Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Gubernatorial Debate Breakdown | Congressional Candidate Mai Vang | Applying for Financial Aid in College

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Gubernatorial Debate Breakdown

The race for California’s next governor has narrowed down to two candidates - Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra. The two candidates met for their one and only debate on Wednesday night. CapRadio Statehouse Reporter Gerardo Zavala joins us to break down and fact-check the major claims of the evening, as well as analyze each candidate’s approach to campaigning as the Midterm draws closer.

Congressional Candidate Mai Vang

We’re spending the weeks leading up to Election Day sitting down with the candidates in local, statewide and national races. Today we focus on California’s 7th Congressional District. Newly redrawn under Prop 50 what once largely encompassed the city of Sacramento and southern parts of the county now looks a lot different, stretching from the Central Valley through part of Sacramento County up to El Dorado Hills and Placerville. The candidates are both Democrats. 10-term incumbent Rep. Doris Matsui is scheduled to join the show on Monday. Today we welcome candidate Mai Vang who is currently the Sacramento City Councilmember in District 8.

You can find all of the candidate interviews Insight will be doing for local, state and federal races in the lead up to Election Day at capradio.org/2026midterm.

Applying for Financial Aid in College

You might think the hardest part is done when you receive that acceptance letter to the college of your choice. The question of where you’re going to school is over. But for many students the next question is just as important, “How will I pay for it?” As the cost of higher education continues to increase in the U.S., some organizations are aiming to help students and their families connect with the resources they need to afford college.The window to apply for financial aid opens today and October marks the first ever Student Financial Aid Awareness Month in California. Here to tell us more about it is Dr. Daisy Gonzales, the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission.

Congressional Candidate Robb Tucker | Breaking Down Prop 40 | New Play ‘Drifting’ Opens

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Congressional Candidate Robb Tucker

Today we are focusing on California’s 3rd Congressional District. Newly redrawn, it stretches from Sacramento to Tahoe, including Rancho Cordova, Folsom, as well as Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties. The candidates are Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, who currently represents the 6th Congressional District and joined Insight last week. Today we welcome Republican candidate, and current Nevada County Supervisor, Robb Tucker.

You can find all of the candidate interviews Insight will be doing for local, state and federal races in the lead up to Election Day at capradio.org/2026midterm.

Breaking Down Prop 40

For the November Midterm, voters will be deciding on more than a dozen propositions that could change state law affecting the lives of millions of Californians. Today we’re going to hone in on one that targets the smallest and richest group in the state… billionaires. Prop 40 would impose a one-time tax on those whose net worth exceeds $1 billion. Proponents of the bill include the California Federation of Labor Unions and Service Employees International Union. Along with progressive politicians like Sen. Bernie Sanders who is set to campaign in California this weekend in support of the measure. But the measure has its fair share of opponents as well, both candidates for Governor Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton, current Governor Gavin Newsom and some health care groups like Planned Parenthood. This week, the LA Times reported that over $200 million have been spent fighting and supporting the proposition. And the voters we spoke with seem to be split on prop 40. Statehouse/Politics Reporter Gerardo Zavala joined us now to help break down this big issue as we head toward Election Day.

New Play ‘Drifting’ Opens

The Sacramento region has a rich theater tradition with a mix of established professional companies in the city to grassroots community efforts in the suburbs and foothills. But what does it take to put on a quality stage production? Rona Bernadette Arrogancia, Eileen Hoang and Nathan Rangel are the co-producers of “Drifting,” a new play by Sacramento playwright Susan Andrews. It opens Saturday, Oct. 3 at The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park. We’ll hear why this trio of actors decided to become producers and directors.

Death in Elk Grove Police Detainment | Unrecognized Tribes | Aftershock Preview

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Death in Elk Grove Police Detainment

A wrongful death suit brought against the Elk Grove Police Department is raising questions about proper use of restraint devices. Theresa Clift is the Regional Watchdog Reporter for The Sacramento Bee and she joins us today to share her reporting.

