Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Sacramento County becomes the first community in California to use the “Blue Zones” model to create a dementia-friendly community. Also, why maternity wards are closing across the state. Finally, a ski resort opening forecast for the Tahoe area. Sacramento County’s Alzheimer's Initiative California is home to the largest aging population. As we get older, the risk increases for debilitating health conditions– including for dementia and Alzheimer’s, which can rob a person’s cognition and quality of life. But there are countries with larger older populations than the U.S., and they offer some good insight when it comes to aging and wellness. Those that lead the pack– like Japan, Italy and Greece– are home to “blue zones” where people are both living longer and healthier. Sacramento County is taking notice, and has been selected as the first community in the state to adopt a “blue zone” model– with a specific focus on creating a dementia-friendly community. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe got a better understanding of what this exactly means and joins us with her reporting. Why Maternity Wards are Closing Across CA Over the past decade, dozens of hospitals across California have closed their maternity wards, according to new analysis by the non-profit newsroom CalMatters. The pace of these closures has accelerated in recent years, and it is leaving many communities with increased barriers to care, including long travel times for childbirth and prenatal appointments. And these findings align with roughly the same time period when pregnancy-related deaths in California reached a 10-year high. CalMatters health reporter Ana Ibarra explains the investigation which dives into the factors behind these closures. CalMatters is a content sharing partner with public radio newsrooms across the state. Ski Resort Opening Forecast This time last year the Sierra was caked in snow, ski resorts were starting to open, and it was just the beginning of what turned out to be an epic winter. Now, as we get closer to the end of 2023 and upcoming holidays, those who enjoy the snow are waiting for that one big storm to kick-off the season in Tahoe. Joining us to talk ski and snow business are Davis Bedient with Donner Ski Ranch and Paul Raymore with Diamond Peak. We’ll learn what’s new at their ski resorts this year and how you can save some money this season– if you plan your snow days right.

Caltrans proposes toll express lanes on parts of I-80 and US 50 in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The nation’s first commercial direct air capture plant opens in Tracy. A Sacramento independent publisher of children’s books for a diverse audience. Caltrans Proposes Toll Lanes Across Yolo Causeway If you commute through Sacramento and Yolo counties, chances are you’ve experienced traffic come to a crawl on I-80 over the Yolo Causeway. Caltrans and the Yolo Transportation District have a plan to alleviate that gridlock with toll express lanes on portions of I-80 and HWY 50. The agency is seeking public comment on this $465 million project, with an upcoming date scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library on 315 E. 14th St. in Davis from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dennis Keaton from Caltrans joins Insight to talk more about how the proposal plans to reduce delays and improve travel. Tracy’s First-in-the-Nation Direct Air Capture Facility A commercial direct air capture facility in Tracy is setting a national precedent in climate goals. It is the first in the United States that can extract carbon from the air, permanently store it and sell carbon removal credits to customers. CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira talks more about the science behind carbon sequestration and direct air capture, and how the new facility factors into California’s fight against climate change. Sacramento Children’s Book Publisher Finding children’s books that reflect our diverse community can be difficult, especially for children and families of color. A Sacramento husband and wife team, inspired by their daughter, decided it was time to make cultural books more accessible to all by publishing picture books for kids. Award-winning author and publisher Samuel Narh joins us to talk about the need for diverse children’s books and what led him to start Chasing a Spider Publishing.

