Insight with Beth Ruyak

The University of the Pacific launches a new nursing program open to those without a healthcare background and with a bachelor's degree in any field. Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs' new memoir, “The Deeper The Roots.” California International Marathon this weekend. Today's Guests Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu, School of Health Sciences at the University of the Pacific, discusses the school's brand new nursing program open to those without a healthcare background and with a bachelor's degree in any field. CapRadio Morning Edition Host, Donna Apidone, brings us her conversation with former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs about his new memoir, “The Deeper The Roots.” Mike Testa, President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, details the California International Marathon this weekend as well as how the downtown Sacramento economy is fairing this season. 

Updated at 1:45 p.m. California Auditor Elaine Howle discusses her 21-year career as a government watchdog and upcoming retirement at the end of the year. Jorge Aguilar, Superintendent of Sacramento City Schools, on the district's Nov. 30 vaccine deadline for staff and students 12 and older. The Amador Community Foundation and Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael talk about the importance of “Giving Tuesday” to their nonprofits. Today's Guests California Auditor Elaine Howle discusses her 21-year career as a government watchdog and upcoming retirement at the end of the year.  Jorge Aguilar, Superintendent of Sacramento City Unified School District, provides an update on the district's vaccine requirement for eligible students and staff.  Kathleen Harmon, the Executive Director of the Amador Community Foundation and Heather Gabel, Development and Membership coordinator at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, join us to talk about the importance of “Giving Tuesday” to their nonprofits.

Here's what you need to know about Omicron, the new COVID variant of concern. What the federal infrastructure bill means for California and the Sacramento region. Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera's "A Baroque Christmas." Today's Guests Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Diseases at UC Davis Medical Center, discusses what is preliminarily known about the new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron, following U.S. travel restrictions in response to circulation in southern Africa. Dr. Micah Weinberg, CEO of California Forward, Dr. Wayne Winegarden, Sr. Fellow in Business and Economics at the Pacific Research Institute, and Joshua Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Business Association, discuss what the federal infrastructure bill means for California and the Sacramento region.    The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera Executive Director, Alice Suaro, tells us what we need to know about the upcoming “A Baroque Christmas” performance on Friday, Dec. 3.

Navigating difficult conversations during the holidays. Sac City Unified Afghan family safely returns home, following three months of hiding in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal. Sac State Alum, and solo violinist Chase Spruill, talk about his latest album. Today's Guests Etiquette & civility expert and author Rosalinda Oropeza Randall helps us navigate difficult conversations as we head into the winter holidays Ethel I. Baker Elementary Principal Nate McGill joins a Sac City Unified Afghan family upon their safe return home, following three months of hiding in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal.  Sac State Alum and Vacaville native, solo violinist Chase Spruill and CapRadio's Jennifer Reason to talk about his latest album.

Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter's retirement following two wildfire seasons. Needs from Northern Nevada, Stockton & Sacramento food banks ahead of the holiday season. How bookstores have been affected by supply chain issues and how it could affect holiday shopping. Today's Guests CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd on CalFire Chief Thom Porter's retirement following two wildfire seasons.  Nicole Lamboley, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Dr. Leonard Hansen, CEO of the Emergency Food Bank in Stockton, and Blake Young, President and CEO of the Sacramento Food Bank, discuss the needs in their regions ahead of the holiday season. CapRadio Morning Edition Host, Donna Apidone, walks us through how bookstores and the publishing industry have been affected by supply chain issues and how it could affect holiday shopping.

How the Biden Administration infrastructure bill will impact California counties. An overview of the first official draft of congressional and legislative districts. A breakdown of the City of Sacramento's redistricting process and changes to city council boundaries, and how redistricting affects Sacramento's AAPI community. New book “Wallet Activism: How to Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and Save as a Force for Change,” on ethical consumerism and responsible investing. Today's Guests Chris Lee, Legislative Representative for the California State Association of Counties, on how the Biden Administration infrastructure funding will improve roads and transportation in California. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon, with an overview of the first official draft of congressional and legislative districts and how it affects congressional seats, plus how to submit feedback on the maps. CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks, with a breakdown of where the City of Sacramento is in its own redistricting process and if we should expect major changes to the city council boundaries. CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan, shares her reporting on how redistricting affects Sacramento's Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Tanja Hester, author of “Wallet Activism: How to Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and Save as a Force for Change,” on ethical consumerism and responsible investing. 

