Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

‘Mega Master’ Immigration Hearings | Tahoe Utility Searches For New Power Supplier | California Indian Heritage Center

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

‘Mega Master’ Immigration Hearings

California immigration advocates and legal experts are raising concerns about a new federal immigration court initiative designed to drastically expedite deportation order cases. Courts across the country started rolling out “mega masters” that bring as many as 100 immigrants into court proceedings at the same time, raising concerns about due process and access to legal representation. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Gerardo Zavala went to a recent hearing inside Sacramento’s John Moss Federal Building and joins us with his reporting.

Tahoe Utility Searches For New Power Supplier

Thousands of California customers in the Lake Tahoe region will need a new power supplier next year. Liberty Utilities services approximately 50,000 customers across the Tahoe Basin. The California-based company sources its energy from Nevada - a majority purchased through NV Energy which announced it will stop supplying Liberty after May 2027. Both utilities maintain that customers will not be left in the dark during the transition to find a new supplier. But the announcement has sparked months of media coverage. CapRadio Senior Producer Sarit Laschinsky joins us with his reporting about the search for new energy across state lines, the concerns from residents over potential rate hikes, as well as the role of data centers in this transition.

California Indian Heritage Center

California has the largest Native American population in the country with more than 700,000 people in the state and over 109 federally recognized tribes. In April Governor Gavin Newsom, in collaboration with tribes, broke ground on the California Indian Heritage Center. Located in West Sacramento, the new center will look to honor and preserve the history of indigenous people in the state / for future generations. Helping to coordinate these efforts and bring the center to life is the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs, led by Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari. She joined us to tell us more about it.

CA Governor’s Race | Revisiting eDNA Research | June ‘Arts Talk’

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

CA Governor’s Race

We are one week post Primary and the race for governor is set. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra will advance to the November runoff, capping off an unusual gubernatorial race. With the general set, we’re going to have a post mortem about the lingering themes of this election with Laurel Rosenhall, a New York Times reporter covering California politics and government.

Revisiting eDNA Research

The San Joaquin Valley has plenty to discover, much of which is hidden in the dirt. Scientists from the nonprofit River Partners fanned out across the region last year, collecting soil samples to learn more about what lives there and using a research tool known as environmental DNA (eDNA.) The nonprofit recently announced it has received the data from its samples, which are teeming with life. River Partners Senior Scientist Dr. Sarah Gaffney and Julie Stanford, CEO of eDNA Explorer talk about the science of eDNA and how it will guide future restoration efforts in the San Joaquin Valley.

June ‘Arts Talk’

June is here and those long summer days and breezy summer nights means it’s a great time to enjoy concerts in the park, art strolls, festivals and even a parade. Arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back for our monthly Arts Talk, where she highlights upcoming arts and culture events throughout our region.

Regional Places Offering Summer Classes/Workshops:

Arts Walks:

Davis’ Second Friday ArtAbout – Pence Gallery
Pet-ography show at R&M Framing
Live Music at Twisted Track
2nd Saturday exhibit showcases at Axis Gallery
2nd Saturday in Midtown kicks off June 13

Festivals and events:

Sacramento Pride Festival and March
Elk Grove’s first-ever mural festival, Paint the Grove
Game Night at the Museum, Thursday, June 18 at the California State Railroad Museum
Twilight Summer Concert Series at Zittle Farm, An Evening of Live Music in the Heart of Historic Folsom every Thursday night.
Sacramento Juneteenth Festival, June 19-20 in William Land Park
THE 2026 JUNETEENTH ART WALK - The Sofia Home of B Street!
Sacramento French Film Festival, June 26-28 at the Tower Theatre
Through Their Eyes at Art League of Lincoln’s 6th Street Gallery, open to the public Thursday through Sunday from now through July 26

Sacramento’s City Motel Program | Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates | ‘Reclaiming Our Stories’ Podcast

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sacramento’s City Motel Program

Homeless advocates are demanding answers after the city of Sacramento’s motel shelter program left vulnerable residents stranded on Sacramento streets. After the city transitioned their motel program to a voucher system, roughly two dozen families were reportedly displaced last week after their vouchers were rejected by motel owners. Sacramento Bee Regional Watchdog Reporter Theresa Clift and SacBee Photojournalist Renée C. Byer join us with their reporting on how the changes are designed to save the city $3.2 million.

Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates

Colorectal cancer was once considered a disease of older people but is now the top cancer killer in people under age 50. Colon cancer rates for adults aged 30 to 49 have doubled over the last three decades, with little concrete evidence as to why. As researchers try to discover reasons behind this surge in cases, the way doctors treat it is adapting. University of San Francisco, Health launched a first-of-its-kind program on the West Coast dedicated to understanding and treating the colon cancer epidemic in young adults. Dr. Katherine Van Loon is a Gastrointestinal Oncologist with UC San Francisco Health and she joins us today to explain more.

‘Reclaiming Our Stories’ Podcast

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal moment in U.S. history. But the history of the land, and the Native people that call it home, dates back long before the arrival of European settlers. But often these indigenous stories and experiences are overshadowed or left out of the historical record. A new podcast called Reclaiming Our Stories: Voices of Indigenous Peoples of California debuted last month, and aims to highlight the diverse range of perspectives, cultures and experiences across the Golden State, which is home to hundreds of tribal communities. Host and Story Weaver Victorio L. Shaw talks about how the series adds critical context and color to the state’s Native history.

Shasta County Election Results | California Arts Council Funding | Summer Reading Preview

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Shasta County Election Results

Election results continue to roll in from last week’s statewide primary, including for a local ballot measure in Shasta County — which has been for years been in the national spotlight for conspiracy theories of voter fraud. The initiative, known as Measure B, would overhaul how the county's election system is run, but may be in violation of state and federal law. Measure B is on track to be approved by voters, but at the same time one of its major advocates — Clerk and Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis — is also losing his seat. Annelise Pierce, Director and Managing Editor for the Shasta Scout joins Insight to break down the latest developments in Shasta County.

California Arts Council Funding

Artists play a vital role in California helping to shape culture and build bridges across generations, but public funding for the arts is often the first thing on the chopping block. The Golden State ranks around 35th nationally in per-capita arts funding. As lawmakers work to finalize the state’s budget, we’ll hear from an artist and advocate about the impact of funding on the work and the economy. Janine Mapurunga is a Social Practice Artist and Julie Baker is the CEO of California For the Arts, which advocates on behalf of the California Arts Council.

Summer Reading Preview

There’s just something about summer that makes it prime time to pick up a new book. Whether you’re looking for some company on your next vacation or something truly meaty that will transport you to another time and place, you can find it in a book. To help you get a head start on your reading list, Sactown Magazine has a handy guide that includes 10 new books from homegrown authors. Hillary Louise Johnson is the Editor-at-Large and she joined us today to talk books.

The book list:

Illusion of Truth, James L’etoile
This Hair Belongs, Janay Brown-Wood
Carnival Fatastico, Angela Montoya
Trust No One, James Rollins
Robbie McNeil’s Hit List, Brianna Heath
Meet Me in Italy, Brenda Novak
What Came West, Josh Weil
Whisper Creek, Allison Brennan
Burnside, Devyn Defoe
A Table for Fortune, William T. Vollmann

POLITICO’s California Playbook | Remembering Kings Coach Rick Adelman | New Book ‘Bitter Honey’

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

Election results continue to trickle in and will for the coming weeks. We’re still waiting to see the top-two for many races, including governor. But some of the most talked about contests have been set and there are already some lessons we can take away from the primary. Blake Jones is the co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and he joined us to break down the latest election updates.

