Wildlife research is being done at California’s newest state park Dos Rios. Also, the new book “Sacramento Noir” is an anthology celebrating the neighborhoods and eras of the city. Finally, “Arts Talk” connects you with events this month.

Wildlife Research at Dos Rios State Park 

Dos Rios is the newest state park in California. Which means there is a lot to discover. Located near Modesto, between the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers, this stretch of the San Joaquin Valley has been the site of microscopic exploration. Scientists are turning to the soil to learn about the life forms that call this floodplain home. So we’re going to nerd out a bit and learn about a technology called eDNA (environmental DNA). Joining us is California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. We’re also joined by River Partners, the organization that is conducting this work. Julie Rentner is the president, Sarah Gaffney is a Restoration Science Ecologist, and Diego Garcia is an Associate Restoration Scientist. 

New Book ‘Sacramento Noir’ 

A new anthology is bringing elements of Sacramento’s history and diverse neighborhoods to life through the lens of noir. Sacramento Noir includes 13 pieces from local authors, and is launching tonight at Time-Tested Books. The anthology is also the focus of a new reading and literacy series called CapLit, which is holding its debut event on Friday at the CLARA Auditorium in Midtown. Sacramento Noir editor John Freeman talks about how this story collection was created, and his own contribution titled Intersections. Also, CapLit co-director and author Naomi Williams talks about why the event series was founded, and her story Sakura City.

‘Arts Talk’ Highlights Events this Month

March is Women’s History Month and Performing Arts Month. And the Sacramento arts scene seemed to get the memo. Whether it’s leading art institutions such as the Latino Center of Arts and Culture or strutting across the stage in The Tina Turner Musical, women are firmly in the spotlight this month. Arts advocate Veronica Rodriguez is back with another installment of Arts Talk on Insight. She’ll give us the lowdown on what to see this month. 

You can send tips and ideas to [email protected]

• First Friday at WAL off R Street on March 7

• Second Saturday: ArtHouse on 10th and R Street has a new show called Escapism 2.0 on March 8.

• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at Safe Credit Union through March 8.

• Barn Gallery in Woodland has a new exhibit Rock, Paper, Scissors launching March 15. 

• Sacramento Ballet Visons March 21 - 23.

• Celebration Arts launches Barefoot in the Park on April 11.

Gov. Newsom orders state workers to return to the office nearly full time. Also, Tesla drivers are taking a political stance. Plus, electric vehicle sales stall in California. Finally, Oak Park’s “Fix-It Cafe.”

Gov. Newsom’s Return-to-Office Order

Working from home has become normalized since the pandemic. But this type of flexibility is in for some changes. Gov. Newsom issued an executive order, requiring state workers to return to the office four days a week starting this summer. CapRadio Politics Reporter Megan Myscofski explains the motivation behind this shift away from remote work, as well as the pushback this executive order is receiving.

Tesla Drivers Take Political Stance

Politically speaking, blue parts of the country are hotspots for electric vehicles. And Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, leads the pack in popularity. But some drivers disapprove of Musk’s involvement with the Trump Administration. And they are expressing it on the road. CapRadio Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald shares conversations with liberal Tesla drivers who are now sporting anti-Musk bumper stickers. 

EV Sales Stall in CA

About a quarter of all new vehicles registered in California in 2024 were zero emission, which is about the same percentage when compared to the year prior. The flat sales follow several years of rapid growth, but are still far below the state’s 35% target. CalMatters Climate Reporter Alejandro Lazo talks about why EV sales in the state have stalled, and what that means for its goal to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035.

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

Oak Park’s ‘Fix-It Cafe’

Spaces where people from a community can work together and have a good time are vital to the Sacramento-region. The Oak Park Fix-it Cafe is one of those places. Open to the public every Second Saturday of the month, including this weekend, the Oak Park Fix-it Cafe allows people to come together to repair and maintain bikes, clothes and electrical items. Rosalee Hagstrom is a co-founder of the Oak Park Fix-It Cafe and Chad Orcutt is the Executive Director & Janitor of the Shop Class Learning Center. They explain how the cafe started and what folks can expect if they visit.

