Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Elk Grove moves forward on relocating the Sacramento Zoo. Also, a survivor of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack speaks in Folsom. Finally, Sacramento musician The Philharmonik’s “Tiny Desk” submission.

Elk Grove’s Vote on Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo’s highly-anticipated move to Elk Grove has officially received the green light. Last night, the Elk Grove City Council voted to approve the zoo’s move from Land Park, where it first opened in 1927. Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Jason Jacobs, Executive Director of the Sacramento Zoo, join Insight about the years-long process behind the relocation, and what the next steps might bring.

Oct. 7 Hamas Attack Survivor Speaks in Folsom

Tonight the Chabad Jewish Community Center is welcoming a survivor from the Oct. 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Ilya Tarshansky lived in Kibbutz Be’eri. On October 7th, Hamas militants burnt down his home, murdered his son, and kidnapped his daughter. Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum and Ilya join insight ahead of their event at the Folsom Community Center at 7 p.m.

The Philharmonik’s ‘Tiny Desk’

NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest grows in popularity every year, but this is the first time the audience has gotten a chance to vote for their favorites. Forty-five were chosen from 7,000 entries for this honor and one of them is Sacramento’s own The Philharmonik. He joins us to explain What’s It All Mean?

Student journalists discuss covering campus protests. Also, Vitalant asks for blood donations for new mothers. Finally, an educational jazz series at The Sofia.

Student Journalists Covering Campus Protests

Student journalists with the CalMatters College Journalism Network Fellowship have been covering campus protests at their universities. Joining Insight is Atmika Iyer, a UCSB student-journalist, Christina Chkarboul, a student-journalist with the USC Daily Trojan, and Christopher Buchanan, a student-journalist at UCLA.

Blood Donations for New Mothers

Every year, about 219,000 units of blood and platelets are needed to help patients experiencing women’s health issues - including about 1 of every 83 births. The nonprofit Vitalant is highlighting that need. Communications Manager Victoria Wolfe and West Division Vice President Mitzy Edgecomb discuss the callout to blood donors, and the opportunity to meet maternal blood needs.

Sofia Educational Jazz Series

A new performance series at The Sofia is educating and connecting audience members with the various genres and characteristics of jazz. The series started in April, with plans to do 12 jazz shows per year. Saxophonist Jacam Manricks, who is performing in and curating the series, provides a taste of the different forms of jazz, as well as upcoming series performances of Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” on May 10, and John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” on June 13.

Valley Vision releases its first Inclusive Economy Poll. Also, a Sacramento physician pens a debut fiction novel “Dry Spells.” Finally, the Sacramento Tree Foundation explains the city’s urban forest plan.

Valley Vision’s ‘Inclusive Economy Poll’

Each year, Valley Vision fields public opinion polls in partnership with Sacramento State’s Institute for Social Research to generate greater understanding of the most pressing issues facing our region. The Inclusive Economy Poll was Valley Vision’s first public opinion poll solely focused on the economic well-being of our eight-county region. Evan Schmidt is the CEO of Valley Vision and joins us with the results of the poll.

New Book ‘Dry Spells’

Dr. Archana Maniar was in the throes of frontline care working as an infectious disease physician in Sacramento during the pandemic, when she made a commitment to care for herself through creative writing. And what culminated was a debut fiction novel that draws on her own life’s parallels of calling both the U.S. and Mumbai home. Archana joins us with her novel Dry Spells - described as a culmination of decades of observations of life both in the East and the West, years of studying human nature during stress and sickness, and a love for storytelling.

Sacramento’s Urban Forest Plan

Long known as the “City of Trees,” Sacramento has drafted an ambitious plan to nearly double its tree coverage over the next 20 years. The proposal would expand the canopy from 19% to 35% by 2045, with priority given to neighborhoods with the lowest tree coverage. Sacramento Tree Foundation Executive Director Dr. Jessica Sanders and Director of Education and Community Engagement Garrett Werner talk about how they are working with the city, as well as the steps needed to obtain “tree canopy equity.”