Remembering Kings Coach Rick Adelman

Sacramento Kings fans are remembering legendary head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Adelman, who passed away this week at the age of 79. Adelman came to Sacramento in 1999 and led the Kings to the playoffs during all eight of his seasons, and holds the franchise win record. ESPN 1320 Kings Insider James Ham, host of the Locked On Kings Podcast talks about Adelman’s legacy in the capital city, at the head of a team Sports Illustrated dubbed “The Greatest Show on Court.”

New Book ‘Bitter Honey’

America’s bees are dying in record numbers. And according to some researchers, the way we grow our food is to blame. In 2025, beekeepers lost more than 60 percent of their colonies across the United States, and wild bees are also in steep decline. But there is some good news. Author and science journalist Jennie Durant has been researching the topic and recently released a new book about it, “Bitter Honey.” She has an event tonight at Wild Sisters Book Company in Sacramento.

Preliminary Election Results | Voter Data and Republican Analysis | Role of Social Media on Campaigns

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Preliminary Election Results

After months of campaigning, curveballs and uncertainty, we are starting to get a look at which candidates are advancing to the general. Many are still too early to be called. County elections offices have until July 2nd to count all the ballots. The Secretary of State will certify primary results on July 10th. Statehouse Politics Reporters Laura Fitzgerald and Gerardo Zavala join us with an update about races they’ve been tracking. We’ll also hear the latest on Sacramento city and county races from Government Reporters Tony Rodriguez and Riley Palmer.

Voter Data and Republican Analysis

With the primary less than 24 hours behind us, momentum is already picking up for the Midterm. The once congested governor’s race will soon be whittled down to two candidates, and we’ll see if California Democrats’ attempt to flip Republican congressional seats via Prop. 50 came to fruition. Paul Mitchell is the Vice President of Political Data Inc., which tracks ballots across the state. He was also the architect of the new congressional maps under Prop 50 and joined us with post-primary analysis. Also Rob Stutzman, a Republican political consultant and former deputy chief of staff for communications to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, discusses what the California GOP will take to the November general election.

Role of Social Media on Campaigns

How well candidates are able to harness the media is one aspect of political campaigning that can lead to success. From million dollar ad buys on traditional media to big spending on social media, where a candidate places their money can say a lot about what they are and who they hope to reach. Mindy Romero is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy and she joined us to discuss the growing role of social media in election campaigns.

Last Minute Voting Tips | CA Democratic and Republican Party Chairs | Lavender Festival at IL Fiorello

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Last Minute Voting Tips

Election Day is upon us. The California Primary will narrow down pivotal races across the state. From governor to congress as well as city and county races. Californians have been turning in their mail in votes for the past month but if you’ve been waiting for election day, you have until 8 p.m. tonight to vote. For some last minute voting tips Vicki spoke with Kim Alexander on Monday, President of the California Voter Foundation.

CA Democratic Party Chair

The governor’s race has been largely a crowded field of indecision. What started as 10 leading candidates, narrowed slightly to 8. Six of which are Democrats, none of which received their party's endorsement for the primary. Chair of the California Democratic Party Rusty Hicks, joined us to talk about the governor’s race and the rest of the primary election.

CA Republican Party Chair

This Midterm has come with its share of quirks in California. Many people are finding themselves in a different congressional district following voter-approved Prop 50. The Governor’s race has seen two Republicans regularly polling in the double digits. Despite one receiving an endorsement from President Trump, neither received an endorsement from the California GOP. Chairwoman of the California Republican Party Corrin Rankin joined us to talk about the election and look ahead to the general.

Lavender Festival at IL Fiorello

Did you know that there are more than 1,400 varieties of olives in the world and most of them can be turned into oil? There’s a small, organic farm in Fairfield making the most of it. IL Fiorello began as a boutique olive oil business in 2007 and has grown steadily ever since. This weekend, they will highlight the diversity of their spring harvest through Lavender and Strawberry days. Ann Sievers is the owner and she joins us today to talk about how the business got started.