The current flu season - as well as other infectious diseases like RSV, COVID, and recent outbreaks of measles. Also, Grizzly Flats trees burned by the Caldor Fire are still dangerous. Finally, NAWBO Sacramento Valley OWL Awards.

Flu Season 

Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health, joins Insight to discuss the current flu season and vaccination rates - as well as other infectious diseases like RSV, COVID, and recent outbreaks of measles.

Caldor Fire Tree Hazards 

In 2021, the Caldor Fire nearly destroyed the El Dorado County community of Grizzly Flats. Nearly four years later, for the residents who chose to stick around and rebuild, there are still hazards within the wildfire’s footprint. Grizzly Flats residents Mark Almer and David Robinson discuss the dangers of burned, rotting trees at risk of falling. KCRA Special Projects Reporter Jason Marks discusses the challenges of clearing this type of debris.

Women Business Owners in Sacramento 

The 29th OWL Awards Gala is this Saturday in downtown Sacramento. The gala is hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners Sacramento Valley (NAWBO), which is dedicated to educating, advocating and elevating women’s business owners, executives and leaders. Christina Dixon is the President of NAWBO Sacramento Valley and joins us today to explain the role of the organization.

How California can prepare disabled people for the next disaster. Also, CapRadio’s new series focusing on Sacramento’s diverse environment and wildlife. Finally, a gothic fairytale show “The Lost One.”

Helping Disabled People During Disasters

Evacuating during a disaster is traumatic and stressful. But access to safety depends largely on physical and mental ableness. In recent years, deadly wildfires in Sonoma and Butte counties highlighted this concerning reality. In 2019, a state audit showed that emergency response has struggled to properly assist people with disabilities and limited mobility. But despite knowing these dangers, the deadly wildfires across the Los Angeles area resurfaced this issue. Ana Ibarra is a health reporter for CalMatters and shares her reporting on how California can prepare disabled people for the next disaster. 

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

CapRadio Series ‘Rewilding Sacramento’

Did you know there’s a place in Folsom where you can visit nesting bald eagles? Or that the rice fields in our backyard are home to thousands of nutritious water bugs that can feed baby salmon? CapRadio Environment Reporter Manola Secaira has a new series focusing on Sacramento’s diverse environment and wildlife. She joins us to introduce her series called Rewilding Sacramento.

Gothic Fairytale Show ‘The Lost One’

A new spin on classical-style music is coming to The Sofia in midtown Sacramento this weekend. The Lost One explores the human subconscious through gothic music, dance, themed cocktails and a “dark fairytale” motif. Composer Courtney Daniels joins Insight to talk about how The Lost One makes classical music more approachable to today’s audience, and encourages people to break out of their comfort zones.

A new investigation uncovers abuses in California homeless shelters. Also, Republican leaders at the State Capitol talk about legislative priorities. Finally, evaluating how safe Sacramento’s streets are for cyclists.

Investigation into California’s Homeless Shelters

Despite spending roughly $1 billion on homeless shelters since 2018, fewer than one in four people actually move into a permanent home. A new investigation by CalMatters has uncovered scandals and abuse in many of California’s shelters for unhoused residents. Lauren Hepler is an investigative reporter for CalMatters and she joins us today to explain what’s happening inside some of these facilities.

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

Republican Senate and Assembly Leaders

Democrats still hold a supermajority in the California Legislature, but there have been shifts in the Republican caucus. Three seats were flipped in the latest election, and state GOP lawmakers are growing more diverse. When breaking down both the Assembly and Senate, Republicans represent just under a third of each chamber. We’re going to sit down with the Republican leaders at the State Capitol. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones has been a state lawmaker for 15 years, with a district based in San Diego. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher was first elected in 2014, with a district based in Chico. They both join Insight to discuss their legislative priorities and how they are collaborating across the aisle to turn their bills into state laws. 

