, and what steps are being taken to cut waiting times for critical care services. Gov. Streamlines Sites Reservoir Project Located just over an hour north of Sacramento, in Glenn and Colusa counties, the Sites Reservoir has long been eyed as a site for surface water storage. And now after roughly 70 years, the off-river storage basin west of the Sacramento Valley is being streamlined and moving forward. Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, discusses what dent it will make in the water supply– and for whom– as well as the impact to the environment and native species that rely on the Sacramento River. Cookbook Celebrates Sacramento Restaurants We’ve had our fair share of conversations diving into the growing, and delicious, restaurant scene across the Capital Region. And now, there’s a cookbook rounding up some of the best dishes in our backyard. Sacramento Bee Food and Drink Reporter Benjy Egel discusses his new book “Sacramento Eats: Recipes from the Capital Region’s Favorite Restaurants” which collaborates with the best chefs across more than 60 local eateries.

 A human rights professor discusses Palestinians and the Israel-Hamas War. What is causing an ongoing veterinarian shortage across California animal shelters. Free state park passes at public libraries. Palestinians and the Israel-Hamas War Just over a month ago, on Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel, killing civilians and taking hundreds of hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive bombing campaigns and launched a ground invasion of the isolated Gaza Strip. Health officials in Gaza report that over 11,000 people have been killed so far, while Israeli authorities count over 1,200 dead. As the fighting continues, increasingly forceful attention has been called to the human rights challenges of the current conflict, from allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing, to concerns over antisemitism and Islamophobia here at home.  Keith David Watenpaugh, professor and director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis, joins Insight for a deeper look at the human rights challenges of the current war.   Veterinarian Shortages at Animal Shelters There are more than 200 animal shelters across California and many are facing a growing dilemma– caring for more animals with less staff. Money doesn’t seem to be the main driver, but an ongoing veterinarian shortage that escalated during the pandemic. A study this year from the San Francisco SPCA and UC Davis shows that of the shelters that have budgeted positions for veterinarians and vet nurses, more than half of those positions remain vacant. Which means hundreds of thousands of shelter animals across the state do not have access to reliable veterinary care– with consequences that include overcrowding, higher instances of illness and euthanasia. Front Street Animal Shelter in the city of Sacramento is among the sites impacted. Dr. Victoria Smalley is Front Street’s only full-time veterinarian and joins us with a closer look at the challenges. And Dr. Kate Hurley is the director of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, which partnered for the study, and joins us with a closer look at a veterinary shortage across the state, and how the community can help.   State Park Passes at Public Libraries Visiting a state park may not be in the cards for many lower income Californians. Entry fees coupled with the cost to get there, like gas, can add up quickly. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us about a state park entry program that is free and only requires a library card to access. We’ll also learn about how Californians can get free access to gear that makes exploring the outdoors even more enjoyable.

POLITICO’s California Playbook shares the latest political current events in the state. State utility regulators to weigh proposed PG&E rate hikes. How to get a Christmas tree permit with the U.S. Forest Service. California Political Roundup The political pace is picking up as we close 2023 and quickly round the corner to the March primary. Which means the stakes are on an upward trajectory, with every political decision carrying more weight. Dustin Gardiner is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins us with a dive into a new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll that shows growing disapproval ratings for both President Biden and Gov. Newsom among California voters, the importance of the APEC Summit underway in San Francisco, and the trial of David DePape, charged with the assault and attempted kidnapping of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul Pelosi at their home in Oct. of 2022. Potential PG&E Rate Hikes PG&E is asking for another double-digit rate hike and state regulators could approve the utility’s request later this week. It could cost customers hundreds of dollars more a year. PG&E argues it needs the additional money to improve wildfire safety, while consumer advocates say it’s too much, too soon, unfair and inequitable. Joining us to help us better understand why PG&E keeps raising its rates and turning to its customers with more hikes is Meredith Fowlie, Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. PG&E released a statement to Insight: “PG&E recognizes our responsibility to serve our customers safely and reliably, and we are aggressively focused on how to deliver work safely at a lower cost. We prioritize safety above all else. Undergrounding powerlines in the highest fire-risk areas will make our hometowns and California safer, improve electric reliability, and save customers billions of dollars in avoided annual tree trimming and overhead line maintenance costs. Investing in our system to make it more climate-resilient and decarbonized will make it safer and cleaner. We are working to keep customer cost increases at or below assumed inflation, between 2 and 4% a year. Actions we’ve taken to reduce costs include working with customer advocates on an alternative to commercial insurance saving customers up to $1.8 billion over the next four years, and accessing non-traditional funding sources like federal grants and loans to speed up safety work at a lower cost to customers.” Christmas Tree Permits It’s that time of year when people begin thinking about the winter holidays and the many associated traditions, including getting a Christmas tree. For those looking for an affordable and environmentally-beneficial way to partake in this tradition, the U.S. Forest Service is selling Christmas tree permits for people to harvest their tree in multiple national forests across the country, including several in California. Lisa Herron, Public Affairs Specialist with the USDA Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit joins Insight to talk more about the permit program’s benefits.

City of Sacramento launches its annual community survey. CalMatters investigation reveals ongoing unemployment issues and fraud losses within California’s EDD. The Sacramento Observer celebrates with a 60th anniversary gala. Survey Asks ‘What Do You Like About Sacramento?’ What do you like about Sacramento? Is there something you’d like to see improved? Every year the City of Sacramento asks residents to participate in a survey about how they feel about the community. And this year’s opportunity to speak your mind has just launched.  Sacramento City Auditor Jorge Oseguera joins us to discuss the survey. We’ll learn how Sacramento city leaders use the information to guide policy decisions and allocate funds to areas that need attention, based on the feedback they receive. CalMatters EDD Investigation California is launching a massive overhaul of its unemployment and disability agency EDD, following one of the largest waves of fraud in US history, when suspected scammers reaped billions of dollars in unemployment aid during pandemic job losses. A new investigation from CalMatters Reporter Lauren Hepler reveals what caused the crash that touched 1 in 8 Californians, and the devastating consequences to real workers who went without unemployment benefits for weeks and months on end. CalMatters is a non-profit newsroom that is a content sharing partner with public media stations across the state. Sac Observer’s 60th Anniversary Gala   Larry Lee, President and Publisher of The Sacramento Observer, shares the history of becoming one of the leading African American newspapers in the country, ahead of the paper’s 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration. Sac Observer and CapRadio have a unique partnership with Report For America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.    This conversation first aired in July.

Five years after the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The Davis “Science Cafe” holds its 100th event. Five Years After the ‘Camp Fire’ On Nov. 8, 2018 the Camp Fire ignited in Butte County and became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. In the five years since, survivors in Paradise– and surrounding communities like Magalia, Pulga and Concow– have overcome hurdle after hurdle to rebuild. Jennah Baker helped senior residents escape from Sunshine Assisted Living that fateful day. Jennah was part of a documentary with Insight host Vicki Gonzalez while at KCRA, that followed four families in the year after the Camp Fire. Jennah joins Insight to share what home feels like now. Thousands of students, staff and teachers were impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire. Schools burned down or were seriously damaged, students and teachers fled, and the recovery process has been slow.  But out of the ashes comes hope for a revival of the area’s education system, with new buildings and facilities and a return to class. Paradise Unified School District Superintendent Tom Taylor joins us to discuss the journey back to school and what the future holds for the community. 100th Science Cafe On the second Wednesday of every month, the Davis Science Café provides a casual environment for scientists to talk about their research with the general public. On Nov. 8, the free series will be holding its 100th edition at the G Street WunderBar in Davis. Science Café host and founder Dr. Jared Shaw reflects on the history of the series. And guest presenter Dr. Crystal Rogers, Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology at UC Davis, provides a preview of this month’s event “Why Are Faces Different? Genes, the Environment, & Embryonic Development.”

Sacramento’s X Street Navigation Shelter progress and setbacks for those unhoused. What we know, and don’t know, about the El Niño winter forecast. Is this year’s wildfire season over? The 30th Annual “Run to Feed the Hungry.” Sacramento’s X Street Navigation Shelter It’s one of Sacramento’s busiest homeless shelters and while there has been some success in connecting people with housing options, there’s still room for improvement. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols joins us for an update on the X Street shelter and the significant barriers that still keep people from finding a permanent, safe, place to live.  We will also learn about a new seasonal shelter that has opened in Elk Grove. El Niño Winter Forecast The forecast this winter is that El Niño is making a comeback, a weather pattern associated with wet weather and flooding. But it’s not that simple or predictable. According to the NOAA, El Nino dates back to the 1600s, when South American fishermen noticed periods of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. Some 400 years later, there is still a great deal we don’t know. While some climate models are predicting a “super El Nino” this winter, it doesn’t mean we’ll feel that impact in Northern California. Dr. Paul Ullrich, Professor of Regional Climate Modeling at UC Davis, explains how big of a role El Niño plays in predicting wintertime precipitation in California. Is Wildfire Season Over? You might think this year’s wildfire season is a closed chapter. But history would caution otherwise. Tomorrow marks five years since the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. And in Southern California, the 2017 Thomas Fire is among one of the largest and most destructive in state history. They are sobering reminders that wildfires can defy seasons and be year round. Craig Clements, Professor and Director of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State University and joins us with a clearer picture of where things stand so far this year. 30th Annual ‘Run to Feed the Hungry’ is the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country, and the largest annual fundraiser for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. This year, the Sacramento tradition returns for its 30th year, and a goal of 30,000 participants. Blake Young, President and CEO of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services gives a preview of the 30th annual run taking place on Nov. 23, and how it will support those in the Sacramento region facing hunger and food insecurity.

