Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Governor Newsom and Behested Payments | ‘California Forever’ Updates | Local Poet-Turned-Musician Brandon Leake

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Governor Newsom and Behested Payments

Governor Gavin Newsom has been fined more than $31,000 by California’s campaign finance watchdog for failing to report dozens of charitable donations known as “behested payments” in a timely fashion. These payments totaled millions of dollars from various corporations, were solicited by Newsom, and went to a nonprofit supporting recovery after the Los Angeles wildfires last year. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald joins Insight with more about what behested payments are, and whether the fines are just the cost of doing business at the Capitol.

‘California Forever’ Updates

The tech billionaire-backed organization California Forever has been trying to build a city from scratch on farmland in Solano County. The effort has drawn significant local opposition, and led the backers to pull a ballot measure in 2024. But the group has not given up. CalMatters reporters Yue Stella Yu and Kate Wolffe break down the latest developments in the story of California Forever, including the political heavyweights the group have enlisted to curry influence.

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

Local Poet-Turned-Musician Brandon Leake

Back in 2020 Stockton native Brandon Leake became the first spoken word artist to win America's Got Talent, using his unique ability to transform personal stories into powerful moments of connection to win the grand prize and build his career. Six years later he is now expanding his creativity to music, melding the natural rhythm and heartfelt lyricism of his poetry seamlessly with influences from gospel to hip hop. His first ever single, called “I’ve Got,” is out now. Leake joined Insight to tell us more about this artistic leap of faith.

One Year After Esparto Explosion | Impact of SCOTUS Rulings on Immigration | CASA de ESPAÑOL’s Festival del Mole

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

One Year After Esparto Explosion

It’s been just over a year since a massive fireworks explosion rocked the Yolo County town of Esparto, killing seven people and leaving lasting scars for the small, rural community. In the year that followed some residents, particularly those in the agricultural sector, have been concerned that the tragedy will overshadow Esparto's reputation and other issues facing the small town. CapRadio reporters Chris Felts and Gerardo Zavala join Insight with their reporting from Esparto about how the community is reflecting on the anniversary, and hoping to move forward.

Impact of SCOTUS Rulings on Immigration

The Supreme Court delivered its final decisions last week before entering summer recess for the coming months, including four major decisions on immigration related cases. Chief among them, the long awaited ruling on the Trump administration's challenge to birthright citizenship. In a 6-3 decision the court struck down President Trump’s executive ruling seeking to end birthright citizenship. While this ruling was seen as a win for many immigration rights advocates, the other three cases heard before the court ruled in favor of the government. Including upholding the President’s power to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants turn back asylum seekers at the border and giving immigration officers more leeway to deny green card holders admission into the United States when traveling abroad. Raquel Aldana is a Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis with a focus on immigration. Jessie Mabry is the CEO of Opening Doors which supports immigrants, refugees and survivors of trafficking. They both joined to help us understand these rulings and the impacts they may have here on local immigrant communities.

CASA de ESPAÑOL’s Festival del Mole

Mole is widely considered a national dish of Mexico. With roots long before the Spanish arrived, this rich sauce has evolved into a kaleidoscope of flavors and colors spanning the country’s 31 states. It’s a beloved dish with a nostalgic aroma that is being celebrated in Sacramento. María Harrington is the Owner and Director of CASA de ESPAÑOL. The 5th Annual Festival del Mole is happening Sat. July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 11p.m. 50% of proceeds will support the Help Chiapas Community Health Project, a nonprofit that provides free health clinics to Ignacio Allende, a small indigenous community in the northeastern jungle of Chiapas, Mexico.

CASA de ESPAÑOL is a financial supporter of CapRadio and the station will have a booth at the Festival del Mole

POLITICO’s California Playbook | The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence | A Life Remade in 50 Swims

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

A controversial “billionaire’s tax” measure has qualified for the November ballot, one of a number of proposals that voters will decide on ranging from Voter ID requirements to CEQA reforms. This comes as the Supreme Court has made several rulings that impact the Golden State, and state lawmakers leave for summer recess after tackling a budget and housing-heavy agenda. Blake Jones, Co-Author of POLITICO's California Playbook joins Insight with a breakdown of the latest developments in state politics.

The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence

With America celebrating its 250th birthday, the historical backdrop of the 4th of July, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was front and center. In speeches on Saturday, both sides of the political spectrum mentioned our nation's founding document. In a fractured political landscape, reverence for the Declaration of Independence still transcends party lines. And while everyone knows the story of the declaration, our next guest argues that there are still many big misunderstandings and myths surrounding our founding document. Carlton Larson is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis and the author of the new book "One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence."

