Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Cyclospora Outbreaks | How to Accelerate Vote Counting in California | Hands-on Government Experience for Youth

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Cyclospora Outbreaks

A rash of cyclospora cases is hitting multiple states, linked to fresh produce like lettuce and leafy greens. The outbreak is among the largest in U.S. history. California health officials say while cases of the disease have been detected in the state, they are not connected to the national wave. Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health, joins Insight to talk about this latest slate of illnesses, as well as other diseases like measles which are cropping up across California.

How to Accelerate Vote Counting in California

California has long been criticized for a lengthy ballot counting process that delays timely election results. Today on Insight, we’ll learn about new research behind a call for big reforms to accelerate the process, while preserving voting accessibility, accuracy and security. Kim Alexander is President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation, which has 10 new recommendations for how to speed the vote-counting process up.

Hands-on Government Experience for Youth

We all learn the basics about the way our government works in school. But how much do we remember from civics class? For nearly eight decades, the California YMCA has been giving hands-on experience to high schoolers through their Youth and Government program. Teaching them the ins and outs of local government and how to write and develop their own legislation. Culminating in a model state legislature that brings in students from around California. Where students take on the roles of legislatures, lobbyists, capitol reporters, lawyers and an elected youth governor. All with the hope of growing the next generation of civically engaged Californians. Here to tell us more is the Lead Advisor for the Sacramento Youth & Government Delegations Christiana Dominguez. And two of her student officers, Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms Thomasina Nicholson and President Gagan Dhillon. Registration opens on August 1st.

POLITICO’s California Playbook | CA’s Reforestation Struggle | Sacramento Century Challenge

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

Summer can feel like a sleepy time in politics, especially at the state legislature, where lawmakers are on recess. But it’s still a Midterm year and the gloves are coming off as campaigns pick up the pace for the November general election. Blake Jones is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and he joins us today with a look at some of the races and props that are starting to heat up.

CA’s Reforestation Struggle

California has seen wildfires grow longer and more devastating over the years, scorching millions of acres of forest land across the state. Reforestation is a critical part of healing the damage, but California can’t plant fast enough to keep up with the destruction — a problem compounded by a lack of funding and staffing on the state and federal levels. CalMatters Water Reporter Rachel Becker joins Insight with her reporting on what is keeping more seeds and seedlings from going in the ground.

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

Sacramento Century Challenge

Would you ride 100 miles on a bike for a good cause? The Rotary Club of Sacramento is gearing up for the Sacramento Century Challenge, an annual fundraiser that supports the Sacramento Children’s Home Crisis Nursery. President Elect Jamie Furlong, Michael Mui and Bob Rosenberg discuss the history of the Sac Century Challenge, why the Rotary Club puts it on every year and why now is the time to start training and building a team.

K Street Shooting Mistrial | National Award for Sac Philharmonic and Opera | In a Nutshell: Best in Show

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

K Street Shooting Mistrial

A jury has deadlocked on murder charges filed against two men charged in connection to the 2022 K Street mass shooting. We’ll learn more about what a mistrial means in this case and what happens next for victims from Sacramento Defense Attorney Mark Reichel and Founder and CEO of EMPACT Leia Schenk.

National Award for Sac Philharmonic and Opera

What does it actually take to sustain an arts organization? Nearly 10 years ago, the City of Sacramento almost lost its professional symphony orchestra and had to cancel its fall season in 2014. After regrouping - in a variety of ways and weathering a global pandemic - the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera is now thriving, regularly selling out its season and bringing world-class performances to the stage. That turnaround was recognized recently with a major award from Opera America, which named board member Laurie Nelson a recipient of Opera America’s 2026 National Opera Trustee Recognition Awards. Randlett joins us today to talk more about what the award means for the arts organization and what they have in store for symphony and opera lovers this year.

In a Nutshell: Best in Show

Pets. We really love them, and they tend to be at the heart of some truly epic tales like Old Yeller, Lassie, or Garfield. If you’ve ever loved a dog or cat or turtle or duck, there’s a good chance you have a story to share about them. We’ll meet two of this month’s In a Nutshell storytelling showcase, Chip Powell and Zaï Gulmohar, who will share tales of animal companions and what those bonds say about ourselves.