The Sacramento County jail isn’t meeting people’s constitutional rights. Here’s what is being done about it. UC Davis professor’s book “American Purgatory: Prison Imperialism and the Rise of Mass Incarceration.” The fall edition of the Sacramento French Film Festival returns.   Sacramento County Jail Conditions Sacramento County Jail has been under a legal agreement to improve health conditions since 2020. But progress has been so slow for those incarcerated, that the jail is at risk of a rare federal takeover and essentially losing control of its operations. CapRadio’s Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe explains how it got to this point, including a proposal for a possible $1 billion annex that has been questioned by lawyers and advocates.   Book on the Rise of Mass Incarceration A UC Davis professor whose focus is on systemic racism and inequality is taking a hard look at our country’s mass incarceration system, and a history that he says is inextricably linked to the expansion of American power around the globe. Dr. Benjamin Weber joins us about his new book “American Purgatory: Prison Imperialism and the Rise of Mass Incarceration.” Sacramento French Film Festival Oh là là! The fall edition of the Sacramento French Film Festival is underway and there are several films for everyone to enjoy.  Joining us with a preview of three new films is Cecile Downs, Executive & Artistic Director of the Sacramento French Film Festival. We’ll learn how you can watch the movies from the comfort of your own home, as well as interact with one of the movie directors.

Caltrans updates emergency repairs on I-80 in the Sierra. Governor Gavin Newsom returns from a weeklong trip to China. Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam launches new series “Healing 2.0”   Sierra I-80 Emergency Repairs Update The holidays are fast approaching and so is the bad weather.  CalTrans crews are working as fast as possible to get I-80 back in shape after last season’s brutal beating from the rain, snow and wind.  We’ll get an update from Caltrans’ Jeremy Linder on several hotspots identified for emergency repairs, the timeline for completion and how best to keep tabs on travel conditions, road work and traffic. Gov. Newsom’s Trip to China Gov. Gavin Newsom has returned from a weeklong trip brokering deeper ties and collaboration with China. Behind the international stage is a lot at stake– from climate, to tourism, tech, and education– China touches many arms of California’s economy. But a trip of this scale is far from simple, given U.S.-China relations are strained. It’s a trip that’s difficult to digest from overseas. Luckily, a handful of California journalists joined the governor along the way. San Francisco Chronicle Politics Reporter Sophia Bollag discusses what the governor’s trip to China accomplished, and where California fits in.  Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam He has long been host of the show Hidden Brain which takes listeners on an exploration of our inner world so we can get to know ourselves better, with less judgment and curiosity. Shankar Vedantam joins Insight about his latest project, a series called “Healing 2.0” with new episodes every Thursday, starting Nov. 2. The series explores how we can change our lives by taking a closer look at the stories we tell ourselves about our lives; discuss the nature of loss; and consider a mind-bending idea about whether we should try to do away with grief. And it will investigate whether it’s really true that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and end with a conversation about crafting better apologies. 

New state law requires venture capitalists disclose the race and gender of companies they fund. The people behind a reduction in violent crime within the city of Sacramento. “5000 Watts” electric art show in Oak Park this weekend.   New Law To Improve VC Investment In Women A new state law, recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and taking effect in 2025, has the power to shine sunlight and potentially change the way venture capitalists invest in California businesses.  Historically, venture capital firms have invested in Silicon Valley companies founded by men, but this new measure will require VC’s to disclose the race and gender of the founders of the companies they fund. Hanisha Harjani is a reporter with The Fuller Project and joins us on Insight with how the law holds investors accountable. Sacramento’s Office of Violence Prevention Sacramento Police have reported that violent crime is down in the city by roughly 18% overall, compared to the same time last year. And a lot of credit was given to the Office of Violence Prevention– particularly the person who leads the department. Dr. Nicole Clavo was appointed to lead the department three years ago, but has long and deep ties to Sacramento. Dr. Clavo also intimately understands the pain and toll of gun violence. Her teenage son J.J. Clavo was a student-athlete at Grant Union High School. He was murdered in 2015 before the school’s football game. Dr. Clavo joins Insight with Mervin Brookins, Founder of Brother 2 Brother Mentoring, to share what’s happening on the ground that’s contributing to a reduction in violent crime, as well as the challenges that still remain.  “5000 Watts” Electric Art Show This weekend, a free electric art show is returning to Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, in a combination of creativity, arts, and technology. The event, 5000 Watts, is organized by a local nonprofit seeking to improve equity in STEAM education by providing programs to low-income and underrepresented students. Nicholas Haystings, Executive Director of the Square Root Academy, talks about how his organization’s work, as well as how 5000 Watts both supports the Academy and empowers the next generation of STEAM scholars.

Investigation into hospital bias for maternal care. UC Davis Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies is moving in a new direction. Broadway International Festival this weekend. Investigation into Hospital Bias in Maternal Care Black women are far more likely than other pregnant people to die during pregnancy. In 2019, California lawmakers passed a law requiring hospitals to provide training on unconscious bias and racial disparities around maternal deaths. Yet a new investigation by the California Department of Justice finds that few hospitals are complying, and serious disparities - especially for Black women - still persist. Kristen Hwang, Healthcare Reporter for CalMatters, talks about the investigation, as well as recommended steps aimed at reducing maternal mortality. Bulosan Center’s New Direction Five years ago, a first-of-its-kind grassroots research organization focused on the experiences of the Filipino American community was established at UC Davis - the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies. Now the center is embarking on a new, independent direction, while continuing its community-engaged work. Dr. Robyn Rodriguez, founder of the Bulosan Center, joins Insight to look back on the organization’s founding, mission, and impact on the local Filipino community. She also talks about its future as a priority of the Amado Khaya Initiative, named after her late son. Broadway International Festival Sacramento’s Broadway corridor is the pulse of Sacramento’s vibrant ethnic food, music and arts scene. This Saturday, the Broadway community is coming together to celebrate its diversity and culture at the annual Broadway International Festival. In addition to all of the fun festival offerings, this event also has a health and wellness component to it. Joining Insight is Zion Taddese, owner of the Ethiopian Queen Sheba restaurant and organizer of the festival. 

A Chico State professor launches study looking at AI’s impact on kids. A Sacramento dietician-nutritionist takes on the stigma around ultra-processed foods. Folsom Lake College puts on innovative showing of “20,000 Leagues Under the Seas.”   Chico State AI Study Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly commonplace, from image generators to virtual assistants. But concerns still remain around privacy, misinformation, and its impact on people in the long run. A new study launched at Chico State aims to analyze the current research around AI’s impact on children. Its lead investigator Dr. Abbas Attarwala, an Associate Professor of Computer Science, joins Insight to talk about the study, and how it can serve as a guide for future policy changes. Ultra-Processed Foods   is a Sacramento-based registered dietician-nutritionist, consultant, podcast host and author, who uses her experiences navigating the dietetic fields as a Black, queer dietitian to dismantle how both the public health and medical framing of “healthy eating” and “obesity” has contributed to disordered eating and self blame. Recently, Jessica has taken on the stigma surrounding "ultra processed foods"-- which can mean a lot more than what we think.     20,000 Leagues Under the Seas at Folsom Lake College A Broadway-caliber production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas is opening this week at Folsom Lake College.  Today on Insight, we speak with Director David Harris and actor Brennan Villados about what makes this production so special, including a much-anticipated  automated set.  We’ll also learn the innovative work the students get involved in and some of the unique programs Folsom Lake College offers.

City of Sacramento reports a nearly 19% drop in violent crime. How other countries have responded differently to mass shootings. Visit Sacramento launches a new Spanish-language podcast “Bienvenidos a Sacramento.”    City of Sacramento Reports Drop in Violent Crime Sacramento Police and city officials touted a roughly 18% reduction in violent crime so far in 2023. The city also announced $3.2 million in grants to community-based organizations working to interrupt violence in Sacramento. CapRadio Reporter Kate Wolffe dives into the early report. How Other Countries Reduce Mass Shootings An issue that can deeply divide us in the United States is gun control. While the U.S. is home to the largest number of mass shootings among developed countries in the world, and gun violence remains the number one cause of death for children, some argue that our constitutional right to a firearm continues to get in the way of meaningful and sensible gun control laws. Dr. Michael “Mick” North is the author of a book called, “Dunblane, Never Forget” after losing his 5-year-old daughter Sophie in a 1996 school shooting in Scotland, in which a gunman killed 16 students and their teacher before turning a gun on himself. Dr. North joins us Insight to talk about how he, and other parents who lost children, were able to change laws that resulted in a dramatic decline in gun-related deaths in the U.K. North also offers what he thinks can be done in the United States to bring the gun violence epidemic under control.  ‘Visit Sacramento’ Launches Spanish Podcast  Visit Sacramento debuted their new Spanish-language podcast, Bienvenidos a Sacramento, last month. A tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month, the new program showcases the stories and contributions of local Latino and Latina individuals and organizations in the community, from the all-female group Mariachi Bonitas to the Latino Center of Arts and Culture. Host Lilly Cortés Wyatt and Sonya Bradley, Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Visit Sacramento join Insight to talk about how this new podcast was started, the “intentionality” behind their approach, and the growth of Spanish-speaking podcast listenership.