Medical School Planned in Stockton | Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Steyer | Cobweb Cabaret

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

New Medical School Planned in Stockton

University of the Pacific has announced a historic expansion, with plans to open a new school of medicine at its Stockton campus. The program is expected to welcome its first cohort of students in 2030, and will be the first M.D.-granting institution outside of the Bay Area, Sacramento region and Southern California. It also aims to address a chronic shortage of medical professionals in the Central Valley. Pacific President Christopher Callahan and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom join Insight to talk about what the impact of this new school will be for the Central Valley and beyond.

Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Steyer

A crowded field of candidates is still vying for the chance to become California’s next governor, with the primary election looming. One Democratic candidate has poured in a record-breaking amount of money for broadcast advertisements to try and secure a spot in the top-two primary, billionaire Tom Steyer. A former hedge fund manager and 2020 presidential candidate, Steyer’s political experience has largely been as a fundraiser for Democratic campaigns as well as liberal or progressive causes. And he is one of the Democratic frontrunners in the 2026 California gubernatorial race, touting a progressive platform. Vicki spoke with Steyer about his plans to address California’s issues and how he interprets the “billionaire” label differently from his critics.

Insight has reached out to all eight gubernatorial candidates. You can find our ongoing interviews here.

Cobweb Cabaret

Emma Vauxdevil is a performer and producer of Cobweb Cabaret. The show is debuting in Sacramento at the Crest Theatre on Sat. June 6 at 8pm. Performers Qu’in de la Noche and Edie Eve give us a taste of the eclectic burlesque show.

Sacramento’s MLB Expansion Bid | David Kulcyzk’s '1926 - Murder in America' | Misner & Smith

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sacramento’s MLB Expansion Bid

The Athletics are playing in Sacramento - for now - but the city is telling Major League Baseball, “Put me in coach!” We’ll hear about the capital region’s bid to get an MLB team of its own and how their chances stack up against other cities across the country. CapRadio Communities Reporter Keyshawn Davis and Forbes Senior Contributor and National Baseball Reporter Maury Brown joined us to break down the “Sacramento Pitch.”

David Kulcyzk’s ‘1926 - Murder in America’

The 1920s are remembered as a time of great change in America, but it was also one of the deadliest non-war years in history. Today on Insight, we’ll meet David Kulczyk, the Sacramento author behind the new book “1926 - Murder in America.”

Misner & Smith

What does it take to keep a music project fresh and relevant? How do you maintain creativity and continue to evolve? The folks behind the Northern California band Misner & Smith know a thing or two about it. For nearly two decades, Sam Misner and Megan Smith have been recording and performing beautifully crafted songs with soaring harmonies. They will make their first appearance at the Sofia in Sacramento this Saturday, May 30.

Watch the video version of Misner & Smith's performance of "Tears and Ink" recorded at the CapRadio studios here.

California Congressional Races: Districts 3 and 6 | Lawmakers Kill Lobbying Transparency Bills | California Composer Wins Pulitzer Prize for Music

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

California Congressional Races: Districts 3 and 6

Many California voters will be casting their ballots during this election cycle in districts redrawn under Prop 50. Two of those in the Sacramento region are District 3, covering parts of Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties and District 6, lying along I-80 in parts of Sacramento, Yolo and Placer counties. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald joins Insight to break down these races, which both cover a range of urban, suburban and rural voters.

Lawmakers Kill Lobbying Transparency Bills

Being the Capital City, Sacramento frequently gets described as a government town, playing host to a plethora of state workers, government officials, and lawmakers. But another group is often overlooked in the public eye - lobbyists. While lobbyists have to register with the state and are listed publicly by the Secretary of State’s office, knowing what impact they have on the lawmaking process can be harder to find out. And two bills aimed at making lobbying more transparent in California recently died in the state legislature. CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow reported on the bills and joined us to talk more about them.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

California Composer Wins Pulitzer Prize for Music

2026 has been a banner year for Northern California Composer Gabriela Lena Frank. She was named Musical America’s Composer of the Year. Her opera about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is being performed at the Met. And earlier this month she won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. This past school year, Frank was also the Artist-in-Residence at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. CapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason recently spoke with Frank about her work and accolades.