Roseville Data Center Controversy | Local Look at What’s Driving High Grocery Costs | CapLit’s July Readings

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Roseville Data Center Controversy

The topic of data centers is a hot button issue in America right now. Dominating headlines, dinner party conversations and city council meetings across the country. As investments pour into the Artificial Intelligence boom the companies behind AI argue more data centers are needed to support the burgeoning technology. But residents in the areas where data centers are being built or proposed have strong concerns surrounding a variety of possible negative consequences. From the amount of water data centers use to the increased demand for electricity raising their rates to the impact development could have on the surrounding environment. And that concern is present here locally as well. CapRadio Producer Greg Micek has been following a community of Roseville residents concerned about the potential for a data center to be built on an open field nearby, concerns that have made its way to city officials. He joined us to break down his reporting.

Local Look at What’s Driving High Grocery Costs

Groceries are making up a larger share of people’s budgets. Nationally, food prices are up more than 30% on average since 2020, outpacing wage growth during the same period. We’re going to get a look at what local grocers are facing. Nova Wetherwax is the Director Of Merchandising at Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. She joins us to explain the tough decisions behind raising costs, and what affordable resources they have for shoppers. Insight reached out to surrounding grocers and supermarkets of various sizes. They either declined to come on the show or did not respond to our request.

CapLit’s July Readings

The local literacy and reading organization CapLit is making its return this Friday night at the CLARA Auditorium in midtown Sacramento, featuring the works of two local authors that touch on themes of tension, uncertainty and family. Gina Mulligan and Jen Soong talk about their writing journeys, and the inspiration behind their pieces “ “Changing Lanes” and “Rabbit & Ox.”

California’s RTO Policy Stricter Than Texas | Incarcerated Firefighter Hiring Bill | Crocker Jazz Nights

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

California’s RTO Policy Stricter Than Texas

After pushback and a delay, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Return-to-Office executive order is now in effect. As of July 1, roughly 100,000 state workers have returned to office four days a week, after six years of flexible remote policies. California isn’t the first state to reverse pandemic telework, but new reporting took a nationwide look and found Gov. Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas. Lynn La is a writer for the WhatMatters Newsletter for CalMatters and she joins us today with to share her reporting.

Incarcerated Firefighter Hiring Bill

Incarcerated firefighters form a critical part of California’s wildfire strategy, and give participants the chance to earn money and time off their sentences. But after leaving prison, many face challenges getting employed — despite having experience working on the fire line. Now, a new bill moving through the legislature aims to make it easier for convicted firefighters to be hired. Royal Ramey is a former incarcerated firefighter and co-founder of the nonprofit Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, which provides career support to formerly incarcerated firefighters. He joins Insight to talk about his experience in the fire service, and how this bill could make the recruiting pipeline easier.

Crocker Jazz Nights

If you're looking for a way to cool down after a hot summer day the Crocker Art Museum has you covered. Jazz Nights, Sacramento’s longest-running summer jazz series, returned last month to the Crocker. Held in the museum’s courtyard, this annual tradition brings a variety of artists to the stage from every style and era of jazz. Bay area jazz vocalist Clairdee will be performing this Thursday. Javier Plasencia, Director of Education at the Crocker Art Museum, tells us more about the return of Jazz Nights.

SMF Updates | CA Children Caught Up by ICE | 2026 California State Fair

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

SMF Updates

Sacramento International Airport is taking on some major changes, from opening new restaurants in both terminals to wrapping up a garage project that will open up thousands of new parking spaces. Airport officials are also navigating the ongoing closure of Aviator’s Restaurant at Sacramento Executive Airport after major structural issues were discovered earlier this year. Cindy Nichol, Director of the Sacramento County Department of Airports joins Insight to talk about these latest developments, and how the public can weigh in on SMF’s 20-year Master Plan.

