Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

The death of a 22-year-old woman in Iran is sparking violent protests in the country and outrage worldwide, including Northern California. A new law legalizes human composting in California as an alternative to burial and cremation. A wine expert explains what “natural wine” is and helps us sort out some of the health claims behind this latest trend in the wine industry.  Global Iranian protests Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old's name is being shared worldwide after she died in the custody of Iran's so-called "morality" police for improperly wearing her hijab. Investigations into her death are being called from as high as the United Nations. Meanwhile, on the ground in Iran and in cities worldwide, protests, the scale of which – not seen in years - have erupted, demanding the end of human rights abuses and social reforms by the extreme ruling party in Iran. More specifically, women's rights have been severely restricted over the past several decades. In response to these protests, Iran has already cracked down hard. The internet has been shut down or restricted and protestors are being rounded up and persecuted / And there are fears that even harsher moves are coming in the near future. Dr. Sahar Razavi, Director of the Iranian and Middle East Studies Center at Sacramento State, joined us to discuss the latest developments and what the protests could signal for the future of reforms in Iran. Human composting The only thing guaranteed in life is death, and a new law signed by Gov. Newsom offers another option besides burying or cremating a loved one. The law establishes a natural organic reduction facility to be allowed in California, informally known as human composting. This new law follows the states of Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont. The goal of “natural organic reduction” is to create an environmentally friendly process for returning bodies to the land with nutrient-rich soil from the remains of individuals. To tell us more about the history and the process, Insight invited Morgan Yarborough from Recompose, which offers this service in the Pacific Northwest. Natural wine It's one of the buzziest trends in the wine world many may have never heard of: Natural wine. Although the concept has been around for centuries, the demand for "eco-friendly" has steadily grown over the last decade. Enthusiasts say it is wine returning to its purest form and a movement away from industrialized production without pesticides, herbicides, and additives. A Google search reveals a bevy of blog posts touting several health benefits/including digestive health and less severe hangovers. But what makes a wine a "natural" wine, and how do the health claims stack up to the science? To help us unpack all of this and give us a taste of how the "crush" season is going so far, Insight Dr. Anita Oberholster, a wine and grape expert at UC Davis, onto the program.

A law Gov. Newsom signed changes employer’s drug testing for marijuana. The son of a late Stockton homeless advocate shares his father’s life, work, and how he plans to continue his father’s legacy. Podcast revisiting the investigation and trial of the Hillside Strangler.  Law changes to marijuana testing According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (known as NORML for short), California has become the seventh state to create worker protections for marijuana use. Assembly Bill 2188 was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom this month, which prohibits certain employers from drug testing employees who use cannabis outside of work hours. The bill received strong opposition from groups representing employer organizations and the Chamber of Commerce, arguing the bill would bring a potentially impaired employee into the workplace, putting coworkers at risk. Dale Gieringer, Director of California's NORML chapter, joined Insight to discuss the bill's passage and what it means for workers' rights in the state.  Remembering a Stockton homeless advocate A tireless advocate for Stockton’s unhoused community and a man who dedicated his life and career to helping those experiencing homelessness. That is how family, friends, and colleagues are remembering Bill Mendelson, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 74. Bill’s advocacy spanned over three decades overseeing the construction of the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, which still exists today. Throughout his career, he’s credited for creating and expanding housing programs that have helped thousands of people move off the streets. In 1999, Bill was named Executive Director of the Central Valley Low Income Housing Corp, a position he held until 2021. He continued his advocacy for the homeless community until he died. One of his children, Jon Mendelson, joined Insight about his father’s life and advocacy in the Central Valley. Jon is also the new Executive Director of the Central Valley Low Income Housing Corp and shared how he plans to carry on his father’s work.    Revisiting the Hillside Strangler True Crime is a genre that dominates TV, streaming, books, and podcasts with the capacity to challenge the criminal justice system and question convictions with weak or compromised evidence. But it can also re-victimize those who suffered and propel infamous killers into a warped kind of celebrity. A new podcast is approaching one of California's most heinous crime sprees with a different lens that puts the victims and nuances of detective work into focus. The Hillside Strangler gripped neighborhoods in Los Angeles in the late 1970s. More than four decades later, a podcast is revisiting the longest murder trial in U.S. history, described as a story of crime, politics, and personal redemption. Joe Rodota, the creator of the "Hillside Podcast," joins us about the podcast ahead of a live discussion at Sacramento's B Street Theatre.