POLITICO’s California Playbook | Carlos Reales Dominguez’s Retrial | Sacramento Pop Choir

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

It’s one week until the California Primary and nearly two million people have taken advantage of early voting - roughly 8 percent of the electorate, according to the latest numbers from Political Data Inc, which tracked ballot returns across the state. Blake Jones is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins us with the latest on the election, as well as other political headlines.

Carlos Reales Dominguez’s Retrial

Jury selection is underway for the retrial of former UC Davis student Carlos Reales Dominguez, who was charged with a deadly 2023 stabbing spree that left two people dead and a third injured. Last June a jury found Dominguez not guilty of first-degree murder, but deadlocked on charges of second-degree and attempted murder. Mike Vitiello, Distinguished Professor of Law at McGeorge School of Law talks about the latest updates in Dominguez’s case, and what a retrial could look like.

Sacramento Pop Choir

Have you ever wanted to sing in a choir? The Sacramento Pop Choir offers adults the opportunity to “Sing Better Together.” We’ll meet Emily Perez and Heather Waid, the co-founders and directors behind one of the fastest growing choirs in Sacramento as they prepare to perform concerts dedicated to Yacht Rock.

California’s Gas Prices and Supply | Make It Happen Yolo County | Teen & Adult Self-Growth Workshop

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

California’s Gas Prices and Supply

The average price at the pump in California is more than $6 for a gallon of gas, an increase that has been driven by the conflict with Iran. State officials are working to secure more supplies to help keep prices stable, including by importing more gas and oil. But it is also raising questions about how these efforts work with California's push to reduce its emissions and transition to alternative power sources. CalMatters Climate Reporter Alejandro Lazo joins Insight to talk about how the state is trying to keep prices from climbing even higher.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

Make It Happen Yolo County

Moving into a first apartment is a rite of passage for many, but for some foster youth it’s just another challenge. Today on Insight, we’ll learn about furniture poverty and why Make It Happen Yolo County is committed to addressing it from Co-Founder and Board Member Jan Judson and Executive Director Cathi Schmidt.

Teen & Adult Self-Growth Workshop

At some point we’ll feel stuck in life. It can be particularly hard when starting out in adulthood. One may be academically capable, but can still feel uncertain about navigating real life, career direction, and personal growth. There are two workshops taking place in Sacramento this summer to offer guidance for both teens and adults who would like to recalibrate and find purpose at any life stage. The 10-week programs are taking place at Swanston Community Center in Sacramento. The Future Builder Workshop Series is designed for students in grades 9-12 to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and gain clarity about their future. The Blueprint for Your Future Workshop is for adults ages 18 and older focused on building clarity, confidence, and a structured plan for the future. TaniQua Welch is the Founder of NiQ Life Coaching LLC, and is teaching the workshops. To register email taniqua@coachniqspeaks.com or call (916) 410-4586.

Getting Ahead of the Summer Crud | California Stoneworkers With Silicosis | Roy and Gaynell Rogers

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Getting Ahead of the Summer Crud

There are a lot of bugs going around and the warmer temperatures are doing little to lessen the chance of getting sick. As we head towards graduations and holiday crowds, we check in with an infectious disease expert about the different strains capturing the headlines. Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis weighs in on what you need to know to stay healthy and have a good time.

California Stoneworkers With Silicosis

Artificial stone, or quartz, is the most popular countertop in the country. But in recent years, there has been a growing concern about the health consequences workers face, particularly breathing in toxic dust when powercutting the engineered stone. There have been hundreds of confirmed cases of silicosis, an often incurable lung disease. Farida Jhabvala Romero is a Labor Correspondent at KQED and she joined us today to share her reporting on the topic.