Non-profit Fenta Nah to host its first Fentanyl Awareness Fall Festival. CapRadio podcast “This is What it Feels Like” discussing losing a parent to suicide. ‘Fenta Nah’ Awareness Festival Fentanyl is an epidemic that continues to harm communities across the country. This weekend a new nonprofit, Fenta Nah, will be holding its inaugural Fentanyl Awareness Fall Festival on Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Camellia Grove Lawn at the Capitol Mall, offering a number of live-saving resources and information. Executive Director Tracy Robinson and Vice President and Director of Operations Shei’vonne Weber join Insight to talk about the festival, as well as how the loss of their daughter and sister Abresha Oates to fentanyl motivated them to support other families touched by this crisis. “This is What It Feels Like” Losing a Parent to Suicide Each week we’ve explored CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” which shares the voices that are often overlooked or politicized by society. We’ve walked in the shoes of people who have navigated healthcare as a trans person, opened up about the harm of “catcalling culture,” given us an inspiring glimpse into what it’s like to be 106 years old, and listened to those who have gone through an abortion. These are firsthand, intimate, conversations that don’t typically happen, and they’re possible because of host Terra Lopez, an artist with deep ties to Sacramento. The final episode is one that is very personal to Terra– sharing what it’s like to lose a parent to suicide. Terra didn’t just share her own loss. She sat down with others who have also experienced that similar, but unique, pain. Mike Rafter is in the final episode. He and Terra joined Insight to talk about the importance of sharing a profoundly pivotal experience that often is attached to stigma.

Navigating news literacy online. Less than half of Sacramento County students meet college requirements. Sacramento Poetry Day is on Thursday.   News Literacy Project It can feel like we’re inundated with difficult and emotionally charged information when we go online. And it can be hard to discern fact from fiction and avoid confrontation– especially in the heat of the moment. John Silva is the Senior Director of Professional and Community Learning at the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit to advance the practice of news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy. John joins Insight to provide some tools about what to trust, share and act on. Low College Readiness in Sacramento County Schools Less than half of students at Sacramento County’s six largest school districts meet the requirements to attend California’s public universities. That success gap is disproportionately affecting students of color. Srishti Prabha, CapRadio’s Education Reporter joins Insight to talk about the effects of cultural biases and misconceptions on college readiness, as well as how “college intervention programs” are trying to help these students achieve their higher education goals. Sacramento Poetry Day Sacramento Poetry Day is on Thursday, highlighted by poetry curriculum in local schools, a contest open to all ages and a gala to celebrate the art of spoken word. Joining us to talk about Sacramento Poetry Day are Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye and David "AndYes" Loret De Mola, an award winning, nationally ranked slam poet.

POLITICO California Playbook shares the latest political happenings in the state. Valley Vision conducts its annual poll on livability across six counties. Blues artist Katie Knipp returns to The Sofia.    Governor Gavin Newsom’s Trip to Israel and China Governor Gavin Newsom is in China today to promote action on climate change and strengthen economic ties.  On his way to China, Newsom made a brief stop in Israel to meet with people affected by the war with Hamas.  Co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, Lara Korte, joins us today to talk about Newsom’s unexpected visit to Israel and what it means for his national profile despite his insistence that he is not running for President.  Korte also digs into the reasons behind newly-installed Senator Laphonza Butler’s decision not to run for the seat when her term is up.  2023 Valley Vision Livability Poll This summer, over 3,000 people across the six counties in the Sacramento region answered questions about their quality of life as part of Valley Vision’s annual Livability Poll. The poll provides a snapshot of a variety of critical factors, and many residents shared positive views about the region’s assets. However, issues like climate change, a lack of affordable housing and disparities in accessing essential needs remain serious concerns for many. The full results will be released at the second annual Livability Summit, taking place Oct. 30 at 8 a.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Evan Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Vision talks about the results of the latest poll, the upcoming summit, and some of its speakers. Blues Artist Katie Knipp at The Sofia   Katie Knipp is a three-time Top 10 Billboard Blues Albums artist and is bringing her big band back to the Sofia in Sacramento. Katie and drummer Neil Campisano join Insight ahead of their performance on Sat. Oct. 28 at 7pm.    Editor's note: CapRadio is a media sponsor of Valley Vision's livability summit.

Where California’s representatives stand in the fight for a new House Speaker. What it’s like to navigate an abortion. Sac State exhibit ‘The Seen Iranian Woman.’   California Congressional Update The House of Representative is still without a speaker as Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican nominee, failed twice to capture enough votes and will not seek a third vote on Thursday. Meanwhile in the Senate, California Sen. Alex Padilla is helping to launch a new mental health caucus, a move rooted in his own personal experiences. Shira Stein, Washington correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle joins Insight to talk about how California’s congressional delegation voted in the House, what other business is on the docket, and other updates from the U.S. capital. ‘This is What it Feels Like’ Abortion The personal experience of having an abortion often gets lost in the political world. And each decision to terminate a pregnancy is unique. There is a lot that goes into making that choice. We’re going to listen to Andi Wilson and Lorraine Allard, about how they navigated abortion firsthand. Andi and Lorraine are part of CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” which shares the voices of people often overlooked or politicized by society. New episodes drop on Thursday.    Sacramento State Exhibit ‘The Seen Iranian Woman’ A year after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a new exhibit at Sac State highlights the journey of Iranian women through art, poetry, history and fashion. “The Seen Iranian Woman” opens next week and is curated by Sac State Professor of Fashion Merchandising & Management, Jaleh Naasz.  Naasz and Sahar Razavi, Director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center, join Insight to talk about how Amini’s death inspired the exhibit, what it means to them as an Iranian-American and what they hope visitors will learn from the experience. Additional event info is available here.

Investigation into a little-known pollution rule that keeps the air dirty for millions of Americans. What roadkill can tell us about California's deer and mountain lion populations. Where to see fall colors across the Sierra Nevada.   Loophole Lets Air Regulators Wipe Pollution From Records The Clean Air Act is a more than 50-year-old federal law that allows the EPA to set standards to protect public health by regulating emissions of hazardous air pollutants. But an investigation by the California Newsroom found that a little-known provision forgives pollution caused by “natural” or “uncontrollable” events – like wildfires. And this “exceptional events rule” is being used more and more by local air regulators, alongside extreme weather events associated with climate change. Which means the air on paper might be cleaner than it actually is. And that has significant consequences to public health. Molly Peterson is an investigative reporter at the California Newsroom, a collaboration of public radio stations around the state and CalMatters, and joins Insight with more behind the findings, as well as solutions.  What Roadkill Can Tell Us About Native Species Roadkill. It’s an unfortunate sight on roads. But these fallen wild animals do have a great deal to tell us. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira spoke to researchers at UC Davis about what they have learned from roadkill, why certain areas are more susceptible, as well as what the state of California is doing to better track and conserve native species.  Fall Colors Across Sierra Nevada With Fall in full swing, it’s time for nature lovers to go out and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. From Lake Tahoe and Big Bear Lake, to Yosemite National Park, there are many places throughout California to take in the autumn beauty. But when is the best time to go, and how do you capture those scenes in a photo? Professional photographer Kial James joins Insight to talk about Fall foliage in the Northern California foothills, as well as tips for capturing good nature photography.

Event about making working California environments safer and more fair. Sacramento mayor candidates answer questions ahead of the March primary. Sacramento favorite Simon’s Bar & Cafe to close. What Is a Good Job Now? California workers enjoy some of the strongest legal protections in the country, but many still face workplace abuse or unfair labor practices. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. on the West Steps of the state Capitol, an in-person and livestreamed speaking event called “For Fairness in the Workplace” will highlight these challenges, as well as steps for potential change.  Presenter Joe Mathews, California columnist and Democracy editor at Zócalo Public Square and speaker Sara Fee, a former Amazon warehouse worker and organizer with the Warehouse Worker Resource Center in San Bernardino join Insight to talk about making working environments safer and more fair. Who is Running for Sacramento Mayor CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam shares her conversations with the candidates currently running for Sacramento mayor ahead of the March 2024 primary election. Four people have announced campaigns for mayor: Epidemiologist Flo Cofer, former City Council member Steve Hansen, state Assembly member Kevin McCarty, and former state lawmaker Dr. Richard Pan. They responded to questions on issues ranging from homelessness to music to the city government structure. Editor's notes: Steve Hansen joined CapRadio's governing board in 2021, after he left the city council. He resigned from the board late May 2023, prior to launching his mayoral campaign. In 2021, as a state senator, Dr. Richard Pan steered $1 million in state budget funding to CapRadio to help pay for construction of CapRadio's downtown studios. Assembly member McCarty placed $2 million in the 2022 state budget to help pay for construction of CapRadio's studios. Sacramento Restaurant Openings and Closures Sacramento’s restaurant and bar scene has come a long way over the years.  It has evolved from chain and corporate-owned restaurants to an oasis of diverse, award-winning restaurants. But just as the restaurant industry was seemingly reaching its fullest potential, the pandemic settled in, disrupting what might have been Sacramento’s food renaissance period. And restaurants are still trying to find their footing in an economy squeezed by inflation and a workforce that has yet to fully return to pre-pandemic levels, especially in the downtown area. And while some classic spots like Simon’s Bar & Cafe have announced they are going out of business, the news isn’t all bad. Several new spots are opening up. Sac Bee food and drink reporter, Benjy Egel, joins us with the latest comings and goings and gives an update on the Sacramento restaurant economy in the Capital City.

