
Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
Capital Public Radio
Award-winning journalist Vicki Gonzalez hosts daily interviews with community leaders, advocates, experts, artists and more to provide background and understanding on breaking news, big events, politics and culture in the Sacramento region and beyond.
Location:
Sacramento, CA
Genres:
Talk Show Replays
Networks:
Capital Public Radio
Description:
Award-winning journalist Vicki Gonzalez hosts daily interviews with community leaders, advocates, experts, artists and more to provide background and understanding on breaking news, big events, politics and culture in the Sacramento region and beyond.
Twitter:
@CapRadioNews
Language:
English
Contact:
7055 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95826-2625 9162788944
Email:
webmaster@capradio.org
Episodes
Opening Doors Cuts Staff | Nature Day at The Hive in Woodland | Jazz Appreciation Month
4/2/2025
A Sacramento refugee resettlement agency cuts staff in the wake of the Trump Administration. Also, Nature Day in Woodland celebrates bees this weekend. Finally, CapRadio Music hosts Jazz Appreciation Month.
Opening Doors Cuts Staff
<? Since taking office, President Donald Trump has continued to carry out promises of cracking down on immigration, including refugees. Resettlement has been suspended and federal funding has been slashed. California is among the top two states for refugee resettlement. And Sacramento is home to large diaspora communities. Jessie Mabry is the CEO of Opening Doors, a nonprofit that supports immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking. She joins us to talk about how federal policy changes are affecting refugee resettlement efforts in Sacramento, including forcing her organization to lay off staff.
Nature Day at The Hive in Woodland
<? Spring in the Sacramento Valley is a vibrant time. Plants are blooming, orchards are coming back to life, and tiny pollinators are hard at work. If you’ve ever been curious about the business of bees, Nature Day at The HIVE in Woodland is the place to bee this weekend. They’re hosting a free event this Saturday to connect you with local beekeepers, entomologists, farmers, conservationists and horticulturalists. Amina Harris is the Owner of The HIVE and Z Specialty Food. Her daughter Shoshana Zeldner is the Director of Brand Strategy. They join us to discuss Nature Day on Sat. April 5 from 11am to 5pm.
Jazz Appreciation Month
<? April is Jazz Appreciation Month and we have something special in store. Every Saturday evening, CapRadio Music will transport you back in time, and across the city, playing original jazz shows recorded by CapRadio over the past 45 years - from the Old Sacramento Waterfront, Sac State Music Recital Hall and the once On Broadway Bar and Cafe, featuring many legends of the jazz scene from the last five decades. CapRadio Music Program Director Gary Vercelli and Excellence in Jazz Host Avery Jeffry join us to highlight the special programming they have planned beginning this weekend at 8 p.m. on KXPR 88.9 FM as well as streaming at capradio.org.
Athletics Home Opener | Prop 35 and Medi-Cal Funding | Arts Talk
4/1/2025
The Athletics home opener at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Also, an update on voter approved Prop 35 Medi-Cal funding. Finally, “Arts Talk” highlights events this month.
Athletics Home Opener
<? One year ago it became official. The Athletics would say goodbye to Oakland and make West Sacramento its new temporary home, as Las Vegas builds an MLB stadium. Last night, the A’s welcomed a sold out crowd for its home opener at Sutter Health Park, the home of the Sacramento RiverCats. CapRadio Communities Reporter Keyshawn Davis and Sacramento Bee Senior Reporter Chris Biderman join us with the highlights and significance of this moment in Sacramento sports.
Prop 35 and Medi-Cal Funding
<? Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 35, which promised to give a long-awaited pay bump to doctors and hospitals who serve the state’s lowest-income residents via an already existing tax on health care plans. But state regulators have yet to direct a dollar for the Medi-Cal initiative’s intended purposes or even develop a framework for doing so. Rachel Bluth is the California Health Care Reporter for POLITICO and joins us with her reporting on the delay.
Arts Talk
<? Arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back for this month’s Arts Talk hooking us up with events for all ages, including the opening of Sacramento’s newest music venue Channel 24.
April 11-13, Torch Club is celebrating 25 years.
April is Photography Month with events across Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Nevada and El Dorado counties.
Elk Grove Fine Arts Center will have their First Saturday Art Walk and feature the exhibit Short Centers which is a program for artists with disabilities running April 5-23.
Tenth anniversary of the First Friday Art Walk in Sacramento.