Roy and Gaynell Rogers

Roy and Gaynell Rogers both have storied careers in the world of music, film and the arts. Roy is an eight-time Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, and slide guitar player. Taking his talents as a blues artist, on tour around the globe for decades now. Gaynell has had her own storied career in the worlds of film, publicity and marketing. Working for the likes of Pixar and Lucasfilm. Between the two of them, the married couple have enough stories to fill endless hours. And Gaynell has now turned those stories and her experience as a chef into a new book “Gaynell’s Kitchen: Down Home Cooking from a Wayward Southern Belle.” And alongside the cookbook, Roy has a new album out, his first in ten years, called “The Sky’s the Limit.” He’ll also be performing this Saturday at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. They both joined the show to tell us more about the book and the album.

Early Voting Returns | Sacramento Suns Australian Football Club | Local ‘Tiny Desk’ Concert Submissions

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Early Voting Returns

Early voting is well underway and more than a million Californians have cast their ballots. Today on Insight, we’ll get a look at some of the key trends popping up ahead of the Primary Election on June 2 with Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data Inc., who joined us with his 2026 Primary CA Ballot Tracker.

Sacramento Suns Australian Football Club

For over a decade, the Sacramento Suns have been introducing players across the region to the fast-paced action of Australian Rules Football, or footy. Described as a mix of rugby and soccer, the sport is played on an oval-shaped field and draws tens of thousands of fans to games down under. Suns players Lauré Kwoka and Sean MacEachern join Insight to talk about how this Australian staple has found its home in California's capital city.

Local ‘Tiny Desk’ Concert Submissions

Twelve years ago NPR started the Tiny Desk Contest where unsigned artists across the country enter a video of their original music for a chance to play a Tiny Desk Concert of their own in Washington D.C. Two years ago Sacramento’s The Philharmonik won the top prize, And this year’s winner is Cure for Paranoia hailing from Dallas, Texas. But close to a thousand Northern California artists threw their hat into the ring. Today on Insight, Senior Producer Andrew Garcia joins Communities Reporters Keyshawn Davis and Ruth Finch to preview some of their favorite entries. Find all of their picks here.

Editor's Note: Ukrainian band Kommuna Lux joined us during the 12 p.m. airing of Insight but due to poor sound quality and technical difficulties we could not continue with the segment. You can find more information about their performance in Sacramento on May 29, here.

Breaking Down the May Revise | LAO’s Response to May Revise | State Superintendent’s Race | ‘The Host’ Television Pilot

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Breaking Down the May Revise

Governor Gavin Newsom has released his final May budget revision, which he says will close a projected $3 billion deficit and leave the Golden State on solid financial ground. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald joins Insight to break down the details behind Newsom’s revision, and what the next steps in the budget process look like.

LAO’s Response to May Revise

The Legislative Analyst’s Office serves as a fiscal advisor to the legislature. Gabe Petek from the LAO joined us to talk about the nonpartisan agency’s initial responses to Governor Newsom’s revised budget.

State Superintendent’s Race

Today we’re going to dive into the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Currently held by Tony Thurmond, who is terming out and running for governor, the position oversees nearly 6 million students across 10,000 K-12 public schools. But it comes with limited authority due to local school districts in California largely controlling budget and curriculum decisions. And whoever succeeds Superintendent Thurmond may be walking into a different position, now that a bill is making its way through the state Capitol that would strip the position of most of its duties and fold the Department of Education into the governor’s office. CalMatters K-12 Education Reporter Carolyn Jones joins us with her reporting on this race.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

‘The Host’ Television Pilot

What does it actually take to create a television pilot? Especially if you don’t have the backing of a studio? The creators of “The Host” are in the process of finding out. The new TV sitcom takes place in Sacramento and features the exploits of a guy who books backyard comedy shows, starring real comedians. A screening and live comedy show is scheduled May 19 at the Sofia. Joe Hauner, Luke Sion and Jack Matranga are the folks behind the show and they’re here today to tell us more.