Unrecognized Tribes

There are more than 500 tribes federally recognized across the country - more than 100 of which are in California. But that is just a fraction of indigenous people in the U.S. In our state, dozens of groups have long fought for acknowledgement so that their tribes can become a sovereign nation, which provides a range of benefits and protections. This disconnect traces back to a painful history, dating back to California’s statehood in the 1850s, only to be exacerbated by the Gold Rush, which further decimated native populations. And there is a real fear among indigenous people today, that their culture will be lost. Roman Rain Tree is an indigenous activist based in Fresno. He is in Sacramento to raise awareness to the decades-long crisis of non-federally recognized tribes. There will be a ceremony tonight at the Native American monument at the State Capitol at 6:30 p.m.

Aftershock Preview

A sea of rock, punk and metal fans are descending on Sacramento for the largest festival of its kind on the West Coast… Aftershock . With more than 140 bands, performing on five stages, across four days there will be an abundance of things to do this weekend at Discovery Park. Here to help us sort through it all with a guide to Aftershock is CapRadio’s Communities Reporter and music festival veteran Keyshawn Davis.

Subscribe to the SacramenKnow newsletter to find the full version of Key’s guide to Aftershock.

Sac County Supervisor Candidate Eric Guerra | FBI Visits Shasta County Elections | ‘Taste of North Sacramento’ Library Fundraiser

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sac County Supervisor Candidate Eric Guerra

This midterm, Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra is running for Sacramento County Supervisor in District 1 - which includes the city center, Natomas, Del Paso Heights, East Sacramento, Oak Park, Curtis Park and parts of South Sacramento. His challenger is epidemiologist and public health advocate Flojaune Cofer, who joined Insight last week. Voters will decide who should replace District 1 Supervisor Phil Serna who is stepping down after holding the office since first being elected in 2010.

You can find all of the candidate interviews Insight will be doing for local, state and federal races in the lead up to Election Day at capradio.org/2026midterm.

FBI Visits Shasta County Elections

Shasta County is a staunch conservative stronghold in California, but for years has faced allegations and conspiracy theories of election fraud and interference. Much of the recent controversy has come from the county's outgoing clerk and registrar of voters Clint Curtis, who has drawn criticism from local officials and voters and lost his election in June. But Curtis has continued to raise claims of alleged fraud, which recently led the FBI to visit Shasta County. CalMatters Digital Democracy Reporter Ryan Sabalow traveled up to Shasta County to speak with Curtis, and shares his reporting about how the situation unfolded and what the impact could be in November.

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

‘Taste of North Sacramento’ Library Fundraiser

Hagginwood Library has been in North Sacramento for more than 70 years and is currently building a new home in the former headquarters of Sacramento News & Review. To celebrate and help build this next chapter, Friends of the North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library are putting on an event showcasing local restaurants. President Pat Sayer-Handley and Volunteer Lynne Perry join us today for a preview of Taste of North Sacramento scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3.

Congressional Candidate Rep. Ami Bera | ‘The Lost Photograph’ | El Dorado Hills Author Showcase

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Congressional Candidate Rep. Ami Bera

California's 3rd Congressional District was drastically altered after voters approved Prop 50 last year. The district now includes parts of Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties, stretching up to Lake Tahoe. Democratic Rep. Ami Bera is seeking reelection in the district after representing Sacramento County for over a decade in the 6th district. He joins Insight to talk about his plans if voters send him back to Congress in November.

Editor’s note: Insight has reached out to Republican Robb Tucker’s campaign to schedule an interview, and are waiting for a response.

‘The Lost Photograph’

We all have a family tree. A web of roots dating back generations, that helped shape the people we are today. Archana Maniar is an infectious disease physician and a novelist. Her new book, The Lost Photograph, is historical fiction about the role of women in India's then-fledgling independence movement against British colonial rule in 1920s-1930s.

El Dorado Hills Author Showcase

Do you daydream about becoming a published author? Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to get a book published? Next week, you can take a step inside the Sacramento region’s vibrant author community and learn a tip or two from the professionals. The El Dorado Hills Library will host an author’s showcase with James L’Etoile, Jennifer Laam and Mark Wiederanders on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger | Congressional Candidate Rep. Kevin Kiley | Holo Holo Fest

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

For months, Paramount Skydance has been trying to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, a $111 billion deal that would create one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world with hundreds of millions of subscribers. But the deal has faced pushback from politicians, studio executives and actors over concerns that it would result in job cuts and media consolidation, to the detriment of customers and creatives. California Attorney General Rob Bonta led a national lawsuit this summer to block the merger, saying it violates federal antitrust law. But this week Bonta said the case had been settled, paving the way for the merger. Daniel Miller is a POLITICO reporter covering entertainment, media and politics. He joins Insight to talk about the details surrounding the controversial deal.

