Unpacking why Prop 6 failed to pass in California. Advocates want to introduce ranked-choice voting in Sacramento. Finally, the Sacramento Bee reveals its top 50 restaurants for 2024.

Why Voters Rejected Prop 6

California voters have rejected a proposition that would have ended forced labor in state prisons and allowed incarcerated people to focus on their rehabilitation. Prop 6 was backed by Democratic leaders, unions and advocates and faced no organized opposition. Joe Garcia, a California Local News Fellow with CalMatters talks about the reasons why Prop 6 failed to pass, and what the larger implications are for criminal justice reform in the state. 

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

Bringing Ranked-Choice-Voting to Sacramento

A local coalition is looking to revamp Sacramento’s voting system, with a model they say provides better representation, improves diversity and strengthens democracy.  Josh Rosa, a volunteer with Better Ballot Sacramento talks about the benefits and drawbacks of ranked-choice voting, and how it could impact future elections in the capital city.

Sac Bee’s Top 50 Restaurants of 2024

The Sacramento Bee has released its Top 50 restaurants list for 2024. Food and Drink Writer Benjy Egel joins Insight to talk about how he puts the list together, new additions this year, and how to explore the best places to eat across the region

Mayor Darrell Steinberg talks about Sacramento Republic FC’s new stadium. An award-winning film based on a UC Davis historian’s book about “suicide by proxy.” Finally, how to use comedy to talk about depression and suicide.

New Soccer Stadium Approved for Sacramento Railyard

Sacramento City Council has unanimously voted to approve a proposal term sheet for Sacramento Republic FC’s brand-new stadium and an entertainment venue in the Downtown Railyards. This comes a week after the project was first unveiled, and five years after plans to develop a stadium in the Railyards as part of a Major League Soccer bid. Mayor Darrell Steinberg joins Insight to talk about what this new stadium means for Sacramento’s future.

'The Devil's Bath' Panel at UC Davis

A UC Davis historian’s book on the practice of “suicide by proxy” in early modern Germany has inspired a new award-winning Austrian film that looks at themes of crime, religion, mental health and social environments. Filmmaking duo Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala talk about their film The Devil’s Bath, which is Austria’s entrant for the 2025 Academy Awards. Also Kathy Stuart, author of Suicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany: Crime, Sin and Salvation (World Histories of Crime, Culture and Violence) talks about the history behind the film’s story. A panel discussion on The Devil’s Bath will be held tomorrow at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, and a separate film screening in Cruess Hall.

The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a financial supporter of CapRadio.

Comedy and Suicide

It’s not always easy to talk about personal mental health struggles, but what if you brought together a bunch of people with no boundaries to do it? That’s the idea behind 1 Degree of Separation, where comedians open up about their stories of depression and suicide. Brad Bonar started the company after his own personal experience. He now runs it with his wife Victoria. They join us today to talk about traveling with the show to bring its message to students and military members abroad. We’ll also meet Ellis Rodriguez, a comedian and close friend of the Bonars.

How white-nose syndrome threatens bat colonies in California. Tracking college graduate earnings based on their major. Finally, how to address anxiety and stress after the election.

White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

White-nose syndrome is a fungal infection that has killed millions of bats across the United States . Two weeks ago, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the presence of the fungus in five counties across the state. Corky Quirk, Program Coordinator for the Yolo Basin Foundation talks about the risks the disease poses to bats in California and in the Sacramento region, and what can be done to prevent its spread.  

Return on Investment for CA College Graduates

A new report outlines how much money college graduates can make, depending on their major. The research tracks earnings five years after graduation, and includes a look at Sacramento-area colleges and universities. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, former chancellor of California’s Community Colleges and President and CEO of The College Futures Foundation and Michael Itzkowitz, president of the HEA Group break down the reports findings, and what they say about choosing a specific major compared to a specific school.

Post-Election Anxiety and Stress

Are you currently suffering from post-election anxiety? According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety among adults has surged this year, with many pointing to the recent presidential election as a major source. Even before the election, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year. Joining us to discuss how to manage all those feelings is Dr. Sara Aghamohammadi, a physician and Chief Wellness officer at UC Davis Health. She’ll help us unpack why elections cause such stress and offer tips on what we can do about it.

How Election Day results on the federal, state, and local level impact the labor, arts, and LGBTQ+ communities. Finally, comedian W. Kamau Bell performs at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis.

Labor Election Reactions

Election week results continue to roll in, with Republicans on track to control the White House and the U.S. Senate. In California, propositions to raise the minimum wage and outlaw involuntary servitude for those incarcerated appear to be on the way to failing, and the Sacramento mayoral race is still up in the air. Fabrizio Sasso is the Executive Director of the Sacramento Central Labor Council and joins Insight to talk about how the labor community is responding to these developments, and the possible impacts on workers’ lives.