Point-In-Time Count Shows Rise in Unhoused Population | CalMatters Investigates DMV Loophole | Davis Art Studio Tours

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 14 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Point-In-Time Count Shows Rise in Unhoused Population

Sacramento County’s homeless population is once again on the rise. That’s according to the region’s Point-In-Time Count released yesterday. The county is now home to nearly 7500 unhoused residents, that’s about 800 more than two years ago and a 13 percent increase. The jump comes despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent regionwide in recent years to address Sacramento’s homeless crisis. The numbers are lower than a few years back, when the region saw a dramatic 67 percent spike and a record-setting 9,300 unhoused residents just a couple years after the pandemic. But why does the region still have thousands on the streets, and thousands more in shelters? What do this year’s numbers show, and what are local officials saying about them? CapRadio reporters Riley Palmer and Ruth Finch joined us to talk about their reporting on the matter.

CalMatters Investigates DMV Loophole

For years, the California DMV has collected millions of dollars in profits from the sale of auctioned cars. The vehicle owners have the right to collect this money within a three-year period, but state law does not require the DMV to tell them these funds are available. CalMatters Investigative Reporter Byrhonda Lyons joins Insight with her reporting on this legal loophole, and how a new bill aims to try and close it.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

Davis Art Studio Tours

This weekend, 48 artists across the region will open their Davis studios to the public for free, self-guided tours. The Davis Art Studio Tour is a two-day event that celebrates creativity in the community. An annual event for nearly two decades, it was almost lost to the pandemic before being revived and relaunched by three local artists. We’ll meet two of them today, Thelma Weatherford and Cathie James-Robinson, and learn more about the event.

Campaign Spending | Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra | Vanessa Hua Releases ‘Coyoteland’

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Campaign Spending

Election season is in full swing, with candidates and campaigns opening the financial floodgates. This is especially apparent in the California governor's race, where Democratic candidate Tom Steyer has put in more than $130 million to self-fund his campaign, while tech giants in Silicon Valley have also donated millions to support other candidates. Sac State Political Science Professor Wesley Hussey joins Insight to talk about the impact of campaign finance on elections in the Golden State, and how it shapes the perceptions of voters.

Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra

Election Day for California’s primary is less than three weeks away. During the past month, Insight has been getting to know the leading candidates running for governor through one-on-one interviews, which you can find here. Two candidates we have not spoken with yet are Democrats Tom Steyer and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Becerra has recently been surging in the polls and held a campaign rally at Sacramento State earlier this week. CapRadio’s Statehouse and Politics reporter Gerardo Zavala was there and spoke with the Democratic front runner.

Insight has reached out to all eight gubernatorial candidates. You can find our ongoing interviews here.

Vanessa Hua Releases ‘Coyoteland’

Vanessa Hua has a way with words. The Bay Area author and journalist is releasing a new novel this month, “Coyoteland”. Set in the affluent Bay Area suburb of El Nido, “Coyoteland” explores identity, privilege and belonging through multiple perspectives, including a coyote. She joined us today to preview the book and an upcoming appearance at CapLit.

Project Homekey Investigation | California Wildfire Season Preview | In a Nutshell: Glynn Washington

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Project Homekey Investigation

As California’s state leaders look to put forth a balanced budget later this week, every dollar spent to tackle issues becomes even more important. It is estimated that California has spent $24 billion addressing homelessness from 2019 to 2024, but have Californians felt the impact of those dollars? Additionally, for those experiencing homelessness, what does the data show about how these efforts have impacted their lives? CalMatters recently investigated how some of that money has been spent through Project Homekey. Homelessness Reporter Marisa Kendall is one half of the reporting duo that took on the question, “Did Project Homekey pay off?” She joined us today to explain what they discovered.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

California Wildfire Season Preview

Wildfires have become a nearly year-round risk across California, with blazes growing larger and more unpredictable amid the worsening impacts of climate change. The Golden State is also coming off a dry winter, and a new report suggests California could be especially vulnerable this summer. Fire Meteorologist Julia Ruthford and Wildland Fire Specialist Kristen Allison from the U.S. Forest Service provide an update on current conditions, and projects about what might lie ahead. Also, CAL FIRE Battalion Chief David Acuña provides a look at how the state's fire agency is gearing up for another fire season.