CPUC approves PG&E rate increases. California’s first and only Black-led conservation group acquires land in Placer County. Sutter Street Theatre’s “Holiday in the Hills.” PG&E Rate Increase PG&E customers will be paying close to $400 more per year for their service due to new rate hikes approved earlier this month by the California Public Utilities Commission. While the rate hikes were not a surprise, they come at a time where customers are dealing with massive cost of living increases. Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network), joins us to discuss the impact of the increases especially on lower income, vulnerable Californians. Note: PG&E’s press release regarding the rate increases can be found here. Black-led Conservation Group Acquires Placer County Land Accessing the outdoors can provide a variety of benefits, including improving one’s physical and mental well-being. But many people in highly-urban areas, especially people of color, can face barriers when trying to access these opportunities. Recently, California’s first - and only - Black-led conservation group acquired hundreds of acres of land in Placer County to provide more economic, environmental, and recreational equity. Jade Stevens, President of the 40 Acre Conservation League talks about the organization’s history, and its plans for the new parcel. Sutter Street Theatre’s ‘Holiday in the Hills’ “Holiday in the Hills” returns to Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom. Director Mike Jimena and Artistic Director Connie Mockenhaupt discuss the research that went into this year’s family-friendly rendition. The play takes place in the late 1800’s and everyone you see onstage was an actual resident or visitor to Folsom at that time of year. “Holiday in the Hills” runs Dec. 2 to Dec. 23 and is rated G.

POLITICO’S “California Playbook” joins us with the latest in state politics. Plus, the number of evictions in California remains high across large counties. Finally, NPR’s 2023 “Books We Love” selections. ‘California Playbook’ , co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, discusses the latest in state politics including California congressional retirements, how the Israel-Hamas war is creating divisions within the Democratic Party, as well as an upcoming debate this week between Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Evictions on the Rise The number of Californians facing eviction was relatively low during a statewide moratorium put in place during the pandemic. In the year after it ended, Calmatters found that cases soared and still remain high in large counties, despite a nearly decade-long trend of declining evictions. Calmatters reporter Jeanne Kuang joins Insight to discuss the reasons underlying the spike, what the situation looks like in the greater Sacramento region, and the implications for both landlords and tenants. NPR’s 2023 ‘Books We Love’ For those who enjoy a new book, there is help to relieve the choice paralysis while combing through a bookstore. For the past decade, NPR has curated its “Books We Love,” an interactive reading guide based on staff and critics’ selections of their top picks of the year. And the 2023 edition is now live. There are nearly 400 books to choose from, which can feel intimidating, but you can mix and match genre tags to find the right book. Andrew Limbong is NPR’s Arts Desk Reporter, and host of the “Book We Love” podcast, and talks about this year’s Books We Love selections.

Elk Grove Food Bank is in need of turkey donations. Also, an organization helps Stockton youth experiencing homelessness. Finally, some Thanksgiving wine selections. Elk Grove Food Bank in Need of Donations The risk of hunger is a growing concern in the United States. According to the Sacramento Food Bank, which distributes essentials to more than 120 partner agencies across the county, food insecurity has risen dramatically in recent years– last year roughly 100,000 more people a month were in need of their food assistance services. And as the holidays approach, many people are still looking for help. Dr. Suman Singha, board chair for Elk Grove Food Bank Services, joins Insight to talk about increasing levels of food insecurity, particularly among seniors, as well as the organization’s ongoing turkey drive, which runs through Friday, Nov. 17. Helping Stockton Homeless Youth An estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States each year. The causes range from housing instability to family conflict, and youth homelessness can have lasting impacts on the rest of a person’s life. However, one local organization is looking to draw attention and help young at-risk members in their community. Elizabeth Sanchez, Director of Community Engagement at the Stockton nonprofit PREVAIL, talks about the services her organization provides to homeless youth, as well as its Nov. 16 Light Up the Night Mixer event at Weberstown Mall to raise awareness. Thanksgiving Wine If your shopping list includes wine for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday or an upcoming party, wine expert and New York Times bestselling author Rick Kushman joins us Insight with some helpful ideas to wow your crowd. We’ll learn about what kind of glassware works best with certain wines, and where to find the perfect bottle here in the Sacramento area to satisfy your budget and curiosity.