Congressional Candidate Rep. Kevin Kiley

This midterm election, many Californians will be voting in different congressional districts after voters approved Prop 50 redistricting. As we continue our election coverage, we turn our attention to the race for California’s 6th District, which stretches from Sacramento to suburbs along Interstate 80, including Roseville, Rocklin and Citrus Heights. The candidates are Dr. Richard Pan and Rep. Kevin Kiley. Rep. Kevin Kiley was first elected to the House in 2022 and currently serves California’s 3rd District. Following Prop 50 redistricting, the former Republican is now running as an Independent and we’ll hear more about his vision for California’s 6th District.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Pan is running as a Democrat and joined Insight last week.

Holo Holo Fest

What started as a small one day celebration of island music is now a multi-city festival series bringing the spirit of Hawaii to the mainland. Holo Holo Fest, named after the Hawaiian word for travel, returns to Northern California this weekend for its fifth year running. Showcasing some of the biggest and upcoming artists in reggae, Caribbean and Hawaiian music on Saturday and Sunday at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Good Vibez Presents is the company that puts on Holo Holo Fest and other music festivals. Dana Greer is their Chief Brand & Operations Officer and she joins me to tell us more about this weekend’s performances.

Sac County Supervisor Candidate Flo Cofer | A Potential ‘Super El Nino?’ | In A Nutshell Takes ‘The Long Way Home’

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sac County Supervisor Candidate Flo Cofer

We are six weeks away from the Midterm and we’re spending this time sitting down with the candidates in our backyard. Today we are focusing on Sacramento County. Voters will decide who should replace Phil Serna on the Board of Supervisors. The longtime District 1 supervisor is stepping down after holding the office since first being elected in 2010. The county board is made up of five supervisors that collectively represent roughly 1.6-million residents. District 1 includes downtown and midtown Natomas, Del Paso Heights, East Sacramento, Oak Park, Curtis Park and parts of South Sacramento. The two candidates vying for the seat are epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer who came in second for the 2024 mayoral race and Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra. Today we were joined by Flojaune Cofer, also known as Dr. Flo.

Editor’s Note: We have invited Eric Guerra for an interview and are working to schedule it.

A Potential ‘Super El Nino?’

California is gearing up for what could be a very wet winter, with meteorologists warning that this year could bring a potentially historic El Niño cycle. The National Weather Service says there is more than a 90% chance of a "very strong event," which can mean heavy rain, potential flooding and significant mountain snow. Governor Gavin Newsom has also declared a preemptive state of emergency to make more resources available across California with wet weather on the horizon. Jeffrey Mount, Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California joins Insight to talk about the science behind El Niño, and what the impacts could look like across the Sacramento region.

In A Nutshell Takes ‘The Long Way Home’

If you search the word “Home” on Spotify, you’ll find hundreds of songs by everyone from Jack Johnson to Blake Shelton and Michael Buble. If you turn to books or even TV, there are entire series and genres dedicated to “finding home wherever you go” or just how to get back to it. The idea of “home” and what it represents is universal and that makes it ripe for exploration by In a Nutshell storytellers. Storytellers Ruven Hannah and Kathleen Taylor join us today to preview “The Long Way Home,” which is taking place Friday, Sept. 25 at the Sophia in Sacramento.

South Lake Tahoe City Council Race | Insurance Commissioner Candidate Jane Kim | KSSU’s 35th Anniversary

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

South Lake Tahoe City Council Race

It's been a volatile couple of years for the South Lake Tahoe City Council. One former mayor is facing 20 years for embezzlement while the current mayor serves time in jail for harassment. Today on Insight, we’ll talk with Heather Gould, the publisher of the Tahoe Mountain News about what this means for the upcoming election, which has 13 candidates vying for 3 open seats.