“Best of Insight”: Dr. Daisy Gonzales shares their journey from a foster youth navigating the system to becoming second in command of the state’s community college system. The first openly transgender person appointed by a governor in California history. Deputy Chancellor of California community colleges We’ve been taking stock of the first half of 2022 and revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations. One of those conversations was with California’s community college system, which is the largest in the country. Back in March, Insight spoke with Dr. Daisy Gonzales, a first-generation college student who didn’t learn English until the fourth grade and navigated the state’s foster care system. When she was emancipated, the barriers were high, but she overcame each and every one. From her start at community college, to eventually a Ph.D., and now second in command at California Community Colleges. Transgender Judge's historic appointment Andi Mudryk is a significant milestone in California history. The 58-year-old was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as Superior Court Judge in Sacramento County. In April, Insight spoke with Judge Mudryk about being the first openly transgender person appointed by a governor to serve on the bench in state history. She also spoke about overcoming a severe disability and what her appointment means at a time when transgender rights are being threatened in other parts of the country. 

“Best of Insight”: Sacramento County’s initiative to place mental health clinicians in every school to create “Centers of Wellness.” The Youth Advisory Board discusses what’s missing on campuses. Muralist Jermaine Tilson. Centers for wellness Insight is taking a listen back to some of the most meaningful conversations this year. Just before the start of the New Year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory / to address the mental health crisis among America’s youth. In Sacramento County, the “Office of Education” launched an initiative that they say isn’t really being done elsewhere in the state—binding together healthcare and schools and placing a mental health clinician across the county’s more than 300 campuses. Back in January, Insight spoke with Dave Gordon, the Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Chris Williams, the Director of “School-Based Mental Health and Wellness” about the launch and how they secured ongoing funding to ensure it sticks around.  Mental health Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Office of Education launched an unparalleled initiative to transform schools into “Centers of Wellness” and, at its core, changed the conversation surrounding mental health for youth. In tandem, the county appointed its first-ever “Youth Advisory Board.” The board members range between 14 and 24 years old and shape policy that directly impacts mental and behavioral health resources for their peers. Back in January, Insight spoke with Sydney Spitzer, who is the “PRO Youth and Families Program Coordinator” for the Behavioral Health Youth Advisory Board. As well as three of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board Members.  Savanna Karmue is the CEO of the nonprofit “Happy Heart Advices.” Jordan Kaitapu is the Founder of “Black Alumni of Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.” And Trayzell White is writing two books, “5 phrases to change someone’s life” and “15 steps to loving someone with a mental illness.”  Muralist Jermaine Tilson We’re closing a special “Best of” show with an inspiring story of rising above adversity. Insight host Vicki Gonzalez initially met artist Jermaine Tilson a couple of years at a foster program with Volunteers for America in Sacramento. Jermaine aged out of the foster care system and experienced homelessness but continued to create and paint. Vicki caught up with Jermain back in February about his murals on display as part of Wide Open Walls, his recent accomplishments and personally how creating a family deepened his passion.