Sacramento County hospitals are seeing the second-to-worst ER wait times in the state. Gov. Newsom streamlines the Sites Reservoir Project. New recipe cookbook celebrates Sacramento’s best restaurants. Sacramento County ER Wait Times Sacramento County has the second-worst emergency room wait times in California, averaging nearly an hour to get from an ambulance to a hospital bed. These delays are tying up first responders, and also putting patients’ health at risk. CapRadio’s Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe joins Insight to shed more light on how these delays are affecting both medical workers and patients, and what steps are being taken to cut waiting times for critical care services. Gov. Streamlines Sites Reservoir Project Located just over an hour north of Sacramento, in Glenn and Colusa counties, the Sites Reservoir has long been eyed as a site for surface water storage. And now after roughly 70 years, the off-river storage basin west of the Sacramento Valley is being streamlined and moving forward. Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center, discusses what dent it will make in the water supply– and for whom– as well as the impact to the environment and native species that rely on the Sacramento River. Cookbook Celebrates Sacramento Restaurants We’ve had our fair share of conversations diving into the growing, and delicious, restaurant scene across the Capital Region. And now, there’s a cookbook rounding up some of the best dishes in our backyard. Sacramento Bee Food and Drink Reporter Benjy Egel discusses his new book “Sacramento Eats: Recipes from the Capital Region’s Favorite Restaurants” which collaborates with the best chefs across more than 60 local eateries.

A human rights professor discusses Palestinians and the Israel-Hamas War. What is causing an ongoing veterinarian shortage across California animal shelters. Free state park passes at public libraries. Palestinians and the Israel-Hamas War Just over a month ago, on Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel, killing civilians and taking hundreds of hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive bombing campaigns and launched a ground invasion of the isolated Gaza Strip. Health officials in Gaza report that over 11,000 people have been killed so far, while Israeli authorities count over 1,200 dead. As the fighting continues, increasingly forceful attention has been called to the human rights challenges of the current conflict, from allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing, to concerns over antisemitism and Islamophobia here at home. Keith David Watenpaugh, professor and director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis, joins Insight for a deeper look at the human rights challenges of the current war. Veterinarian Shortages at Animal Shelters There are more than 200 animal shelters across California and many are facing a growing dilemma– caring for more animals with less staff. Money doesn’t seem to be the main driver, but an ongoing veterinarian shortage that escalated during the pandemic. A study this year from the San Francisco SPCA and UC Davis shows that of the shelters that have budgeted positions for veterinarians and vet nurses, more than half of those positions remain vacant. Which means hundreds of thousands of shelter animals across the state do not have access to reliable veterinary care– with consequences that include overcrowding, higher instances of illness and euthanasia. Front Street Animal Shelter in the city of Sacramento is among the sites impacted. Dr. Victoria Smalley is Front Street’s only full-time veterinarian and joins us with a closer look at the challenges. And Dr. Kate Hurley is the director of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, which partnered for the study, and joins us with a closer look at a veterinary shortage across the state, and how the community can help. State Park Passes at Public Libraries Visiting a state park may not be in the cards for many lower income Californians. Entry fees coupled with the cost to get there, like gas, can add up quickly. CapRadio Politics Reporter Nicole Nixon joins us about a state park entry program that is free and only requires a library card to access. We’ll also learn about how Californians can get free access to gear that makes exploring the outdoors even more enjoyable.

