Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

An update on dozens of Sacramento-area Afghan students stranded under Taliban control. An investigation into CalFire training deaths as the heat intensifies. A warning of the recent wave of lawyers reaching out to wildfire victims. And Capital Stage’s show ‘Hold These Truths’ detailing the true story of a Japanese American defying internment during WWII, a case brought to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today's Guests San Juan Unified Superintendent Kent Kern, and Ethel I. Baker Principal Nate McGill with Sacramento City Unified, update the status of dozens of Afghan American students trying to return home to Sacramento following the Taliban takeover.  KPCC LAist reporter Jacob Margolis and Columbia Journalism Investigative Fellow Brian Edwards discuss their investigation into CalFire training deaths as the heat intensifies.  Co-host of KQED’s California Report, Lily Jamali, brings us her reporting on attorneys who are offering their services to victims of wildfires with the promise of taking on PG&E and why past experiences have some victims wary Capital Stage starts its 17th season with a one-man show, ‘Hold These Truths.’ Actor Jomar Tagatac and director Jeffrey Lo discuss the true story of a young Japanese American, Gordon Hirabayashi, who defied the internment orders issued by the US government during WWII. His defiance brought the case to the US Supreme Court twice.

With the recall election behind us, we look ahead to the 2022 gubernatorial race and midterm elections. We also get a preview of the Farm-to-Fork Festival this weekend and an update on the local economy. Plus, we hear from local musicians about how they met and created their group Solabel. Today's Guests Democratic strategist Robin Swanson and Republican consultant and co-founder of The Lincoln Project Mike Madrid, discuss how the recall election will shape the 2022 gubernatorial race and midterm elections.  Mike Testa with Visit Sacramento joins us with a preview of the Farm-to-Fork Festival taking place this weekend, as well as an update on the local economy.  Hannah Jane Kile, Brenden Lowe, and Ben Kopf of Solabel join us to talk about how this new music group came together with the help of CapRadio and they share new music from their first album.

Gov. Gavin Newsom defeats the recall election. CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon shares last night’s victory speech, Republican political consultant Luis Alvarado expands on what’s next. Political Data Inc. breaks down the ballot returns. USC Center for Inclusive Democracy explains voter engagement. And longtime political journalist Ken Rudin discusses what this means for the 2022 Midterm elections. Today's Guests CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon shares last night’s victory speech from Gov. Gavin Newsom.  Luis Alvarado, former press secretary for the California Republican Party and Republican political consultant, expands on what’s next for conservatives.  Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data Inc., breaks down ballot returns.  Mindy Romero, political sociologist and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, discusses voter participation.  Ken Rudin, host of the Political Junkie podcast, on what this recall election result means for national politics and the 2022 Midterm elections.

Today on Insight, we're looking at California's gubernatorial recall election, we hear from Sacramento County voters, discuss voter participation, and tune into the national implications of the results. Today's Guests CapRadio reporters Sarah Mizes-Tan and Chris Nichols join us from vote centers in Sacramento and Yolo Counties to bring us the latest on their reporting on the recall and what voter activity looks like on Election Day Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data Inc. on the recall ballot tracker.  Mindy Romero, political sociologist and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, to discuss voter participation.  Ken Rudin, host of the Political Junkie podcast, on the national implications of the gubernatorial recall election. 

The latest in the upcoming gubernatorial recall election. Also, an update on COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County, including school cluster outbreaks. We learn why hospitals across the state are dealing with staffing shortages. Five decades of culinary writing from Sacramento-based award-winning journalist Elaine Corn are now available at UC Davis, including stories that aired on CapRadio. Today's Guests CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon gets us up to speed on the upcoming recall election Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye updates us on COVID-19 cases, cases in children and vaccination efforts Carmela Coyle with the California Hospital Association explains staffing shortages hospitals across the state are experiencing Five decades of culinary writing from Sacramento-based award-winning journalist Elaine Corn are now available at UC Davis, including stories that aired on CapRadio

California launches a new 9-8-8 mental health crisis hotline as an alternative to 9-1-1 calls. We learn the impact of legal and illegal cannabis cultivation on the watershed across the state. Finally, a Sacramento native qualifies for the 2024 Summer Olympics breakdancing debut. Today's Guests CalMatters reporter Jocelyn Wiener on the state’s new “9-8-8” mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline, which is designed to be an alternative to 9-1-1 calls Betsy Brunner with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) shares the non-profit’s 2021 Cannabis Impact Survey on the watershed in Nevada County Catherine Caldwell and Jeremy Stinson with California State Parks' Cannabis Watershed Protection Program and Janice Mackey with California Department of Fish and Wildlife discuss statewide enforcement of illegal cannabis cultivation Sacramento native “b-boy Morris” joins us to talk about his journey as a breakdancing superstar, how he is training for breakdancing’s debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics and volunteering and mentorship of local breakdancers.  