Gov. Newsom’s Priorities | Eid Celebration at Cal Expo | Trader Joe’s Parking Lot Saga
3/27/2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s MAGA-curious podcast pivot. Also, an Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan at Cal Expo. Finally, an update on the parking lot saga at Trader Joe’s in East Sacramento.
Gov. Newsom’s Priorities
<? This month Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a new podcast that set off political shockwaves over his exchanges with high-profile conservative guests. It left some allies, and even critics, doing a double take on the Democratic leader’s priorities. CapRadio Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald and CalMatters Capitol Reporter Alexei Koseff join us for a conversation about how this latest media venture is shaping policy at the state Capitol.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Eid Celebration at Cal Expo
<? Fauziya Faruk is the public information officer for the Council of Sacramento Valley Islamic Organizations (COSVIO) and joins us ahead of one of the state’s largest cultural and religious gatherings. The Sacramento Unity Eid Celebration marks the end of Ramadan and is expecting 40,000 attendees at Cal Expo on Sunday, March 30.
Trader Joe’s Parking Lot Saga
<? Over the past several months, shoppers at the East Sacramento Trader Joe’s have experienced a rollercoaster of parking emotions as an auxiliary lot meant to relieve the chaos of this notoriously crowded location has opened, closed and now reopened. CapRadio Communities Reporter Gerardo Zavala gets us up to speed on the latest developments in the parking saga.
Madera Hospital Reopens | Remembering Journalist K.W. Lee | ‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling
3/26/2025
A community hospital in Madera reopens two years after its closure. Also, remembering legendary Asian American journalist K.W. Lee. Finally, “In a Nutshell” storytelling at the Sofia.
Madera Hospital Reopens
Two years ago, Madera Community Hospital succumbed to financial pressures and shut down in the Central Valley, impacting healthcare in neighboring Fresno and Merced counties. Earlier this month, the 103-bed hospital reopened under new management. Tim Sheehan is a health reporting fellow for The Intersection from the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. He joins us with more on the medical-care landscape that continues to face more patients than there are available beds.
Remembering Journalist K.W. Lee
K.W. Lee is a legend in California journalism. He was the chief investigative reporter for The Sacramento Union, known for digging and probing into bureaucracy. Most notably, he wrote 120 articles on Chol Soo Lee, a Korean American who was wrongfully convicted of a 1973 murder in San Francisco and faced the death penalty, but was eventually acquitted. This month, at the age of 96, Lee passed away in Sacramento surrounded by family. We’ll take a look back at the life of this pioneer in news - known affectionately as “the godfather of Asian American journalism.” Lonnie Wong is a retired broadcast journalist who spent more than 40 years at FOX40. Dan Walters is an opinion columnist at CalMatters and worked with Lee at The Sacramento Union. Steve Chanecka is a journalist who co-founded Koreatown Weekly with Lee and Randy Hagihara in 1979.
‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling
In a Nutshell is a storytelling series in Sacramento that takes place the last Friday of the month at The Sofia. This month’s theme is “Unwritten Rules: Navigating the expectations we didn’t know existed - or breaking them spectacularly.” Two of the storytellers will be joining us today. Amy Bee is a writer, editor and the co-creator of In a Nutshell Storytelling. Diana Medina is a writer, poet, performer, and Storyteller in Residence at Capital Storytelling.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency | Sexual Health at Sac Public Library | Sacramento Piano Day
3/25/2025
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency discusses the progress and challenges facing the lake and basin. Also, the Sacramento Public Library is offering sexual health resources. Finally, Sacramento Piano Day is this weekend.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
<? Lake Tahoe is unlike other natural resources when it comes to management and stewardship. The 500-mile watershed spans two states, five counties and a city. More than 50 years ago, Congress created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency as the nation’s first bi-state environmental protection organization, tasked with balancing growth and development while preserving the lake and basin. Julie Regan is the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and discusses the progress and challenges over the years - as well as responds to a recent investigative series into human-inflicted problems plaguing this alpine treasure.
You can listen to CalMatters journalists Julie Cart and Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett discussing their investigation on Insight here.
Sexual Health at Sac Public Library
<? Books are just the beginning at the Sacramento Public Library. There is a variety of information and resources outside of the literary world, including learning about your health - from cooking classes, to diabetes education, vaccine clinics and Alzehimer’s kits. Todd Deck is the Community Engagement Services Manager for the Sacramento Public Library and joins us about their latest edition: free sexual health resources across 12 library locations - including condoms, pregnancy tests, and educational brochures.