POLITICO’s California Playbook shares the latest political current events in the state. State utility regulators to weigh proposed PG&E rate hikes. How to get a Christmas tree permit with the U.S. Forest Service. California Political Roundup The political pace is picking up as we close 2023 and quickly round the corner to the March primary. Which means the stakes are on an upward trajectory, with every political decision carrying more weight. Dustin Gardiner is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins us with a dive into a new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll that shows growing disapproval ratings for both President Biden and Gov. Newsom among California voters, the importance of the APEC Summit underway in San Francisco, and the trial of David DePape, charged with the assault and attempted kidnapping of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul Pelosi at their home in Oct. of 2022. Potential PG&E Rate Hikes PG&E is asking for another double-digit rate hike and state regulators could approve the utility’s request later this week. It could cost customers hundreds of dollars more a year. PG&E argues it needs the additional money to improve wildfire safety, while consumer advocates say it’s too much, too soon, unfair and inequitable. Joining us to help us better understand why PG&E keeps raising its rates and turning to its customers with more hikes is Meredith Fowlie, Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. PG&E released a statement to Insight: “PG&E recognizes our responsibility to serve our customers safely and reliably, and we are aggressively focused on how to deliver work safely at a lower cost. We prioritize safety above all else. Undergrounding powerlines in the highest fire-risk areas will make our hometowns and California safer, improve electric reliability, and save customers billions of dollars in avoided annual tree trimming and overhead line maintenance costs. Investing in our system to make it more climate-resilient and decarbonized will make it safer and cleaner. We are working to keep customer cost increases at or below assumed inflation, between 2 and 4% a year. Actions we’ve taken to reduce costs include working with customer advocates on an alternative to commercial insurance saving customers up to $1.8 billion over the next four years, and accessing non-traditional funding sources like federal grants and loans to speed up safety work at a lower cost to customers.” Christmas Tree Permits It’s that time of year when people begin thinking about the winter holidays and the many associated traditions, including getting a Christmas tree. For those looking for an affordable and environmentally-beneficial way to partake in this tradition, the U.S. Forest Service is selling Christmas tree permits for people to harvest their tree in multiple national forests across the country, including several in California. Lisa Herron, Public Affairs Specialist with the USDA Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit joins Insight to talk more about the permit program’s benefits.

City of Sacramento launches its annual community survey. CalMatters investigation reveals ongoing unemployment issues and fraud losses within California’s EDD. The Sacramento Observer celebrates with a 60th anniversary gala. Survey Asks ‘What Do You Like About Sacramento?’ What do you like about Sacramento? Is there something you’d like to see improved? Every year the City of Sacramento asks residents to participate in a survey about how they feel about the community. And this year’s opportunity to speak your mind has just launched. Sacramento City Auditor Jorge Oseguera joins us to discuss the survey. We’ll learn how Sacramento city leaders use the information to guide policy decisions and allocate funds to areas that need attention, based on the feedback they receive. CalMatters EDD Investigation California is launching a massive overhaul of its unemployment and disability agency EDD, following one of the largest waves of fraud in US history, when suspected scammers reaped billions of dollars in unemployment aid during pandemic job losses. A new investigation from CalMatters Reporter Lauren Hepler reveals what caused the crash that touched 1 in 8 Californians, and the devastating consequences to real workers who went without unemployment benefits for weeks and months on end. CalMatters is a non-profit newsroom that is a content sharing partner with public media stations across the state. Sac Observer’s 60th Anniversary Gala Larry Lee, President and Publisher of The Sacramento Observer, shares the history of becoming one of the leading African American newspapers in the country, ahead of the paper’s 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration. Sac Observer and CapRadio have a unique partnership with Report For America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. This conversation first aired in July.

Five years after the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The Davis “Science Cafe” holds its 100th event. Five Years After the ‘Camp Fire’ On Nov. 8, 2018 the Camp Fire ignited in Butte County and became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. In the five years since, survivors in Paradise– and surrounding communities like Magalia, Pulga and Concow– have overcome hurdle after hurdle to rebuild. Jennah Baker helped senior residents escape from Sunshine Assisted Living that fateful day. Jennah was part of a documentary with Insight host Vicki Gonzalez while at KCRA, that followed four families in the year after the Camp Fire. Jennah joins Insight to share what home feels like now. Thousands of students, staff and teachers were impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire. Schools burned down or were seriously damaged, students and teachers fled, and the recovery process has been slow. But out of the ashes comes hope for a revival of the area’s education system, with new buildings and facilities and a return to class. Paradise Unified School District Superintendent Tom Taylor joins us to discuss the journey back to school and what the future holds for the community. 100th Science Cafe On the second Wednesday of every month, the Davis Science Café provides a casual environment for scientists to talk about their research with the general public. On Nov. 8, the free series will be holding its 100th edition at the G Street WunderBar in Davis. Science Café host and founder Dr. Jared Shaw reflects on the history of the series. And guest presenter Dr. Crystal Rogers, Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology at UC Davis, provides a preview of this month’s event “Why Are Faces Different? Genes, the Environment, & Embryonic Development.”

