Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

The rainy season in California is off to a slow start following another dry year. Millions across the state are touched by the extreme drought in some fashion, and there are signs we might be entering another extended dry stretch. We take a closer look at the likelihood for rainfall as we head into California’s historically wettest months, how current storage looks, and forever chemicals tainting what’s available. Plus, how the state’s water will soon join gold and oil as commodities traded on the futures markets. Today's Guests Sacramento National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge Michelle Mead checks-in on the forecast through the end of the month, along with some thoughts on this winter season California Department of Water Resources Information Officer Chris Orrock navigates where the state stands with water storage, what climatologists expect going forward, and what we can expect based on history Public Policy Institue of California Water Policy Center Director Ellen Hanak talks about what's next in California's efforts to manage groundwater sustainably Markets Insider Technical Analyst and Writer Matthew Fox on how the state’s water will soon join gold and oil as commodities traded on the futures markets CalMatters Environment Reporter Rachel Becker explains “forever chemicals” found in California’s water supplies, where they’re found and how widespread they are

Today on Insight, a closer look at California’s newly appointed Director of Public Health and what President-Elect Joe Biden’s recent selection of Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of Health and Human Services means for state politics. Plus, a deep dive into the ins and outs of contact tracing, and how to stay safe when outdoors amid new stay-at-home orders across California. Today's Guests POLITICO Health Care Reporter Alice Ollstein discusses the news of Xavier Becerra being selected by Joe Biden to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services UC Davis School of Medicine Associate Dean for Public Health Sciences Dr. Brad Pollock navigates the ins and outs of contact tracing and the significance of the new statewide contact tracing app Latino Coalition for a Healthy California Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynoso explains how language barriers make it difficult for people to get tested for COIVD-19 and be a part of contact tracing efforts CapRadio Environment Reporter Ezra David Romero checks-in on how to stay safe when outdoors amid new stay-at-home restrictions across California

Cases of COVID-19 are surging in Sacramento and across the state. Hospital capacity and intensive care units are nearing dangerously low levels, and nearly 85% of California residents will soon be under new restrictions. As the state works to get the pandemic under control, ICE leaders are pushing to detain more immigrants across California. Today on Insight, how the pandemic and a presidential transition are impacting immigration, and what a new administration means for President Trump’s immigration initiatives. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter and California State of Mind podcast co-host Nicole Nixon checks-in updates on the surge in cases of COVID-19 in the region  Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye with potential changes to expect heading into winter and disparities in COVID-19 care, potential vaccinations  Los Angeles Times Immigration Reporter Andrea Castillo on ICE leaders’ current push to detain more immigrants across the state University of Chicago Law School Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Immigrants' Rights Clinic Director Nicole Hallett discusses how the pandemic and a presidential transition are impacting immigration and what a new administration means for President Trump's immigration initiatives California Immigrant Policy Center Campaigns and Programs Deputy Director Almas Sayeed on the significance of ICE leaders’ current push to detain more immigrants in California and how the state’s immigration system is managing 

California is nearing 20,000 COVID-19 deaths, and today Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to announce a new round of lockdowns for all or parts of the state; CapRadio's Nicole Nixon brings us up to date with the latest news from the governor's office. Plus, a closer look at new calls for the city and county of Sacramento to update and change the criteria for when to open warming centers, and a conversation with the author of the new bilingual children's book "That Girl On TV Could Be Me." Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter and California State of Mind podcast co-host Nicole Nixon with the latest on the possibility of a new statewide stay-at-home order Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg discusses several developing stories, including the sudden resignation of Sacramento County’s Public Health Director and the state of the economy in Sacramento, as the COVID-19 surge will likely lead to more stay-at-home orders CapRadio PolitiFact California Reporter Chris Nichols on his reporting on the death of a Sacramento homeless man who did not survive the frigid overnight temperatures last week, spurring conversation over changes to how the city and country decides when to open ‘warming centers’ for the homeless Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness Executive Director Bob Erlenbusch weighs-in on Chris Nichols’ reporting and how he wants the homeless to be prioritized when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out KCRA 3 Anchor/Reporter Leticia Ordaz talks about her new bilingual childrens’ book “That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor,” and why she finds writing so rewarding, especially during the pandemic  

The U.S. is in the midst of a dark period for the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitalizations and positive case numbers are at record levels and while daily death counts have not hit the peaks we saw last summer, there are other long-term effects from this disease that have yet to be fully recognized. This comes amid a wave of optimism coming on the vaccine development front with more than 70 different vaccine trials currently underway. Today on Insight, vaccine development, who will have priority, and how it could change our lives. Today's Guests The New York Times Columnist and "A Planet of Viruses" Author Carl Zimmer on the digital "Vaccine Tracker" set up by the Times to show the status of various coronavirus trials California State Senator Richard Pan explains vaccine priority with people of color and how people of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 Illumina Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer Alex Aravanis discusses the technology his company made to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the basis for all of the vaccines showing promising results AFAR Media Travel News Editor Michelle Baran on how the forthcoming coronavirus vaccines will affect travel and possible complications with the rollout that travelers should consider

