Insight With Vicki Gonzalez show

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Summary: 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.

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Podcasts:

 “Best of Insight” | Redemption Coffee for Sacramento County Inmates | Civil Rights Leader Ben Jealous | Sacramento Remembers Tyre Nichols | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

 “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. 

 KCRA Investigates Assemblymember Mia Bonta | Ben Jealous Book | Hey Listen! Top Local Music Performances | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Updated at 9:32 a.m. Assemblymember Mia Bonta has recused herself from a budget subcommittee after a KCRA investigation. Ben Jealous discusses his new book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.” CapRadio hosts Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia share their “must-see” music concerts. Investigation into Assemblymember Mia Bonta The chairwoman of a major Assembly budget subcommittee at the State Capitol has recused herself from an important oversight position following an investigation by KCRA3’s Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala. Following days of questions over ethics, the potential of a conflict of interest and poor optics, Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, the wife of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, will no longer participate in overseeing the billion dollar budget for her husband’s office.  Mia Bonta initially refused to recuse herself and called the questioning of her position as sexist and racist. Days after Zavala’s reporting, the Assemblywoman decided to relent and back away from the position. Zavala joins Insight to discuss her report on the story. We did invite the Assemblymember Mia Bonta on Insight. Her office said she could not make it, and referred us to the statement she made on Sunday on Twitter.  Ben Jealous' latest book Ben Jealous is arguably most well-known as the youngest person to lead the national NAACP.  But in addition to civil rights and social justice, his roles also span journalism, academia, politics, and the environment. All of which he would argue are intertwined. Jealous is now leading another legacy non-profit rooted in activism, becoming the first African American to lead the Sierra Club. Ben joined Insight about his new book "Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing." Hey Listen! Top local music performances The host of CapRadio’s Hey, Listen!, Nick Brunner, and CapRadio Host Andrew Garcia,  join Insight to share their top picks of shows to check out for the next two weeks.   Correction: In a previous version of this article, Ben Jealous' book title was incorrect. That has been updated.

 Spiking Natural Gas Prices | Summit on Mindfulness and Compassion | Volunteers of America Job Fair | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

A energy policy expert explains why are natural gas prices so high this winter, what can be done to reduce the prices, and what consumers should know. The growing importance and acceptance of mindfulness meditation and its potential healing power. A Veterans Job Fair in Sacramento County.   Spiking natural gas prices Shocked. Confused. Concerned and frustrated. Just a handful of the reactions millions of Californians are having when they opened their natural gas bills this winter.  California’s Public Utility Commission (CPUC) says natural gas prices in California and throughout the West have risen to “alarming levels” and are “driving up prices for consumers.”  Pacific Gas and Electric, which has 4.5 million gas customers in Northern and Central California, said customers can expect a 32% increase in their bills through March.  They and other utility companies throughout the state blame high demand, low supplies, and cold weather for the steep rise in their customer’s energy bills. Governor Newsom has called for a federal investigation into the price increases / while some critics say California and its regulations are to blame.  Regardless of the politics, the price hike is hitting Californians at a particularly difficult time for those households already financially struggling due to high inflation. So what is causing this sticker shock in our gas bills? To help us unpack this complex issue and what can potentially be done about it, Insight invited Severin Borenstein, a professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and Faculty Director of its Energy Institute, to join us.     Summit on mindfulness and compassion Our minds are powerful, but using them to their full potential can be difficult or run counter to the way life comes at us. Slowing down, processing, reflecting, and sitting with oneself can be easier said than done. But there is growing awareness and acceptance of the power of mindfulness meditation and its ability to alleviate chronic stress, and suffering and increase compassion. Dr. Alea Skwara,  Dr. Quinn Conklin, and Dr. Clifford Saron are researchers at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain who study how our brains function in the name of “contemplative science.” They joined Insight to share their work ahead of a free, daylong summit on mindfulness and compassion at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis which is open to the public.    Volunteers of America job fair The Volunteers of America chapter in Northern California and Northern Nevada is more than a century old, founded in 1911. The non-profit is among the largest provider of services for some of the most vulnerable residents, providing housing or shelter to more than 3,000 adults and children every night. But it doesn’t stop there. Resources span housing, substance abuse, and employment services. Joseph Paez, a manager of the Homeless Veteran's Reintegration Program, joined Insight to tell us more about the VOA and discuss a Veterans Job Fair they're hosting this week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Mather location in Sacramento County. 