CA Children Caught Up by ICE

President Donald Trump has delivered on a key campaign promise to ramp up immigration enforcement. Following his first year in office, the non profit American Immigration Council has found the number of people in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased by 75 percent. And the number of “at-large” arrests, ones that occur inside the community, as opposed to the border, are up by 600 percent. According to a new analysis of the data by EdSource, a non-profit news organization that focuses on education in California, those increases can also be seen in the arrest and detention of minors in the state. Here to guide us through the data and the impact these detentions are having on children and their communities are EdSource reporters Zaidee Stavely and Emma Gallegos. You can also listen to their recent reporting on the EdSource podcast Education Beat.

2026 California State Fair

For the next two weeks, Cal Expo will come alive with the sounds of carnival rides, farm animals, food vendors, fireworks and evening concerts. For many of us, the California State Fair is a fun time to indulge in all things nostalgic, whether it’s our favorite foods or screaming along to our favorite bands from yesteryear. Darla Givens is the Spokesperson for the California State Fair and she’s here today to give us the lowdown on this year’s festivities.

Military Equipment at CA Colleges | SCOTUS Roundup Ruling | Lake Tahoe Dance Festival

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Military Equipment at CA Colleges

California colleges and universities are required by state law to report the military equipment inventories of campus police departments, as well as their use, to each campus’s governing board for approval every year. Police departments are also required to hold public meetings for the community to provide feedback and raise concerns. But a new investigation has found that not every campus follows every part of the state law. Phoebe Huss is a student at UCLA and a reporter for the CalMatters College Journalism Network. She joins Insight to discuss her reporting.

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

SCOTUS Roundup Ruling

Earlier this year, we dove into a Supreme Court case centering on the popular and controversial weedkiller Roundup following a wave of lawsuits accusing Monsanto of failing to have a cancer warning label. We now know the ruling, which is a win for the pesticide manufacturer. We’ll check in on what this means for California where spraying is still happening on public forest land. Nate Halverson is a Senior Reporter and Producer for the radio show and podcast Reveal and publication Mother Jones and joins us with an update on his investigation.

Lake Tahoe Dance Festival

Lake Tahoe’s beauty is undeniable. And in a few days, the north shore will become a stage. Imagine classical, contemporary and indigenous dance outdoors lakeside, with the Sierra as a backdrop. Christin Hanna is the founder of the Nonprofit organization Lake Tahoe Dance Collective. She and Constantine Baecher co-founded and produce the annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival happening July 21-24 in Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Incline Village.

CA Newsroom Investigation: Officers Disciplined for Biased Behavior But Not Terminated | Small Businesses Face Privacy Lawsuits | Musical ‘The Last Five Years’

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

CA Newsroom Investigation: Officers Disciplined for Biased Behavior But Not Terminated

When does biased behavior lead to termination from a job? A recent investigation by The California Newsroom and UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program looked into what happened to law enforcement officers who engaged in explicitly biased conduct between 2014 and 2024. Only 12 percent of them lost their jobs. California Newsroom Investigative Data Journalist Emily Zentner joins Insight today to explain what they found and why it matters.

Small Businesses Face Privacy Lawsuits

Originally passed in the 1960s the California Invasion of Privacy Act or CIPA criminalized the wiretapping of phone calls. But the law was updated in the 2010s to address privacy concerns in the digital age, such as how and when companies could collect personal data from customers online. Business organizations say in recent years those updates have allowed for frivolous lawsuits to be made against small businesses for normal website operations. But consumer advocates argue these protections are necessary to protect the privacy of Californians online. CapRadio Communities Reporter Ruth Finch recently spoke with people on both sides of this debate and outlined a new law making its way through the legislature that seeks to address it. She joins us to share her reporting.

Musical ‘The Last Five Years’

The Young Actors Stage is a Sacramento theatre company that has spent the better part of two decades preparing youth for a future in the arts. Two alumni have taken their careers far beyond Sacramento, returning home this weekend as adults for a special performance at the very stage where it all began. Peter Sunseri and Ana Riley-Portal join Insight ahead of their upcoming musical The Last Five Years at the 24th Street Theatre at Sierra 2 Center on Sat. July 18 and Sun. July 19.