Which major bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law this year. New chancellor of the California State University system. Davis-based author writes a storybook to help families cope with the loss of a baby.   California New Laws Roundup Governor Newsom needed to sign or veto more than 1,000 legislative bills by Saturday night.  Some were controversial while others flew under the radar. CapRadio Politics reporter Nicole Nixon joins us with her assessment of the major bills, some of the ones that did not grab the headlines, and the reaction from those who had a lot riding on the governor’s signature.  New Cal State University Chancellor The California State University system has a new chancellor to lead the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Chancellor Mildred Garcia assumed the position at the start of the month, and is the first-ever Latina to become CSU chancellor. Insight first spoke with Garcia back in July following the announcement of her appointment. We are revisiting the conversation, where she talked about her life experiences and how she plans to shape a stronger foundation across its 23 campuses.  Storybook Helps Families Cope with Infant Loss For those who decide to have children, it can be a difficult journey. Miscarriages, other pregnancy losses, infertility– as well as losing a newborn or infant– are real-life heartbreaks that have long been dealt with in private. And that can feel very lonely. But there has been a shift in talking about these challenges and hardships to raise awareness that this is common, and there is support. Jennifer Canvasser is among those helping people cope, after suffering the loss of her infant Micah. Jennifer is based in Davis and is the founder and executive director of the NEC Society, a non-profit dedicated to preventing and treating a neonatal intestinal disease. She is also the author of “Forever Our Little One,” a storybook for families to read together after the devastating loss of losing a baby.

How climate change impacts mental health, and a solution called ‘ecotherapy.’ Understanding the Israel-Palestine conflict. A 106-year-old dismantles aging stereotypes. How Climate Change Impacts Mental Health Among the list of things that give young people anxiety and stress, one might not think climate change would rank that high on the list, but it is. Students, school counselors and even the state are taking notice of what some call “climate distress” or “eco-anxiety” and the impact on mental health. Shreya Agrawal is a health reporting intern with CalMatters and joins us with some ways young people are dealing with this kind of stress on the grassroots level all the way to something called “ecotherapy.” Understanding the Israel-Palestine Conflict It’s been almost a week since brutal fighting broke out in Israel after attacks by Hamas, and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes devastated the blockaded Gaza Strip. The deadly events mark the latest phase of a conflict that stretches back decades. Sac State professors Harvey Stark and Sahar Razavi talk about the context and nuances that underlie the current situation, and how an upcoming roundtable hosted by Razavi and Stark aims to educate and support students here in Sacramento affected by these heartbreaking events. The roundtable will be held at Sac State on Tue. Oct. 17 from 5:30 - 7pm at the Union Ballroom.  106-year-old Dismantles Aging Stereotypes CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” has a simple, open-ended premise: In a world that feels more divided than ever, put yourself in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society. It’s not simple. It’s not black and white. The newest episode features a 106-year-old woman named Glenna to dismantle and give a deeper understanding about aging. Joining Glenna in the podcast are granddaughters Cassie and Sarah. Glenna passed away shortly after her 107th birthday, surrounded by family. Cassie Zook joins Insight to discuss the power of intergenerational relationships, and how her grandmother shaped how she lives her life and her views on the aging process. 

Gov. Newsom vetoed, what would have been, a first-in-the-nation law banning caste discrimination. First murder sentencing for fentanyl in California takes place in Placer County. Faith J. McKinnie Gallery in Sacramento. Newsom Vetoes Caste Discrimination Bill , Politics Reporter for CalMatters, explains why Gov. Newsom vetoed, what would have been, a first-in-the-nation law banning caste discrimination in education, housing and the workplace. The bill, passed by the State Legislature, divided South Asian communities in California. First Fentanyl Murder Sentencing in California 15 years to life is the sentence handed down yesterday by a Placer County judge in a case that made history in California. A 22-year-old man is headed to state prison on second-degree murder charges after he was found responsible for the death of a Roseville girl who died from a fentanyl overdose. On Insight, we revisit a conversation with Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire who walks us through how the evidence in the case led him and his team to file murder charges against the suspect and how this case has now set a precedent for fentanyl cases in California. Faith J. McKinnie Gallery Sacramento’s arts scene took a major hit during the pandemic.  Galleries closed and those that survived struggled to stay open.  Now, there continues to be more closures than art gallery openings and that is concerning to many in the community.  Today on Insight, a ray of hope as Faith J. McKinnie, an independent curator and gallerist,  opened a new location just a few weeks ago.  We’ll speak to McKinnie about what Sacramento needs to bring back its’ one-vibrant arts scene and how she hopes to inspire others through her gallery.

Some Sacramento County residents can apply to participate in the third round of guaranteed income. Nonprofit fosters creativity for unhoused youth in Sacramento. Second annual Oak Park Black Film Festival. Sacramento Guaranteed Income Program Opens New Applications , Manager of the Guaranteed Income Program at United Way California Capital Region, discusses the third round of applications for some Sacramento County residents that would give them $500 every month. Residents have until Oct. 31 to apply, and the United Way will start paying 130 eligible households on Jan. 1, 2024. For this round of the program, funding came from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act money along with a donation from the Sierra Health Foundation.  Fostering Creativity for Unhoused Youth The number of unhoused youth in Sacramento County has more than doubled according to the most recent count of those experiencing homelessness in our area.  Many of them are part of the LGBTQ+ community as well as being persons of color, and connecting them to services is the goal of Sacramento’s Creation District. CapRadio’s Education Reporter, Srishti Prabha joins us on Insight today to share how this unique space offers a series of services focused on supporting Sacramento’s increasing number of unhoused people under the age of 24. Oak Park Black Film Festival , CEO of  St. HOPE, discusses the 2nd annual Oak Park Black Film Festival happening at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park from October 11-15. We’ll get a preview of the five-day festival, where African-American stories and history are told through cinema– including a special day celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop. 

A closer look at the bills Governor Newsom signed and vetoed over the weekend. UC Davis steps in to help refugee students from Artsakh protect their educational information. We discuss the inaugural Wellness Academy, a free virtual education series.   Politico’s California Playbook Governor Newsom signed and vetoed a stack of bills over the weekend.  We’ll take a closer look at what bills survived and which ones didn’t.  Plus, Kevin McCarthy, out as House Speaker.  Who will replace him and will California feel an impact without someone in the Speaker’s chair?  And, now that California has a new Senator, the big question surrounding Laphonza Butler is whether or not she will run for the seat in 2024.  We’ll discuss it all with Co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, Dustin Gardiner. UC Davis’ Backpack Program Over 100,000 refugees from the historic Armenian enclave of Artsakh have poured into the tiny South Caucasus country of Armenia following a mass exodus brought on by Azerbaijani aggression. UC Davis is stepping in to help refugee students from Artsakh protect their educational information as Azerbaijan executes a mass ethnic cleansing of the enclave.  UC Davis Professor and Director of Human Rights Studies, Keith David Watenpaugh joins us to discuss the humanitarian crisis and how Article 26 Backpack works. UC Davis Wellness Academy , Interim Dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine, and Dr. Scott Fishman, Executive Director of the Office of Wellness Education at UC Davis Health, discuss the inaugural Wellness Academy, a free virtual education series on wellness that is open to all, with lectures presented by esteemed UC Davis Faculty and experts in their field. Each virtual wellness lecture session will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m for four Saturdays in a row, beginning Oct. 14. 

Sacramento State President Luke Wood on CapRadio’s financial challenges. Navigating healthcare and gender-affirming care as a trans person. Heart of Gold Gravel Race in Nevada County this weekend. Sac State President Luke Wood on CapRadio Financial Challenges On Wednesday, 13 CapRadio board members resigned, following a devastating audit conducted by the California State University system. CapRadio is an auxiliary of Sacramento State, which holds the NPR-member station’s license. Sac State President Luke Wood discusses CapRadio’s financial mismanagement, Sac State’s oversight, as well as how the public radio station and university move forward.  Disclosure: Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this reporting before it was broadcasted or posted. You can follow ongoing coverage of financial issues at Capital Public Radio here. Navigating Healthcare as a Trans Person CapRadio’s new podcast This Is What It Feels Like puts listeners in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society. The first episode explores navigating healthcare as a trans person. On Insight, we explore gender affirming care. Liza Thantranon is regional Counsel for Health at Legal Services of Northern California, and has been working with Sacramento’s Gender Health Center as a community partner. Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Tandy Aye is the founder and medical director of the Stanford Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Clinic. Heart of Gold Gravel Race The Heart of Gold Race & Festival in Nevada City is a unique biking event that is more than just a race.  While competitors whip around a gravel course and festival goers enjoy the great food and drink, the winners of this annual event are local organizations focused on addressing youth mental wellness in Nevada County.  Joining us on Insight to talk about the event and the mental health needs of their community are race participant and Nevada County Supervisor, Hardy Bullock, and Jennifer Singer, Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth.