 Cal Poly Humboldt Hotel Housing | Behavioral Health Worker Shortage | Sacramento Kings Defy Expectations | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Updated Feb. 17, 2023 at 7:57 a.m. Cal Poly Humboldt announces hundreds of students will need to live in hotels for the Fall 2023 semester due to a housing shortage. California’s Behavioral health workforce is not forecasted to keep pace with demand. The Sacramento Kings are on track to end their 16-year playoff drought.   Cal Poly Humboldt hotel housing It’s been a little more than a year since Humboldt State made the major name change to Cal Poly Humboldt, becoming the third Polytechnic University in California.  The move was made in part to meet the growing demand for STEM professionals and attract students to pursue an education in science, technology, engineering, and math on the North Coast. But as a result, the university says they’re experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth with a record number of applicants for this year’s Fall semester. That surge of new students is creating a housing challenge. Because of a shortage of student housing on campus, the university announced plans this week for hundreds of students to live in hotels. The housing crunch is again raising long-standing concerns at the university and in the city of Arcata where Cal Poly Humboldt is located. Todd Larsen, Cal Poly Humboldt’s Senior Director of Housing Operations, and  Donyet King, the university's Senior Director for Housing and Residence Life, joined Insight to discuss the university's decision and how they plan to address the housing challenge in the coming years.  California's behavioral health worker shortage Within the past decade a focus on mental health has grown, alongside a rise in substance abuse, anxiety and depression. But California’s behavioral health workforce is struggling to keep up with the demand. From an aging workforce, to language barriers, we’ll learn about the consequences and solutions for these unmet needs. Janet Coffman, Professor of Health Policy at the UC San Francisco, co-authored a report published this month “Building the Future Behavioral Health Workforce: Needs Assessment.” Dr. Coffman is joined by Michelle Cabrera, Executive Director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, which commissioned this research to develop a 10-year strategic plan for strengthening the county behavioral health safety net workforce.   Sacramento Kings defy expectations The Sacramento Kings are on pace to finally make the NBA playoffs after a 16-season drought.  Despite making a few significant moves last season and hiring a new coach during the off-season, many NBA watchers did not expect this team to be playing so well, having already surpassed their entire win total from last year.  Now, at the All-Star break, the Sacramento Kings are sitting firmly in the 3rd seed for the playoffs with about a third of the season remaining.  FOX40 Sports reporter Sean Cunningham joins Insight to discuss how this team has defied expectations this year, why fans can be excited, yet cautious about the rest of the season and what a playoff run would feel like in Sacramento after a generation of fans have missed out over the last 16 years.  Correction: A previous version of this article used a photo of another Cal Poly campus. It has since been corrected to reflect Cal Poly Humboldt.

 Sen. Feinstein Not Seeking Re-Election | California’s Declining Birth Rate | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Senator Dianne Feinstein, California’s longest-serving U.S. Senator, has announced she will not seek re-election in 2024. A conversation on California’s declining birth rate and its implications. A Pacific Crest Trail hiker shares how his epic hike helped him heal from a traumatic brain injury. Sen. Feinstein Not Seeking Re-Election Senator Diane Feinstein’s political career began more than five decades ago as a San Francisco County Supervisor in 1969. The first step in what would become a trailblazing career in California and national politics.  The native San Franciscan would eventually become not only the first woman from California elected to the U.S. Senate, but after three decades in office, she is now California’s longest-serving Senator and the longest-serving woman senator in American history. Yesterday, we learned her storied career will come to a close in 2024, officially announcing she will not seek re-election next year. A moment that wasn’t necessarily unexpected, pressure began to build as two Democratic colleagues launched Senate campaigns for her seat. Her legacy in California and Washington is profound. A political powerhouse who was instrumental in passing legislation on gun control, gay rights, environmental protections, and restricting the CIA’s use of torture.  But in recent years, that influence had begun to wane. Shira Stein, Washington correspondent at the San Francisco Chronicle, joined Insight to share her reporting on Senator Feinstein’s decision, what the rest of her term could look like, and the senator’s legacy.  California’s Declining Birth Rate California’s birth rate is at a near-historic low which hasn’t been seen in more than a century. The findings come from the Public Policy Institute of California. According to the report, the number of births hit a peak in 1992, and more than 30 years later, that number dropped by roughly a third. The numbers may not seem significant now, but in the decades to come, the decline can have significant consequences for society and the economy. Economic, financial, and cultural shifts all play a factor in the complicated decision to have, or not have,  children. To help unpack the numbers and what they mean, Insight invited Henry Gonzalez, a Sacramento State professor of Family Studies and Human Development, and Jordan Davidson, Editorial Director of Health-dot-com, and author of “So When Are You Having Kids?” onto the program.  Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 2,650 miles, the numbers fall short of the experience of accomplishing the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail encompasses the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges, touching the California-Mexico border on one end and the Washington-Canadian border on the other. The hike is trying to say the least. A feat of a lifetime and one that many people attempt yet never accomplish in its entirety. It is extremely physical, but also a spiritual journey for many.  That includes a hiker who used this remarkable pilgrimage to overcome dire medical odds from a traumatic brain injury and found invaluable healing along the way. That hiker is Brandon Case, an author, and photographer, who will be sharing his inspiring journey at the Auburn State Theatre on Sunday as part of a fundraiser for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. The event is moderated by Alan Hammond with the non-profit Limit Situation Trail Magic.    Correction: A previous version of this description misidentified the Pacific Crest Trail.