Sacramento housing market and affordability. How much the holiday shortages are related to the supply chain versus other factors. How California's dairy sector is achieving the state's methane reduction goals. Living Chinese American WWII veterans receive Congressional Gold Medals. Today's Guests Kellie Swayne, President of the Sacramento Association of Realtors, discusses the housing market and affordability.  Nick Vyas, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute at USC, discusses how much the holiday shortages are related to supply chain versus other factors. Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of Dairy Cares, explains how California's dairy sector is achieving the state's methane reduction goals.  Billy Fong, with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance-Sacramento, discusses three living Chinese American WWII veterans who received Congressional Gold Medals. 

Important milestones of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference and how it will shape California's climate policy efforts. Also, Sacramento Police Chief on the rise in violence. A look at how recent state crime trends compare to the nation. Finally, Sacramento dance founder "Miss Tee" was recognized by Forbes Magazine's "The Culture 50 Champions" for elevating Black and Brown communities through their work. Today's Guests Dr. Fran Moore, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at UC Davis, on the important milestones of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference and how it will shape California's climate policy efforts.  Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn discusses the rise of reported violence compared to 2020, and Mervin Brookins, founder of Brother 2 Brother, discusses partnering with law enforcement agencies.  Magnus Lofstrom, Policy Director of Criminal Justice at the Public Policy Institute of California, on how recent state crime trends compare to the nation.  Tamaira "Miss Tee" Sandifer discusses being included in “For(bes) The Culture 50 Champions,” a list of people who elevate Black and Brown communities through their work, and how Studio T Arts & Entertainment helps kids graduate high school and pursue their passions.

California's vaccine rollout for children 5 to 11 years old. Also, Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis' visit to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Plus, a live interview from Glasgow at COP26. Finally, the Colour of Music Festival, an all African-American symphony, makes its West Coast debut. Today's Guests California Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, on the state's vaccine rollout for children aged 5 to 11.  Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis on her visit to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Maris Densmore, Director of Engineered Solutions at American Carbon Registry, joins us live from Glasgow at the COP26 with her role at the climate summit and impressions as a first-time attendee.  Lee Pringle, Founder and Artistic Director for the Colour of Music Festival, talks about the festival's West Coast Debut in Sacramento.

Covered California's open enrollment. The latest redistricting maps and changes to congressional districts. The retirement of California's State Auditor. Finally, the new book "Paradise Found: A High School Football Team's Rise from the Ashes," following the 2018 Camp Fire. Today's Guests Peter Lee, Executive Director with Covered California, discusses open enrollment and leaving after starting the health benefit exchange 10 years ago.  Paul Mitchell, with Redistricting Partners, discusses the latest redistricting maps and the changes to congressional districts in California.  CalMatters Political Columnist Dan Walters discusses the retirement of State Auditor Elaine Howle, her legacy, and the importance of the independent role of the state agency as it awaits a successor.  LA Times Columnist Bill Plaschke on his new book "Paradise Found: A High School Football Team's Rise from the Ashes," about the Paradise High School Bobcats football season following the 2018 Camp Fire. 

COVID-19 vaccinations expand for kids aged 5 to 11. Latest EDD pandemic issues find an estimated $20 billion in fraud unemployment payments were issued. Halloween “Trunk or Treat” movie night at Westwind Drive-In. Today's Guests Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health, breaks down what you need to know about COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged 5 to 11. CapRadio Politics Reporter, Nicole Nixon, explains the latest in the EDD pandemic fraud issues, which found that an estimated $20 billion in fraud payments were issued.  With the Shaw Law Group, employment law expert Jennifer Shaw explains the current challenges in filing for unemployment benefits.  John Brown, with the Sacramento Native American Health Center, previews their Halloween “Trunk or Treat” movie night at Westwind Drive-In Friday, Oct. 29th. 