Bikeability of Sacramento Streets

Sacramento pledged in 2017 to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2027, but the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths has been on the rise. Officials submitted a proposal to declare a state of emergency over the accidents last year, and the city has been adding new infrastructure - like bike lanes and buffering - to some of the risker streets in the city. CapRadio Communities Reporter Gerardo Zavala took a recent trip down Broadway as part of an ongoing series, and talks about what he observed on his bike.

City leaders explore downtown Sacramento’s future. Also, the local impact of USAID funding. Plus, Sacramento Fashion Week kicks off this weekend. Finally, the storytelling series “In a Nutshell” at the Sofia.

Downtown Sacramento’s Future

City leaders explored Sacramento’s future this week. The annual State of Downtown event highlighted new developments, the Athletics' forthcoming season and reflected on the accomplishments of the city’s core over the past decade. CapRadio reporters Keyshawn Davis and Tony Rodriguez join Insight with more on the big changes coming to the heart of the Capital City, and the potential impact on the surrounding region.

Local Impact of USAID

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was formed more than 60 years ago as a tool in foreign policy, with the goal of ending extreme poverty and supporting democratic societies - while spreading American influence across the world. But many government links to USAID have been scrubbed and, as of this morning, the homepage has been reduced to a notice for employees to pick up their personal belongings. Shortly after the inauguration, the Trump Administration gutted the federal agency and paused USAID funding to thousands of aid projects. As a legal battle continues, there are local impacts. Keith David Watenpaugh is a professor and Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis, which received USAID funding. He joins Insight with more on how these federal grants support the broader interests of the United States, as well as its long-term safety and security.

Sacramento Fashion Week

For two nights this weekend, Sacramento’s premiere designers and models will come together to celebrate the area’s eclectic fashion scene. Sacramento Fashion Week is back and the runway is set for sustainable strutting at the Crocker Art Museum Friday and Saturday. The annual showcase is organized by DMR Productions, which was started 20 years ago by Duane Ram. He talks about the genesis of Sac Fashion Week and how the industry has changed since his first show.

‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling Series

Sometimes it’s the most unlikely of pairings that make something great, like Girl Scout Cookies and craft beer or Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. “Strange Bedfellows” will take center stage at the topic of this month’s storytelling showcase In a Nutshell at the Sofia on Friday. Kate Willett and JP Frary join us today to talk about telling stories about odd couplings and strange partnerships.

The rise of backcountry skiing and the risk of avalanches. Also, a documentary about the melting Greenland Ice Sheet and sea level rise. Finally, the Park Winters Flower Farm in Yolo County. 

Backcountry Avalanche Dangers

A day skiing can easily cost a couple hundred bucks. For some, the backcountry is an alternative to avoid the lift ticket and crowds that resorts attract. But the danger of avalanches is real - and some guides would argue inevitable. Jack Dolan is an investigative reporter for the LA Times and shared his reporting about the rise of backcountry skiers in recent years, and the real risks that these untouched mountains pose.

Greenland Ice Sheet Documentary

Kathy Kasic is a director, cinematographer and Associate Professor at Sac State. She joins Insight about her latest documentary The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice about the melting Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) and the future of sea level rise across the globe. The film will be available via streaming later this year. In the meantime, you can watch it at the California Capital International Documentary Film Festival in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, March 8.

Park Winters Flower Farm

Park Winters Flower Farm offers a unique experience for those looking to escape the city. At Park Winters you can enjoy a garden tour, a floral arranging class and even pick your own bouquets. It’s also become a popular dining destination that showcases food grown and raised in the Capay Valley. Rafael Galiano is the co-owner of Park Winters Flower Farm and he’s here today to tell us where the seed of this idea came from and how he made it grow.

An investigation into California’s levees for flood control. Also, the three-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War. Finally, the Andrew Maloney Quartet performs at CapRadio.

How Prepared Are California's Levees?