Insurance Commissioner Candidate Jane Kim

California is home to the largest insurance market in the country, which is becoming increasingly strained amid an affordability crisis, increasing wildfire risks, and insurance companies pulling back from writing policies in the state. The job of regulating this complicated market falls to California’s Insurance Commissioner, who is tasked with holding companies accountable and making sure policies are available. This November, for the first time voters will choose between two Democrats to become the next insurance commissioner - State Senator Ben Allen and Jane Kim, a former San Francisco supervisor and director of the California Working Families Party. Kim placed first in the June primary and is pitching a progressive vision for taking on the insurance industry and expanding coverage. We’ll meet her and learn more about that vision today.

Editor’s Note: Insight has invited State Senator Ben Allen for an interview and is working to schedule one in the near future.

KSSU’s 35th Anniversary

In the 1990s, a ragtag campus club brought student voices back to the airwaves at Sacramento State. Since then, KSSU has remained a bastion for those who want to express themselves through the music and culture of the era. As the station gets ready to celebrate its 35th anniversary, we’ll meet current DJs who are carrying on the college radio spirit. Hector Hernandez is the Student Services Coordinator at Sacramento State ASI and Luna Diaz Contreras is KSSU Station Manager, Volunteer and Program Coordinator.

Gov. Candidate Steve Hilton | MENA American Policy Summit | Teens Fight Too

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Gov. Candidate Steve Hilton

As we inch closer to the midterm, we're going all-in sitting down with the candidates in our backyard. Today, we’re heading straight to the top of the ticket - the governor’s race between Republican candidate Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra. Becerra’s campaign declined an interview request, but Hilton has agreed to discuss his vision for California.

MENA American Policy Summit

People of Middle Eastern and North African descent have long had to identify themselves as "white" on the U.S. census, as well as for various state programs and resources that collect demographic information. But new changes on the state and federal level will soon allow them to choose a category that more accurately reflects their background, and opening the door to more social programs and resources for their communities. This change is a highlight of the inaugural MENA American Policy Summit will be held Sept. 22-23 at the University Union Ballroom at Sac State. Sahar Razavi, Director of Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies and political science professor Jaime Jackson join Insight to talk about the implications of having this MENA identity.

CapRadio is a sponsor of the MENA American Policy Summit.

Teens Fight Too

A local organization is dedicated to supporting teenagers battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, because this age group can fall into a gap between pediatric and adult care. Teens Fight Too was founded by Talon, who was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at just 13 years old and passed away in 2021 after a four-year battle. His mother Christine Bonanno is the Founder of Teens Fight Too and joins us about carrying on her son’s legacy and the services they offer to patients and families. Their annual fundraiser Rock The Yacht: Set Sail for a Night of Giving for Teens Fighting Cancer is Sat. Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.

Will Newsom Commute Death Row Sentences? | CrockerCon 2026 | Celebrating ‘916 Day’

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Will Newsom Commute Death Row Sentences?

Hundreds of people remain on death row in California, despite Governor Gavin Newsom issuing a moratorium on executions after taking office in 2019. But as Newsom prepares to leave office, advocates are calling on him to commute all of California’s death sentences. Maurice Chammah and Jill Castellano are journalists at The Marshall Project. They join Insight with more of their reporting, which was published by CalMatters, about the state of California’s death row, and the potential political consequences if Newsom chooses to grant clemency.

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

CrockerCon 2026

CrockerCon 2026 is on. If you’re looking to do a deep dive into animated comedy with the creator of “Adventure Time” and the director of “Bojack Horseman” or explore collaborations from the Walt Disney Family Museum to the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, this family-friendly free event is for you. Eben Burgoon is the public program coordinator for the Crocker Art Museum. He’s also an artist and the founder of CrockerCon, which is scheduled this Sunday, Sept. 20. He’s joined by CrockerCon’s co-coordinator Kyrun Silva, Founder of Taurus Comics and editor-in-chief at 4th Wall Productions.

Celebrating ‘916 Day’

It’s a time to celebrate all that Sacramento has to offer (and maybe clap back at the haters). September 16 - more affectionately known as 916 Day - is here! The SacramenKnow newsletter has a special edition with a rundown of all the things and people that make the Capital City feel like home. CapRadio Communities Reporter Keyshawn Davis and a member of the SacramenKnow team. You can sign up for the CapRadio newsletters here.

Restricting AI Use for Teens | 100 Years of Highway 140 | ParkFest

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

Restricting AI Use for Teens

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills into law described as a “first-in-nation” restriction of artificial intelligence and social media use for children. The regulations come as a growing number of youth are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support. EdSource Reporters Mallika Seshadri and Vani Sanganeria put together a series of reports on these new laws and how students are feeling about the growing presence of AI in their lives.