Following an early winter storm producing record rainfall, we discuss the bigger picture trends regarding home insurance and how to have the right coverage. A UCSF-led study about three teens with mild to asymptomatic COVID-19 who developed sudden, severe psychiatric symptoms. What it's like to meet patients' needs during a pandemic while experiencing a nursing shortage. CapRadio Music picks for your Halloween playlist. Today's Guests Following an early winter storm producing record rainfall, Janet Ruiz, Director of Strategic Communication at the Insurance Information Institute, talks about the bigger picture trends of how people in our area are insuring themselves and how to have the right coverage for your home and belongings.  Dr. Sam Pleasure, Professor of Neurology at UCSF, discusses the findings in a UCSF-led study published Monday regarding three teens with mild to asymptomatic COVID-19 who developed sudden, severe psychiatric symptoms.  Dr. Adam Dougherty, Assistant Medical Director at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, as well as Joanne Spetz, Director of the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF, explain what it's like to meet patients' needs during a pandemic while experiencing a nursing shortage. Weekend and Fill-in Host for News and Modern Music at CapRadio, Andrew Garcia, gives us his picks for Halloween music.

The latest on the ‘atmospheric river' that has moved into Northern California. How California's drought emergency declaration will affect your life. The pandemic's impact on nursing programs and education. How the 12th annual “El Panteón de Sacramento” celebrates Día de Los Muertos. Today's Guests KCRA Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan joins us with the very latest on the ‘atmospheric river' that has moved into Northern California. He will update us on rainfall totals and danger areas to be aware of as the storm moves through, including the impact on the drought and wildfire burn scars. Cal OES (Governor's Office of Emergency Services) Public Information Officer Bryan May on the state's emergency response to the record rainfall, localized flooding, and evacuations throughout Northern California.  CapRadio News Editor Kris Hooks on the impact on unhoused residents during Sacramento's record rainfall and localized flooding. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira on how California's drought emergency declaration will affect your life. Dr. Carel Mountain, Director of Nursing at Sacramento City College, on how the pandemic has affected nursing programs and education.  Maria Acosta, Executive Director Emeritus of the Latino Center of Arts and Culture, gives us an overview of the 12th annual El Panteón de Sacramento and how it celebrates Día de Los Muertos.

Sacramento City Unified School Superintendent Jorge Aguilar talks about the new COVID vaccine mandate for students and staff. How the needs and challenges for those experiencing homelessness are evolving—and what deep issues still remain. A look at wildfire's impact on animal habitat when the footprint is as large as the Dixie Fire. CapRadio Jazz Host Andrew Mills speaks with singer Samara Joy, who is performing at the Pacific Jazz Festival in Stockton. Today's Guests Sacramento City Unified School Superintendent Jorge Aguilar talks about the new COVID vaccine mandate for students and staff and answers parent questions. Sister Libby Fernandez, longtime homelessness advocate and director of Mercy Pedalers, discusses how the needs and challenges for those experiencing homelessness are evolving — and what deep issues still remain.  Dr. Rachel Blakey, Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA and Research Associate at The Institute for Bird Populations, on wildfire's impact on animal habitat when the footprint is as large as the Dixie Fire. CapRadio Jazz Host Andrew Mills speaks with 21-year-old singer Samara Joy who is performing this weekend at the Pacific Jazz Festival in Stockton.

It's the Sacramento Kings opening night and they're celebrating five years at Golden 1 Center. We check in on the status of California's redistricting process. How Wall Street hedge funds cashed out billions in PG&E stock, as wildfire survivors wait. A look at the 2021 inductees of the California Hall of Fame. Today's Guests John Rinehart, Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations, on opening night and celebrating five years at Golden 1 Center. CapRadio Politics Reporter, Nicole Nixon, gives us the status of the state's redistricting process. Every decade, following the Census, maps are redrawn for federal, state and local elected officials by the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.   Lily Jamali, co-host of KQED's "The California Report," brings us her latest reporting, taking a look at how Wall Street hedge funds cashed out billions in PG&E stock as wildfire survivors suffer and wait. California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker gives us the 2021 inductees of the California Hall of Fame.  