Sac City Unified principal talks about students stuck in Afghanistan and his concern for their safety. A pyrogeographer at UC Merced explains some of the reasons wildfires are getting larger, lasting longer, and becoming more destructive. Finally, our top picks for Northern California NPR ‘Tiny Desk Contest’ entries for 2021. Today's Guests Principal Nathan McGill of Ethel I. Baker Elementary School joins us to talk about the students from his school who are stuck in Afghanistan and his concern for their safety and efforts to bring them back to the United States. Crystal Kolden, a professor of fire science at UC Merced, explains some of the reasons wildfires are getting larger, lasting longer, and becoming more destructive-- as well as solutions being discussed and applied.  Weekend and Fill-in Host for News and Modern Music at CapRadio, Andrew Garcia, gives us his picks from the Northern California NPR ‘Tiny Desk Contest’ entries for 2021.   

We're looking at an update on the Caldor Fire. El Dorado County’s Registrar of Voters explains how you can still vote in the recall election amid evacuation orders. PolitiFact California fact-check on the upcoming gubernatorial recall election. Annual ‘Chalk it Up! Art and Music Festival’ at Fremont Park and the Broadway International Festival in Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department, assisting CalFire, provides an update on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado and Amador counties.  El Dorado County’s Registrar of Voters, Bill O’Neill, explains how you can still vote in the recall election amid evacuation orders and warnings for much of his county. CapRadio PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols provides a fact-check on the upcoming gubernatorial recall election.  Christy Jourdan previews the annual Chalk it Up! Art and Music Festival at Fremont Park in Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend.  David Gull with New Helvetia Brewing Company and Zion Taddese with Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine highlight Sacramento’s diversity at the Broadway International Festival Sunday, Sept 5. 

Updated at 11:17 a.m. As the firefight continues against the Caldor Fire, we get an update on strategy and the outlook as we continue to face a red flag warning. The City of Roseville held a community vigil honoring the life of Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee, who lost her life in an airport explosion in Kabul.  Plus, we take a look at how local efforts to help refugees who managed to make it out of Afghanistan. Finally, we discuss the new song “Rolling Through California.” Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department and CapRadio reporter Scott Rodd update us on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County The city of Roseville remembers Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, killed in an airport explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting with the US withdrawal of Afghanistan.  Kerry Ham with World Relief Sacramento, and Dr. Amira Kotb with Refugee Enrichment & Development Association Center of Sacramento (REDA), update local efforts for Afghan refugees.  Grammy Award Winning Artist, Fantastic Negrito joins us to discuss his new song, “Rolling Through California,” and his collaboration with Defy: Disaster to help first responders. Resources Here's some information on how to support the Afghan emergency housing initiative and REDA's effort to expand its mental health program.

An update on the Caldor Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders for all of South Lake Tahoe and also the launch of a new statewide effort to provide financial and emotional support to students, families, and schools impacted by catastrophic wildfires. An interview with two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair, ahead of the Summer Horns Tour at Rocklin’s Quarry Park Amphitheater. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department and CapRadio reporter Scott Rodd update us on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County amid evacuation orders for South Lake Tahoe.  Tim Taylor with the Small School District Association and El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala discuss the new program “CA Kids Fire Relief,” which is a statewide effort to provide financial and emotional support to students, families, and schools impacted by catastrophic wildfires. CapRadio’s Gary Vercelli spoke with two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair ahead of the Summer Horns Tour at Rocklin’s Quarry Park Amphitheatre this weekend. 

Updated at 11:21 a.m. on August 30, 2021 There are new evacuation orders and warnings regarding the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County. A zoning bill passed by California lawmakers allows for the development of two units on lots that have historically been for single-family homes. We learn how the expansion of food assistance eligibility will benefit college students across the state, and the toll food insecurity has on mental health and academic performance. Finally, we look back at the history of wildfires in the U.S. —  which isn’t unique to the West. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department updates the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County, which has triggered new evacuation orders and warnings impacting areas including Meyers and South Lake Tahoe.  CalMatters reporter Manuela Tobias breaks down a new zoning bill passed by California lawmakers, which allows for the development of two-units on lots that have historically been for single-family homes.   Danielle Muñoz with Crisis Assistance & Resource Education Support (CARES) at Sacramento State University, explains the school’s federal food assistance program/food pantry, enrollment rates, and the application process.   Assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco Suzanna Martinez discusses the prevalence of food insecurity among college students and how it’s related to poor mental health and lower academic performance.  NPR Correspondent Nathan Rott reports on a forgotten history that should serve as a warning — wildfire isn’t unique to the West. The warming climate is increasing the risk of major wildfires across America. And more people are moving to fire-prone areas without realizing the danger.  Note: Language in the headline has been changed.