100 Years of Highway 140

It’s the 100th anniversary of Highway 140 and Mariposa County is celebrating its centennial with a community event Sept. 22. Also known as the "All-Year Highway,” Highway 140 gave travelers year-round access into Yosemite when it opened in 1926. The meandering lower-elevation road ended the park’s dependence on rail travel allowing visitation to nearly double within a year and that flow of people has hardly slowed down since. Kim Lawson is Director of Communications & Content at the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau and she joins us today to explain how Highway 140 transformed the American road trip and the small town pitstops you can visit along the way.

ParkFest

Labor Day may have come and gone but summer doesn’t officially end until next week. If you’re looking to squeeze in as many summer activities as you can this weekend before Fall arrives, one festival has you covered. ParkFest is bringing together comedy, music and soccer all to the same field in downtown Sacramento. This unique event takes place Saturday, Sept. 19th from 6 to 10pm and is the brainchild of two local artists, comedian Yaseen Mazin and musician Rumi Shimada.

Layoffs at the Sacramento Bee | Congressional Candidate Dr. Richard Pan | ‘Jazz - The Evolution of an Artform’

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Layoffs at the Sacramento Bee

The publishing company McClatchy has made sweeping layoffs at dozens of newspapers across the country. Among them is the Sacramento Bee, which saw cuts to its editorial team and the entire sports division, among other layoffs. Opinion Journalist Robin Epley, who is among the layoffs, joins Insight to talk about what these losses mean for news coverage across the region.

Insight reached out to McClatchy Media for comment.

Congressional Candidate Dr. Richard Pan

In a couple weeks ballots will begin to be mailed out to voters across the state, ahead of the Midterm. Leading up to November 3rd, we are going to sit down with candidates across local, state and federal races in our backyard. Today we are honing in on California’s 6th Congressional District which includes parts of Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin and Citrus Heights along I-80. The candidates are current Congressmember Kevin Kiley, running as No Party Preference and Democrat Dr. Richard Pan. Rep. Kiley will be on the show next week. Today we welcome Dr. Pan, the pediatrician, is a former state lawmaker in both the Assembly and Senate who also ran an unsuccessful campaign for Sacramento Mayor in 2024.

‘Jazz - The Evolution of an Artform’

Jazz is a distinctly American artform that has evolved throughout the decades, from the pioneering sounds of 1920s early jazz to the swinging rhythms of Benny Goodman. That evolution will be celebrated this Friday, Sept. 18 at the Sofia in Sacramento when The Jacam Manricks Band takes the stage to perform Jazz - The Evolution of an Artform. Dr. Jacam Manricks is a Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Educator and he joins us today to break down the key characteristics that define the different eras of jazz.

Drive-Thru Emissions | ‘Best Pie Shop in America’ | Artist Raphael Delgado’s Solo Exhibition

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Drive-Thru Emissions

Fast food may be a convenience but what’s the cost of all those idling cars? Drive-thru exhaust is raising concerns about the impacts to our health and environment. Tim Sheehan is a senior reporter with The Intersection, a Health Equity Reporting Lab with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. He took a look at the eight county region of the San Joaquin Valley, which is home to some of the nation’s worst air quality. He joins us today to share his reporting.

Sheehan’s reporting was produced by the Climate Solutions Studio, a project of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and its partner newsrooms. CapRadio is a founding partner.

‘Best Pie Shop in America’

For decades people making the drive along I-80 between Sacramento and Tahoe have stopped at Ikeda’s California Country Market. Starting out as a small fruit stand, the store has grown into a cornucopia of fresh produce, specialty goods, sandwiches, and sweets. With two locations in Auburn and Davis, the three generation family business has become a beloved staple of the local area, famous for their delicious selection of homemade pies. Those pies are now gaining national attention after the shop was declared USA Today’s “Best Pie Shop in America.” Brothers Derek and Brendyn Ikeda join us today to share the family’s history.