Sacramento Piano Day
<? Piano Day is a global celebration of the piano. Held annually on the 88th day of the year - in honor of the instrument's 88 keys - Piano Day is all about sharing the joy of this music and showcasing its versatility. Pianist and composer Philip Howard decided to share that joy with Northern California by starting Sacramento Piano Day. He’s here today to share some highlights from the upcoming concert scheduled Saturday, March 29 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento.
CA Winemakers Impacted by Trump Tariffs | Investigative Series into Lake Tahoe | Comedian Paula Poundstone
3/24/2025
California winemakers are being impacted by the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Canada. Also, an investigative series looks into Lake Tahoe’s human-inflicted challenges. Finally, Paula Poundstone performs at the Harris Center.
CA Winemakers Impacted by Trump Tariffs
We’re learning how an escalating trade war is impacting industries at home. Canada is the largest buyer of California wine. And local winemakers are feeling the impact of tariff threats from the Trump Administration. Bill Easton is the President, Winemaker, and Winegrower at Terre Rouge & Easton Wines in Amador County. He joins Insight to talk about how this uncertainty is affecting his business with Canada.
Investigative Series into Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is an alpine treasure. But over the years, this once pristine beauty nearly a mile-high in the Sierra Nevada has shouldered an array of human-inflicted challenges and remains in a constant tug-and-pull between development and preservation. CalMatters Environment Reporter Julie Cart and Statistical Journalist Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett share their investigative series Lake Tahoe: A Tarnished Jewel which looks into the declining health of the basin, the shift to promoting tourism and recreation projects, as well as continuing to build despite it being one of California’s riskiest places for wildfires.
Comedian Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor. The comedian and author is a regular fixture on NPR, beloved by fans of the news quiz show Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! She’s bringing her stand-up show to the Harris Center in Folsom on April 5 and she joins us today to talk about staying funny for more than 40 years.
Central Valley Journalism Collaborative | Yocha Dehe Fire Department | ‘InkStravaganza'
3/20/2025
How federal funding cuts are impacting Stockton public agencies and nonprofits. Also, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is the only internationally-accredited Native American fire department. Finally, “Inkstravaganza” for student poets and storytellers.
Central Valley Journalism Collaborative
<? A new series of stories in The Intersection from the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative highlight the challenges public and nonprofit agencies in Stockton are facing amid the Trump administration's ongoing funding cuts. Vivienne Aguilar is the health equity reporter at The Intersection and she joins us to share her reporting. We’ll also hear how increased anti-immigrant harassment has impacted the work these agencies do.
The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative is a partner of CapRadio.
Yocha Dehe Fire Department
<? The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is in the heart of Yolo County’s Capay Valley. A beautifully remote area, which can mean long wait times in emergency response. About 20 years ago, the tribe set out to create a top-tier fire department. Fast forward to today, it has evolved to become the only internationally-accredited Native American fire department - and recently provided mutual aid to the wildfires across the Los Angeles area. Yocha Dehe Fire Chief Shawn Kinney joins Insight about the road to becoming a state-of-the-art agency.
InkStravaganza
<? Mingle. Eat. Observe. Interact. Enjoy. That is the mission of an event this weekend where the next generation of storytellers are in the spotlight. 916 Ink is Sacramento’s arts-based creative writing and literacy nonprofit and their annual Inkstravaganza is an evening of food, literary-themed drinks and listening to student authors reading original poetry and prose. Angela De Claro is the Find Your Voice Program Manager for 916 Ink and joins us with more about the event happening Sat. March 22 at 4 p.m.
Impact of the ‘Delta Tunnel’ | ‘Unhoused Neighbors’ Documentary | Free Therapy for the Black Community
3/19/2025
How the “Delta Tunnel” could impact communities along the Sacramento River. Also, the documentary “Unhoused Neighbors” seeks to challenge stereotypes about those experiencing homelessness. Finally, free therapy sessions offered in Sacramento County.
Impact of the ‘Delta Tunnel’
<? The proposed Delta Conveyance Project aims to divert more water from the Sacramento River to 27-million people, largely in Southern California, along with acres of farmland. Supporters say the tunnel would cut down on earthquake risks, provide cleaner water, and bolster the state’s water supply. However, Delta residents worry about how construction could affect their communities and native wildlife. CalMatters Environment Reporter Alastair Bland joins Insight to talk about these concerns, proposed alternatives, and whether the “Delta Tunnel” is too big to kill.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
‘Unhoused Neighbors’ Documentary
<? A local documentary is seeking to challenge the stereotypes about those experiencing homelessness, by giving them a platform to tell their stories in their own words. Preston Allen is the Sacramento-based Director behind Unhoused Neighbors. He, along with Director of Photography Gavin Veiga, introduce us to the film ahead of its screening at the California State Railroad Museum on March 21 at 6pm.