A Life Remade in 50 Swims

As local author Kate Washington approached her 50th birthday, she found herself looking to reconnect with her childhood. Growing up in Chico, she swam in the numerous lakes, rivers and swimming holes that dot the North State. So, she set up a challenge for herself. Swim in 50 different bodies of water by her 50th birthday. The rules were simple. She had to fully immerse her head underwater and take a photo of each ‘dunk’ to document the journey. She dubbed it the 50 Dunk Challenge. At the time, she did not know the radical effect it would have on her life, but years later she has now chronicled the challenge in a new book called “Midstream: A Life Remade in 50 Swims.” The book launches tomorrow night with an event at East Village Bookshop in Sacramento from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. And will be giving a talk on Thursday July 9th at The Avid Reader in Davis from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Summer Break: Insight Returns Monday July 6th

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

By Vicki Gonzalez

Insight has logged more than 250 conversations so far this year and we want to send a big thanks for listening along the way.

We’re taking a summer break. But so you have something fun to listen to while we're away, we've curated some of our favorite musical performances and conversations from the past six months.

Insight returns on Monday, July 6th, live at noon with a rebroadcast at 7pm.

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 joined Insight ahead of their first appearance at the Sofia in Sacramento.

Watch the video version of Misner & Smith's performance recorded at the CapRadio studios below

Celebrating 100 Episodes of the Local Artist Feature

There’s just something in the water here. Northern California is home to an amazing array of talented Classical artists who regularly light up international stages. From performers to composers, Sacramento is practically overflowing with talent and it can be a lot to keep track of. That’s where CapRadio’s Jennifer Reason comes in. Every Friday at noon (and 6 p.m.) on the Classical station she hosts a different artist from the area and explores their work through song and conversation.

In honor of the 100th episode, we recorded a live concert at CapRadio featuring both Classical and Jazz musicians, to celebrate the richness and diversity of the talent in the region, which is reflected in CapRadio’s programming.

Performers:

Guitarist George England

Cellist Mike Dahlberg, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Pianist Arend Aldama

Tenor Robert Vann, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Italian Soprano Vanessa Martucci, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Violinist Bill Barbini and Flutist Mathew Krejci, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

CapRadio’s Mike Nelson on French horn, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Jazz Combo with Avery Jeffry on standup bass, Andrew Maloney on sax, Andrew Mills on jazz guitar, and drummer Jeremy Paz

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.

What’s Next for CA’s Budget? | Pride Roundtable | Author Josh Weil’s ‘What Came West’

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

What’s Next for CA’s Budget?

California’s budget negotiations have been proceeding for months, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s initial proposal in January and his May Revise last month. On Monday, lawmakers approved their version of the state budget, totalling hundreds of billions of dollars. But now negotiations really begin between the Capitol and Newsom, as they need to reach a final deal before July 1. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald and CalMatters Budget Reporter Yue Stella Yu join Insight to break down the lawmakers’ proposal.

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

Pride Roundtable

It’s Pride month, a time for parades and parties to celebrate the LGBTQ community. As celebrations continue to happen across the region, we check in with David Heitstuman, CEO of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center; Cindy Baudoin, the CFO for the Placer LGBT Center; and John Alita, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Pride Center to hear about challenges and successes with this year’s festivities.

Author Josh Weil’s ‘What Came West’

The historical narrative of California’s pioneer era often gets written in broad strokes. But a new novel has turned its eyes toward the chaotic and violent forces the Gold Rush bore down on one man and his Sierra Nevada home. Josh Weil’s second novel paints a portrait of the American West through the thoughts and actions of one man devoted to the land. We’ll meet the author of “What Came West” and hear a reading.

Listen here to Josh Weil's 2018 Insight interview.

Today's guest host is Andrew Garcia.

CA FAIR Plan to Raise Home Insurance Rates | Sacramento Gets Its Shot to Host the X Games | Evangeline’s Rises From the Ashes

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

CA FAIR Plan to Raise Home Insurance Rates

Triple digit temperatures, red flag warnings, drying conditions. Summer is traditionally the time wildfires come into focus. However, the risk of wildfires is year round in California and that reality is fueling an alarming insurance market. Once known as the “insurer of last resort,” the California FAIR Plan was designed to provide basic fire insurance when traditional companies will not, but in recent years the number of policies under the FAIR Plan have ballooned 152 percent. To keep up with that demand, the FAIR Plan is reportedly planning to hike rates by 30% come October, according to the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets. Today on Insight, we’re going to get a better grasp of California’s insurance landscape from Dave Jones, a former California Insurance Commissioner who now serves as the director of the Climate Risk Initiative Center at UC Berkeley’s School of Law.