 Understanding the Turkey-Syria Earthquake | Tech Workers Recruited for State Jobs | Wild & Scenic Film Festival | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

The historical context amplifying the humanitarian crisis in Turkey and Syria after a powerful and deadly earthquake. The state of California is looking to hire thousands of laid-off tech workers. A preview of this year’s Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Grass Valley and Nevada City.   Turkey-Syria earthquake On Monday, February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake and 7.5-magnitude aftershock devasted Turkey and Syria, killing at least 36,000 people, and the death toll is still rising. The region affected by the earthquake has been struggling with political instability and unrest for years, making it difficult for humanitarian aid organizations to respond effectively to the disaster. Concerns about Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his coalition government’s response to the crisis have also raised questions if the death toll could have been minimized. The disaster in Turkey is one of the most complex and challenging humanitarian crises in recent history, with issues that spill into Syria and those displaced in the last decade by its civil war. Insight invited Baki Tezcan, a professor of History at UC Davis, onto the program to help unpack the history and challenges both countries are facing in the crisis.  Tech worker recruitment The number of tech-related layoffs in California has been staggering. Since just the beginning of 2023, high-tech companies based in California have already let go of almost 25,000 positions. That is seriously outpacing all of the tech layoffs from last year - when the tech industry shed 44,000 jobs. Many analysts believe these jobs were the result of tech companies over-hiring during the COVID pandemic – and forced to shed payrolls as the economic headwinds of 2023 point to a slowdown in the economy, even possibly a recession. While layoffs of any kind are unpleasant, the state of California is looking to seize the opportunity by announcing a new program to try and lure laid-off tech workers into a career in state service. Matthias Jaime, who oversees the technology portfolio of California's Government Operations Agency, joined Insight to provide more details for this new recruiting mission for California’s tech workers.  Wild & Scenic film festival Nevada County is getting ready to welcome festival goers to take in more than 100 unique films with a common thread. Reminding us of our relationship with nature and perhaps inspiring actions to preserve and restore the environment. The 21st annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival kicks off this Thursday and the five-day festival runs through Monday in both Grass Valley and Nevada City, with CapRadio among the list of sponsors. From adventure to activism, health, food, traveling the ocean, and getting up close to wildlife, there are plenty of films to choose from. Festival Director Lívia Campos de Menezes joined Insight to share what to expect this year.   

 Gov. Newsom’s Homelessness Legacy | Redemption Coffee for Sacramento County Inmates | Valentine’s Day Wine and Music | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