CapRadio investigates a no-bid contract in the state's COVID-19 response connected to former President Trump's border wall construction. After being stranded in Afghanistan, a Sac City Unified Afghan family begins their return home following the U.S. withdrawal. The pandemic's impact on child care providers. Critical shortage of blood supply plummeting to levels not seen since pandemic's start. Today's Guests CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd shares his investigation into a no-bid contract in the state's COVID-19 response that is connected to former President Trump's border wall construction in California and Texas.  Read Scott's previous investigations on no-bid contracts Big Newsom Donors — Including Blue Shield — Received No-Bid Contracts During COVID-19 Response As Newsom Pushes To Extend Emergency Spending Authority During Pandemic, Lobbyist Influence Remains Opaque Another $282M In No-Bid Pandemic Contracts To Major Newsom Contributor UnitedHealth Ethel I Baker Principal Nate McGill updates the return of a Sacramento City Unified family stranded in Afghanistan since the U.S. withdrawal.  A photo of a SCUSD family that will return home after being stuck in Afghanistan following the U.S.'s withdraw.Courtesy of Ethel I Baker Principal Nate McGill Heidi Keiser, Public Policy Officer for the non-profit Child Action, Inc., on the pandemic's impact on child care providers in Sacramento County.  Dr. Chris Gresens, Medical Director Mountain and West Divisions with the blood services provider Vitalant, on the critical shortage of blood supply, plummeting to levels not seen since pandemic's start.

As the FDA reviews the safety of mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines, we'll get the latest developments on the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson boosters. Amid the push to have all teachers, staff and students vaccinated or regularly tested, we look at how the mandates could exacerbate ongoing staffing shortages. Despite many body-positivity campaigns across social media, teen girls still face body image issues; we learn what the research says about social media and body image. Finally, we speak with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera's outgoing and incoming executive directors about the challenges and successes over the past six years. Today's Guests Dr. Donald J. Alcendor, Associate Professor at Meharry Medical College and former voting member on the FDA Antimicrobial Drug Advisory Committee, explains the latest developments regarding Moderna and J&J booster shots. Diana Lambert, a senior education reporter with EdSource, shares her reporting about whether new Covid testing and vaccine mandates will worsen school staffing shortages throughout California. Jessica Grose, parenting columnist at the New York Times, on what research says about teen girls, body image and Instagram.  Executive Director Designate for The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, Giuliano Kornberg, and Executive Director, Alice Sauro, discuss the transition for the organization

The bills that the governor vetoed become new state laws. Also, learning about the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe. One tribal member joins us with their journey to preserve the native language. Finally, CapRadio's Donna Apidone shares her interview with the author of “All We Can Save,” a women-penned anthology of the climate movement. Today's Guests CalMatters Reporter Laurel Rosenhall explains the bills that Gov. Newsom blocked from becoming new state laws.  Shelly Covert, Spokesperson for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and Executive Director of the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP), discusses why the tribe is still fighting to restore federal recognition.  Nisenan-descendant Alan Wallace on working to preserve the language, which has been disappearing, with only one living documented Nisenan speaker.  CapRadio's Donna Apidone discusses “All We Can Save,” an anthology about the environment and brings us parts of her conversation with Abigail Dillen, the president of Earthjustice, a law organization specializing in large environment cases. Dillen is one of the 60 women who wrote essays and poetry for the book.