Election Impact on the LGBTQ+ and Arts Communities

The election has wide-ranging ramifications on many different communities. Dennis Mangers is a former assembly member and advisor to Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, as well as a longtime supporter of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ and arts communities. He talks about the importance of passing Prop 3 and enshrining same-sex marriage rights in the California constitution, concerns the LGBTQ+ community has with the incoming Trump Administration, as well as what a change in Sacramento leadership means for the local arts community.

W. Kamau Bell at the Mondavi Center

Many people may know W. Kamau Bell as the host and executive producer of CNN’s United Shades of America. The comedian, filmmaker and author brought stories of diversity and social issues to the forefront, earning multiple Emmy Awards. He now hosts the ACLU podcast At Liberty and has a popular Substack Who’s With Me? He’ll be performing An Evening of Comedy with W. Kamau Bell this Friday at the Mondavi Center in Davis. He joins us in the studio to talk about his unique perspective on modern life.
The Mondavi Center is a financial supporter of CapRadio.

A look at voting trends the day after the election. Also, Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin McCarty. Plus, how to navigate uncomfortable conversations post-election. Finally, six years since the Camp Fire.

Preliminary Election Results

Sacramento Mayoral Candidate Kevin McCarty

The Sacramento mayor’s race is still too close to call. The next update on election results from the county will be posted Friday afternoon. State Assemblymember and Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin McCarty is currently in the lead and joins us with a look at preliminary election results.  

Sacramento mayoral candidate Dr. Flojaune Cofer declined Insight’s invitation.

Post-Election Etiquette

Emotions are high after the election and it can be difficult to talk politics with others who have different viewpoints. Etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall offers some advice about how to navigate uncomfortable conversations, as we head towards holiday gatherings.

Camp Fire Anniversary

On Nov. 8, 2018 the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history ignited in Butte County, devastating the communities of Paradise, Magalia, Concow and Pulga. At least 85 people were killed in the immediate aftermath and more than 18,000 homes and other structures were destroyed. Rebuilding is still taking place to this day. Jen Goodlin is the Executive Director of the Rebuild Paradise Foundation and joins us with how survivors are marking this day.

Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber walks us through overseeing elections across California. Also, a look at early ballot returns and vote tracking with Political Data. Finally, the California Voter Foundation provides last minute voting tips.

Secretary of State Shirley Weber

Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber walks us through how her office oversees elections across California and answers the most common questions they’re receiving from voters. If you still have a question you can also find the number to voter hotlines in multiple languages here. If you still need to go through your ballot CapRadio’s Voter Guide is here and we also have a Spanish version.

Early Vote Tracking

Today is the big day, but California voters have been turning in their ballots leading up to Election Day. Although results won’t be posted until polls close, we do have a snapshot of who has voted already. Paul Mitchell is the Vice President of Political Data, which tracks ballot returns across the state, and joins us with a look at early voting data

Last Minute Voting Tips

Many voters might be opening their ballots for the first time, with just hours to go before polls close on Election Day. Kim Alexander is the President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation and provides some last-minute tips on filling out your ballot, as well as the importance of participating in the elections process.

Discussion Prop 6 and the experiences of working in prison. Celebrating Diwali in Sacramento. Finally, ‘When We Were Colored’ is re-staging at Oak Park’s Guild Theater this month.

Prop 6 and Prison Labor

Tomorrow, California voters will have a chance to weigh in on Prop 6, which would end forced prison labor. However, the measure is still struggling in the polls despite having no organized opposition. Esteban Núñez, the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Yannick Ortega, a Substance Use Disorder inpatient director are with the Yes on Prop 6 campaign. They join Insight to talk about their experiences with incarceration and working in prison, as well as the changes that Prop 6 would make.

Celebrating Diwali

Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, marks the new year for many people in the South Asian community. It also serves as a chance to uphold long-standing traditions and to connect with family. CapRadio reporter Srishti Prabha and Shawn and Poonam Dhaliwal from Taj Supermarket talk about the significance of this holiday, and how the Indian and South Asian communities across Sacramento are celebrating Diwali this year.

‘When We Were Colored’ Play in Oak Park

In 1964, author Eva Rutland captured her Black family’s journey from the Jim Crow South to Sacramento in a memoir, When We Were Colored: A Mother’s Story. More than four decades later, Eva’s daughter, Ginger Rutland — a longtime Sacramento journalist — adapted her mother’s memoir into a play. Originally premiering in 2015, When We Were Colored brings the family’s experiences to life through vignettes that capture their resilience navigating racism and community in their new home. The play breathes new life at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park later this month. Ginger Rutland and her daughter Eva Schwartz discuss the story’s lasting legacy and why it’s being re-staged now. Also, actors Brooklyn Solomon and Ela'an Battiste perform a scene from the play.