How Governor Newsom’s political future and legacy hinge on how he addresses California’s homeless crisis. A vocational program at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center is helping incarcerated women gain skills to succeed in the coffee industry. The best wine and music parings for Valentine’s Day.   Gov. Newsom's homelessness legacy California is the fourth largest economy in the world, but that prideful headline is challenged by a grim reality. A homeless population that far surpasses any other state, accounting for half of the country’s unhoused population. Experiencing homelessness touches each and every one of us, it's a crisis Gov. Gavin Newsom has devoted an unprecedented amount of investment towards, even preceding his time as governor. But Newsom is beginning his second term with a larger unhoused population since he first took office.  Angela Hart, a senior reporter with Kaiser Health News, joined Insight to provide a better understanding of how his legacy as governor (and path forward in the Democratic Party) hinges on Gov. Newsom making visible headway on California’s homelessness crisis.  Redemption Coffee Reducing reoffending through coffee. Jamie Mason,  the Program Director for Redemption Coffee, shared more details on this  vocational program offered by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center for incarcerated women. Students enter a specialty coffee training program, and upon completion, gain the skills to succeed in the coffee industry. Mason was joined by Legend Hightower, a successful Redemption alumna who went from jail in 2022 to a full-time job as a coffee roaster.   Valentine's Day wine and music Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and for some, that means it’s dinner out, for others, it’s a quiet night at home. Either way, the wine, food, and music all come together to show your partner that you care, appreciate them, and want to share a wonderful evening together. But making the night just perfect can be a bit stressful.  Stay in?  Go out?  Where to go?  What to order? How to get the mood just right. Wine expert Rick Kushman and CapRadio’s Classical Music host Jennifer Reason joined Insight to help take the stress out of your planning with the best wine and the best music to pair with your Valentine’s Day plans.   

 Paul’s Place in Davis | California’s Farmworker Health | Hey Listen! Sacramento Music Events | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

A first-of-its kind building has opened in Davis to provide shelter and services for those considered at-risk or experiencing homelessness. A new Study by UC Merced is revealing the chronic health issues farmworkers are experiencing and the challenges they face in accessing healthcare. CapRadio’s Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia preview their top live music events in Sacramento for February.   Paul's Place In 2016, civic, community, and faith leaders in the City of Davis collectively decided they needed to come together and find a solution to a mounting crisis.  The number of people experiencing homelessness in our state has only grown over the years, but it has grown sharply since the start of the pandemic, and Davis was no exception.  After years of planning and collaboration, the doors opened this week on a unique approach to better serve Davis' unhoused community.  Paul’s Place celebrated its grand opening yesterday on H Street in Central Davis, becoming what is believed to be the first facility of its kind in California. The four-story, multi-purpose building is designed to both shelter and provide essential services to those who are at risk or are experiencing homelessness.  Bill Pride, Executive Director for Davis Community Meals and Housing, joined Insight to share the story of Paul’s Place, what makes it a one-of-a-kind location, and how it hopes to inspire other communities to follow its lead.    California's farm workers health There’s no debate, California is the king of agriculture in the United States. According to California’s Department of Food and Agriculture, more than a third of the country’s vegetables and 75% percent of its fruits and nuts are grown right here in the Golden State.  This economic engine of our state wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of thousands of farmworkers who pick and package all the succulent fruits and crispy vegetables we crave. But an unprecedented study by researchers at the University of California, Merced is pulling back the curtain on the lives and health of these farmworkers, revealing how this disadvantaged workforce is experiencing chronic health issues and severe challenges accessing healthcare. Its survey of over 1200 farmworkers throughout the state is considered one of the largest academic studies ever conducted on the health and well-being of farmworkers in the nation.  Edward Flores, Faculty Director of UC Merced’s Community and Labor Center, and Cesar Lara, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, joined Insight to share the study's key findings and what the health of farmworkers means for all Californians.  Upcoming music events It’s almost the weekend, a perfect time to hear music from Sacramento's thriving music scene. On any given month, there are many fantastic local performances throughout the region, making it challenging to narrow down which new or established artists to check out.  The host CapRadio’s Hey, Listen!, Nick Brunner and Andrew Garcia, host of music and news, put their ear to the grindstone for us and joined Insight to share their top picks of shows to check out for the next two weeks.   

 COVID Vaccine Requirement in Schools | Missing and Murdered Indigenous People | Remembering Tyre Nichols | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