Free Therapy for the Black Community
<? Sacramento County is offering free therapeutic services focused on the Black and African American Community. Sierra Health Center joins us to discuss offering culturally-informed therapy sessions. Jackie Rose is the Founder of the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center. Amaya Noguera is a Program Officer for the Community Responsive Wellness Program. Tina Roberts is the co-Founder of the Roberts Family Development Center. And La Sonya Jones is a community member who benefitted from the program.
California Snowpack Update | Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper | Local Documentary Selected for Sundance & SXSW
3/18/2025
The Central Sierra Snow Lab joins us with the latest on California’s snowpack. Also, a conversation with Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. Finally, a Sac State professor’s documentary was selected for Sundance and SXSW.
California Snowpack Update
<? The latest storms brought significant rain and snow to Northern California. The precipitation is a welcome sign for the state’s snowpack, which was lagging behind average with just weeks until its historical April 1 peak. Dr. Andrew Schwartz is the Lead Scientist and Manager of the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab based at Donner Summit and joins us with snow totals.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper
<? Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper has entered his third year in office. The former state Assemblymember was a supporter of Prop 36, which voters overwhelmingly approved in the November election. Sheriff Cooper joins us for a wide ranging conversation about his priorities and challenges this year.
Local Documentary Selected for Sundance & SXSW
<? Big budgets and celebrity names typically lead the pack at the most iconic film festivals in the world. But a Sacramento State professor’s film is defying that stereotype. Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck’s short documentary The Long Valley was selected for this year’s Sundance and SXSW festivals. He joins Insight to discuss the inspiration behind the film, which captures the lives of the Salinas Valley agricultural region.
There will be a screening of the film Wed. March 19 at 4:30 p.m. in Del Norte Hall, Room 1004.
CA GOP Convention Recap | Previewing the Sacramento A’s | Former CapRadio GM Responds to Lawsuit
3/17/2025
The California GOP picks a new leader at its annual convention. What to call the Athletics when they start playing in Sacramento. Finally, an update on CapRadio’s civil lawsuit against its former General Manager.
CA GOP Convention Recap
California Republicans are ready to seize the day after last year’s success, which included flipping three seats in the state Legislature and increasing President Donald Trump’s vote share in nearly every county. Republican leaders gathered this weekend in Sacramento for their annual convention and picked a new chairperson - Corrin Rankin, the first Black woman to lead the party. Jeanne Kuang is a Capitol Reporter for CalMatters and she joins us now with a recap of this weekend and what it means for the party going forward.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Previewing the Sacramento A’s
What’s in a name? The Athletics will soon take the field at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the team’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs. It’s a new chapter for the Green and Gold and for California’s Capital region, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from their name, which doesn’t currently include any references to Sacramento. For many of Sacramento’s biggest sports boosters, that doesn’t sit well. Joining us today to unpack all things Athletics are Christina Kahrl, Sports Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, and Sacramento author and journalist Mark Kreidler.
Former CapRadio GM Responds to Lawsuit
An attorney for CapRadio’s former general manager Jun Reina is denying that his client stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the NPR member station, as alleged by CapRadio in a civil lawsuit filed in December. CapRadio Politics Editor Chris Nichols and Insight Producer Sarit Laschinsky break down the defense's response, and talk about the next steps as the station seeks to recoup at least $900,000 in damages from Reina.
Following NPR’s protocol for reporting on itself, no CapRadio corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted or broadcast.
You can read our independent ongoing coverage of financial issues at Capital Public Radio here.
CA Lawmakers Address Insurance Crisis | New Cat Lounge in Davis | Sacramento ‘Paint-and-Skate’ Day
3/13/2025
How California lawmakers are trying to fix insurance market problems. Also, the region’s only cat lounge opens to the public in Davis. Finally, a free paint-and-skate day in Sutter’s Landing Regional Park in Sacramento this weekend.
CA Lawmakers Address Insurance Crisis
<? The devastating wildfires across the Los Angeles area have put additional pressure on California’s already-strained insurance market, as well as the FAIR Plan - the “provider of last resort.” CalMatters Economy Reporter Levi Sumagaysay joins Insight to talk about actions lawmakers are taking to try to fix insurance market problems.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public radio stations across the state.
