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

Insight with Beth Ruyak

New Fire Prevention Law / Sacramento Homeless Resident Deaths / Debate Surrounding New Navigation Shelter / Remembering Scott Lay in California Politics

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

Eviction Moratorium Expires / Restaurant Roundtable / Tyler Vargas Andrews Benefit Show

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones discusses his decision to retire. A California bill, awaiting the governor’s signature, could alter Amazon’s labor practices. Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care discusses caring for wildlife injured during wildfires, as well as evacuating during the Caldor Fire. Finally, an interview with Kate Washington, author of ‘Already Toast: Caregiving And Burnout In America,’ offers resources and advice for family caregivers learned through Washington’s personal experience while caring for her husband. Today's Guests Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones discusses his decision to retire, accomplishments, and where his department needs to improve. NY Times reporter Noam Scheiber on how a California bill that could alter Amazon's labor practices is awaiting the governor's signature.  Denise Upton with Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care discusses caring for wildlife injured during wildfires, as well as the center’s experience evacuating during the Caldor Fire. CapRadio’s Donna Apidone discusses her interview with Kate Washington, author of ‘Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America,’ which offers resources and advice for family caregivers learned through Washington’s personal experience while caring for her husband.  

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones Retires / CA Amazon Bill / Caring for Wildlife Victims of Wildfire / Author ‘Already Toast: Caregiving And Burnout In America’

An update on dozens of Sacramento-area Afghan students stranded under Taliban control. An investigation into CalFire training deaths as the heat intensifies. A warning of the recent wave of lawyers reaching out to wildfire victims. And Capital Stage’s show ‘Hold These Truths’ detailing the true story of a Japanese American defying internment during WWII, a case brought to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today's Guests San Juan Unified Superintendent Kent Kern, and Ethel I. Baker Principal Nate McGill with Sacramento City Unified, update the status of dozens of Afghan American students trying to return home to Sacramento following the Taliban takeover.  KPCC LAist reporter Jacob Margolis and Columbia Journalism Investigative Fellow Brian Edwards discuss their investigation into CalFire training deaths as the heat intensifies.  Co-host of KQED’s California Report, Lily Jamali, brings us her reporting on attorneys who are offering their services to victims of wildfires with the promise of taking on PG&E and why past experiences have some victims wary Capital Stage starts its 17th season with a one-man show, ‘Hold These Truths.’ Actor Jomar Tagatac and director Jeffrey Lo discuss the true story of a young Japanese American, Gordon Hirabayashi, who defied the internment orders issued by the US government during WWII. His defiance brought the case to the US Supreme Court twice. 

Update on Sacramento Afghan Students / Investigation in CalFire Training Deaths / Wildfire Victims Wary of Attorneys / Capital Stage ‘Hold These Truths’

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

CA COVID Rates / Booster Shots / CA Legislative Session / New Leader in Sacramento Homelessness Program

With the recall election behind us, we look ahead to the 2022 gubernatorial race and midterm elections. We also get a preview of the Farm-to-Fork Festival this weekend and an update on the local economy. Plus, we hear from local musicians about how they met and created their group Solabel. Today's Guests Democratic strategist Robin Swanson and Republican consultant and co-founder of The Lincoln Project Mike Madrid, discuss how the recall election will shape the 2022 gubernatorial race and midterm elections.  Mike Testa with Visit Sacramento joins us with a preview of the Farm-to-Fork Festival taking place this weekend, as well as an update on the local economy.  Hannah Jane Kile, Brenden Lowe, and Ben Kopf of Solabel join us to talk about how this new music group came together with the help of CapRadio and they share new music from their first album. 