The state of California has decided to drop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the state’s public and private school children. A conversation about missing and murdered indigenous people in California and why tribes are calling for action at the State Capitol. Friends and Family in Sacramento remember Tyre Nichols.  COVID vaccine requirement in schools About three years ago we started hearing about a mysterious virus that was starting to spread around parts of China.  Soon after, COVID-19 made its way to the United States and then quickly around the world. Local, state, and federal agencies responded, or scrambled to respond, the best they knew how.  We all remember how we needed to stay home, stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask, and wash our hands.  All of which was just supposed to last a few weeks to “stop the spread.” Since then, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been fought over, debated, and dissected, and will be for decades to come.  Emergency laws were put into order, there were new rules and regulations, color codes, and tiers that touched every aspect of life as we knew it.  But one of the most controversial measures taken here in California and other parts of the country was the mandate that schoolchildren be vaccinated against the virus in order to attend school. On February 28th California will officially end its COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration and that means public schoolchildren in California will no longer need COVID vaccines.  Diana Lambert, an education reporter for EdSource, and Dr. Monica Gandhi, a Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco, joined insight to discuss the end of the mandate and what it means, moving forward.  Missing and murdered Indigenous People California has the largest Native American population in the country, home to more than 100 federally recognized tribes. From the Northern to Central and Southern parts of the state, tribes have long been grappling with a crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people also known as M-M-I-P.  An epidemic that is rooted in a complex web of neglected issues, from gaps in law enforcement and government funding to shortcomings in social services and generational trauma. For the first time ever, tribes across California gathered at the State Capitol to demand lawmakers take action in the form of legislation and funding.  Specifically calling on lawmakers to pass two bills that tribes say will curb the crisis as well as approve $200 million in funding to build programs and services to prevent these tragedies from taking place. Joseph James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe which is the largest tribe in the state, joined insight to talk about this effort and why he believes real change is possible.  Remembering Tyre Nichols The city of Sacramento is honoring Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died after being hospitalized following a brutal beating by Memphis Police. Five officers are facing second-degree murder charges in addition to the firing of a sixth officer and three medics with the Memphis Fire Department. But before Tennessee, Tyre called Sacramento home and would regularly skate at the Regency Community Park in North Natomas. Sacramento Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the city is in the process of renaming the park the “Tyre Nichols Skate Park.”  That announcement came over the weekend during a celebration of life ceremony at Sac Ramp Skate Park, sharing memories of the father and avid skateboarder.  Insight Producer Victor Corral Martinez met with two of Tyre’s friends, Ryan Wilson and Jerome Neal, and put together a remembrance in their own words.   

 State Buildings to Become Affordable Housing | Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies | Tahoe Institute of Natural Science | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

California plans to transform three of its office buildings surrounding the State Capitol into affordable housing units. A Sacramento dietician-nutritionist discusses her new book “It’s Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies.” The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science shares its conservation and education efforts in the Tahoe basin.    Affordable housing To address California’s affordable housing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom directed two agencies to find state-owned properties and aggressively find ways to transform them into affordable housing. According to his office, the order has so far resulted in at least 16 plans involving the state, housing developers, and communities to develop more than 5,000 new rental properties throughout the state. The most recently announced plan is to transform three state office buildings in downtown Sacramento into what’s promised to be hundreds of new, affordable housing units.  The Department of General Services, one of the agencies tasked with this transformation hopes this project will “breathe new life into state office buildings” and downtown Sacramento.  Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela whose district includes these buildings, Jason Kenney, Deputy Director of the Department of General Services, and  Sasha Kergan, Deputy Secretary of Housing at the Department of Housing and Community Development joined Insight.  Rewriting the story of Black Women's bodies A new book is asking us to rethink how we view “good” and “healthy” bodies. It's a view of diet culture that has long embraced “thinness”, literally restricting women with the size of their bodies—controlling what they can, and cannot, eat. A dynamic the book's author says is centuries in the making and since the beginning has disproportionately harmed women of color who are often left out of the conversation and an idyllic version of wellness.  That author is Jessica Wilson, a Sacramento-based registered dietitian-nutritionist.  Wilson joined Insight  to discuss her new book “It’s Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies.”  Tahoe Institute of Natural Science The Tahoe Basin is one of the most beautiful places in California to explore. For many, being in Tahoe’s abundant nature is important not just for leisure, but also critical for research. Combining both is what the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science is doing.  The nonprofit organization has a long-term goal of bringing a world-class informative nature center and educational facility to the Lake Tahoe area. TINS (for short) works diligently to advance knowledge of the Tahoe Basin’s natural history, conservation, and ecosystem/ and aims to awaken the public’s curiosity and promote responsible environmental citizenship. Will Richardson, co-founder and executive director of The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, spoke with Insight host Vicki Gonzalez to discuss the organization and its important research. 