Sac State ASI president calls on CapRadio Board of Directors to resign. Sacramento Kings Documentary “Game On: Fight for the Kings.” Sacramento Greek Festival celebrates 60 years.  Sacramento State ASI President Calls on CapRadio Board to Resign CapRadio’s financial troubles go beyond the public radio station. As an auxiliary of Sacramento State, any debt is ultimately the responsibility of the university. Sacramento State Associated Students Inc. President Nataly Andrade-Dominguez is a CapRadio board member. In a statement to the student-run State Hornet, she called on the officers of the CapRadio board to resign. Andrade-Dominguez joins Insight to discuss how they view the right way to move forward, for the campus’ more than 30,000 students. You can follow ongoing coverage of financial issues at Capital Public Radio here. Kings Documentary It's been 10 years since a single tweet from a food blogger in Seattle touched-off a series of events that led to the fight to keep the Kings in Sacramento. Sunday night, a documentary called “Game On: Fight for the Kings” will air on KCRA that looks back at the journey from the moment news broke that the team was for sale, all the way to the building of the arena.  Investigative producer Dave Manoucheri and Sports Anchor Michelle Dapper join us with new insights into the battle between Seattle and Sacramento for the Kings. Sacramento Greek Festival Opa! The Sacramento Greek Festival turns 60 this year. The weather is looking good and the volunteers are hard at work to make this weekend’s festivities the best yet. Joining us today are organizer Koula Gianulias and long-time volunteer Julie Mamalis who will share with us some of the new features at this year’s Greek Fest and how the annual event benefits local charities and youth programs.

Why home caretakers in Sacramento are calling on the county to raise their wages and extend health care benefits. A California bill wants to equalize opportunity in Silicon Valley. Stroke awareness event at Sacramento State.    Sacramento Home Care Workers Want Higher Pay from County CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe explains why caretakers for elderly and disabled people in Sacramento are calling on the county to raise their wages and extend health care benefits for more people. Bill Aims To Improve VC Investment In Women Of the hundreds of bills waiting to be signed or vetoed by Governor Newsom, one has the power to shine sunlight and potentially change the way venture capitalists invest in California businesses.  Historically, venture capital firms have invested in Silicon Valley companies founded by men, but this bill would require VC’s to disclose the race and gender of the founders of the companies they fund. Hanisha Harjani is a reporter with The Fuller Project and joins us on Insight with how this bill would hold investors accountable, who is vehemently opposed to it and why proponents argue it is long overdue. Stroke Awareness Event at Sacramento State Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S. But for those who survive this brain injury, there can be a long road to recovery– both physically and emotionally. Luckily there is support to regain one’s capabilities and identity. Flannery O'Neil is a stroke survivor and Executive Director of Stroke Onward. Debra Meyerson, Ph.D. is founder of Stroke Onward and author of the book “Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke.” And Deborah Gonzalez is a speech pathologist who runs a stroke support group in Sacramento. They join us ahead of an event at Sacramento State on Oct. 7 for stroke survivors, their care partners, and those who work in the medical field.

The late Sen. Diane Feinstein’s legacy and who Gov. Newsom has chosen to appoint to fill her seat. CapRadio interim general manager discusses CSU audit detailing financial mismanagement. Late Sen. Diane Feinstein’s Legacy and Who Fills Her Seat Just days after the passing of longtime California Senator Dianne Feinsten, Governor Newsom has made his pick to fill the vacant seat. Previously, he had said he would fill it with an African-American woman who was not going to run for the seat in 2024 and it appears he is fulfilling that promise. Joining us to discuss the choice is CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff with more on Laphonza Butler and how her appointment makes history and how it may impact the upcoming race for Feinstein’s Senate seat. CSU Audit Details Financial Mismanagement at CapRadio CapRadio is the focus of a devastating audit by the California State University system that lays out years-long financial mismanagement and uncertainty that the public radio station has the ability to pay for costly downtown projects. In response, Sacramento State — which holds CapRadio’s license — is stepping in with oversight and financial support. The audit comes four weeks after CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff, which includes North State Public Radio based in Chico, and led to the cancellation of four longtime music programs. As journalists, we are taking a hard look at our employer. Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez and CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols sat down with interim General Manager Tom Karlo for a better understanding of what happened and where we go from here.  Disclosure: Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed our reporting before it was posted publicly or broadcasted.  

Voters to decide on Proposition 1 mental health funding. Investigation looks into nursing homes across the state. CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like.” Voters to Decide on Mental Health Funding California’s decades-long struggle to find a solution to the mental health and homelessness crisis is taking a new turn. Governor Gavin Newsom is banking on a new, two-pronged approach to funding critical infrastructure to help people with serious and chronic mental health issues that can lead to or exacerbate homelessness. CalMatters Health reporter, Kristen Hwang joins us to examine the Governor’s proposal, Proposition 1, which California residents will vote on in the March primary. Investigation into California Nursing Homes Elly Yu, Investigative reporter at LAist, shares her investigation which found that across the state, people with serious mental illness are living in nursing homes that experts say weren’t meant to care for them. Some call it "warehousing" and say the practice might violate federal laws, with deadly consequences. Yu’s investigation was a partnership with  APM Research Lab, as well as The California Newsroom– which is a collaboration among public radio stations across the state.  CapRadio’s New Podcast ‘This is What it Feels Like’ Terra Lopez is the host of CapRadio's new podcast This Is What It Feels Like. In a world that feels more divided than ever, put yourself in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society. It’s not simple. It’s not black and white. This Is What It Feels Like. New episodes drop on Thursday. 

Republican presidential debate and state GOP convention this week in California. Gov. Bill to legalize some psychedelics awaits Gov. Newsom’s signature or veto. Exhibit explores Sacramento lowrider history and culture. California in Republican National Spotlight It’s a busy and potentially pivotal week for Republican candidates in California. Tonight, it’s the second Republican Presidential debate between the major candidates, minus frontrunner Donald Trump. Then, this weekend, California Republicans will gather for their annual convention in Anaheim. Los Angeles Times political reporter, Seema Mehta, joins us from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, site of tonight’s debate, with a look at who needs to perform well in California in order to take the state’s delegates as well as some of the important down-ballot races that could reshape the House of Representatives. Psychedelics Bill Awaits Gov. Newsom Signature Gov. Newsom is weighing hundreds of bills passed by the State Legislature. One bill would decriminalize some hallucinogenic drugs like psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms. 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 exploring the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for disorders from PTSD, depression, anxiety, as well as addiction. Newsom hasn’t indicated whether he will sign this bill into law, which comes with pushback from law enforcement groups. But California is already home to the first accredited university training therapists, doctors and nurses in the benefits of psychedelics, and how to use them safely. We are revisiting a conversation we had in January with Dr. Janis Phelps, Director of the Center for Psychedelic Therapy and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, about the benefits of psychedelics in a supervised setting.   Sacramento Exhibit on Lowrider History Lowrider culture is full of life, art, music and love. But for decades it was targeted by local communities as a nuisance and dangerous. A new exhibit at the Sacramento History Museum explores the long history of lowrider and cruising culture in California along with the discrimination associated with it. “Boulevard Dreams” is the largest exhibit yet at the museum and Executive Director Delta Pick Mello and Francine Mata with the Sacramento Lowrider Commission join us to explain what visitors will experience and the message behind the exhibit.

Why those greatest at risk may not get the new COVID vaccine. New book “Autobiography of a Sea Creature: Healing the Trauma of Infant Surgery.” Sacramento Theatre Company’s “Peter and the Starcatcher.” New COVID Vaccine Lacks Outreach This month, the FDA approved a new COVID vaccine. And this latest vaccine is one the FDA hopes will be updated annually, just like the flu shot. The problem is that those getting vaccinated have waned. According to the CDC, while roughly 70% of those 5 years and older in the U.S. completed the original vaccine, that dropped to 17% for the bivalent shot in 2022. And there is concern that a majority of people will skip this latest COVID vaccine, especially those who need it the most. Science journalist Amy Maxmen shares her reporting on the new COVID vaccine, and why those at greatest risk may not get it. Autobiography on Healing from Infant Surgery Up until 1986, it was believed infants weren’t developed enough to feel or remember pain, and it was common practice to perform neonatal surgery without anesthesia. But the medical community was gravely wrong, and reversed course in 1987. Although unable to speak at the time, or consciously remember, there is growing awareness that trauma within the body can have a profound impact on your life. Wendy Williams has lived that journey and discusses her new book “Autobiography of a Sea Creature: Healing the Trauma of Infant Surgery.”  Sacramento Theatre Company ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ The Sacramento Theatre Company is opening its season with a youth production of "Peter and the Starcatcher." This production is the precursor to Peter Pan and Captain Hook and is performed by students from 4th grade through high school. Joining Insight are 11th grade actor Asher Wilson, Director William Schmidt and Miranda Lawson, Education Manager at the Sacramento Theatre Company.

Farm to Fork Festival is being held this weekend at Capitol Mall. “The Beatles Guitar Project Rock Orchestra” performs at the Crest Theater on Sunday. Sacramento students will perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival this weekend.   Farm to Fork Festival Street Fair The final and biggest event of Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork Festival is happening this weekend with the annual street fair on Capitol Mall. It features an impressive line-up of chefs, food demonstrations and concerts as well as some new features. Mike Testa, President and CEO of Visit Sacramento joins us to fill us in on all of the details along with Co-owners of the Sugar Sweetery, Justine and Candice Cabanilla, who will share their Farm-to-Fork journey from their perspective as minority, women and LGBTQ business owners. “The Beatles Guitar Project Rock Orchestra” It could go down as one of the coolest musical collaborations in Sacramento.  It’s called “The Beatles Guitar Project Rock Orchestra” ... a mix of rock orchestra, set to some of the Beatles’ most iconic hits and it’s all happening this Saturday at the Crest Theater. Aside from the music, the performance benefits music education right here in Sacramento. CapRadio’s midday classical host, Jennifer Reason, is one of the performers in Saturday’s extravaganza and she will be joined on Insight by  Benjamin McClara, music director of the “The Beatles Guitar Project Rock Orchestra.”   Sacramento Musicians at Monterey Jazz Festival The 66th Monterey Jazz Festival is this weekend. Each year the festival also features several student bands, like the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, which was created in 2019 to feature top high school women jazz players from across the country. Only six students get in, and this year two of them happen to be from Sacramento. CapRadio's Excellence in Jazz host Avery Jeffry recently sat down with the two students, Paloma Cobbs-Silva and Salome Ospina, to discuss their journey to Monterey. In Sacramento, you can hear Paloma Cobbs-Silva on October 20th at Twin Lotus Thai and Salome Ospina in the upcoming season of the Camellia Symphony. Both students were involved in the “Teagarden Jazz Camp” with the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation.