POLITICO’s California Playbook updates the latest in state politics. Also, Sac Republic FC celebrates 10 years and is currently undefeated. Finally, a spring music and wine pairing.

POLITICO’s ‘California Playbook’

POLITICO California Playbook co-author Lara Korte joins Insight with an update on the latest in state politics.

Sac Republic FC Celebrates 10 Seasons

On April 26, 2014, Sacramento Republic FC played its first-ever game at Hughes Stadium in Land Park. A decade later the “Indomitable Club” has become a powerhouse in the USL Championship league, and is currently undefeated in the 2024 season. Todd Dunivant, President and General Manager of Sacramento Republic FC joins Insight to reflect on the club’s success on and off the field, its MLS ambitions, and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - which Republic FC will enter on Tuesday, May 7 against Monterey Bay FC at Heart Health Park at Cal Expo.

Spring Music & Wine

CapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason and resident wine expert Rick Kushman team up for an Insight seasonal tradition - pairing spring music with wine. Jennifer selects her spring music favorites and Rick will listen for the first time, live on air, and select the perfect wine to go with the song.

How the City of Sacramento proposed to close a $66 million deficit. Also, an update on the city sanctioned homeless encampment Camp Resolution. Plus, the author of “The Hungry Season.” Finally, artist Raphael Delgado.

City of Sacramento’s Proposed Budget &Camp Resolution Update

Sacramento released its proposed budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, as the city aims to close a projected $66 million shortfall. That same day, Mayor Darrell Steinberg and District 2 Councilmember Shoun Thao unveiled a new proposal for Camp Resolution - a city sanctioned, self-governing homeless encampment. The city is proposing to close it this month, and Mayor Steinberg and Councilmember Thao want to transfer ownership of Camp Resolution to build affordable housing. CapRadio Sacramento Government Reporter Kristin Lam provides an update on the latest developments from city hall.

Book ‘The Hungry Season’

Following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong refugees resettled in the United States - many making their way to California’s Central Valley. Fresno and Sacramento are home to the largest Hmong populations in the United States, only behind Minneapolis. For many refugees, farming provided a bountiful resource of nourishment, community, and reconnecting with family ancestry. A journalist spent seven years in rice fields, intimately learning the story of one radiant Hmong woman - and how growing her ancestor’s rice in the San Joaquin Valley led to newfound power. That intimate relationship, along with years of research, transformed into a literary portrait. Lisa M. Hamilton is a journalist and author of The Hungry Season: A Journey of War, Love, and Survival.

Artist Raphael Delgado

Sacramento’s Raphael Delgado has added a new accolade to his bio - “Best New Exhibitor” at Miami Art Week. The artist behind the giant mural of “California Bear” that lords over 21st Street joins Insight to talk about the business of art festivals and what he has planned next.

Sacramento City Council moves forward on Innovation Park in Natomas. Also, a nonprofit donor 101 ahead on Big Day of Giving. Finally, a mother and daughter write a memoir about Lyme Disease.

Natomas Innovation Park

The Sacramento City Council took a big step forward in transforming what once was the Sleep Train Arena in north Natomas. Yesterday they unanimously approved a non-binding term sheet for a new financing district that would support the redevelopment project Innovation Park. The project spans 183 acres and includes residential units, as well as a California Northstate University academic campus and teaching hospital. Sacramento District 1 Councilmember Lisa Kaplan joins Insight to discuss what the next steps will be.

What to Know AboutLand Trusts

If you’ve been out looking for wildflowers around the Sacramento region recently— maybe you took a tour of Jepson Prairie Preserve or are planning to go to the poetry workshop at Wildflower Ridge in Nevada County —there’s a good chance you’ve had an experience with a land trust. But what is a land trust, you may be asking? Joining us to explain is Karin Winters, the California Onward Program Director for the California Council of Land Trusts.