 Sacramento Airport Upgrades | Northern California Great Migration Study | Ashay By The Bay Bookstore | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Sacramento International Airport provides more details on its $1.3 billion renovation plan and what it means for travelers. A CSU East Bay professor shares her study on how the migration of African Americans from the South shaped the Sacramento Valley. A conversation with a Vallejo bookstore owner who focuses on African-American and multicultural books. Sacramento airport upgrades Sacramento International Airport is getting another major facelift.  Terminal B, which is home to Southwest Airlines and other carriers is slated to expand with the addition of more gates and a new pedestrian walkway.  Terminal A, which has needed to be updated for years, will also see significant changes.  The bill for all of the upgrades is almost a billion-and-a-half dollars but the money is not coming from taxpayers.  Cindy Nichol, Director of Sacramento County Department of Airports, joins us to share details about the improvements coming to SMF, where the funding is coming from and what passengers can expect over the next several years as construction gets underway. Great Migration study Mariama Gray, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at CSU East Bay discusses their project the Great Migration Study which examines how the migration of African Americans from the South shaped the Sacramento Valley. Mariama is also looking for more participants who identify as African American, attended a school in the Bay Area or Sacramento Valley between 1930 (or earlier) and 1970, and you or your parents were born in a southern U.S. state. For those interested in the study, here’s a link to the form. Ashay By The Bay Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Reading is fundamental to tolerance and seeing your culture and identity in books is important to finding placement in the world. That is exactly what Ashay By The Bay, a Vallejo children’s bookstore, is doing by providing books focused on the African-American and multicultural experience. Ashay By The Bay owner Deborah Day joined Insight to talk about the mission of the bookstore and offer some recommendations in honor of Black History Month.

 California Senate Race | Tyre Nichols and Law Enforcement Culture | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Updated 12:52 p.m. Examining the race for U.S. Senate taking shape in California. A conversation on the culture of law enforcement in the aftermath of Tyre Nichols’ death. The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science shares how their conservation efforts in the Tahoe basin. California Senate Race 30 years. That’s how long 89-year-old California’s Dianne Feinstein has served as Senator. Despite questions surrounding her capacity to continue in that role and seek another six-year term, candidates are not waiting for her to make her announcement, instead, they are already lining up to make a run for that seat.  It's widely expected that Feinstein will make her intentions known soon, but within the last few weeks, we have seen a few prominent Democrats already launch their bids for her senate seat. They include California Congressman Adam Schiff from Los Angeles and Congresswoman Katie Porter from Orange County, and there are more, potentially, waiting in the wings. Melanie Mason, National Political Correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, and Tal Kopan, Deputy Washington D.C. Bureau Chief for the Boston Globe, joined insight to discuss the interesting 2024 senate race taking shape in California and Senator Feinstein's future Law enforcement culture Tyre Nichols will be remembered for the life he lived today. The 29-year-old called Sacramento home before moving to Tennessee. He's remembered as a free spirit who loved photography and had a passion for skateboarding. The video of Tyre’s violent beating by Memphis Police last month following a traffic stop is now part of a chronicle of videos in recent years taken either from police body cameras or from bystanders with cell phones that show a deadly encounter with law enforcement. Multiple officers have since been charged with second-degree murder, others have been relieved of duty and emergency responders who arrived on the scene have been fired.  But once again the culture, practices, and policies of law enforcement are being called into question. Former Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, who is now the dean of the Public Safety Center at American River College, and Keon Gilbert, an associate professor of public health and social justice at Saint Louis University College and a fellow at The Brookings Institution, joined Insight to discuss the death of Tyre Nichols, the culture of law enforcement and the practice and intent of traffic stops some end in violence. Correction: In a previous version of this article, Keon Gilbert was misspelled. It has since been corrected.

 Midterm Election Update | California College Corp | Artist Behind Insight’s New Theme Music | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