The Sacramento County DA sues the city over homelessness enforcement. “Single Mom Strong” helps women navigate the ups and downs of single parenting. Nonprofit “Women’s Empowerment” celebrates its graduating class of women and children lifted out of homelessness. Sacramento County Sues City Over Homeless Response Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho explains why his office is suing the city of Sacramento over its enforcement of homelessness. In response, city officials called Ho’s lawsuit “a distraction” from the work needed to solve homelessness and vowed to defend their record in court. CapRadio also reached out to Mayor Darrell Steinberg. He is out of the country touring prison reform on behalf of the governor. ‘Single Mom Strong’  is an organization helping women in Sacramento County navigate the ups and downs of single parenting.  From preschool and childcare to job training and socials, Single Moms Strong has been serving the community since 2016.  Now, the nonprofit organization has launched several new and free services to help single moms in Sacramento.  Founding Executive Director, Tara Taylor and client, Megan Giglini, join us to talk about the unique challenges single moms face and how the new services can help. Women’s Empowerment Transformation Gala , Executive Director of Women’s Empowerment, a nonprofit focused on providing women experiencing homelessness the skills necessary to get a job, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children. They are having their annual Transformation Gala on Thursday, Sept. 21, and are looking for people to sponsor the cost of the ticket for this year’s graduates.

Tuition will increase next year across Cal State campuses. The rise of girls’ flag football at high schools. Celebrating the journeys of centenarians — anyone over 100 years old — in the Sacramento region. CSU tuition increase Starting next year, it will cost more to attend a Cal State university. CSU Trustees approved a 6% tuition increase each year, over the next five years. By the time it’s Fall 2028, that amounts to a nearly $2,000 increase in tuition, and came with opposition from students and faculty across the state. There are 23 Cal State campuses, and on its homepage it prides itself as “the nation's most diverse four-year university – ethnically, economically and academically” adding that “students graduate with less (or no) debt.” CapRadio Reporter Janelle Salanga explains the upcoming tuition increase and how the Cal State system got to this point. Girls' flag football Girls' flag football.  It’s the buzz on high school campuses all over California these days.  The newly-sanctioned sport has become so popular so quickly, that coaches have more girls signing up than they have room for on their teams.  On Insight, we’ll explore the explosive growth of girls flag football with Will DeBoard, Assistant Commissioner with the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section and Varsity Flag Football Coach, Melissa Triebwasser, of Sacramento’s St. Francis High School and learn how the game is similar yet also very different from the boys version.  We’ll also find out why it means so much to the players and their coaches to be able to take the field in this historically male-dominated sport. Celebrating Carmichael's centenarians The fountain of youth may be found in Carmichael.  The Eskaton Village is throwing a big celebration this week in honor of the more than 50 centenarians that live across its various communities.  But you don’t need to live there to celebrate. Nicole Zamora, Director of Fund Development at Eskaton, and centenarian Marian Stonesifer joins us to talk about this Friday’s event, plus get some real-life advice on how to live a long and healthy life.

As the California legislative session ends, which bills have a pathway to be signed into law? The Gorman Museum of Native American Art major expansion. Stockton Symphony kicks off the upcoming season with new leadership. California Legislative Session Recap Roughly 2,600 bills were introduced at the State Capitol this year. Over the months, they have filtered their way through amendments and committees, in pursuit of being passed and heading to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The finish line has come and passed. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us with a recap of the legislative session, which ended on Thursday, sharing some of the most notable bills passed by the legislature and their likelihood of being signed by Gov. Newsom.  Gorman Museum of Native American Art UC Davis’ Gorman Museum of Native American Art is expanding, big time. This week, the museum opens in its new location on campus, with new exhibits and features. The new gallery is four times the size of the former site and is still one of only a small handful of museums focused on contemporary Native American art. Museum director and professor in the Department of Native American Studies, Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, and curator Veronica Passalacqua for a virtual tour of the new and improved museum and we’ll learn more about some of the artwork inside and outside the new venue. Stockton Symphony’s New Chapter  The Stockton Symphony is entering its 97th season, the third-oldest continuously operating professional orchestra in California. And the 2023-2024 season is starting a new chapter. Earlier this year, the symphony’s CEO Philip West unexpectedly passed away. In the months since, West’s contribution was honored in performances. And this season begins with new leadership. Music Director and Conductor Peter Jaffe joins Insight to introduce the new CEO Scott Watkins, as well as provide a preview of their season opener which kicks off Saturday Sept. 23. 

Tapping into the Northern California real estate market. Investigation into the rise of medical deaths at Sacramento County Jail. Music movement boosts the local jazz scene. Northern California Housing Market Thinking of buying or selling a home? With interest rates sky-high these days, you might be thinking twice. But the numbers tell a very different story, especially here in the Sacramento area. While the market has slowed considerably, homes are selling and buyers are buying and it is very different from years past. Real estate expert and appraiser Ryan Lundquist joins us for a look at the market in the greater Sacramento area including what’s selling, what’s not and where. Sacramento Jail Deaths Investigation An investigation found that medical-related deaths among people incarcerated in Sacramento County have been on the rise in recent years, a total of 25 from the start of 2021. And all but one have been at the main downtown jail. But unlike homicides and suicides, medical deaths typically lack any independent oversight. Sacramento Bee reporter Theresa Clift joins Insight to share her reporting which examines the six recent deaths that have happened so far this year, including the toll it has on loved ones who are dissatisfied with answers about the circumstances leading up to their death.  Jazzing Up Local Music Scene Live jazz and music of all kinds has become harder to find and enjoy in Sacramento.  Now, the Mayor wants to revive Sacramento’s music scene and turn it into the music capital of the West, but some venues are already leading the charge.  Today on Insight, journalist Cathy Cassinos shares her report on Sacramento’s jazz scene and how some businesses are making space for live music by turning their venues into live performance destinations.  Plus, local musician and entrepreneur, Joseph Gilman discusses why he felt compelled to add live music to his restaurant’s offerings.

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 rehabilitation programs for inmates after they are released from prison.  But a new investigation has revealed the state has no way of tracking how successful the programs are. CalMatters‘ investigative reporter, Byrhonda Lyons joins us to share the details of her year-long examination of the programs the state pays for to help inmates stay clean, get jobs and ultimately not re-offend. 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.” 

A new statewide hotline allows people to anonymously report hate crimes. How the winter storms and massive snowpack is impacting Tuolumne County tourism. A Sacramento historian discusses his new book about how a Sacramento swim coach led his team to the Olympics. California launches hate crime hotline Governor Gavin Newsom kicked off this year’s “Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month” with a new resource, a statewide hotline to report hate crimes. The goal is to create a safe space that allows people to make an anonymous report and be connected to services as well as the option of law enforcement with the victim’s consent. This comes as the state reports that the most recent data shows hate crimes have jumped 33% from 2020 to 2021, reaching their highest levels in two decades. Hate crimes span race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. But since the start of the pandemic, Asian Americans have shouldered the brunt of disinformation. This includes violent attacks caught on camera and sparking a larger conversation about mental health following two mass shootings within the Asian American community in California at the start of the year. A national survey this year from The Asian American Foundation found one in two Asian Americans report feeling unsafe in the U.S. due to their race or ethnicity. CapRadio’s Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan joined Insight to provide more details on the state hotline and provide listeners a better understanding of how this data touches many parts of life. Tuolumne County tourism challenges The unofficial start to summer is just a couple of weeks away. Memorial Day signals a time to dust off camping supplies, hiking boots, or other outdoor gear, to bask in the fresh air and sunshine. But this year will look quite different in some spots of California compared to years past. The powerful storms this winter have led many State Parks to be partially or entirely closed especially in the Sierra where many campgrounds and popular trails remain buried under snow. In the Central and Eastern Sierra Caltrans is working to remove a wall of snow blocking miles of state highways in the passes. All of this is presenting challenges for the people who call this area home and the businesses that rely on tourists for their livelihood. One of those counties is Tuolumne County one of the gateways to Yosemite National Park which closed twice so far this year due to snow and the threat of flooding. Lisa Mayo with Visit Tuolumne joined the program to share the challenges her county is experiencing. Sacramento's Olympic coach Sacramento is often regarded as the underdog city in sports, but the tide has turned recently. In just the past year, collegiate and professional sports in the Capital City have defied the odds with overdue success. But decades before, an underdog story catapulted to an international level. The Arden Hills Swim and Tennis Club might not sound like a winning team, but they would go on to create an Olympic dynasty. Historian and author Bill George joined Insight to discuss his new book “Victory in The Pool” which details the story of a Sacramento swim club that led to glory at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic games.