Donating to Nonprofits 101

Tomorrow is literally a “big day” for hundreds of nonprofits across the Sacramento region. Big Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour event that raises funds for nonprofits across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. There are more than 800 this year - each with a variety of unique uses, and it can be overwhelming to sift through all of them when deciding which ones to donate to. Niva Flor is the Chief Impact & Strategy Officer at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation - the organization that leads Big Day of Giving.

Editor's note: CapRadio is a nonprofit participating in Big Day of Giving.

Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and can be difficult to diagnose. Most people don’t remember having a tick bite, and the symptoms can be confused with other conditions and illnesses. A mother and daughter lived through this debilitating uncertainty and are sharing their story of hope and survival despite medical skepticism. Rachel Leland, is the author of Finding Resilience: A Teen's Journey Through Lyme Disease. Her mother Dorothy Leland is the President of the patient advocacy organization LymeDisease.org and is co-author of the book.

Pro-Palestinian campus protests at universities across the country - including Sac State and Cal Poly Humboldt. Also, Loaves and Fishes responds to a landmark Supreme Court case on homelessness. Finally, Nevada County holds a “Dark Sky Photo Contest.”

Pro-Palestinian Campus Protests

Hundreds of students have been arrested following pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the country. The demonstrations and encampments are in support of the people of Gaza, and come with demands that universities divest from companies that do business with Israel. The organization behind the national movement is Students for Justice in Palestine, which says it’s supporting over 350 solidarity organizations across the U.S., including California state universities like Sacramento State. Cal Poly Humboldt demonstrations escalated over the past week. The university says 25 people were arrested Tuesday morning after protesters occupied two campus buildings and defied orders to disperse last Friday. Cal Poly Humboldt put a hard closure to campus over the weekend that extends through May 10 — the end of the semester. Kianna Znika is a student journalist and the station manager for KRFH, the student-run radio station at Cal Poly Humboldt. Sage Alexander is a reporter with the Times-Standard. Keith David Watenpaugh is a Professor and Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis.

Sacramento State and Cal Poly Humboldt were both invited to the show but declined. The Cal State Office of the Chancellor declined an interview, but in a statement responded to how CSU campuses are responding to demonstrations, “While the CSU operates as a system, it consists of 23 universities, each with unique sets of circumstances and local jurisdictions. As such, campuses are best qualified to make real-time decisions through a local lens, while understanding they have the support of the Chancellor’s Office.”

Loaves & Fishes

The Supreme Court is still considering the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which has been described as the most important case about homelessness in decades. The legal question revolves around whether unhoused people can be criminally punished for sleeping or camping outside, even if adequate shelter is not available. Loaves & Fishes Executive Director Angela Hassell joins Insight to talk about the services her organization provides, and what a Supreme Court decision could mean for the unhoused community here in Sacramento, which faces both a homelessness and affordable housing crisis.

Dark Sky Photo Contest

There has been a growing “dark skies” push from cities and counties that want to maintain an unadulterated night sky in rural spaces and protected wildlands. In an effort to raise awareness about light pollution, Nevada County launched Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, a photo contest capturing the naturally dark sky and its beauty - as well as the impact bright city lights can have on the landscape. Nevada County District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall and Project Administrator Ariel Lovett join Insight with more on the contest and overall mission.

California wants to welcome Arizona doctors following the state's potential abortion ban. Also, Placerville restaurants compete on Guy Fieri’s “Best Bite in Town” on Food Network. Finally, American River Raft Rentals celebrates 50 years.

CA’s Response to Arizona’s Abortion Ban

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers announced legislation aimed at helping Arizonans access abortions after the Arizona Supreme Court allowed a near total-ban to move forward. CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Kate Wolffe explains how California could soon allow Arizona doctors to give their patients abortions in the Golden State.

Placerville Restaurants Compete on Food Network

The latest episode of the Food Network’s new competition show Best Bite in Town headed to Placerville in El Dorado County, pitting six local restaurants against one another for the coveted title. Mary Fulmer is the owner of Hog Wild Bar-B-Que , Brandon Guenther is the chef and owner of Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen + Saloon , and Simona Salvatori is the owner of Amore Mio Italian Bistro , and they join Insight to talk about their experience, as well as the dishes they prepared.