Artist Raphael Delgado’s Solo Exhibition

If you’ve spent any time around Sacramento admiring the many murals that dress up our city, chances are good you’re familiar with the art of Raphael Delgado. From the giant California Bear that stalks the skyline above Jalapeno’s Restaurant on 21st street to the Mother and Child at 555 Capitol, offering comfort to all that pass below, Raphael’s bold work is hard to miss. And it’s being celebrated this month with a solo exhibition at Twisted Track Gallery in Sacramento. Raphael joins us to discuss the evolution of his work ahead of an opening reception planned from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Kalshi’s Influence on Elections | Stockton Symphony’s 100th Season | 25 Years of Women’s Empowerment

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Kalshi’s Influence on Elections

Polling has long been a way to get a picture of how candidates and campaigns are faring during election season, but new platforms are gaining traction and attracting controversy. Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi have been increasingly used to wager money on election outcomes and odds, but it is raising concerns from experts about whether the use of these platforms constitutes gambling, and whether wagers are representative of voter behavior and could influence elections. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Tony Rodriguez joins Insight to talk about the impact of these markets, particularly in a high-profile Sacramento Congressional race between Representative Doris Matsui and City Councilmember Mai Vang.

Stockton Symphony’s 100th Season

The Stockton Symphony is celebrating 100 years of music in the Central Valley and they’re kicking off their Centennial Season with a world premiere by Chris Brubeck on Saturday, Sept. 12. Rhythms of the Range features the recorded voice of Brubeck’s father, the legendary Dave Brubeck, and focuses on Dave’s time growing up on a cattle ranch in Ione. Chris Brubeck joins Insight today, along with Conductor Peter Jaffe, to preview this weekend’s concert and talk about their long history of collaboration.

From the CapRadio Vault: Chris Brubeck Reflects on His Father’s 100-year Legacy

25 Years of Women’s Empowerment

On any given day, more than 7,000 people in Sacramento are experiencing homelessness. More than a third are women, many with children. A local nonprofit was created specifically to meet the unique needs of this group. Women’s Empowerment helps unhoused women gain the skills and confidence necessary to secure a job, create a healthy lifestyle, and regain a safe home for themselves and their children. And they are celebrating 25 years, having graduated thousands of women and children in that time. Founding Executive Director Lisa Culp and program graduate Robin Kelly Dunton join Insight ahead of their Silver Anniversary Gala on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento.

POLITICO’s California Playbook | Allison Aubrey’s Book ‘Your Turn’ | Farewell to CapRadio’s Mark Jones

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

POLITICO’s California Playbook

The 2026 midterm election is officially eight weeks away, and campaigns are in full swing. However, the gubernatorial race between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton has been marked by two different strategies to winning over voters. At the same time, several key congressional races across the Golden State are gaining attention, particularly in swing districts or those with Dem-on-Dem contests. Dustin Gardiner, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, joins Insight with a breakdown of the latest developments in state politics.

Allison Aubrey’s New Book ‘Your Turn’

Turning 50 is one of the big milestones in life. For many, it can be a time of uncertainty and crisis, as we ponder what comes next in life while navigating big changes hormonally. But NPR Health and Science correspondent Allison Aubrey sees it as an opportunity. Her new book, Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife you Love, is out today and she joins Insight to discuss what she’s learned about living your best life after 50.

Farewell to CapRadio’s Mark Jones

CapRadio has been around for nearly 50 years and there is one person who’s been here since the very beginning. Mark Jones has worn many hats during the past 47 years to help the station grow into what it is today. Insight’s Technical Director Mark Jones will join us for a bittersweet trip down memory lane, as he marks a big milestone – retirement.

Update on Sac City Unified School District’s Fiscal Solvency | Out of the Darkness Walk | September ‘Arts Talk’

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Update on Sac City Unified School District’s Fiscal Solvency

Disputes around an ongoing fiscal crisis at Sacramento City Unified continue to escalate, with the district and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) butting heads on how to stay solvent and overcome a structural deficit estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Sacramento Bee Education Reporter Chaewon Chung joins Insight with the latest updates on the fiscal crisis, from the district requesting millions of dollars in reimbursements from CalPERS to the threat of State Superintendent Tony Thurmond taking over fiscal oversight authority from SCOE.