The latest on deadly stabbings in Davis. A deep dive into legislation overhauling prison labor that may be decided by California voters. The Rosemont High robotics team returns from the World Robotics Championship. Davis stabbings It was a series of seemingly random stabbings that shocked the Davis community. Three people were stabbed in the college town in less than a week, two were killed and a third is critically injured. The attacks put the normally lively UC Davis community on edge, but that anxiety began to ease with an arrest last week. The suspect, a former UC Davis student, made his first appearance in court last week. CapRadio Reporter Kate Wolfe joined Insight to share more details on where the investigation stands now. Ending involuntary labor in prisons Most inmates in California prisons make less than 50 cents an hour. And some would argue that is the punishment for the crime. But California is among a minority of states that allows for “involuntary servitude” in prison, and a new bill equates that with modern day slavery. We’ll learn about the piece of legislation overhauling mandatory prison labor that will head to voters as a state constitutional amendment, if it passes and gets the governor’s signature. To better understand the involuntary servitude, Insight invited Dorsey Nunn, Executive Director of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and Co-Founder of All of Us or None, to share his experience as someone formerly incarcerated, who used that experience to shape activism for criminal justice reform. Insight also invited the author of the bill ACA 8, State Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), to explain how it would remove language from the California Constitution, which allows incarcerated individuals to be exposed to forced labor. Rosemont High School Dave Stafford is the Head Mentor for the Rosemont High School Wolverine Robotics Team, joined by Rosemont High seniors Diana Torres Arias and Mitchell Milobar. The team just returned from the World Robotics Championship. 

California’s snowpack is 254% of average for May. What this means for spring runoff. A discussion of the mother-daughter relationship in Asian American families, and the significance of the Oscar winning film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. Insight’s “Concert Connect” curates upcoming concerts in Northern California. May Sierra snowpack record Dr.Jeffrey Mount, Senior Fellow at Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, discusses California’s snowpack, which is 254% of the historical average for May 1, and what this means for spring runoff. Asian American mother-daughter relationship CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter, and host of the podcast “Mid Pacific” Sarah Mizes-Tan, as well as CapRadio reporters Janelle Salanga and Kristin Lam, discuss the mother-daughter relationship in Asian American families, and the significance of the Oscar winning film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” 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 performing locally, with some acts that call Sacramento home. Labrats is performing with Harlequin Rose and Coco Leilani on Saturday, May 6th, at The Starlet Room in Harlow’s. Deerhoof is playing at Harlow’s on Sunday, May 7th. Haley Heynderickx will perform at the Crest Theatre on Wednesday, May 10th. Crumb is performing at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville on May 11th.

California AG Rob Bonta discusses elevating the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples crisis. The fentanyl epidemic in hospitals and how state lawmakers are responding. We’ll learn about Garifuna culture, an Afro-Indigenous ethnic group. Response to MMIP Crisis California District Attorney Rob Bonta discusses the state’s role in addressing the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, following the inaugural Missing in California Indian County regional event hosted by his office on trial land in Humboldt County. The events will take place on tribal land across the state to elevate the crisis and include law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions to allow for loved ones to report an individual missing, receive an update on an active missing person’s case, and/or provide a DNA sample for inclusion in the DOJ’s Unidentified Persons Database. Response to fentanyl epidemic , the Justine Miner Professor of Addiction Medicine at UC San Francisco, discusses how the Fentanyl epidemic has evolved and continues to impact hospitals, and what he believes are the best strategies to resolving the escalating crisis in San Francisco and beyond. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon shares her reporting on the Fentanyl related bills making their way through the state legislature. Understanding Garifuna culture Garifuna culture refers to the unique blending of indigenous Arawak and Carib natives, and Central and West Africans, originating in St. Vincent island. In the 18th century, the Garifuna people were exiled by the British, which saw the spread of the Garifuna community to Central American countries. The Garifuna culture is revered for its music, dance and cuisine, which includes dishes such as Bundiga (a fish stew), cassava bread, and plantains. In the 20th century, Garifuna people moved and set up large communities in Los Angeles and in New York City. Joining us to talk about the Caribbean Indigeneity project and the Garifuna culture is Beth Rose Middleton Manning, Professor of Native American Studies at UC Davis and Zoila Ellis Browne, Technical Director of The Garifuna Heritage Foundation. They will be sharing their experiences and knowledge of the Garifuna in three seminars on May 2nd, May 5th and May 8th in Hart Hall at UC Davis.

The Cosumnes Fire Department launches a telehealth pilot program to expedite patient care. Tech company makes $1.5 billion investment in Roseville. Immigrant cooking competition “No Borders, Just Flavors!” features a Stockton amateur chef. Cosumnes Fire Telehealth 911 We call upon them when our lives depend on it. Paramedics, firefighters, and other EMS professionals who respond to 911 calls for medical emergencies. They're faced with daily challenges that can get in the way of providing efficient care. A big challenge is a waiting period or “wall time” for a patient to be admitted to the hospital. Because hospitals are also dealing with their own challenges with overcrowding. At its extreme, it can take hours and has led to frustration among some first responders who say they cannot leave, and this delay gets in the way of potentially helping another patient who may need more immediate medical attention. In response, some fire departments in Sacramento County have rolled out a telehealth pilot program for patients with non-life-threatening emergencies. The pilot is called  “Tele 911” and the goal is to expedite patient care while freeing up ambulances and reducing hospital overcrowding. Rick Clarke, Assistant Fire Chief of EMS with the Cosumnes Fire Department, joined Insight to tell us more about this “at-home virtual emergency room.” Tech investment in Roseville The City of Roseville is one of the fastest growing cities in California. Last week, the city secured a $1.5 billion dollar investment from German semiconductor manufacturer, Bosch.  The company plans to take over a smaller, existing company in Roseville and expand it, bringing with it more jobs and opportunity for Roseville and the surrounding area. Joining us to discuss the impact on Roseville is the city’s Economic Development Director, Melissa Anguiano and we will also be joined by Paul Thomas, Executive vice president of Mobility Solutions for the Americas at Bosch to explain why the company chose Roseville for this impressive investment. "No Borders, Just Flavor!" There is a new show that is literally changing the face of cooking competitions. No Borders, Just Flavors! debuted in April. There are no celebrity chefs, no multi-million dollar kitchens and no egos. This show is dedicated to celebrating the flavors of young people who immigrated to the United States and the connection to their heritage.  The first episode features Stockton’s Emmnauel Gonzalez Perez, a DACA recipient and native of Jalisco, Mexico who is currently a college student at CSU Stanislaus. He joins us to talk about why the show is important to breaking down stereotypes and exposing culture through food.

First-hand look at ongoing flooding in the Central Valley’s Tulare Basin. How the winter storms were some of the costliest in Sacramento history, and why future storms may become more expensive. A Sacramento Kings broadcast analyst shares her perspective on the team’s playoff series loss to the Golden State Warriors and reflect on the team’s remarkable season. Tulare Basin flooding With each week as temperatures warm the Tulare Basin– from Fresno to Bakersfield– becomes an increasing hazard. Record snowmelt in the southern Sierra Nevada is flooding agricultural communities in the Central Valley, with some at risk of being completely submerged. Nicole Foy is a California Divide CalMatters reporter based in the southern San Joaquin Valley, and provides a first hand look at how this slow moving natural disaster is unfolding.  Sacramento winter flood costs The atmospheric rivers that pounded California in the first weeks of the year cut a wide swath of destruction and claimed the lives of at least 22 people across the state. In Sacramento alone, the January storms toppled nearly a thousand trees, a number of them crushing homes and cars. A few months later, we’re learning the wave of storms in January alone cost Sacramento millions of dollars making it one of the most expensive storm stretches for the city in decades. And Sacramento is a snapshot of the economic impact and challenges the rest of California faces as some experts believe these powerful storms will become even more expensive in the years to come. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam and Environmental Reporter Manola Secaira joined Insight to share their reporting on the financial impact of the January storms and the bigger picture. Sacramento Kings What a run for the Sacramento Kings. After the team got off to a slow start to the season many were questioning if the team was going to miss the playoffs for yet another season. But then, the team roared into the postseason, securing the third seed. Then came a first-round heavyweight fight against our Northern California neighbors, the defending champs the Golden State Warriors. And what a playoff series it was, a seven-game battle until the end. For Kings fans, certainly, the playoff loss was a disappointing way to close out the playoffs. But in totality, it was an amazing and long-overdue season. Kings TV color analyst Kayte Christensen joined Insight to share her thoughts on the King's season. 

Making high school proms more accessible and inclusive for students. Also, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis along the North Coast. Finally, exploring Asian American identity and culture through California food. Inclusive Proms We’re nearing the end of the school year in Northern California and with it comes a highly anticipated cultural experience for high school students. Prom season is in full swing and many of these students are busy preparing for what many consider to be a rite of passage in America. But not all students are attending the event. This special evening may be out of reach for them financially, or they may not feel the event is in an inclusive space. But efforts are currently underway in Sacramento to change that. CapRadio’s Sacramento Education Reporter Srishti Prabha and Sacramento communities reporter Janelle Salanga teamed up to learn how students, community organizations, and schools are taking steps to help make Prom accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all students. Missing and murdered Indigenous people in North Coast Allie Hostler, Managing Editor of Two Rivers Tribune in eastern Humboldt County, the only Native owned newspaper in California, as well as Yurok Tribal Police Chief Greg O’Rourke, discuss the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People in their tribal communities along the North Coast, which was also part of an inaugural listening event this month hosted by the California Attorney General’s Office.  Asian American Identity in food “Hyphen American” cuisine isn’t as simple as making food from the country or region of origin. Cooking often involves incorporating your own experiences. And for those with an immigrant background, that becomes part of their cuisine. In today’s episode drop of  “Mid-Pacific,” CapRadio’s newest podcast hosted by Sarah Mizes-Tan, we dive into understanding this balance when exploring Asian American cuisine. Sarah joins Insight to share what she learned along her journey. 