New Cat Lounge in Davis
<? Roughly one in three Americans have a cat at home. But they’re kind of misunderstood in the veterinary world - especially compared to their canine peers. The Insight team hit the road and visited Cat Tales in Davis, which is a health center created solely for felines. They also opened Tabby Tea Cat Lounge and Adoption Center, where the public can make a reservation to hang with shelter cats. Chris "Shac" Shacoski is a veterinarian who opened Cat Tales with his wife Julie Cole, who serves as the medical director. He explains why specialized care for felines is needed.
Sacramento ‘Paint-and-Skate’ Day
<? Calling all muralists and skateboarders. There is a free event happening in downtown Sacramento this weekend to beautify one of the city’s public spaces. ORLUarts Muralist Liv Losee-Unger and City of Sacramento Art in Public Places Manager Donald Gensler discuss the free paint-and-skate day at the Skate Park in Sutter’s Landing Regional Park on Sat. March 15 from 1 to 4pm.
Storm Forecast | Student Film ‘Fentanyl High’ | Murphys ‘Irish Day’ Festival
3/12/2025
A winter storm is forecasted across Northern California. Also, the student-made documentary “Fentanyl High” screens in San Joaquin and Sacramento counties. Finally, the Calaveras County town of Murphys hosts its annual “Irish Day” festival.
Storm Forecast
<? A winter storm system is expected to bring rain, snow and high winds to much of California over the next several days. KCRA Meteorologist Tamara Berg joins Insight to forecast what to expect across the valley, foothills and Sierra - as well as if this is enough to deliver a “March Miracle” and get the state’s snowpack to its historical average.
Student Film ‘Fentanyl High’
<? A film has been making the rounds across Northern California to discuss an uncomfortable, tragic reality. Fentanyl High is described as a documentary made by students for students with the goal of showing the opioid epidemic in an eye opening way that no brochure or adult could do. This month it will be playing in San Joaquin and Sacramento counties. Kyle Santoro is the director of Fentanyl High and founder of LC2 Productions. Daniel Kim is the Health Education Programs Coordinator at San Joaquin County Public Health Services, which is co-sponsoring the screenings in Lodi and Tracy.
Screenings with registration links:
Wed March 12 6-8pm at Lodi Stadium 12, 109 N. School St
Fri March 14 5:30-7:30pm at The Guild Theater, 2828 35th Street Sacramento
Tue March 18 6-8pm at Tracy Grand Theater Center for the Arts, 715 N. Central Ave
Murphys ‘Irish Day’ Festival
<? The little town of Murphys in Calaveras County is getting ready to welcome thousands of people for its annual Irish Day festival. Michelle Plotnik and Scott Klann are with the Murphys Business Association and gives us a taste of what to expect on Sat. March 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Egg Prices | Mexican Consulate | Canadian Consulate | Sacramento Street Vendor Bootcamp
3/11/2025
Egg prices are setting new records in 2025. Also, the Mexican and Canadian consulates explain how they are navigating the Trump Administration. Finally, Sacramento’s Street Vendor Bootcamp.
Egg Prices
<? Egg prices have set new records this year. According to the Farm Bureau, egg prices are more than 350% per dozen compared to this time last year. And a carton in California leads the country at over $10 a dozen. A main driver is the current avian flu outbreak, which is impacting dairy herds too. Dan Sumner is a Professor of Agricultural Economics at UC Davis and joins Insight to explain why egg prices are taking a hit, while milk prices have remained stable.
Mexican Consulate
<? The first months of the Trump administration have created international uncertainty, especially when it comes to trade and immigration. These shifting federal decisions have had significant impacts on the countries bordering the United States. Christian Tonatiuh González Jiménez is the Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, and discusses how his consulate is assisting Mexican nationals throughout the region.
Canadian Consulate
<? We’re also joined by Rana Sarkar, Consul General of Canada in San Francisco, about how his country is responding to U.S. tariffs and how it could impact Californians.
Sacramento Street Vendor Bootcamp
<? While street vending is legal, the rules and regulations that people have to follow vary from one county to the next. And finding out how to be in compliance can be confusing and difficult, especially for people whose primary language isn’t English. CapRadio’s Gerardo Zavala shared his reporting on a Street Vendor Bootcamp pilot program in Sacramento aimed at educating aspiring street vendors on how to get permits and walk them through the process of starting a business. We’re also joined by Ada Lisseth Dafne Davis, the owner of A Mi Estilo Peruvian Delights which sells empanadas at the Midtown Farmers Market.