Out of the Darkness Walk

Taking one’s life is a top leading cause of death among teens and young people, and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States. To raise awareness, September has been designated National Suicide Prevention Month. Today on Insight, we’re going to learn more about the Sacramento Chapter of the America Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which hosts an annual Out of the Darkness Walk Sept. 12 at the California State Capitol to provide resources and tools for anyone in need. We’ll talk with Area Director Lauren Pulido and volunteer board members Stephanie Linn and Jodie Chavious about the work they do in the community and hear why talking about mental health is so important.

Resources:

Call or Text 9-8-8: This is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Trevor Project's 24/7 Suicide Hotline for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
Veteran's Crisis Line: 988, then select 1, or Crisis Chat, or text: 838255

September ‘Arts Talk’

Fall is starting to peak its head around the corner. But before we fully transition to sweater weather, there’s a ton of summer fun still planned for this Labor Day weekend and beyond. To help us parse the many events and activities, we turn to arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez. In this month’s Arts Talk, she highlights the openings of two new galleries in the city of Sacramento and takes us to Roseville for a Greek Food Festival.

Events:

Sept. 3 and 4 - Capital Dance Project’s Behind the Barre
Labor Day Weekend - The Official Opening of Apple Hill
Sept. 4 - Sac Made Market at First Friday Art Walk in Oak Park
Sept. 4 - Our Street Market in Midtown
Sept. 5 through 7 - Chalt It Up! At Fremont Park
Sept. 5 - CentroAmerica Independence Celebration
Sept. 5 - 2026 Roseville Greek Food Festival hosted by Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church
Sept. 12 and 13 - Sac Open Studios at Micah Crandall-Bear Studio and Gallery
Sept. 12 - Paint and Sip Night at Panoply Fine Art Gallery
Sept. 19 - Buccaneer Ball at The Sacramento Children's Museum in Rancho Cordova

End of CA’s Legislative Session | Homelessness and Drug Use Study | Visit Sacramento

webmaster@capradio.org — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

End of CA’s Legislative Session

State lawmakers have wrapped up the end of a turbulent two-year session, sending hundreds of bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk to be signed or vetoed. But a controversial wildfire utility proposal that was heavily backed by Newsom will not be among them, after the Legislature rejected the bill on Tuesday. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald joins Insight with a breakdown of the final days at the Capitol, and whether Newsom might call a special session to get his proposal through.

Homelessness and Drug Use Study

Homelessness has skyrocketed in California over the past decade and there’s a lot of debate about what has driven this increase, with housing, cost of living, substance abuse and mental illness commonly being raised as root causes. A new report from the Public Policy Institute of California looked at whether reducing drug penalties in the state contributed to the unhoused population. Magnus Lohfstrom is the Policy Director and Senior Fellow at the PPIC and he’s one of the authors behind the new report “Homelessness and Drug Use in California.” He joins us today to discuss its findings. We’ll also learn about some of the skepticism surrounding the report from CalMatter’s Homelessness Reporter Marissa Kendall.

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

Visit Sacramento

Sacramento claims to be the Farm-to-Fork capitol of the world. Over the past decade, the city has showcased a series of events celebrating the region’s agricultural bounty, from the exclusive Tower Bridge Dinner to the free Farm-to-Fork Festival. But those events are evolving as the city embraces the Terra Madre Festival, which is scheduled to take place every other year. Mike Testa is the President and CEO of Visit Sacramento and he joins us today to explain what these changes mean.

What the Meta Settlement Means for CA | An End to the Roadless Rule? | Celebration Arts Presents ‘us & the rest of 'em’

webmaster@capradio.org — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

What the Meta Settlement Means for CA

A years-long legal battle over social media addiction in children and teens has come to a close. In 2023, California and other state attorney generals sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging they deliberately designed their platforms to be addictive to minors. Last week, Meta agreed to settle the case by paying more than $17 billion to 47 states and the District of Columbia. Vani Sanganeria is a reporter with EdSource and has been following the case and joins us with an update on what META’s settlement with State AGs means for the Golden State.

An End to the Roadless Rule?

The federal government has announced a proposed plan to rescind a decades-long forest protection policy known as the Roadless Rule, which covers millions of acres of federal land across the United States. The USDA and Forest Service say repealing the rule is "more important than ever" to improve wildland firefighting access and address public safety issues. But California officials, and others, have raised concerns that the move could open up land to construction, logging and even more wildfires. Susan Norman is the board chair of the Sierra Nevada Alliance and a retired Forest Service hydrologist. She joined Insight to talk about how the Roadless Rule has been used, and the potential impacts of its recission.