Breaking down California’s tough-on-crime measure Prop 36. Also, an update on the 2022 voter-approved Sacramento Children's Fund: Measure L. Finally, the parking lot saga at Trader Joe’s.

Breaking Down Prop 36

Prop 36 is a tough-on-crime measure on California’s November ballot. If it passes, it would roll back some pieces of Prop 47 — a decade-old criminal justice reform measure — and raise penalties for some theft and drug-related crimes. It’s billed as a way to curb retail theft and homelessness. But the measure has divided Democrats, opponents argue Prop 36 would cause the state to regress back to over policing instead of moving forward with evidence-based solutions. CapRadio Politics Reporter Megan Myscofski joins Insight to provide a breakdown of the arguments behind Prop 36.

2022 Measure L Youth Funding

In 2022, Sacramento voters approved Measure L to create a children’s fund for programs benefiting youth most impacted by poverty, violence and trauma. The fund uses general fund money that is equivalent to 40% of the annual estimated cannabis business tax revenue. After nearly two years, the city council passed the first spending plan. The fund is overseen by a nine-person advisory committee and in partnership with the city’s youth advisory commission. Monica Ruelas Mares is the Chair of Sacramento Children's Fund Planning & Oversight Commission and coordinator of the Sac Kids First Coalition. Shannon Williams is part of the Measure L advisory committee and Executive Director of the Institute for Social Research at Sacramento State. Reyes Rios is with the Sacramento Youth Coalition. They join Insight with an update on Sacramento Children's Fund: Measure L. 

What’s Up with Trader Joe’s Parking?

If you’ve been to Trader Joe’s you likely have a love-hate relationship with the first leg of the trip - finding parking. Your Neighborhood Grocery Store is notoriously known for a parking lot that is a fraction of its popularity. CapRadio reporters Gerardo Zavala and Kate Wolffe did a little digging about the gridlock at the Trader Joe’s along Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento and join us with more on why the annex parking lot was mysteriously closed

Breaking down the race for California’s 9th Congressional District. Also, Sacramento’s Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman. Finally, the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe buys back their ancestral homeland.

California’s 9th Congressional District Race

California is poised to shape the political balance of power in Congress, with several competitive House seats across the state. That includes the 9th Congressional District race in the Central Valley. Gillian Brassil is the Washington D.C. Correspondent for The Sacramento Bee and dives into the race between incumbent Democrat Josh Harder and Republican opponent, Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln.

Pulitzer Prize Winning Political Cartoonist Jack Ohman

Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman is bringing some “Enlightenment” to downtown Sacramento this election season. He’ll appear at a Salon-style event hosted by the California Groundbreakers at Ruhstaller Wednesday, Oct. 30. He joins Insight in-studio to talk about covering politics in cartoon form.

Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe’s ‘Homeland Return’ 

The Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe set out to do something 60 years in the making. The tribe lost federal recognition in 1964, and this year they set out to buy back some of their ancestral homeland in the Sierra foothills - a 232-acre parcel at the site of the historic Nisenan village site of Yulica. We first checked in with the tribe back in April as they were closing in on their first fundraising goal to purchase the land. At the end of last month, escrow closed and the land is officially theirs. Shelly Covert is the Tribal Spokesperson for the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and Executive Director of the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP) and provides an update on the next steps.

The California State Assembly’s select committee on happiness releases a new report. What does it mean to study happiness and how it interacts with public policy? Finally, a Sacramento cafe and chocolatier making treats with Latin cacao.

CA Assembly’s Happiness Report

The California State Assembly created the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes earlier this year to look at the benefits of happiness, and how public policy and government can help promote it across the state. Assemblymember and Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon joins Insight to talk about why he decided to form the committee, its findings, and his own happiness when leading the Assembly.

What Does ‘Happiness’ Really Mean?

Two Sacramento State professors testified before the legislature’s select committee on happiness earlier this year. Meliksah Demir, the Rekhi Singh Endowed Professor in Happiness and Ted Lascher, Professor of Public Policy and Administration outline what it means to study happiness, and how it can influence (and be shaped by) policy.

Café Xocolatl and Choquiero Chocolate

A Sacramento cafe and chocolatier is making sweet treats and drinks with Latin cacao, with a focus on high quality, small farmers, and sustainability. Ariel Wolansky, owner of Café Xocolatl and founder of Choquiero Chocolate talks about how he got into the chocolate business and how he sources his cacao, and chocolate’s significance in Latin culture.