Gov. Gavin Newsom made it clear at the start of this year that solving California’s homeless crisis was a top priority. With COVID-19 cases spiking across the state amid colder temperatures, it’s a combination that’s hitting the state’s homeless population especially hard. Today on Insight, how the Governor could use the pandemic to help address homelessness, why so many veterans find themselves without a place to live, and more. Today's Guests CalMatters Housing and Data Reporter Matt Levin breaks down how the pandemic could aid in California’s homeless crisis Loaves and Fishes Advocacy Director Joseph Smith on what’s being done to help those in need and the unhoused in Sacramento California Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Services Division Deputy Secretary Keith Boylan checks-in on how unhoused veterans are being helped across the state Operation Gratitude CEO and Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel talks about the organization creating care packages for troops who are deployed and for their families

California hit another milestone amid the pandemic this weekend with more COVID-19 patients in state hospitals now than at any other point during the global outbreak; we get updates on the latest across California. The surge in cases comes during the thick of the holiday season, the most important time of the year for the retail and hospitality industries. A retail expert and professor of hospitality management explain the impact of the pandemic thus far and what to expect as we head further into this holiday season. Today's Guests Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Alex Wigglesworth checks-in with COVID-19 updates for California, where there are more patients sick with the virus in state hospitals now than at any other point during the pandemic  Columbus, Ohio WD Partners Inc Executive Vice President of Thought Leadership and Marketing Lee Peterson discusses the effect the pandemic is having on retail and what that might look like as we head further into this holiday season The Collins College of Hospitality Management at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona Associate Professor Linchi Kwok on the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and travel, and what to expect going forward amid

For so many people, 2020 has been a difficult year. Between the pandemic, wildfires, social unrest, and one of the most unusual and divisive presidential elections in history, it’s no surprise most are looking ahead to better days. But with November, comes Thanksgiving and a time to think about the things we’re grateful for. We navigate gratitude today and how it can be a powerful tool for resilience in the face of historically challenging times. Today's Guests Los Angeles Times Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers with the latest on Governor Gavin Newsom’s PR crisis following his dinner in Yountville while not adhering to his own COVID-19 protocols, and more Executive Functioning Coach, Couples Counselor, and Psychotherapist Zachary Alti on how gratitude can be a powerful tool for resilience in the face of the pandemic Sacramento City Unified School District School Psychologist Dr. Sheava Zadeh explains how children can find gratitude and the benefits of gratitude on their mental health  CapRadio Assistant Program Director and Modern Music Director Nick Brunner checks-in with music that has a twist of gratitude

Agriculture is one of California’s biggest industry sectors and it's no secret that COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains and left many farmers reeling. The effects of the pandemic follow several years of challenging production and market conditions for U.S. farmworkers, and with a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, there’s a push to get farmers among those vaccinated first. Today on Insight, the many ways farmworkers and the agriculture industry have been impacted by the pandemic, and what the Biden Administration means for future prospects. Today's Guests United Fresh Produce Association Senior Vice President of Policy Robert Guenter discusses the effects of COVID-19 on California agriculture, the push to get farm workers vaccinated first, the incoming Biden Administration, and more United Farm Workers Foundation Executive Director Diana Tellefson Torres on how the wages of farm workers in California could drop under a plan by the Trump Administration California Rice Commission Communications Manager Jim Morris talks about the first-ever commercial shipment of rice to China from the U.S. and its historical significance  Family-owned, Sacramento restaurant supplier Produce Express Sales Representative Scott Rose with what is in-season, coming into season, and how it can be used 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the majority of the state would move back into the most pandemic restrictive tier amid a surge of COVID-19 cases. That means most businesses and restaurants will again be forced to modify or close their doors altogether with winter nearly here; we take a closer look at how to get unemployment benefits and what local businesses are trying to do to stay afloat. Plus, a closer look at why some restaurants aren’t supporting food delivery services. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter and California State of Mind podcast co-host Nicole Nixon with the news of 40 counties being put into the most restrictive COVID-19 tier Shaw Law Group President and expert in employment law Jennifer Shaw navigates unemployment and applying for benefits as businesses pull back to meet statewide restrictions Founder of WalletHacks.com and Forbes Contributor Jim Wang explains what steps people can take should they lose their jobs during the pandemic Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Amanda Blackwood discusses the best ways to support local businesses when shopping for loved ones during the holiday season Sacramento Bee Food and Beverage Reporter Benjy Egel breaks down why some local restaurants aren’t supporting food delivery services Correction: In a previous version of this page, WalletHacks.com was misspelled. We have corrected the error.