Sacramento’s X Street Navigation Shelter progress and setbacks for those unhoused. What we know, and don’t know, about the El Niño winter forecast. Is this year’s wildfire season over? The 30th Annual “Run to Feed the Hungry.” Sacramento’s X Street Navigation Shelter It’s one of Sacramento’s busiest homeless shelters and while there has been some success in connecting people with housing options, there’s still room for improvement. CapRadio Homelessness and Housing Affordability Reporter Chris Nichols joins us for an update on the X Street shelter and the significant barriers that still keep people from finding a permanent, safe, place to live. We will also learn about a new seasonal shelter that has opened in Elk Grove. El Niño Winter Forecast The forecast this winter is that El Niño is making a comeback, a weather pattern associated with wet weather and flooding. But it’s not that simple or predictable. According to the NOAA, El Nino dates back to the 1600s, when South American fishermen noticed periods of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. Some 400 years later, there is still a great deal we don’t know. While some climate models are predicting a “super El Nino” this winter, it doesn’t mean we’ll feel that impact in Northern California. Dr. Paul Ullrich, Professor of Regional Climate Modeling at UC Davis, explains how big of a role El Niño plays in predicting wintertime precipitation in California. Is Wildfire Season Over? You might think this year’s wildfire season is a closed chapter. But history would caution otherwise. Tomorrow marks five years since the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. And in Southern California, the 2017 Thomas Fire is among one of the largest and most destructive in state history. They are sobering reminders that wildfires can defy seasons and be year round. Craig Clements, Professor and Director of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State University and joins us with a clearer picture of where things stand so far this year. 30th Annual ‘Run to Feed the Hungry’ is the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country, and the largest annual fundraiser for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. This year, the Sacramento tradition returns for its 30th year, and a goal of 30,000 participants. Blake Young, President and CEO of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services gives a preview of the 30th annual run taking place on Nov. 23, and how it will support those in the Sacramento region facing hunger and food insecurity.

The Sacramento County jail isn’t meeting people’s constitutional rights. Here’s what is being done about it. UC Davis professor’s book “American Purgatory: Prison Imperialism and the Rise of Mass Incarceration.” The fall edition of the Sacramento French Film Festival returns. Sacramento County Jail Conditions Sacramento County Jail has been under a legal agreement to improve health conditions since 2020. But progress has been so slow for those incarcerated, that the jail is at risk of a rare federal takeover and essentially losing control of its operations. CapRadio’s Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe explains how it got to this point, including a proposal for a possible $1 billion annex that has been questioned by lawyers and advocates. Book on the Rise of Mass Incarceration A UC Davis professor whose focus is on systemic racism and inequality is taking a hard look at our country’s mass incarceration system, and a history that he says is inextricably linked to the expansion of American power around the globe. Dr. Benjamin Weber joins us about his new book “American Purgatory: Prison Imperialism and the Rise of Mass Incarceration.” Sacramento French Film Festival Oh là là! The fall edition of the Sacramento French Film Festival is underway and there are several films for everyone to enjoy. Joining us with a preview of three new films is Cecile Downs, Executive & Artistic Director of the Sacramento French Film Festival. We’ll learn how you can watch the movies from the comfort of your own home, as well as interact with one of the movie directors.