Update on Afghan families that have moved to Sacramento and the biggest need to help the families in their resettlement efforts. ‘Healthy Davis Together' discusses their collaboration with school districts in Yolo County for on-site COVID-19 testing. Finally, a UC Davis Ph.D. Native American Studies scholar returns the remains of her grandmother's aunt from an ‘Indian Boarding School' to her native Alaskan homeland more than 120 years later. Today's Guests Jessie Tientcheu, Chief Executive Officer of Opening Doors, one of five refugee resettlement agencies in Sacramento, joins us to update our listeners on the Afghan families that have moved to Sacramento and the biggest need to help the families in their resettlement efforts. Dr. Sheri Belafsky, Medical Director of Healthy Davis Together, discusses their collaboration with school districts in Yolo County for on-site COVID-19 testing.  Lauren Peters, a UC Davis Ph.D. scholar in Native American Studies with a designated emphasis in Human Rights and enrolled in the Agdaagux Tribe in the Unangax Nation, explains her passion for finding the orphan children stolen by missionaries during the Native boarding school era and reuniting them with their families —  including relocating her grandmother's aunt home from Carlisle Indian Industrial School to her home on St. Paul Island, Alaska. 

Wilton Rancheria explains the history and challenges of becoming a federally recognized tribe. California Indian Legal Services explains the relationship between tribes and the state. The Sacramento LGBT Center's first Native American board member explains the long history of “two-spirit” members within tribal and indigenous communities. Finally, we learn about the UC Davis Native Nest center, which works to increase retention rates by creating community and place for indigenous students.  Music used in today's show is from Mary Youngblood's album “Dancing With The Wind.” Today's Guests Jesus Tarango, chairman of Wilton Rancheria, explains the history and challenges of becoming a federally recognized tribe. The tribe also provides an update on the development of Sky River Casino in Sacramento County's Elk Grove. Heather Hostler, executive director for California Indian Legal Services, discusses the relationship between tribes and the state for issues such as land and water rights, trust, treaties.  Carl Colegrove, a board member with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, explains the long history of two-spirit members within tribal and indigenous communities.  Michelle Villegas-Frazier and Nora Zade discuss the UC Davis Native Nest center on campus, which works to increase retention rates by creating community and place for indigenous students. 

We learn how Tahoe was able to protect itself from the Caldor Fire and what the continued threats are amid ongoing droughts and heat waves. We check in on how the Sacramento area is doing when it comes to preservation of open spaces for wildlife and plants. And, the return of the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento after being postponed in 2020. Today's Guests CapRadio Data Reporter, Emily Zentner, and KQED Climate Reporter, Ezra David Romero, join us with their reporting on how Tahoe was able to protect itself from the Caldor Fire Haven Kiers, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at UC Davis, explains how the Sacramento area is doing when it comes to preservation of open spaces for wildlife and plants following a CapRadio/Valley Vision regional survey which found that over 90% of respondents felt very strongly or somewhat strongly that we preserve wild open spaces for plants and animals.  Chief Marketing Officer, Chamie McCurry, discusses the return of the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento after being postponed in 2020.

Gov. Newsom signed a series of police reform bills into state law. Also, a CapRadio/Valley Vision food resilience survey looks at the challenges to accessing community gardens and food banks. Finally, the aftermath of the oil spill off the Southern California coast. Today's Guests Co-founders of the Law Enforcement Accountability Directive (LEAD) Richard Owen and Mark T. Harris discuss the new police reform laws recently signed by the governor and what work they think still needs to be done California Peace Officers Association Deputy Director Shaun Rundle explains what positions the association took on the police reform laws and how they could affect training going forward CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan shares her reporting on the Hmong community, following the new Valley Vision/CapRadio survey on food access that shows that Latino and AAPI residents want to access farm-grown and specialty cultural foods, but that it isn't always easy.  CapRadio Reporter Janelle Salanga shares their reporting on solutions, following the new Valley Vision/CapRadio survey that shows access to food aid and food banks isn't as easy as walking down that street. Some communities must travel long distances. And, during the pandemic, the food need has increased. Ronald Tjeerdema, an environmental toxicology professor at UC Davis, joins us to discuss the work being done in Southern California to contain and clean up the oil spill off the coast. He will also help us understand the grave concern for the sensitive wildlife in the area and how they are being cared for and treated.