Updated 10:00 a.m. The number of households in the U.S. that don’t have enough food to eat is growing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the holiday season. That means more and more people are experiencing ‘food insecurity,’ or a lack of consistent access to enough food. Today on Insight, we navigate the rising issue of hunger across the country and in California, what’s being done to address it, and where we fall short. Today's Guests University of Illinois Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics Craig Gundersen talks about the state of food insecurity in the U.S., how the pandemic has impacted it, the systems in place to address hunger, and where they fall short Nourish California Registered Dietitian and Senior Advocate Melissa Cannon explains the challenge to feed young people and why it matters what kind of food is provided   California Association of Food Banks Director of Government Affairs Andrew Cheyne on what food insecurity looks like in the state and what’s being done about it  Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services President and CEO Blake Young with how the food bank is managing, the increase in demand since the pandemic began, and the work the food bank is doing with Run to Feed the Hungry coming up Food Literacy Center Founder and CEO Amber Stott on food literacy and why it matters in addressing hunger Editor’s Note: CapRadio is a sponsor of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' Run to Feed the Hungry event.

Ski season is just about to start up in the Tahoe area, but there are still plenty of questions about how resorts and vacation towns will handle the surge in COVID-19 cases and incoming inclimate weather; we learn more today. A climate scientist explains what the La Niña weather pattern means for projected snowfall totals, and we speak with a conflict resolution expert about climate change, the pandemic, and healing after the presidential election. Plus, CapChat with Nicole Nixon. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter and California State of Mind podcast co-host Nicole Nixon with what to watch for at the statehouse as the legislative session nears National Conflict Resolution Center President Steven Dinkin and author of the weekly San Diego Union-Tribune column “A Path Forward” on ways to maintain civility in our lives following the presidential election and more pandemic shutdowns  CapRadio Environment Reporter Ezra David Romero discusses his reporting into the ski industry Stanford University Climate Scientist and Professor Noah Diffenbaugh on the long term context of changes in California’s climate and what it means for the reliability of snowpack  Tahoe City's Mountain Slice Café and Creamery Co-Owner Alex Hunt checks-in with how his restaurant is managing amid COVID-19 tier rollbacks Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Event & Media Relations Manager Mike Frye talks about the South Tahoe shore region with winter nearly here Ski California President Mike Reitzell on how the 32 ski resorts he represents across California and Nevada are responding to inclement weather and COVID-19 protocols

California is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases and a number of counties are shifting into increased lockdown; we speak with experts and county health directors about the spiking numbers. The heightened tier levels in the state could dampen economic gains across a number of sectors, including the restaurant industry. Insight takes a closer look at the implications, plus a story of personal connections made during World War Two on this Veterans Day. Today's Guests Sacramento County Department of Health Services Director Dr. Peter Beilenson with updates on Sacramento County moving back to most restrictive COVID-19 tier Yolo County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson checks-in on how her county is navigating the increasing threat of COVID-19 UC Davis Health Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Dean Blumberg discusses what the incoming Biden Administration’s COVID-19 task force means for the pandemic  University of Pennsylvania School of Policy & Practice Economist and Professor Ioana Marinescu on how demoting tiers impacts the economy California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie explains how restaurants are affected by restrictive COVID-19 tiers, and how they can adjust with winter nearly here Award-winning author and journalist Diane Covington-Carter shares the story of personal connections her dad made during World War Two on this Veterans Day

Election Day has finally arrived. Tens of millions of Americans will head to the polls to vote for either Republican incumbent President Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden. Nearly 100 million American voters have already cast early ballots but election officials are saying that days or weeks could pass before we know the winner of the presidential election. Today on Insight, Election Day, what you need to know, and what’s at stake. Today's Guests: Longtime political journalist and Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast host Ken Rudin, on what to expect this Election Day Political Data Inc. Vice President and political strategist Paul Mitchell discusses California’s role and importance to the election CapRadio Environment Reporter Ezra David Romero on how climate change is deciding factor for many voters this election CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan navigates the District 2 and District 8 races, the candidates, and what's at stake CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Sammy Caiola checks-in with what she’s seeing live from a polling location California Voter Foundation Founder and President Kim Alexander with last-minute advice on voting, results, and more

Election Day is tomorrow, officially ending the 2020 presidential campaign cycle. But whether the election draws to a close or not remains unknown. With one day left until election day, we take a look at the latest news on the candidates, early voting, and speculate about the results of the election. Today's Guests Longtime political journalist and Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast host Ken Rudin previews Election Day and the latest on both the candidates and what polls are showing CapRadio PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols checks-in with everything you need to know about in-person voting in California and how to protect yourself from election misinformation CapRadio Data Reporter Emily Zentner on what you might expect with results on election night, what those projections mean and how CapRadio can help make sense of it Stanislaus County Registrar of Voters Clerk-Recorder Donna Linder checks-in on how her county is managing and challenges ahead of Election Day Butte County Clerk-Recorder Candace Grubbs on her county’s early voting, irregularities, and preparations Washoe County Assistant Registrar of Voters Heather Carmen explains the importance of the County in winning Nevada and how 70 percent of residents have voted early