Caltrans updates emergency repairs on I-80 in the Sierra. Governor Gavin Newsom returns from a weeklong trip to China. Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam launches new series “Healing 2.0” Sierra I-80 Emergency Repairs Update The holidays are fast approaching and so is the bad weather. CalTrans crews are working as fast as possible to get I-80 back in shape after last season’s brutal beating from the rain, snow and wind. We’ll get an update from Caltrans’ Jeremy Linder on several hotspots identified for emergency repairs, the timeline for completion and how best to keep tabs on travel conditions, road work and traffic. Gov. Newsom’s Trip to China Gov. Gavin Newsom has returned from a weeklong trip brokering deeper ties and collaboration with China. Behind the international stage is a lot at stake– from climate, to tourism, tech, and education– China touches many arms of California’s economy. But a trip of this scale is far from simple, given U.S.-China relations are strained. It’s a trip that’s difficult to digest from overseas. Luckily, a handful of California journalists joined the governor along the way. San Francisco Chronicle Politics Reporter Sophia Bollag discusses what the governor’s trip to China accomplished, and where California fits in. Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam He has long been host of the show Hidden Brain which takes listeners on an exploration of our inner world so we can get to know ourselves better, with less judgment and curiosity. Shankar Vedantam joins Insight about his latest project, a series called “Healing 2.0” with new episodes every Thursday, starting Nov. 2. The series explores how we can change our lives by taking a closer look at the stories we tell ourselves about our lives; discuss the nature of loss; and consider a mind-bending idea about whether we should try to do away with grief. And it will investigate whether it’s really true that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and end with a conversation about crafting better apologies.

New state law requires venture capitalists disclose the race and gender of companies they fund. The people behind a reduction in violent crime within the city of Sacramento. “5000 Watts” electric art show in Oak Park this weekend. New Law To Improve VC Investment In Women A new state law, recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and taking effect in 2025, has the power to shine sunlight and potentially change the way venture capitalists invest in California businesses. Historically, venture capital firms have invested in Silicon Valley companies founded by men, but this new measure will require VC’s to disclose the race and gender of the founders of the companies they fund. Hanisha Harjani is a reporter with The Fuller Project and joins us on Insight with how the law holds investors accountable. Sacramento’s Office of Violence Prevention Sacramento Police have reported that violent crime is down in the city by roughly 18% overall, compared to the same time last year. And a lot of credit was given to the Office of Violence Prevention– particularly the person who leads the department. Dr. Nicole Clavo was appointed to lead the department three years ago, but has long and deep ties to Sacramento. Dr. Clavo also intimately understands the pain and toll of gun violence. Her teenage son J.J. Clavo was a student-athlete at Grant Union High School. He was murdered in 2015 before the school’s football game. Dr. Clavo joins Insight with Mervin Brookins, Founder of Brother 2 Brother Mentoring, to share what’s happening on the ground that’s contributing to a reduction in violent crime, as well as the challenges that still remain. “5000 Watts” Electric Art Show This weekend, a free electric art show is returning to Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, in a combination of creativity, arts, and technology. The event, 5000 Watts, is organized by a local nonprofit seeking to improve equity in STEAM education by providing programs to low-income and underrepresented students. Nicholas Haystings, Executive Director of the Square Root Academy, talks about how his organization’s work, as well as how 5000 Watts both supports the Academy and empowers the next generation of STEAM scholars.

Investigation into hospital bias for maternal care. UC Davis Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies is moving in a new direction. Broadway International Festival this weekend. Investigation into Hospital Bias in Maternal Care Black women are far more likely than other pregnant people to die during pregnancy. In 2019, California lawmakers passed a law requiring hospitals to provide training on unconscious bias and racial disparities around maternal deaths. Yet a new investigation by the California Department of Justice finds that few hospitals are complying, and serious disparities - especially for Black women - still persist. Kristen Hwang, Healthcare Reporter for CalMatters, talks about the investigation, as well as recommended steps aimed at reducing maternal mortality. Bulosan Center’s New Direction Five years ago, a first-of-its-kind grassroots research organization focused on the experiences of the Filipino American community was established at UC Davis - the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies. Now the center is embarking on a new, independent direction, while continuing its community-engaged work. Dr. Robyn Rodriguez, founder of the Bulosan Center, joins Insight to look back on the organization’s founding, mission, and impact on the local Filipino community. She also talks about its future as a priority of the Amado Khaya Initiative, named after her late son. Broadway International Festival Sacramento’s Broadway corridor is the pulse of Sacramento’s vibrant ethnic food, music and arts scene. This Saturday, the Broadway community is coming together to celebrate its diversity and culture at the annual Broadway International Festival. In addition to all of the fun festival offerings, this event also has a health and wellness component to it. Joining Insight is Zion Taddese, owner of the Ethiopian Queen Sheba restaurant and organizer of the festival.