In a Nutshell: Glynn Washington

Glynn Washington knows his way around a story … and a cult. The host of Snap Judgement and Spooked is one of four featured performers at this month’s In a Nutshell storytelling series taking place Friday, May 15 at the Sophia in Sacramento. He joined us today to talk about his history with cults as he prepares to take on the theme “Cults, Crackpots and Swindlers.”

POLITICO’s California Playbook | Gubernatorial Candidate Matt Mahan | Sacramento Master Singers Conductor Retires

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

California's election season is in full swing, with the primary election just over three weeks away. A crowded field of candidates are still vying to become the Golden State's next governor, where former state Attorney General and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has been emerging as a Democratic frontrunner. At the same time, there's been major shakeups in the national redistricting fight after the Virginia Supreme Court threw out a voter-approved map that would have given Democrats an advantage — a decision that's left California lawmakers fuming after Prop 50 passed last year. Dustin Gardiner is the co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins Insight with an update on the latest in state politics.

Gubernatorial Candidate Matt Mahan

We are continuing our interviews with the eight leading candidates for governor. Today, we share our conversation with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is a relative newcomer to the governor’s race announcing his candidacy a few months ago. But in that time, he has gained strong backing from Silicon Valley tech giants. Yet, in a crowded field the youngest candidate in this race is polling in the single digits. He sat down with Vicki Gonzalez last Thursday about why he believes he’s different from the other Democrats in this race.

Insight has reached out to all eight gubernatorial candidates. You can find our ongoing interviews here.

Sacramento Master Singers Conductor Retires

Forty years is a long time. Especially when it comes to conducting a choir. As the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Sacramento Master Singers, Dr. Ralph Hughes has been instrumental in leading the 50-voice ensemble, bringing his passion for art with a purpose, to stages across the region. And he’s retiring this year. He joined us today to reflect on his four decades of leading the choir ahead of his final concert. The Sacramento Master Singers present A Season of Gratitude at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom Thursday, May 14.

CA Insurance Commissioner Race | Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Thurmond | ‘Arts Talk’

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

CA Insurance Commissioner Race

For years Californians have seen skyrocketing insurance premiums and companies pulling out of the state amid major wildfires and other national disasters. These are some of the major issues facing the state’s next Insurance Commissioner, which regulates the country’s largest property and casualty insurance market. CalMatters Economy Reporter Levi Sumagaysay joins Insight with more on the candidates vying for the office, and their proposals to make the insurance landscape more transparent, accountable and affordable.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Thurmond

Tony Thurmond is rounding out his final year as State Superintendent, with eyes to become California’s next governor. But the Democrat is polling at the bottom, in an already crowded field of candidates. Superintendent Thurmond joins us about why he believes there is still a path to winning over voters, with the primary deadline fast approaching.

Insight has reached out to all eight gubernatorial candidates. You can find our ongoing interviews here.

‘Arts Talk’

Festival season is starting in the Sacramento region. Arts Advocate Veronica Rodriguez joins us this month with a list of events and activities to check out, including one that the Insight team is participating in.

Second Friday Art About in Davis
Second Saturday in Sacramento
Learn to Loom at Sutter’s Fort
Second Annual Johr Jawani Da Mela: Punjabi Cultural Festival at Elk Grove Regional Park on May 9
BerryFest at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland, May 9 and 10
5th annual AAPI Night Market on Capitol Mall, Sacramento, May 15
International Kids Festival 2026 at William Land Park, May 23
Sacramento Valley Korean Culture Festival in Rancho Cordova on May 3
iSMASH! A Piñata Exhibition is taking place this month at Prism Gallery. There's an opening reception May 9 from 5 to 8 p.m.