2022 Election Strategy / Farm to Fork Festival / CapRadio Music: Solabel

Gov. Gavin Newsom defeats the recall election. CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon shares last night’s victory speech, Republican political consultant Luis Alvarado expands on what’s next. Political Data Inc. breaks down the ballot returns. USC Center for Inclusive Democracy explains voter engagement. And longtime political journalist Ken Rudin discusses what this means for the 2022 Midterm elections. Today's Guests CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon shares last night’s victory speech from Gov. Gavin Newsom.  Luis Alvarado, former press secretary for the California Republican Party and Republican political consultant, expands on what’s next for conservatives.  Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data Inc., breaks down ballot returns.  Mindy Romero, political sociologist and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, discusses voter participation.  Ken Rudin, host of the Political Junkie podcast, on what this recall election result means for national politics and the 2022 Midterm elections. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom Defeats Recall Election

Today on Insight, we're looking at California's gubernatorial recall election, we hear from Sacramento County voters, discuss voter participation, and tune into the national implications of the results. Today's Guests CapRadio reporters Sarah Mizes-Tan and Chris Nichols join us from vote centers in Sacramento and Yolo Counties to bring us the latest on their reporting on the recall and what voter activity looks like on Election Day Paul Mitchell, Vice President of Political Data Inc. on the recall ballot tracker.  Mindy Romero, political sociologist and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, to discuss voter participation.  Ken Rudin, host of the Political Junkie podcast, on the national implications of the gubernatorial recall election.  

California Gubernatorial Recall Election Day

The latest in the upcoming gubernatorial recall election. Also, an update on COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County, including school cluster outbreaks. We learn why hospitals across the state are dealing with staffing shortages. Five decades of culinary writing from Sacramento-based award-winning journalist Elaine Corn are now available at UC Davis, including stories that aired on CapRadio. Today's Guests CapRadio Political Reporter Nicole Nixon gets us up to speed on the upcoming recall election Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye updates us on COVID-19 cases, cases in children and vaccination efforts Carmela Coyle with the California Hospital Association explains staffing shortages hospitals across the state are experiencing Five decades of culinary writing from Sacramento-based award-winning journalist Elaine Corn are now available at UC Davis, including stories that aired on CapRadio 

Recall Election Preview / Sacramento County COVID-19 Cases / Hospital Staffing Challenges / Food Journalist Elaine Corn UC Davis Archives

California launches a new 9-8-8 mental health crisis hotline as an alternative to 9-1-1 calls. We learn the impact of legal and illegal cannabis cultivation on the watershed across the state. Finally, a Sacramento native qualifies for the 2024 Summer Olympics breakdancing debut. Today's Guests CalMatters reporter Jocelyn Wiener on the state’s new “9-8-8” mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline, which is designed to be an alternative to 9-1-1 calls Betsy Brunner with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) shares the non-profit’s 2021 Cannabis Impact Survey on the watershed in Nevada County Catherine Caldwell and Jeremy Stinson with California State Parks' Cannabis Watershed Protection Program and Janice Mackey with California Department of Fish and Wildlife discuss statewide enforcement of illegal cannabis cultivation Sacramento native “b-boy Morris” joins us to talk about his journey as a breakdancing superstar, how he is training for breakdancing’s debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics and volunteering and mentorship of local breakdancers.   

New Statewide Mental Health Crisis Hotline / Cannabis Cultivation Impact on Watershed / State’s Enforcement of Illegal Cannabis Grows / Sacramento Breakdancer Qualifies for 2024 Summer Olympics

Sac City Unified principal talks about students stuck in Afghanistan and his concern for their safety. A pyrogeographer at UC Merced explains some of the reasons wildfires are getting larger, lasting longer, and becoming more destructive. Finally, our top picks for Northern California NPR ‘Tiny Desk Contest’ entries for 2021. Today's Guests Principal Nathan McGill of Ethel I. Baker Elementary School joins us to talk about the students from his school who are stuck in Afghanistan and his concern for their safety and efforts to bring them back to the United States. Crystal Kolden, a professor of fire science at UC Merced, explains some of the reasons wildfires are getting larger, lasting longer, and becoming more destructive-- as well as solutions being discussed and applied.  Weekend and Fill-in Host for News and Modern Music at CapRadio, Andrew Garcia, gives us his picks from the Northern California NPR ‘Tiny Desk Contest’ entries for 2021.   