The challenges and successes of obtaining locally grown food. The latest CDC recommendations for pregnant women and the vaccine. The new ‘Faith J McKinnie Gallery' featuring artist Brandon Gastinell. Today's Guests B&L Owner Patrick Mulvaney and Nugget Market's Vice President of Grocery Operations and Purchasing Saj Khan explain the challenges and successes of obtaining locally grown food in response to a regional survey conducted by CapRadio and the non-profit Valley Vision asking residents if their needs are being met and how the pandemic affected access to food.  GoodDay Sacramento / CBS13 anchor and journalist Dina Kupfer joins us to discuss her fertility journey and decision to get the COVID-19 vaccination after becoming pregnant. Dina will be joined by her doctor, Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, who will also discuss the latest CDC recommendations for pregnant women and the vaccine. Black Artist Foundry founder, curator and gallerist Faith J McKinnie, along with artist Brandon Gastinell, discuss a new contemporary gallery in midtown Sacramento celebrating underrepresented and marginalized queer artists and artists of color. 

California is the first state in the country to require eligible students to get the COVID-19 vaccine pending full FDA approval. A Valley Vision-CapRadio regional survey focuses on food access and sustainability. Manetti Shrem Museum of Art discusses the new Wayne Thiebaud exhibit by highlighting contemporary artists inspired by Thiebaud — including former students. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon and State Senator and pediatrician Dr. Richard Pan discuss California becoming the first state in the country to require eligible students to get the COVID-19 vaccine pending full FDA approval. Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision, and Shawn Harrison with Soil Born Farms discuss the latest regional survey partnership with CapRadio focusing on food access and sustainability.  Susie Kantor, exhibit curator at Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, and former student Vonn Cummings Sumner discuss the new Wayne Thiebaud exhibit celebrating the legacy of the 100-year-old UC Davis professor emeritus by highlighting contemporary artists inspired by Thiebaud — including a selection of his former students. 

Latest local business headlines from historic sales and sudden closures. A new law ends the subminimum wage, impacting thousands of Californians with disabilities. The first-ever hotline for employees and employers with disabilities. The highlights of Apple Hill. Today's Guests We get an update on the latest local business headlines with Real Estate Reporter Ben van der Meer and Managing Editor Sonya Sorich of the Sacramento Business Journal, including the latest plans for the old Campbell's Soup plant and the sudden closing of de Vere's Irish Pub. Bridget Kolakosky with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities discusses a bill signed into law that ends the subminimum wage, impacting thousands of Californians with disabilities who have been paid below the minimum wage as employees.  Leah Burdick with PRIDE Industries, one of the nation's largest employers of people with disabilities, discusses the first-ever hotline for employees and employers.  Chris Delfino, President of Apple Hill Growers Association, helps us explore Apple Hill during harvest season.

Updated 9:52 a.m. An absenteeism surge is happening at schools across the state following reopening for in-person learning. The human rights crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. California's first-in-the-nation Transgender Advisory Council. The Sacramento Greek Food Festival returns for its 58th year. Today's Guests Senior reporter at EdSource Carolyn Jones discusses an absenteeism surge happening at schools across the state following reopening.  Britta Guerrero, CEO of the Sacramento Native American Health Center (SNAHC) and member of the San Carlos Apache tribe, discusses the human rights crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. Interim Director of Impact Strategies Zoë Flowers with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence expands the conversation surrounding Gabby Petito to include women of color and the LGBTQ+ community.  Ebony Harper, the executive director at California TRANScends, on her appointment to the newly created Transgender Advisory Council, created by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.  Terry Kastanis and Koula Gianulias join Insight to talk about the long history and tradition of the Sacramento Greek Food Festival, which is returning this year after being sidelined last year due to COVID.

The state updates Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots now available to eligible Californians. A California NPR investigation about air quality due to wildfires, breaking down the data by zip code. The Sacramento Zoo explains potential plans to move to Elk Grove. Today's Guests California Department of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan provides an update on Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots available to eligible Californians.  Data reporter Alison Saldanha with NPR's California Newsroom, and KQED reporter Farida Jhabvala Romero, join us with their investigative project surrounding air quality due to wildfires. Elk Grove Mayor Bobby Singh-Allen, Sacramento Councilmember Katie Valenzuela and President of the Sacramento Zoological Board of Trustees, Elizabeth Stallard, discuss the future of the Sacramento Zoo and the potential plans to move it to Elk Grove.