Federal Housing Bill and CA | San Joaquin Valley Seniors Living Alone | Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Federal Housing Bill and CA

Congress recently passed federal housing legislation aimed at boosting construction across the country. But will this bi-partisan bill help put a dent in the nation’s housing shortage? The 21st Century Road to Housing Act became law over the weekend without much fanfare, even though it's the largest piece of housing legislation to come out of D.C. in a generation. CalMatters Housing Reporter Ben Christopher joins us today to explain how this bill will affect California and why it became law without President Trump’s signature.

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

San Joaquin Valley Seniors Living Alone

In 2023, the U.S census found that 28% of people 65 and older live by themselves. That number has been steadily increasing over the years as society has changed. In the 1950s census data showed only 1 in 10 adults of any age lived alone. Here in California, the number of seniors living alone in the Central Valley is one in five, a 30% increase since 2012. While many modern-day seniors appreciate their independence, doctors warn there are significant health risks when living alone becomes loneliness. Tim Sheehan is a senior reporter with The Intersection, a health equity reporting lab and part of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. He wrote about the rise of people over the age of 65 living alone and the possible negative health effects associated with it and he joins us today.

Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club

For decades, the Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club in Sacramento has been raising generations of potential feathered champions, putting their skills to the test with long-distance flights over the Eastern Sierra. Some of these competitors are also being raised by young caretakers within the Elk Grove Unified School District, preparing for their first races next month. Club President Jim Looper and club members Valeriy Khrystov and Sergio Perez talk about the sport of pigeon racing, and how their interest in the bird goes beyond just race results.

Sacramento’s Water Treatment Plant | Center for Inclusive Democracy | SPCA Community Cat Program

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sacramento’s Water Treatment Plant

The Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant has been supplying the city with clean drinking water for more than a century. But for years, the facility’s small staff has faced worker shortages, skyrocketing overtime and a risk of burnout as they work to keep the water flowing. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Riley Palmer joins Insight to talk about the issues facing the plant, and possible solutions city officials are considering to improve conditions.

Center for Inclusive Democracy

For more than a decade, the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) has been a nonpartisan resource for understanding voting behaviors and barriers to the political process. Mindy Romero is the Founder and Director of CID, which recently announced its transition to an independent national organization, following academic affiliations with USC, and before that UC Davis. We’ll learn more about what this means for voters as they look to engage with civic resources during this midterm election year.

SPCA Community Cat Program

It may be the dog days of summer but for animal shelters, it’s all about kitten season. As temperatures rise, shelters see a surge in newborn cats, putting a strain on the system. Today on Insight, Jennifer Brent, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sacramento SPCA, and Chief Development Officer Sarah Haney join us to talk about the resources they provide to support felines and help keep the population under control.

Sojourner Truth Museum | Children’s Book About Death and Grief | Insight’s Monthly ‘Arts Talk’

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sojourner Truth Museum

Finding funding for the arts is often a constant struggle. For Sacramento's longtime and only Black museum, it's what keeps them up at night. The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum has been at Florin Square for 30 years, founded by Shonna McDaniels. Insight paid Shonna a visit to learn more about why the museum is at risk of closure. She also explains why community art spaces like hers are so important to South Sacramento. The 15th Annual Sacramento Banana Festival is the museum’s annual fundraising event. It’s happening Aug. 15-16 at William Land Park.

Children’s Book About Death and Grief

Grappling with the death or terminal illness of a loved one is an incredibly emotional, heartbreaking moment in life, particularly for children to navigate. A retired Sacramento psychotherapist has made it her life-long work to figure out how to have these conversations, which turned into a children’s book released earlier this year. Author Carol Voyles and illustrator Mariana Sampino talk about their new work “Helping a Child Cope with Death and Grief.”

Insight’s Monthly ‘Arts Talk’

We are in the dog days of summer, with the Sacramento valley expected to hit triple digits next week. Despite the heat there is no shortage of cultural and art experiences available to the region. From bigtime outdoor festivals to intimate art walks in the numerous galleries our area has to offer, there’s something for everybody going on this July. Arts Advocate Veronica Delgado Rodriguez is back for our monthly Arts Talk to guide us through all that’s happening.

Festivals:

Art Walk Galleries:

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 Andrew Garcia

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.