“Best of Insight”: Northern California Regional Intelligence Center on threats leading up to Jan. 6. A program for veterans and first responders centered on moral injury. The push for South Lake Tahoe to become a “dark sky community.” Jan. 6 Regional Intelligence Over the last several weeks, the House committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol has presented evidence and testimony, they believe, reveals an orchestrated scheme by former President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election. Earlier this year, we learned intelligence officials did, in fact, receive tips and threats in the days leading up to Jan. 6, alerting law enforcement agencies. So what went wrong? To better understand the complexities, Insight spoke with Mike Sena, Executive Director of the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, who shared some of the threats and red flags the center received and shared with federal officials in the days leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection.  Center for Post Traumatic Growth As we continue to reflect on some of the best conversations on Insight so far this year, we turn to a unique center of healing for veterans and first responders in Sacramento that struck a chord with us. The Center for Post Traumatic Growth in Rancho Cordova offers treatment for “moral injury”, a new field in psychology that is different from PTSD. In April, Insight spoke with Dr. Melinda Keenan, a psychologist and Executive Director of the non-profit, which opened its doors just before the pandemic, and since then, dozens have completed, or are on their way to, unparalleled healing.   South Lake Tahoe "Dark Sky" designation When we look up at the night sky, some of us are lucky enough to gaze at a sea of stars, spot a planet or streaking meteor, or, if you’re truly blessed, drink in the Milky Way. But for an increasing number of us in California and the world, artificial light clutters the evening hours, turning night into day. One study estimates that 80% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. Earlier this year, South Lake Tahoe joined a growing movement of cities that are exploring becoming a “dark sky community.” Insight spoke with Michael Marlin, an “International Dark-Sky Association Ambassador,” about how a darker sky could benefit South Lake Tahoe and every community across the country. 

Separate calls for investigations into Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency. Caregiving challenges in Stanislaus and Merced counties. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” returns to Broadway At Music Circus after 20 years. Today's Guests CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks shares his reporting on Mayor Darrell Steinberg and a group of north Sacramento community, business and neighborhood association leaders separately calling for independent investigations into City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency in District 2. Jeffery Lewis, President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment, shares their recent survey in Stanislaus and Merced counties of more than 1,700 caregivers about the challenges of caring for loved ones at home and a program they’re developing to help people remain at homes instead of being moved to nursing homes.  CapRadio Classical Music Host Jennifer Reason and Producing Artistic Director Scott Klier discuss the Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece “Carousel,” which returns to Broadway At Music Circus for the first time in 20 years.

Updated at 9:59 a.m. Statewide composting mandate goes into effect in Sacramento. State bill seeks to alleviate the college student housing shortage by taking aim at an environmental law. A conversation with Vanessa Hua about her new book “Forbidden City.” Today's Guests CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira shares her reporting on a new law beginning in July aimed at decreasing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in California that's coming into play in Sacramento County and what residents need to know.  Michelle Andrews, Vice-Chair of Government Relations for the University of California Student Association and an undergraduate student at UC Davis, talks about the implementation and impact of CEQA rules on student housing. David Ramirez, Pasadena City College student trustee and UCLA transfer student talks to us about his findings with students in Southern California who struggle with housing. CapRadio Host Donna Apidone shares her conversation with journalist and author Vanessa Hua about her second novel, “Forbidden City.” We revisit a conversation with Photographer Enoch Ku who discusses his latest Ordinary Sacramento project, a photography book “My Neighborhood Rosemont, CA,” which is a love letter to the neighborhood where he grew up.  

Sacramento 2022 homeless point-in-time count and future funding for programs and services. Recipient discusses DACA 10 years later, and a law professor explains the legal challenges ahead. Today's Guests CapRaido’s Chris Nichols breaks down the 2022 homeless point-in-time count in Sacramento.  Shannon Dominguez-Stevens from Loaves and Fishes and Emily Halcon, Sacramento County’s Homeless Initiatives Director, to discuss the findings and how the city and county will use the information for future funding and services. Kevin R. Johnson, Dean, Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o Studies at UC Davis, discusses legal challenges and the future of DACA. Erik Ramirez, Sacramento State’s Director of Equity and Affinity Centers (which includes the Dreamers Resource Center), will discuss his experience as a DACA recipient and work helping DACA recipients navigate higher education.