Duration:00:50:03
POLITICO’s California Playbook | V. Miller Meats | Why Does CA Still Have Daylight Saving Time?
3/10/2025
POLITICO’s California Playbook. Also, Sacramento butcher V. Miller Meats closes its doors. Finally, why does California still have Daylight Savings Time?
POLITICO’s California Playbook
<? Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and Democratic lawmakers after seeming to say he doesn’t support transgender athletes participating in women's sports on his new podcast last week. This controversy comes as Newsom is being mentioned as a likely 2028 presidential contender. Dustin Gardiner, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook breaks down the latest developments around Newsom’s comments, and other new business in state politics.
V. Miller Meats
<? Regardless of where you live, there’s likely a small business that puts a face to a neighborhood. It could be a family-owned restaurant, hardware store, or ice cream parlour. The people behind these places become part of our routine, and we even feel like we know them. So when one of these businesses closes, it sends a mini shockwave throughout the community because it marks the end of an era. That goodbye took place in East Sacramento last week. V. Miller Meats closed its doors after being in business for the past decade. The local butcher was known for partnering with family farms and ranches a short drive away, preparing high-quality meats and meals in-house. Eric Veldman Miller is the owner and joins Insight with the reasons behind its closure, which resonates with the challenges facing other small businesses in recent years.
Why Does CA Still Have Daylight Saving Time?
<? Daylight saving time just began and besides being a bit grumpy about losing an hour of sleep this past weekend, it’s got a lot of us wondering why we continue to change our clocks twice a year? Voters in California approved Prop. 7 in 2018, which allows the California Legislature to change the dates and times of daylight saving time, but nothing has happened since. Leslie Gielow Jacobs, the Anthony Kennedy Professor of Law at McGeorge School of Law, explains what’s going on.
Duration:00:50:15
Wildlife Research at Dos Rios State Park | New Book ‘Sacramento Noir’ | ‘Arts Talk’ Highlights Events this Month
3/6/2025
Wildlife research is being done at California’s newest state park Dos Rios. Also, the new book “Sacramento Noir” is an anthology celebrating the neighborhoods and eras of the city. Finally, “Arts Talk” connects you with events this month.
Wildlife Research at Dos Rios State Park
<? Dos Rios is the newest state park in California. Which means there is a lot to discover. Located near Modesto, between the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers, this stretch of the San Joaquin Valley has been the site of microscopic exploration. Scientists are turning to the soil to learn about the life forms that call this floodplain home. So we’re going to nerd out a bit and learn about a technology called eDNA (environmental DNA). Joining us is California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. We’re also joined by River Partners, the organization that is conducting this work. Julie Rentner is the president, Sarah Gaffney is a Restoration Science Ecologist, and Diego Garcia is an Associate Restoration Scientist.
New Book ‘Sacramento Noir’
<? A new anthology is bringing elements of Sacramento’s history and diverse neighborhoods to life through the lens of noir. Sacramento Noir includes 13 pieces from local authors, and is launching tonight at Time-Tested Books. The anthology is also the focus of a new reading and literacy series called CapLit, which is holding its debut event on Friday at the CLARA Auditorium in Midtown. Sacramento Noir editor John Freeman talks about how this story collection was created, and his own contribution titled Intersections. Also, CapLit co-director and author Naomi Williams talks about why the event series was founded, and her story Sakura City.
‘Arts Talk’ Highlights Events this Month
<? March is Women’s History Month and Performing Arts Month. And the Sacramento arts scene seemed to get the memo. Whether it’s leading art institutions such as the Latino Center of Arts and Culture or strutting across the stage in The Tina Turner Musical, women are firmly in the spotlight this month. Arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back with another installment of Arts Talk on Insight. She’ll give us the lowdown on what to see this month.
You can send tips and ideas to insight@capradio.org
First Friday at WAL off R Street on March 7
Second Saturday: ArtHouse on 10th and R Street has a new show called Escapism 2.0 on March 8.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at Safe Credit Union through March 8.
Barn Gallery in Woodland has a new exhibit Rock, Paper, Scissors launching March 15.
Sacramento Ballet Visons March 21 - 23.
Celebration Arts launches Barefoot in the Park on April 11.