A Chico State professor launches study looking at AI’s impact on kids. A Sacramento dietician-nutritionist takes on the stigma around ultra-processed foods. Folsom Lake College puts on innovative showing of “20,000 Leagues Under the Seas.” Chico State AI Study Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly commonplace, from image generators to virtual assistants. But concerns still remain around privacy, misinformation, and its impact on people in the long run. A new study launched at Chico State aims to analyze the current research around AI’s impact on children. Its lead investigator Dr. Abbas Attarwala, an Associate Professor of Computer Science, joins Insight to talk about the study, and how it can serve as a guide for future policy changes. Ultra-Processed Foods is a Sacramento-based registered dietician-nutritionist, consultant, podcast host and author, who uses her experiences navigating the dietetic fields as a Black, queer dietitian to dismantle how both the public health and medical framing of “healthy eating” and “obesity” has contributed to disordered eating and self blame. Recently, Jessica has taken on the stigma surrounding "ultra processed foods"-- which can mean a lot more than what we think. 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas at Folsom Lake College A Broadway-caliber production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas is opening this week at Folsom Lake College. Today on Insight, we speak with Director David Harris and actor Brennan Villados about what makes this production so special, including a much-anticipated automated set. We’ll also learn the innovative work the students get involved in and some of the unique programs Folsom Lake College offers.

City of Sacramento reports a nearly 19% drop in violent crime. How other countries have responded differently to mass shootings. Visit Sacramento launches a new Spanish-language podcast “Bienvenidos a Sacramento.” City of Sacramento Reports Drop in Violent Crime Sacramento Police and city officials touted a roughly 18% reduction in violent crime so far in 2023. The city also announced $3.2 million in grants to community-based organizations working to interrupt violence in Sacramento. CapRadio Reporter Kate Wolffe dives into the early report. How Other Countries Reduce Mass Shootings An issue that can deeply divide us in the United States is gun control. While the U.S. is home to the largest number of mass shootings among developed countries in the world, and gun violence remains the number one cause of death for children, some argue that our constitutional right to a firearm continues to get in the way of meaningful and sensible gun control laws. Dr. Michael “Mick” North is the author of a book called, “Dunblane, Never Forget” after losing his 5-year-old daughter Sophie in a 1996 school shooting in Scotland, in which a gunman killed 16 students and their teacher before turning a gun on himself. Dr. North joins us Insight to talk about how he, and other parents who lost children, were able to change laws that resulted in a dramatic decline in gun-related deaths in the U.K. North also offers what he thinks can be done in the United States to bring the gun violence epidemic under control. ‘Visit Sacramento’ Launches Spanish Podcast Visit Sacramento debuted their new Spanish-language podcast, Bienvenidos a Sacramento, last month. A tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month, the new program showcases the stories and contributions of local Latino and Latina individuals and organizations in the community, from the all-female group Mariachi Bonitas to the Latino Center of Arts and Culture. Host Lilly Cortés Wyatt and Sonya Bradley, Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Visit Sacramento join Insight to talk about how this new podcast was started, the “intentionality” behind their approach, and the growth of Spanish-speaking podcast listenership.