A Sacramento AmeriCorps program offers a year of service for recent high school graduates. How California’s Farm to School program connects students with locally sourced meals. A statewide look at the wildflower super blooms. City Year Sacramento Recent high school graduates undecided about their next step have an opportunity to give back. City Year Sacramento is a non-profit organization that partners with Sacramento City Unified School District campuses. The mission is to help students disproportionately affected by the lack of school resources, growing up in low-income households. The program recruits and trains young adults to serve as AmeriCorps ambassadors for one year, to work as mentors and tutors for K-12 students. Macey Amissah-McKinney is the Senior Vice President & Executive Director of City Year Sacramento, and a former AmeriCorps member herself. She discusses the success of the program and the upcoming fundraising event Ripples of Hope at the California Museum on May 4th. Farm to School program This school year, California rolled out a first in the nation universal meal program. Students, regardless of income, receive two free meals each school day across the state. And California is taking access to nutritious food a step further. The “Farm to School” program connects local farmers with schools, so that students have access to nutritious, locally sourced, food, which in turn supports the local agricultural economy. Funding started two years ago by the state legislature and has been scaling up since. Insight spoke with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who reports since 2021, the “Farm to School” program has helped close to 1.5-million students, more than 150 school districts, and over 50 farms– out of the state’s more than 5-million students and roughly 1,000 school districts. Insight also spoke with legendary chef Alice Waters who is a pioneer of California’s farm-to-table cuisine, as well as the founder of the Edible Schoolyard Project. But the state-funded program also comes with challenges. Diane Pratt-Heavner with the School Nutrition Association, a non-profit that represents people who plan, prepare and serve healthy school meals, joins us to discuss whether these requirements are realistic for food service staff on campus. California superblooms It’s an explosion of color that hasn’t been seen in parts of the Golden State for over three years. Torrential rain and snow have helped herald the return of wildflower “super blooms” in California. The radiant displays of orange, yellows, purples, and more this Spring are so vivid and widespread that they can be seen from space. The rare blooms are again drawing crowds around the state eager to share the experience on social media and reviving the debate about how to best preserve these fragile habitats. To learn more about what makes these extraordinary blooms possible, where the best hotspots in California currently are, and the efforts to preserve these flowers for future generations, Insight spoke with Nick Jensen, Conservation Program Director for the California Native Plant Society. 

How press access to governors in California has changed throughout the years. Legislation addresses an adult adoptee’s right to accessing their own original birth certificate. To combat food insecurity, UC Davis launches a “first-in-the-nation” food truck, where students pay what they can afford.  Press access changes Weekly press briefings at the Capitol are, for the most part, a thing of the past. These days, journalists covering the goings-on at the Capitol are often directed to send an email or leave a voicemail to get their questions answered - and that’s if they even get a response back.  The COVID pandemic has been a game-changer for the Capitol press corps, but access to the governor, legislators and state agencies has become an increasingly difficult job over the years, including the advent of and reliance on social media.  Joining Insight on this topic are two journalists, CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff and retired journalist and former Capitol correspondent Dan Morain. They discuss the challenges facing journalists covering state government today, how the job has changed over the years and where it is headed in the future. Bill addressing original birth certificates Many of us have unrestricted access to our birth certificate. But that’s not necessarily the case for people who are adopted. Their legal rights can vary greatly from one state to the next. At the center of the issue is a birth parent's right to conceal their identity, if they choose. But there is also the right of an adoptee to access their own medical record to learn their origins and family health history. Roughly a dozen states allow an adult adoptee unrestricted access to their original birth certificate. But that isn’t the case in California, which is criticized as being the most restrictive state in the country. Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), an adopted parent himself, authored Assembly Bill 1302 to make it easier for an adoptee to access their original birth certificate. But in the bill’s analysis several adoptee rights organizations oppose the bill, arguing it would make the legal process more difficult. Insight took time to better understand the debate through the lived experiences of adoptees. Lance Hastings is an adoptee who testified in support of AB 1032. Insight is also joined by Gregory Luce, an adoptee, attorney, and founder of Adoptee Rights Law Center, one of the organizations in opposition to AB 1302.  Pay what you can food truck Food insecurity among college students has been well documented.  With tuition and fees climbing, students don’t always have the means to feed themselves a healthy meal.  Now, a first-of-its-kind approach to helping college students get a nutritional meal has launched on the campus of UC Davis.  And here’s the hook, students don’t even have to pay; or they can just pay as much as they can.  Joining Insight to talk about this new approach to addressing food insecurity are Leslie Kemp, director of the UC Davis Basic Needs Initiative and Aggie Compass and Jesus “Sal” Ramirez, the project’s chef who says he  knows what it is like to be food insecure.

Why California still has some of the worst air quality in the country. Meet Polartropica, the artist behind the theme song of CapRadio’s podcast “Mid Pacific.” Insight’s “Concert Connect” curates upcoming concerts in Northern California.  California Air Quality Report Despite years of trying to get our air quality under control, California still has some of the worst air in the country.  In fact, almost all California residents live in an area with a failing grade for air quality according to the American Lung Association.  One of the worst areas on the list is right here in the Sacramento region. After decades of trying to improve our air quality, what more needs to be done?  We are joined on Insight by Will Barrett, National Senior Director of Clean Air Advocacy for the American Lung Association to discuss the findings, next steps on how to improve our air quality, and the risks if we fail to act quickly. Polartropica CapRadio’s new podcast “Mid Pacific” explores Asian American identity through food, politics, family, and much more, to better understand the feeling of being between two worlds. On Insight, we’ll meet the artist behind the theme song. Polartropica is a Los Angeles-based galactic dream pop artist and composer. They join Insight to share how their Asian American identity has shaped their music. 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 performing locally, with some acts that call Sacramento home. This edition of ‘Concert Connect’ features local artists with music that defy a label, a lot like the city of Sacramento. The list of concerts feature: Tennis performing at the Ace of Spades on Tuesday, April 25th, TOSIS playing at Old Ironsides on Friday, April 28th, Mediocre Cafe playing at the Starlet Room in Harlow’s on Tuesday, May 2nd, and The Ruby Woos at Starlet Room on Monday, May 15th.

How the city of Sacramento creates its annual budget, and how the public can weigh on. The Great Migration Study is looking for Black Californian participants. The Sac Kings overdue playoff run is igniting the downtown economy. How city budgets are made Sacramento is balancing its books for the upcoming year’s budget. The process has begun with departments across the city giving their financial reports to help create a budget in the new fiscal year, starting in July. Sacramentans might be unfamiliar with how the budget is made and spent. Thankfully, CapRadio’s Sacramento Government Reporter, Kristin Lam, has been following the local government process and joins Insight to discuss where the money comes from and how Sacramento residents can be part of the budget process. The 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. (This conversation first aired in February) Kings playoffs ignites downtown The Sacramento Kings are up 2-0 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.  While fans are cheering on the hometown team, businesses owners in the long-struggling downtown core of Sacramento are cheering along as well. Bars, restaurants and shops are packed with fans on game days and the city is hosting watch parties while the Kings play in San Francisco this week.  Joining us to discuss the economic shot in the arm Sacramento has seen with the Kings’ success are CEO of TipsyPutt restaurant, Brandon Robinson and Scott Ford, Economic Development Director with the Sacramento Downtown Partnership.

Mosquito forecast following dramatic rainfall this year. An EdSource investigation finds one out of five California schools are in areas of high or moderate flood risk. The new Sacramento play “Voices” searches for the authentic self. Mosquito forecast We hear the warnings every year, even during the dry seasons, but this year is shaping up to be a potentially extreme year for mosquitoes in the greater Sacramento area.  After dramatic rainfall this year, our rivers and lakes are full and our agricultural areas are soaked - adding up to the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to be out everywhere.  Today on Insight, Luz Robles, Public Information Officer for the Sacramento-Yolo Vector Control District  joins us with the warnings and what everyone can do now to help curb the influx of mosquitoes as we get deeper into the spring and summer seasons. Flood risk schools The historic rain and snowfall that hit California in the last few months will continue to cause devastation. The record snowpack in the southern Sierra Nevada will begin to melt, with many farm communities ill-prepared for the potential flooding that can devastate these communities. The slow-moving disaster will challenge man-made levees and canals in the Central Valley and will inevitably cause damage to the region. According to an Ed Source investigation, one out of five California schools are in areas of high or moderate flood risk– including all schools in the Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School District and many additional schools throughout the Central Valley. Helping to break down which schools are at risk and what local stakeholders are doing to mitigate damage is Ed Source Investigative Reporter Thomas Peele and Ed Source Equity Reporter Emma Gallegos. "Voices" Victoria Goldblatt discusses her new play co-written with Maggie Upton “Voices- 6 Plays in Search of One’s Authentic Self,” with final dates Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Howe Avenue Theater in Sacramento.

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.