Duration:00:50:30
Gov. Newsom’s Return-to-Office Order | Tesla Drivers Take Political Stance | EV Sales Stall in CA | Oak Park’s ‘Fix-It Cafe’
3/5/2025
Gov. Newsom orders state workers to return to the office nearly full time. Also, Tesla drivers are taking a political stance. Plus, electric vehicle sales stall in California. Finally, Oak Park’s “Fix-It Cafe.”
Gov. Newsom’s Return-to-Office Order
<? Working from home has become normalized since the pandemic. But this type of flexibility is in for some changes. Gov. Newsom issued an executive order, requiring state workers to return to the office four days a week starting this summer. CapRadio Politics Reporter Megan Myscofski explains the motivation behind this shift away from remote work, as well as the pushback this executive order is receiving.
Tesla Drivers Take Political Stance
<? Politically speaking, blue parts of the country are hotspots for electric vehicles. And Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, leads the pack in popularity. But some drivers disapprove of Musk’s involvement with the Trump Administration. And they are expressing it on the road. CapRadio Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald shares conversations with liberal Tesla drivers who are now sporting anti-Musk bumper stickers.
EV Sales Stall in CA
<? About a quarter of all new vehicles registered in California in 2024 were zero emission, which is about the same percentage when compared to the year prior. The flat sales follow several years of rapid growth, but are still far below the state’s 35% target. CalMatters Climate Reporter Alejandro Lazo talks about why EV sales in the state have stalled, and what that means for its goal to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public radio stations across the state.
Oak Park’s ‘Fix-It Cafe’
<? Spaces where people from a community can work together and have a good time are vital to the Sacramento-region. The Oak Park Fix-it Cafe is one of those places. Open to the public every Second Saturday of the month, including this weekend, the Oak Park Fix-it Cafe allows people to come together to repair and maintain bikes, clothes and electrical items. Rosalee Hagstrom is a co-founder of the Oak Park Fix-It Cafe and Chad Orcutt is the Executive Director & Janitor of the Shop Class Learning Center. They explain how the cafe started and what folks can expect if they visit.
Duration:00:49:38
Flu Season | Caldor Fire Tree Hazards | Women Business Owners in Sacramento
3/4/2025
The current flu season - as well as other infectious diseases like RSV, COVID, and recent outbreaks of measles. Also, Grizzly Flats trees burned by the Caldor Fire are still dangerous. Finally, NAWBO Sacramento Valley OWL Awards.
Flu Season
<? Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health, joins Insight to discuss the current flu season and vaccination rates - as well as other infectious diseases like RSV, COVID, and recent outbreaks of measles.
Caldor Fire Tree Hazards
<? In 2021, the Caldor Fire nearly destroyed the El Dorado County community of Grizzly Flats. Nearly four years later, for the residents who chose to stick around and rebuild, there are still hazards within the wildfire’s footprint. Grizzly Flats residents Mark Almer and David Robinson discuss the dangers of burned, rotting trees at risk of falling. KCRA Special Projects Reporter Jason Marks discusses the challenges of clearing this type of debris.
Women Business Owners in Sacramento
<? The 29th OWL Awards Gala is this Saturday in downtown Sacramento. The gala is hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners Sacramento Valley (NAWBO), which is dedicated to educating, advocating and elevating women’s business owners, executives and leaders. Christina Dixon is the President of NAWBO Sacramento Valley and joins us today to explain the role of the organization.
Duration:00:49:40
Helping Disabled People During Disasters | CapRadio Series ‘Rewilding Sacramento’ | Gothic Fairytale Show ‘The Lost One’
3/3/2025
How California can prepare disabled people for the next disaster. Also, CapRadio’s new series focusing on Sacramento’s diverse environment and wildlife. Finally, a gothic fairytale show “The Lost One.”
Helping Disabled People During Disasters
<? Evacuating during a disaster is traumatic and stressful. But access to safety depends largely on physical and mental ableness. In recent years, deadly wildfires in Sonoma and Butte counties highlighted this concerning reality. In 2019, a state audit showed that emergency response has struggled to properly assist people with disabilities and limited mobility. But despite knowing these dangers, the deadly wildfires across the Los Angeles area resurfaced this issue. Ana Ibarra is a health reporter for CalMatters and shares her reporting on how California can prepare disabled people for the next disaster.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
CapRadio Series ‘Rewilding Sacramento’
<? Did you know there’s a place in Folsom where you can visit nesting bald eagles? Or that the rice fields in our backyard are home to thousands of nutritious water bugs that can feed baby salmon? CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira has a new series focusing on Sacramento’s diverse environment and wildlife. She joins us to introduce her series called Rewilding Sacramento.