Non-profit Fenta Nah to host its first Fentanyl Awareness Fall Festival. CapRadio podcast “This is What it Feels Like” discussing losing a parent to suicide. ‘Fenta Nah’ Awareness Festival Fentanyl is an epidemic that continues to harm communities across the country. This weekend a new nonprofit, Fenta Nah, will be holding its inaugural Fentanyl Awareness Fall Festival on Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Camellia Grove Lawn at the Capitol Mall, offering a number of live-saving resources and information. Executive Director Tracy Robinson and Vice President and Director of Operations Shei’vonne Weber join Insight to talk about the festival, as well as how the loss of their daughter and sister Abresha Oates to fentanyl motivated them to support other families touched by this crisis. “This is What It Feels Like” Losing a Parent to Suicide Each week we’ve explored CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” which shares the voices that are often overlooked or politicized by society. We’ve walked in the shoes of people who have navigated healthcare as a trans person, opened up about the harm of “catcalling culture,” given us an inspiring glimpse into what it’s like to be 106 years old, and listened to those who have gone through an abortion. These are firsthand, intimate, conversations that don’t typically happen, and they’re possible because of host Terra Lopez, an artist with deep ties to Sacramento. The final episode is one that is very personal to Terra– sharing what it’s like to lose a parent to suicide. Terra didn’t just share her own loss. She sat down with others who have also experienced that similar, but unique, pain. Mike Rafter is in the final episode. He and Terra joined Insight to talk about the importance of sharing a profoundly pivotal experience that often is attached to stigma.

Navigating news literacy online. Less than half of Sacramento County students meet college requirements. Sacramento Poetry Day is on Thursday. News Literacy Project It can feel like we’re inundated with difficult and emotionally charged information when we go online. And it can be hard to discern fact from fiction and avoid confrontation– especially in the heat of the moment. John Silva is the Senior Director of Professional and Community Learning at the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit to advance the practice of news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy. John joins Insight to provide some tools about what to trust, share and act on. Low College Readiness in Sacramento County Schools Less than half of students at Sacramento County’s six largest school districts meet the requirements to attend California’s public universities. That success gap is disproportionately affecting students of color. Srishti Prabha, CapRadio’s Education Reporter joins Insight to talk about the effects of cultural biases and misconceptions on college readiness, as well as how “college intervention programs” are trying to help these students achieve their higher education goals. Sacramento Poetry Day Sacramento Poetry Day is on Thursday, highlighted by poetry curriculum in local schools, a contest open to all ages and a gala to celebrate the art of spoken word. Joining us to talk about Sacramento Poetry Day are Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye and David "AndYes" Loret De Mola, an award winning, nationally ranked slam poet.

POLITICO California Playbook shares the latest political happenings in the state. Valley Vision conducts its annual poll on livability across six counties. Blues artist Katie Knipp returns to The Sofia. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Trip to Israel and China Governor Gavin Newsom is in China today to promote action on climate change and strengthen economic ties. On his way to China, Newsom made a brief stop in Israel to meet with people affected by the war with Hamas. Co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook, Lara Korte, joins us today to talk about Newsom’s unexpected visit to Israel and what it means for his national profile despite his insistence that he is not running for President. Korte also digs into the reasons behind newly-installed Senator Laphonza Butler’s decision not to run for the seat when her term is up. 2023 Valley Vision Livability Poll This summer, over 3,000 people across the six counties in the Sacramento region answered questions about their quality of life as part of Valley Vision’s annual Livability Poll. The poll provides a snapshot of a variety of critical factors, and many residents shared positive views about the region’s assets. However, issues like climate change, a lack of affordable housing and disparities in accessing essential needs remain serious concerns for many. The full results will be released at the second annual Livability Summit, taking place Oct. 30 at 8 a.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Evan Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Vision talks about the results of the latest poll, the upcoming summit, and some of its speakers. Blues Artist Katie Knipp at The Sofia Katie Knipp is a three-time Top 10 Billboard Blues Albums artist and is bringing her big band back to the Sofia in Sacramento. Katie and drummer Neil Campisano join Insight ahead of their performance on Sat. Oct. 28 at 7pm. Editor's note: CapRadio is a media sponsor of Valley Vision's livability summit.