California’s legislative response to overturning Roe v. Wade. Implications on same-sex marriage and healthcare. Impacts of other recent Supreme Court Decisions on California. “The Landing Spot,” a non-religious LGBTQ+ safe space in Placer County. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon explains California’s legislative response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Lisa Ikemoto, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis, on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Roe and the potential implications for health care law and medical research.  Leslie Gielow Jacobs, Anthony Kennedy Professor and Executive Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy, McGeorge School of Law, discusses U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion and other and how other recent rulings will impact California. Pastor Casey Tinnin with Loomis Basin Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Placer County, discusses creating “The Landing Spot,” a non-religious safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. 

What parents need to know about COVID-19 for vaccines for young children. Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee’s residency disputed. Jazz vocalist Vivian Lee performs at the Crocker Art Museum. Today's Guests Dr. Donald Alcendor, Associate Professor at Meharry Medical College and Associate Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt, explains what parents need to know about COVID-19 for vaccines for young children. SacBee Reporter, Theresa Clift, shares her reporting disputing Sacramento City Councilmember Sean Loloee lives in the district he serves.  Longtime Sacramento vocalist Vivian Lee performs at the Crocker Art Museum Thursday at 7 p.m, kicking-off its Summer Jazz Concert Series

Southern California water purchases across the Sacramento Valley. The history of lowrider culture across the state and challenging anti-cruising ordinances. Author Stacey Vanek Smith’s book “Machiavelli for Women.” Today's Guests Jay Lund, Director for UC Davis Watershed Sciences, and Josue Medellin-Azuara, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Merced, discuss Southern California water purchases across the Sacramento Valley. Denise Sandoval, professor of Chicano/a studies at California State University, Northridge, discusses the history and culture of lowrider cruising during a time of community leadership challenging anti-cruising ordinances across California. CapRadio Host Donna Apidone interviews author Stacey Vanek Smith about their new book “Machiavelli for Women.” 

California Newsroom investigation about Cal Fire fumbles responsibilities in wildfire prevention despite a historic budget. Plus a CalMatters series on how firefighters are facing a mental health crisis following years of intensifying wildfires. Today's Guests CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd and KQED Science Reporter Danielle Venton share their investigation about how Cal Fire fumbles key responsibilities to prevent catastrophic wildfires despite a historic budget. Julie Cart, Environment Reporter with CalMatters, and Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Burrow discuss how Cal Fire firefighters are overworked and facing a mental health crisis following years of intensifying wildfires. 

Early voting turnout ahead of the June 7 primary. Sacramento County District Attorney race. CapRadio’s Sacramento Voter Guide. Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar.” Today's Guests Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data, discusses early voting turnout ahead of the June 7 primary.   CapRadio Race & Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan shares her reporting on the Sacramento County District Attorney race. CapRadio Managing Editor of Digital Content Chris Hagan and CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks lay out our Sacramento Voter Guide and Election 2022 coverage. CapRadio Morning Edition Host Donna Apidone shares her feature “Photos from Manzanar” on the 80th anniversary of the start of the Japanese internment camp during WWII in the Eastern Sierra.   

Three leading candidates looking to represent California's new District 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives shared the stage Tuesday night at a debate hosted by KCRA 3 and CapRadio. Today's Guests (Note: originally aired live Tuesday night) CapRadio KCRA Congressional District 3 debate candidates Dr. Kermit Jones, a Democrat, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, a Republican, and Republican state Assemblymember Kevin Kiley. Moderators CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon and KCRA3 Anchor Edie Lambert. 

Best of Insight 2022. Book “Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker.” Missing indigenous women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast. Sacramento County is a hot spot for new HIV infections in the United States. Today's Guests Prosecutor Maggy Krell discusses her new book, “Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker,” which explains the misunderstandings of human trafficking and how social media and the internet make it more difficult to track and prosecute. Dr. Blythe George, Assistant Professor of Sociology at UC Merced, member of the Yurok Tribe and research partner for the “I will see you again in a good way” project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit peoples, discusses a missing women crisis in Northern California’s Lost Coast. Jacob Bradley-Rowe, Executive Director of the non-profit Sunburst Projects, discusses new grant funding for HIV and STD testing in Sacramento County, which is one of 40 hot spots for new HIV infections in the United States.