50 Years at American River Raft Rentals

This month kicked off a popular time on the lower American River. Each year from late spring through summer, rafts fill the scenic American River Parkway - just 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. American River Raft Rentals is the largest rafting company, offering self-guided floats on beginner stretches of the river since 1974. Kent Hansen is the co-owner of American River Raft Rentals and joins us about celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Verge Center for the Arts sparks debate about inclusivity in Sacramento’s creative scene. Also, it’s peak time for baby deer - the dos and don’ts during fawn season. Finally, Aggie Square in Oak Park is putting a callout for local muralists.

Controversy at Verge Center for the Arts

Two artists of color were evicted fromVerge Center for the Arts in March, sparking a public debate about the inclusivity of the region’s art scene. Many artists say it's symptomatic of broader trends outside of Verge. Earlier this year, SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) was publicly embroiled ina dispute over keffiyehs. And Wide Open Walls received backlashfor overlooking Asian artistsin their Lunar New Year and T?t mural. CapRadio ReporterSrishti Prabhashares conversations with leadership at Verge, as well as with local artists of color who argue these issues highlight the need for more inclusive practices in the Sacramento arts scene.

Clarification: Verge communicated their intent to stop pursuing the temporary workplace restraining order before the hearing on April 19.They did not attend the hearing and the restraining order was dropped as a result.

Editor’s Note: The audioportion of this story was originally published on Thursday, April 25, and removed the next day. Theaudiowas re-published on Monday, May 6after editorial review.

Wildlife Dos and Don'ts for Fawn Season

Spring is the season of new beginnings and that includes a variety of wildlife - like baby deer. Fawns are making their way into the world, and most of the time it is best to honor the “wild” in wildlife, and just leave them alone. But some humans can’t seem to help themselves, and they interfere with Mother Nature. Dave Cook (also known as Deer Dave) is a fawn rehabber at Sierra Wildlife Rescue and joins us as he gears up for another busy season.

Aggie Square’s Callout for Muralists

A major project in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood is putting a call out for local artists. The UC Davis Aggie Square innovation district wants to create two mural projects and is collecting artist applications until May 20 - with an information session on May 1. Donald Gensler is the Arts in Public Places Manager for the city of Sacramento and shares more details on how artists can apply for the projects, as well as the steps being taken to ensure that the selection process is open - and equitable - to artists from all communities and backgrounds.

Editor’s Note: The audioportion of this story was originally published on Thursday, April 25, and removed the next day. Theaudiowas re-published on Monday, May 6after editorial review.

The annual Capitol-to-Capitol program in D.C. to promote business development in the Sacramento region. Also, how Tuolumne County is adapting its wildfire resiliency. Finally, the Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest at Cosumnes River College.

2024 ‘Cap-to-Cap’ Recap

Every year, Sacramento area businesses, as well as community and non-profit organizations, band together for a common cause. They team up and attend the annual Capitol-to-Capitol (“Cap-to-Cap”) program in Washington, DC to promote business development in the Sacramento region. This year marked the program’s 52nd year and Robert Heidt , President & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, joins us to report on how this year’s advocacy trip went and some of the key issues facing our area.

Tuolumne County’s Environmental Resilience

Jaron Brandon represents Columbia and Jamestown and Caitlin Henry is the Administrative Analyst of the county’s Master Stewardship Agreement. They join Insight to explain how this rural community is approaching recovery and resiliency by adapting to the needs of today - from forest health, to the unforgiving fire insurance landscape, as well as working to streamline affordable housing. Here is a look at their Social and Ecological Resilience Across the Landscape (SERAL) project

Inaugural ‘Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest’

A new career fair aims to provide hundreds of local high school students the opportunity to explore job opportunities in a variety of high-need sectors. The inaugural Sacramento Regional Youth Career Fest will take place on Friday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cosumnes River College. Mitchell Leach II , President and Founder of Interns 2 Pros , discusses how the event was organized, as well as how it seeks to close career awareness and access gaps for students from historically underserved backgrounds.