Water in California has been in the political spotlight. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump entered the debate over water policy, issuing an executive order to release billions of gallons of water from two reservoirs in the Central Valley - a move that some farmers and water experts said was an unnecessary risk for levees in the region. Emily Zentner is an Investigative Data Journalist at the California Newsroom, a collaboration of public radio stations and nonprofit newsrooms throughout the state, and joins Insight with her reporting on the state of California’s levees.

Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary 

Three years ago today Russian forces invaded Ukraine, igniting a conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives. The war has now entered an uncertain stage with the new Trump Administration, which has been thawing relations with Russia. Martin Kuz is an independent journalist from Sacramento who has traveled to Ukraine several times since the war began. He joins Insight to provide an update on the war, and how Ukrainians are feeling about President Trump’s approach to the conflict.

Andrew Maloney Jazz Band 

Andrew Maloney is a busy man. You can find the saxophonist and composer performing most nights of the week with a variety of jazz bands, including one that bears his own name. The Andrew Maloney Quartet is the band-in-residence twice a week at Sacramento’s Butterscotch Den. Featuring fellow musicians Avery Jeffry, Andrew Mills and Jeremy Paz, the Andrew Maloney Quartet plays every Tuesday and Thursday night. Andrew Maloney joins us today to talk about making music in Sacramento and keeping it fresh on a weekly basis. We’ll also hear a couple of songs from the quartet recorded in the CapRadio studio.

Note: Avery Jeffry is the Excellence in Jazz Host for CapRadio Music.

We are revisiting conversations with Rep. Ami Bera about navigating a second Trump presidency. Also, Rosario Rodriguez is the newest Sacramento County Supervisor. Finally, musician Dave Nachmanoff performs at CapRadio.

Rep. Ami Bera

Rep. Ami Bera joined Insight at the end of January while on a trip back to his district. The Democrat represents the northern part of Sacramento County and has been in Congress for more than a decade, spanning four presidents - including President Donald Trump twice. Congressman Bera discussed how a second Trump presidency is shaping the work he does here at home and in D.C.

Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez

Sacramento County has a new supervisor. Elected to serve District 4, Rosario Rodriguez is no stranger to local office. The former Folsom City Council Member and mayor is also the owner of Sutter Street Taqueria. Supervisor Rodriguez joined Insight earlier this month with how her life experiences shape what she believes is best for the county, as well as her top priorities for the neighborhoods in her district - which include Citrus Heights, Folsom, Orangevale, Rancho Murieta, North Highlands and Carmichael.

Musician Dave Nachmanoff

This year we brought back a beloved Insight tradition. Sharing performances taped at CapRadio. And the inaugural act is a singer-songwriter from Davis. Dave Nachmanoff has put together a new band called The Usual Culprits and last month they performed a couple songs from Dave’s concept album Spinoza’s Dream.

Revisiting conversations with some of the new state lawmakers in our area: Assemblymember Maggy Krell, Senator Christopher Cabaldon, and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom.

Asm. Maggy Krell 

Assembly Member Maggy Krell won the assembly’s sixth district in Sacramento, replacing Kevin McCarty who is now Sacramento’s mayor. The Democrat is a former deputy attorney general, under then-Attorney General Kamala Harris. Krell is known for prosecuting sex traffickers and wrote the book Taking Down Backpage: Fighting The World's Largest Sex Trafficker. She was also an attorney for Planned Parenthood and helped pave the way for California’s Proposition 1 protecting abortion access. Krell joined Insight with her priorities in her first year in office.

Sen. Christopher Cabaldon 

State Senator Christopher Cabaldon is new to state office, but a familiar name in local politics. He was West Sacramento’s mayor for two decades. Senator Cabaldon joins Insight to discuss his priorities in office - with a district that spans Yolo County, the Delta, Sacramento Valley, North Bay and Wine Country.

Asm. Rhodesia Ransom

Assembly Member Rhodesia Ransom represents District 13 in San Joaquin County - which includes Stockton, Tracy and the new city of Mountain House. Assembly Member Ransom is a former city council member and staffer for Rep. Josh Harder. She joins us to talk about her journey to the State Capitol and her priorities in her first year in office.