Sacramento Students In Afghanistan / Understanding Wildfires / Local 2021 NPR ‘Tiny Desk’ Entrants

We're looking at an update on the Caldor Fire. El Dorado County’s Registrar of Voters explains how you can still vote in the recall election amid evacuation orders. PolitiFact California fact-check on the upcoming gubernatorial recall election. Annual ‘Chalk it Up! Art and Music Festival’ at Fremont Park and the Broadway International Festival in Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department, assisting CalFire, provides an update on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado and Amador counties.  El Dorado County’s Registrar of Voters, Bill O’Neill, explains how you can still vote in the recall election amid evacuation orders and warnings for much of his county. CapRadio PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols provides a fact-check on the upcoming gubernatorial recall election.  Christy Jourdan previews the annual Chalk it Up! Art and Music Festival at Fremont Park in Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend.  David Gull with New Helvetia Brewing Company and Zion Taddese with Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine highlight Sacramento’s diversity at the Broadway International Festival Sunday, Sept 5.  

Caldor Fire Update / Voting During Evacuations / Recall Fact-Check / Chalk It Up! Arts & Music Festival / Broadway International Festival

Updated at 11:17 a.m. As the firefight continues against the Caldor Fire, we get an update on strategy and the outlook as we continue to face a red flag warning. The City of Roseville held a community vigil honoring the life of Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee, who lost her life in an airport explosion in Kabul.  Plus, we take a look at how local efforts to help refugees who managed to make it out of Afghanistan. Finally, we discuss the new song “Rolling Through California.” Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department and CapRadio reporter Scott Rodd update us on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County The city of Roseville remembers Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, killed in an airport explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting with the US withdrawal of Afghanistan.  Kerry Ham with World Relief Sacramento, and Dr. Amira Kotb with Refugee Enrichment & Development Association Center of Sacramento (REDA), update local efforts for Afghan refugees.  Grammy Award Winning Artist, Fantastic Negrito joins us to discuss his new song, “Rolling Through California,” and his collaboration with Defy: Disaster to help first responders. Resources Here's some information on how to support the Afghan emergency housing initiative and REDA's effort to expand its mental health program.

Caldor Fire Updates / Remembering Roseville Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee / Local Afghanistan Resettlement / ‘Rolling Through California’ And Help For First Responders

An update on the Caldor Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders for all of South Lake Tahoe and also the launch of a new statewide effort to provide financial and emotional support to students, families, and schools impacted by catastrophic wildfires. An interview with two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair, ahead of the Summer Horns Tour at Rocklin’s Quarry Park Amphitheater. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department and CapRadio reporter Scott Rodd update us on the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County amid evacuation orders for South Lake Tahoe.  Tim Taylor with the Small School District Association and El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala discuss the new program “CA Kids Fire Relief,” which is a statewide effort to provide financial and emotional support to students, families, and schools impacted by catastrophic wildfires. CapRadio’s Gary Vercelli spoke with two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair ahead of the Summer Horns Tour at Rocklin’s Quarry Park Amphitheatre this weekend.  

Caldor Fire Updates / CA Kids Fire Relief / CapRadio Jazz with Mindi Abair

Updated at 11:21 a.m. on August 30, 2021 There are new evacuation orders and warnings regarding the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County. A zoning bill passed by California lawmakers allows for the development of two units on lots that have historically been for single-family homes. We learn how the expansion of food assistance eligibility will benefit college students across the state, and the toll food insecurity has on mental health and academic performance. Finally, we look back at the history of wildfires in the U.S. —  which isn’t unique to the West. Today's Guests Capt. Keith Wade with Sacramento City Fire Department updates the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County, which has triggered new evacuation orders and warnings impacting areas including Meyers and South Lake Tahoe.  CalMatters reporter Manuela Tobias breaks down a new zoning bill passed by California lawmakers, which allows for the development of two-units on lots that have historically been for single-family homes.   Danielle Muñoz with Crisis Assistance & Resource Education Support (CARES) at Sacramento State University, explains the school’s federal food assistance program/food pantry, enrollment rates, and the application process.   Assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco Suzanna Martinez discusses the prevalence of food insecurity among college students and how it’s related to poor mental health and lower academic performance.  NPR Correspondent Nathan Rott reports on a forgotten history that should serve as a warning — wildfire isn’t unique to the West. The warming climate is increasing the risk of major wildfires across America. And more people are moving to fire-prone areas without realizing the danger.  Note: Language in the headline has been changed.

Caldor Fire Update / California Approves New Zoning Bill For Homes / Food Assistance Eligibility Expands For College Students / The Long History Of Wildfire Beyond The West

A daily, in-depth interview program providing context and background to the issues that face the Sacramento region.