Insight With Vicki Gonzalez CapRadio

The executive director of First 5 California, a state commission which helps children ages 5 and under. Also, how a relationship to food shapes Asian American identity. Finally, the Auburn Trails Alliance.

First 5 California
A little over two decades ago, California voters approved a proposition to benefit the state’s children. In 1998, Prop 10 added a 50-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes, and that money went to the creation of a California Children and Families Commission - more commonly known as First 5 California, which helps children from the womb through age 5 - including parents and caregivers. The person leading this state commission is also charting a new path. Executive Director Jackie Thu-Huong Wong is the first woman of color to lead the commission. Jackie explains how her childhood as a refugee following the fall of Saigon shapes her work today.

How Food Shapes Asian American Identity
How does our relationship to food shape Asian American identity? And how does our identity influence the food we make? As we close AAPI Heritage Month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. In today’s episode, host Sarah Mizes-Tan discusses food appropriation, who has “ownership” over certain foods, and what happens when a much beloved drink goes mainstream.

Auburn Trails Alliance
Auburn is the self-proclaimed endurance capital of Northern California. It’s home to two of the most prestigious long-distance races in the world: the Tevis Cup 100-Mile Endurance Equestrian Ride and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. Kelley Davis is the Director of the Auburn Trails Alliance and spoke with Insight producer Jen Picard about new initiatives and events tied to May is Bike Month.

Chronic Wasting Disease in deer has been detected in California for the first time. Also, how our relationships with our parents affect our sense of self. Finally, CalMatters will be hosting its inaugural Ideas Festival in Sacramento.

Chronic Wasting Disease in CA Deer
Chronic Wasting Disease is considered the most important disease affecting deer and elk populations in North America. And it has been detected in California for the first time. Brandon Munk is a Senior Wildlife Veterinarian for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and explains why scientists are concerned about the spread of this neurological condition, the risks to humans, as well as the efforts being made to curb its spread.

Mother-Daughter Relationship in AAPI Families
How do our relationships with our parents affect our sense of self? And why does the mother-daughter relationship, in particular, seem so complex? As we close AAPI Heritage Month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. In today’s episode, host Sarah Mizes-Tan explores her own relationship with her mother and how it has affected her identity.

CalMatters Ideas Festival
The nonprofit news organization CalMatters will be hosting its inaugural Ideas Festival on June 5-6 in Sacramento. The event will feature a variety of speakers, panel discussions, and summits to talk about the most pressing issues in California, from broadband access to homelessness. CalMatters CEO Neil Chase provides a preview of the festival, and talks about how the organization is expanding its coverage with the recent acquisition of The Markup.

CapRadio is a content-sharing partner with CalMatters, and a media sponsor of the Ideas Festival.

POLITICO’s California Playbook updates state politics. CapRadio’s Mid Pacific podcast explores some of the first Asian-American enclaves in California. Finally, a locally-produced documentary about country music will be screened in Sacramento.

POLITICO’s California Playbook

is the co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and provides an update on state politics.

First Asian-American Enclaves in California
What does it mean when a Chinatown or Japantown becomes gentrified or disappears? As we close AAPI month, we are revisiting episodes of CapRadio’s podcast Mid Pacific. Today we’ll explore some of the first Asian-American enclaves in California, and what their existence means for Asian American identity today.

‘Open Country’ Documentary
A new documentary out of Davis looks at the working-class roots of American country music. The film Open Country first released in February, and will be shown this evening, May 28 at Cafe Colonial in Sacramento. Husband-and-wife filmmakers Glenda and Jesse Drew talk about the work that went into the documentary, and how tonight’s screening is raising money to commemorate famed country musician Aunt Molly Jackson, who is buried in Sacramento’s Odd Fellows Cemetery. 

Lessons from the 10th anniversary of the Isla Vista shooting. A new immersive opera opens in Sacramento. Finally, tips for growing produce in the high Sierra.

Isla Vista Shooting 10th Anniversary
Ten years ago, a mass shooting and stabbing spree in the college town of Isla Vista killed six people and injured 14 more. Now the mother of the shooter is speaking up about possible warning signs, in the hopes of preventing future tragedies. That story is captured in a recent episode of the investigative program Reveal. Mark Follman, National Affairs Editor for Mother Jones magazine spoke with the mother, Chin Roger, and joins Insight with more about his investigation.

Immersive Opera ‘Waiting Rooms’
A new immersive opera is premiering this Sunday, May 26 in an unconventional space - Sacramento’s Gender Health Center. The piece, titled Waiting Rooms, explores our relationship between memory and absence through the cultural experiences and materials of AIDS. Composer Trey Makler provides a preview of the show and talks about how Waiting Rooms is rooted in his own personal experiences.

Tahoe Master Gardeners
Growing your own produce is a rewarding and nourishing experience, but getting fruits and vegetables to thrive in the Tahoe region can be more of a challenge. Tahoe’s Master Gardeners are stepping in and holding several events next week on May 31, June 1, and June 8 to help interested gardeners. Master Gardener and Tahoe resident David Long shares some tips on how to grow healthy plants in the high Sierra.

A new Sacramento mural uplifts the stories of historic Japantown. An upcoming book looks at the growing power of the Latino electorate. Finally, how UC Davis Veterinary Medicine treats animal cancers.

Sacramento’s Japantown Mural
Sacramento’s Japantown was demolished more than 60 years ago, to make room for the Capitol Mall Redevelopment Project. But a new mural project is shining a light on the community’s history and the stories of Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes - twice. CapRadio reporter Kristin Lam provides a look at the illustrations being created by Reclaim Sacramento Japantown, and how they hope to educate the community.

Upcoming Book ‘The Latino Century’
Latinos are the second largest ethnic voting group in the country, and that growing power has significant implications for American politics and democracy. An upcoming book titled The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy investigates this growing demographic. Author and political consultant Mike Madrid joins Insight with a preview of his work, which is set to release on June 18.

Pet Cancer Treatment at UC Davis
Pets are considered by many to be family, and so it can be devastating to discover that your animal companion has cancer. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has been helping pet owners overcome this challenging diagnosis. Dr. Michael Kent, a Professor of Radiation Oncology at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine talks about how cancers are diagnosed and treated in animals. Brian Boitano also shares the story of his dog Hunter, who was diagnosed with cancer and received treatment at UC Davis.

Former NBA champion Bill Cartwright talks about his life and career. A new professional baseball team makes its debut in Yolo County. Finally, a new book charts Sacramento Republic FC’s successful first year.

Bill Cartwright
A five-time NBA Champion was recently honored as an inductee for the 2024 Sacramento Walk of Stars. Bill Cartwright joins Insight to share the story of his life and career - from growing up in Elk Grove, to playing in the NBA alongside Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls, to his current role as the Director of University Initiatives at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco.

 

Yolo High Wheelers Baseball Team 
A new professional baseball team is making its debut in Yolo County. The Yolo High Wheelers, part of the independent Pioneer League, will play their inaugural game on Tuesday, May 21 at UC Davis’s Dobbins Stadium against the Rocky Mountain Vibes. Team manager Billy Horton talks about how the team came to settle in Davis, and what opportunities the High Wheelers offers to players looking to make their big break.

 

New Republic FC Book ‘Not When, But If?’
A new book, almost a decade in the making, charts the story of Sacramento Republic FC’s origins, and how the team became a champion in its debut 2014 season. The book is titled Not When, But If?: How Sacramento Republic FC Rose From the Ashes of a Half Century of Failed Local Soccer Experiments to Win a Championship, Galvanize the City, and Become an MLS Expansion Favorite. Author Evan Ream talks about how the team defied the odds to become a successful club from day one.