The Forest Service has released an environmental impact report on its proposed change, and is collecting public feedback until Sept. 21.

Celebration Arts Presents ‘us & the rest of 'em’

Playwright and Director Anthony D’Juan and Celebration Arts Executive Artistic Director Erinn Anova join us ahead of the premiere of us & the rest of ‘em, a warm and humorous family drama set over the course of a few days in Sacramento, Calif. The play centers on the Elem family as they navigate love, loyalty, and generational differences—seen largely through the eyes of 12-year-old Danté. "us & the rest of ‘em" runs Sept 11 – Sept 27 at Celebrations Arts in Midtown.

District 7 Debate Recap | How the West Fights Fire is Changing Under Trump Administration | Behind the Barre

webmaster@capradio.org — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

District 7 Debate Recap

California’s Seventh Congressional District has become symbolic of the differences within the Democratic Party as they look to retake control of Congress in the November midterms. Longtime Congresswoman Doris Matsui is facing a stiff challenge from Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, who came in first during the primary. Both candidates participated in a contentious debate last week, making the case to voters why they should be elected in November. CapRadio Local Government Reporter Tony Rodriguez breaks down this first meeting between the candidates since June.

How the West Fights Fire is Changing Under Trump Administration

California is having a relatively mild wildfire season so far. But that is far from the case when you zoom out beyond the Golden State. Nationally, this year is the most severe wildfire season in at least a decade - in both the number of fires and acres burned. The brunt of the devastation is happening across in states like Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and Montana. To get a better grasp of the scale, a collaboration of journalists across Western states joined forces for a deep dive into wildfire response and mitigation, as well as how fundamental shifts from the Trump Administration is upending how the West historically fights fires. CalMatters Water Reporter Rachel Becker and Robert Chaney, a senior contributor at Mountain Journal and Montana Free Press, join us with their reporting.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. This reporting included collaborations with The Nevada Independent, WyoFile, The Salt Lake Tribune and The Colorado Sun.

Behind the Barre

Behind the Barre returns to the Clara Auditorium on Sept. 3 and 4. A testament to collaboration amongst the Sacramento arts scene, this annual showcase by the Capital Dance Project will include six world premieres, featuring dancers and choreographers performing alongside local artists and musicians. Today on Insight, we’ll hear how Behind the Barre came to be from Julia Feldman, co-founder and artistic director of Capital Dance Project. And we’ll talk with two of this year’s collaborating artists, Melissa Uroff and Taner Pasamehmetoglu, about their work for the festival.

CA Phases Out Paraquat | Tattoos and AI | Insight Studio Sessions: Jessica Malone

webmaster@capradio.org — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

CA Phases Out Paraquat

California’s farmers rely on numerous chemicals to keep the state’s agricultural economy running, and keep pests and unwanted plants at bay. But some of these products are facing increasing scrutiny in the state and around the world for potential health issues and environmental consequences. Earlier this month, California's Department of Pesticide Regulations announced it will phase out the widely-used pesticide paraquat, which has been tied to conditions including Parkinson's disease and birth defects. But this decision has drawn criticisms from organizations including the California Farm Bureau, which argues that the herbicide is a critical tool for farmers. Dr. Olukayode Jegede from the UC Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology joins Insight to talk about paraquat's impact, and the decision to ban it.

Tattoos and AI

There are many forms of self expression and one that dates back millennia are tattoos. According to a recent Pew Research study, roughly a third of Americans have a tattoo. Tattooing has gone through many evolutions over the generations, as more tools become available. Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is also gaining presence in the industry and we’re going to learn more about its impacts from the co-owners of Sacramento Tattoo and Piercing, tattoo artist Bill Lorenz and Michelle Haunold Lorenz.

Insight Studio Sessions: Jessica Malone

Jessica Malone has been a staple of the Sacramento folk scene for years. Performing her lush melodies and poetic songs up and down Northern California with a large cast of collaborators. Her new EP “Indigo,” will be Friday, Aug. 28 and was recorded in Nashville. She’ll be performing with her 9-piece band on Saturday at the Sofia in Sacramento. She recently stopped by CapRadio to perform in this month’s Insight Studio Session, joined by her longtime violinist Giorgi Khokhovbashvili.