A new bill signed into law creates a separate workforce from CalFire to help with fire prevention. PG&E manslaughter charges in a 2020 Zogg Fire. Winter was the deadliest season for Sacramento's homeless residents. How indigenous knowledge is changing how California tracks climate change. Remembering state political ‘insider' Scott Lay, who passed away at the age of 48. Today's Guests CapRadio's State Government Reporter Scott Rodd explains a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that creates a separate workforce to help with fire prevention and also why PG&E is facing manslaughter charges in the 2020 Zogg Fire that killed four people.  CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols on his recent reporting regarding deaths among homeless residents in Sacramento and the debate surrounding a new shelter built under the W-X overpass in downtown.  CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira explains how indigenous knowledge is changing the way California tracks the effects of climate change.  Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data, Inc., and Anthony York, the former editor at Capitol Weekly, remember Scott Lay, who passed away at the age of 48. 

An overview of the end to California's eviction moratorium. Sacramento restaurateurs discuss navigating the ever-changing scene amid the COVID pandemic. And a benefit show in honor of the Folsom Marine severely injured in Kabul during suicide bombings in the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Today's Guests CapRadio's Race and Equity Reporter, Sarah Mizes-Tan, gives us an overview of the end to California's eviction moratorium and what tenant advocates' concerns are as the end of the month draws near. Debra Carlton, Executive Vice President of the California Apartment Association, explains how landlords have fared without the rent that helps pay for the mortgage and bills that come with their rental property and what the end of the eviction moratorium means for property owners. Chris Barnum-Dann of Sacramento' Localis Restaurant, Ryan Rose, President of Zocalo restaurants, join us for a conversation about the ‘state of the restaurant business' in Sacramento and how they are navigating the ever-changing scene in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Comedians Joey C and Mike Betancourt are hosting the “Tyler Vargas Andrews Benefit Show” on Oct. 14 in Lincoln, in honor of the U.S. Marine from Folsom who was severely injured in Kabul during suicide bombings at Hamid Karzai International Airport in the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.  Courtesy of the artist

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.

California is seeing lower case rates of COVID-19; we'll get a sense of why we're seeing low numbers and what's going on with booster shots. We also get a glimpse of the recent CA Legislative Session and what bills await a signature or veto from the governor. Finally, we hear from the Department of Community Response Director and how her experiences shape how she helps the unhoused. Today's Guests UC Davis Medical Center Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Dean Blumberg talks about the recent news surrounding the booster shots and California's shrinking numbers of COVID cases. CalMatters Politics Reporter Laurel Rosenhall on how the CA Legislative Session was affected by the recall election and what bills are currently awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature or veto. Bridgette Dean with the city of Sacramento's new “Department of Community Response” using her education as a social worker and personal experience as someone who experienced homelessness to implement the city's new plan to address homelessness. 

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.

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 

Thousands of people have been forced from their homes, and more evacuation orders have been issued as the Caldor Fire continues to burn in El Dorado County; we get updates on what's happening with Cal Fire and CapRadio reporter Scott Rodd. Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician Dr. Vanessa Walker discusses how smoke from the wildfires can raise the risk of COVID-19. Plus, why California State University, Stanislaus is delaying in-person classes, and we say farewell to outgoing CapRadio healthcare reporter, Sammy Caiola. Today's Guests City of Sacramento Fire Department Public Information Officer Captain Keith Wade with updates from the Caldor Fire CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd checks in on evacuation efforts with the Caldor Fire Sutter Roseville Medical Center Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician Dr. Vanessa Walker on poor air quality stemming from wildfires, how to protect yourself, and how wildfire smoke raises the risk of COVID-19 President of California State University, Stanislaus Ellen Junn discusses the university's decision to delay in-person instruction until October 1st  CapRadio's Data Reporter Emily Zentner and Managing Editor of Digital Content Chris Hagan talk with healthcare reporter Sammy Caiola about her time at the station on her last day as a reporter in Sacramento