Gothic Fairytale Show ‘The Lost One’
<? A new spin on classical-style music is coming to The Sofia in midtown Sacramento this weekend. The Lost One explores the human subconscious through gothic music, dance, themed cocktails and a “dark fairytale” motif. Composer Courtney Daniels joins Insight to talk about how The Lost One makes classical music more approachable to today’s audience, and encourages people to break out of their comfort zones.
Duration:00:49:54
Investigation into California’s Homeless Shelters | Republican Senate and Assembly Leaders | Bikeability of Sacramento Streets
2/27/2025
A new investigation uncovers abuses in California homeless shelters. Also, Republican leaders at the State Capitol talk about legislative priorities. Finally, evaluating how safe Sacramento’s streets are for cyclists.
Investigation into California’s Homeless Shelters
<? Despite spending roughly $1 billion on homeless shelters since 2018, fewer than one in four people actually move into a permanent home. A new investigation by CalMatters has uncovered scandals and abuse in many of California’s shelters for unhoused residents. Lauren Hepler is an investigative reporter for CalMatters and she joins us today to explain what’s happening inside some of these facilities.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.
Republican Senate and Assembly Leaders
<? Democrats still hold a supermajority in the California Legislature, but there have been shifts in the Republican caucus. Three seats were flipped in the latest election, and state GOP lawmakers are growing more diverse. When breaking down both the Assembly and Senate, Republicans represent just under a third of each chamber. We’re going to sit down with the Republican leaders at the State Capitol. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones has been a state lawmaker for 15 years, with a district based in San Diego. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher was first elected in 2014, with a district based in Chico. They both join Insight to discuss their legislative priorities and how they are collaborating across the aisle to turn their bills into state laws.
Bikeability of Sacramento Streets
<? Sacramento pledged in 2017 to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2027, but the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths has been on the rise. Officials submitted a proposal to declare a state of emergency over the accidents last year, and the city has been adding new infrastructure - like bike lanes and buffering - to some of the risker streets in the city. CapRadio Communities Reporter Gerardo Zavala took a recent trip down Broadway as part of an ongoing series, and talks about what he observed on his bike.
Duration:00:56:42
Downtown Sacramento’s Future | Local Impact of USAID | Sacramento Fashion Week | ‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling Series
2/26/2025
City leaders explore downtown Sacramento’s future. Also, the local impact of USAID funding. Plus, Sacramento Fashion Week kicks off this weekend. Finally, the storytelling series “In a Nutshell” at the Sofia.
Downtown Sacramento’s Future
<? City leaders explored Sacramento’s future this week. The annual State of Downtown event highlighted new developments, the Athletics' forthcoming season and reflected on the accomplishments of the city’s core over the past decade. CapRadio reporters Keyshawn Davis and Tony Rodriguez join Insight with more on the big changes coming to the heart of the Capital City, and the potential impact on the surrounding region.
Local Impact of USAID
<? The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was formed more than 60 years ago as a tool in foreign policy, with the goal of ending extreme poverty and supporting democratic societies - while spreading American influence across the world. But many government links to USAID have been scrubbed and, as of this morning, the homepage has been reduced to a notice for employees to pick up their personal belongings. Shortly after the inauguration, the Trump Administration gutted the federal agency and paused USAID funding to thousands of aid projects. As a legal battle continues, there are local impacts. Keith David Watenpaugh is a professor and Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis, which received USAID funding. He joins Insight with more on how these federal grants support the broader interests of the United States, as well as its long-term safety and security.
Sacramento Fashion Week
<? For two nights this weekend, Sacramento’s premiere designers and models will come together to celebrate the area’s eclectic fashion scene. Sacramento Fashion Week is back and the runway is set for sustainable strutting at the Crocker Art Museum Friday and Saturday. The annual showcase is organized by DMR Productions, which was started 20 years ago by Duane Ram. He talks about the genesis of Sac Fashion Week and how the industry has changed since his first show.
‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling Series
<? Sometimes it’s the most unlikely of pairings that make something great, like Girl Scout Cookies and craft beer or Snoop Dog and Martha Stewart. “Strange Bedfellows” will take center stage at the topic of this month’s storytelling showcase In a Nutshell at the Sofia on Friday. Kate Willett and JP Frary join us today to talk about telling stories about odd couplings and strange partnerships.
Duration:00:50:29