An update on Midterm election results across the country. California College Corp embarks on its second year. The artist behind Insight’s new theme music.  Midterm election update Former President Donald Trump is expected to announce that he will run for President once again. His expected announcement comes one week after the midterm elections in which his party and several of his chosen candidates failed to take back the Senate and made only marginal gains in the House, all despite President Biden’s low approval ratings. In the House of Representatives, California Congressman Kevin McCarthy will face a critical test as GOP members hold a leadership election as ballots across the country are still being counted for the final makeup of Congress. In California, Governor Newsom and many of his fellow Democrats cruised to victory last week, all the while, speculation continues to grow about Newsom’s future and if it includes a 2024 presidential run and potentially takes on people like Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another presumed Presidential candidate. To bring us up to speed and provide more analysis, Insight invited Robin Swanson, a Democratic Strategist and Founder of Swanson Communications, and Republican political consultant Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, onto the program.  California College Corp California has a new volunteer program for college students called College Corps, and it will mobilize a workforce of over three thousand students. The program aims to create a debt-free pathway for college students while working to solve problems in their communities. The College Corps’ goals are to aid with K-12 educational tutoring, tackle food insecurity, and take steps to help address climate change. Spearheading this task is Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Locally, Lynn Fowler, Consortium Director of Sacramento Valley College Corps, collaborates with other community colleges and universities to produce the massive undertaking. They both joined Insight to talk about the history, challenges, and how they envision the volunteer program for the years to come. Poor Majesty You may have noticed our theme music has changed, which was produced by Adrian Gilmore. Insight spoke with Gilmore about his work as a Northern California artist Poor Majesty and how his sound is influenced by his surroundings. He also discussed his influences in creating the show's theme music, the many instruments used to compose it, and how he wants listeners to interpret the show's new music.  

 BURNED: A California Newsroom investigation | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Wildfires in California have grown increasingly extreme and devastating in the last decade. BURNED, a yearlong investigation from the California Newsroom, reveals how the U.S. Forest Service is struggling to complete the work it knows it must do to keep Californians safe from wildfires. For decades, the agency has developed projects to thin and manage overgrown forests in an effort to reduce wildfire intensity. But those plans routinely stall out, and sometimes are abandoned completely. The 2021 Caldor Fire destroyed most of Grizzly Flats, a foothills community in Northern California that borders Forest Service land. CapRadio’s Scott Rodd investigated how the Forest Service took years to develop a large forest management project around Grizzly Flats, and only finished a small portion by the time the Caldor Fire ignited in 2021. The agency originally committed to finishing the 15,000-acre project by 2020. Towns up and down California fear they could be next. KCRW’s Caleigh Wells uncovered how the Forest Service tackles only a fraction of the prescribed burning work it needs to get done to protect communities in Southern California. The agency delayed or canceled multiple projects around Big Bear Lake, a popular tourist town surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The town narrowly avoided disaster this year when the Radford Fire ignited. CapRadio’s Scott Rodd and KCRW’s Caleigh Wells reported this special investigation. Additional reporting by George LeVines and Emily Zentner. It was edited by Adriene Hill and Mike Kessler of the California Newsroom, a collaboration of the state’s public radio stations.

 CA Secretary of State | Shasta County Elections | Beatles Guitar Project | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

California Secretary of State updates the statewide ballot count. Shasta County Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen. The Beatles Guitar Project’s upcoming performance.  California Secretary of State Shirley Weber Registrars across the state are busy tallying returns for the Midterm with the number of mail-in and drop-off ballots, it’s a process that requires patience and steadiness. We’re going to check in with California’s Chief Elections Officer California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. Secretary Weber, who was also up for election, will be embarking on her first full term since being appointed by Gov. Newsom. The Associated Press called the race in Weber’s favor. Secretary Weber joined Insight to provide a look at how election results are shaping up and what voters should keep in mind with a few weeks until the Midterm results are certified.    Shasta County Elections The concern of political violence has begun to fade as Election Day across the country largely proceeded as planned with many state and local election officials reporting the democratic process went without incident.  Tensions rose in the weeks leading up to the Midterm after reports of armed people watching ballot boxes in Arizona The attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband (as well as candidates from both parties who were assaulted) and warnings of a “heightened threat” to the election due to a rise in domestic violent extremism.  A potential flash point for these political tensions in this year's midterm was Shasta County, where a contentious primary election led to tense moments at the county elections office back in June. Shortly after the primary Cathy Darling Allen, the county Registrar of Voters, joined us to discuss navigating an unprecedented primary election.  Registrar Allen joined Insight to share how this week has been and how she has become a national advocate for election workers.    Beatles Guitar Project  This weekend the music of the Beatles comes alive with The Beatles Guitar Project performance in Sacramento. The concert is a collaboration of students and professional musicians performing the iconic Beatles albums “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The concerts benefits schools that need funding for their music programs.  Ben McClara, the founding director of The Beatles Guitar Project, and CapRadio Classical Music Host Jennifer Reason stopped by ahead of the concert to share the preparation the Sacramento Preparatory Music Academy and The Beatles Guitar Project do to put in to create what will be a magical evening of music. 

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