Sacramento Gets Its Shot to Host the X Games

The X Games have been putting the X in extreme sports since 1995, but they’ve never taken the high flying, high octane festivities to Sacramento, until now. Cal Expo will host the debut of the X Games League next weekend, June 26th through the 28th. Sacramento will be the first stop of three on an international tour. Kevin O’Connor is the X Games Chief Marketing Officer and he joins us today to share more.

Evangeline’s Rises From the Ashes

Evangeline’s Costume Mansion has enchanted Sacramentans for more than 50 years. Generations of Californians have traveled to Old Sacramento to peruse the Gold Rush-era storefront at the historic Howard House in search of a costume. That came to an end last year, when the store was forced to close after a fire consumed the first floor. But one year later, the family that owns it has weathered the worst and plans to reopen at the end of the month on June 27th. Teri Burge is the Buyer for Evangeline’s and she joins us today to share more of the store’s history.

Juneteenth | Central Valley Baseball | Sierra Storytelling Festival

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is this week a day that marks the end of slavery. Former President Joe Biden made it a federal holiday back in 2021 but that doesn’t mean everyone gets the day off. California recognizes June 19th as an official state holiday but state workers must still use their paid time off to observe the holiday. The same was true for the city of Sacramento until yesterday, when the city announced that Friday will be a paid day off for city workers, a first for Sacramento. Michael Harris is the Chair of the California State Capitol Juneteenth Holiday Celebration happening on the West Steps of the state Capitol on Friday, June 19. Gary Simon is the Executive Director and Founder of Sacramento Juneteenth which is putting on its annual festival at William Land Park on Friday and Saturday, June 19th and 20th. They joined Vicki to talk about the significance of Juneteenth being designated a government holiday.

Central Valley Baseball

Baseball season is in full swing across Northern California. The Athletics recently wrapped up their first series at their future home in Las Vegas, with their new stadium under construction. At the same time a couple independent-league teams are finding their footing in the Central Valley and Oakland, and concerns over ongoing negotiations between MLB and the players’ union is creating uncertainty over whether games will be played next year. Jen Ramos-Eisen is a freelance baseball labor and economics reporter, and runs the Left On Base newsletter. They join Insight for a baseball roundup across the region.

Sierra Storytelling Festival

Stories have a way of connecting us, transporting us and giving us a window into worlds we might not otherwise see. If you’re looking for an opportunity to take in a few good stories under the starry skies of the Sierra, the 39th annual Sierra Storytelling Festival is the place you’ll want to be. Today on Insight, we’ll learn more about the event from Samantha Hinrichs, President of the Board of Directors of the North Columbia Schoolhouse, and Michael D. McCarty, one of this year’s featured storytellers.

HIV & STI Rates | A Call for Effective Political Activism | Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival

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

HIV & STI Rates

The AIDS epidemic thrust HIV awareness into the spotlight, but years after its peak, a local nonprofit is urging people to know their status. Today on Insight, we’ll learn why there is a greater need for women and heterosexual men to get tested from Jake Bradley-Rowe, the CEO of Sunburst Projects.

A Call for Effective Political Activism

We’re almost two weeks past the primary election, and all eyes are set on the November general — an election that could determine control of the House of Representatives, and potentially even the U.S. Senate. It is also just over a year since the first No Kings protest took place, with millions of people taking to the streets across the country to protest the Trump Administration. But getting people involved in the political process for the long-haul can be difficult, as many voters may feel overwhelmed with information or apathetic about the choices they face. Environmental lawyer and progressive activist Gary Lucks is the author of a new book called We Are the Power, and talks with Insight about how he aims to make that activism easier to accomplish.

Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival

For more than 50 years now, the Sierra foothills have come alive with the sounds of bluegrass one weekend a year. For four days, people come together to enjoy live music, camping, workshops, family activities and what some say is “the best jamming west of the Rockies.” Hosted by the California Bluegrass Society, the 51st annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival is scheduled Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Pete Lude is the executive director of the California Bluegrass Society and he’s here to share some music and tell us more about what to expect.

‘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

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.