An update on recall mail-in ballot results and how voter ambivalence, coupled with a lack of awareness about the election, can shape the outcome. Also, how to make sense of the Air Quality Index and South Lake Tahoe’s tourism hit due to hazardous wildfire smoke. Plus, a preview of “The Golden  Bouzouki,” a new film premiering at the Sacramento Crest Theatre, and remembering orchestra conductor Michael Morgan, who passed away at the age of 63. Today's Guests Paul Mitchell with PoliticalData Inc. joins us with the latest gubernatorial recall mail-in ballot results. California correspondent with The New York Times Shawn Hubler shares her recent article about Republican challenger Larry Elder and the consequences of voter ambivalence — and a lack of awareness about the election — can have on Governor Newsom’s recall election.  UC Davis Air Quality Research Center Director Anthony Wexler on the historically poor air quality stemming from wildfires and how to make sense of the Air Quality Index Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority President and CEO Carol Chaplin checks in on how wildfire smoke and hazardous air quality have impacted South Lake Tahoe events and visitation  Director of “The Golden Bouzouki,” Joel Goulet, gives us a run-down of his new film ahead of this weekend’s showing at the Sacramento Crest Theatre   Remembering the late orchestra conductor Michael Morgan, who was music director emeritus of the Sac Philharmonic and Opera in addition to the Oakland Symphony Music Director and Conductor

A report on families experiencing breakthrough infections happening following school starts. How the Caldor Fire is impacting a local winery and the wine industry at large. CapRadio Jazz sits down with Roger Smith of the legendary Oakland soul band Tower of Power. Today's Guests KQED Health Reporter Lesley McClurg shares her reporting on families experiencing breakthrough infections following school starts across the Bay Area and Northern California.  Director of Hospitality and Marketing at Skinner Vineyards, Stephanie Singer, checks in on how the winery is managing amid the Caldor Fire in El Dorado County. Cooperative Extension Specialist in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, Anita Oberholster, explains the ways the state’s wine crop is affected by wildfire smoke and ash  CapRadio’s Jazz Music Director, Gary Vercelli, sits down with organist Roger Smith of the legendary Oakland soul band Tower of Power 

We learn how the FDA approval process works, following the full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. An employment legal expert explains the challenges employers may face mandating vaccinations. We break down the CDC’s new recommendation for pregnant and breastfeeding women to get vaccinated, and the B Street Theater tells us about its upcoming full season since the pandemic shuttered its operation. Today's Guests Meharry Medical College Associate Professor Dr. Donald J. Alcendor explains on how the FDA approval process works and when we might see more COVID vaccines with a full approval President of Shaw Law Group and expert in employment law Jennifer Shaw explains the potential employment legal challenges as companies weigh whether to mandate employee COVID-19 vaccinations UC Davis Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician Dr. Veronique Tache discusses the CDC’s new recommendation that pregnant and breastfeeding women get vaccinated against COVID-19 Executive producer Jerry Montoya talks about the upcoming full season for the B-Street Theater since the pandemic shuttered its full operation  

An update on the Caldor Fire in El Dorado County which jumped Highway 50, promoting closures. Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn discusses why he is retiring at the end of this year. UC Davis creates a cloud-based ‘backpack’ for Afghan refugees and those displaced to safely secure documents. Al Capone’s family connection to Sacramento, ahead of an auction of his estate. Today's Guests City of Sacramento Fire Department Public Information Officer Captain Keith Wade with updates from the Caldor Fire in El Dorado County Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn on his retirement at the end of the year, time in Sacramento law enforcement, and what’s next Professor and Founding Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis Keith David Watenpaugh breaks down the human rights crisis in Afghanistan and the department’s efforts to have Afghan students secure their academic documents Granddaughter of infamous mobster Al Capone, Diane Patricia Capone, talks about her grandfather’s personal side as father and grandfather and his time at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Antique dealer, auctioneer, and appraiser, Brian Witherell, on the forthcoming auction of Al Capone’s estate in Sacramento