Analyzing the case of the “Sweetheart Murders.” How Sacramento small businesses are faring during the holidays. Finally, a seasonal pairing of music and wine.

Sweetheart Murders

In 1980, two UC Davis students - John Riggins and Sabrina Gonsalves - were abducted days before Christmas. Their bodies were found two days later in Sacramento County, in a case that became known as the “Sweetheart Murders.” Decades later, Richard Hirschfield was eventually convicted for the murders and received the death penalty in 2013. He died this week in prison. Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert was devoted to solving the Sweetheart Murders, and joins Insight to talk about the long pursuit of justice to turn this cold case into a conviction.

Sac Biz Roundtable

Sacramento is full of small businesses to satisfy shoppers looking to buy local during the holidays. But many of these businesses have also faced their share of struggles over the past year. N’Gina Guyton, owner and chef at Jim Denny’s restaurant, founder David Gull, from New Helvetia Brewing Company and Susan Stewart, owner of Strapping Store and Licked Ice Cream sit down for a small business roundtable to talk about their own journeys and what comes next.

Jennifer Reason and Rick Kushman

In the spirit of the holidays and spreading good cheer, CapRadio Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason and Insight’s wine expert Rick Kushman return for one more seasonal pairing of music and wine.

Jennifer will be holding her annual “December Around the World” special on CapRadio Music at 6 p.m. on Dec. 19, and 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.

New Sacramento City Councilmembers Roger Dickinson and Phil Pluckebaum talk about a major vote. Former Councilmember Katie Valenzuela reflects on her time in office. Finally, The Sac Bee’s Benjy Egel looks at his memorable eats of 2024.

New Sacramento Councilmembers Roger Dickinson and Phil Pluckebaum

The Sacramento City Council has several new faces, and has already made a major decision about the future of city leadership. Last night, the council voted 6-3 against extending City Manager Howard Chan’s contract for another year, after receiving criticism from dozens of residents over his high salary and a desire for change. New Sacramento City Councilmembers Roger Dickinson (District 2) and Phil Pluckebaum (District 4) join Insight to discuss the implications of the vote, and to talk about their priorities and goals as new members of the governing body.
Editor's note: During the live broadcast of this segment, we incorrectly described the city council’s decision as “effectively firing” City Manager Howard Chan. The council voted against extending Chan’s contract beyond its Dec. 31 end date.

Former Councilmember Katie Valenzuela

During the past four years, Katie Valenzuela has brought a distinctly progressive voice to Sacramento’s City Council. As a self-described democratic socialist, she entered office in 2020 with a clear mandate to challenge the status quo on housing affordability, homelessness, and funding for police. Valenzuela lost her District 4 seat following a contentious election cycle. She joins Insight today to reflect on her time in office, her plans for the future and thoughts on the council’s recent vote to replace the city manager.

Benjy Egel’s Best Eats of 2024

The Sacramento region’s food and beverage scene has seen a lot of change throughout 2024, and the holiday season is a time to explore new restaurants or crack open a new cookbook. Benjy Egel, Food and Drink Writer for The Sacramento Bee walks us through some of his memorable visits and experiences this year.

Assembly Member James Gallagher discusses high energy costs, Sites Reservoir and more. Why overdoses are becoming a leading cause of death in the workplace. Finally, recapping the year’s weather with CapRadio’s temperature blanket.

Assembly Member James Gallagher

Governor Gavin Newsom has been on a tour across conservative California counties, touting his administration’s investment in water, infrastructure, economic development and more. But this comes at a time when many Californians are raising issues with high energy costs and rate hikes, as well as regulatory burdens. Republican Assembly Member and Minority Leader James Gallagher joins Insight to respond to Newsom’s tour, and to discuss his concerns with electricity rates, the Sites Reservoir and working with the incoming Trump administration. 

Fentanyl and Workplace Overdose Deaths

Fentanyl continues to devastate communities across the country, but new data shows overdose deaths are declining in places like Sacramento. However a new investigation finds that overdoses have now become one of the leading causes of death in workplaces across California. CalMatters reporter Jeanne Kuang and Daniel Ciccarone, Justine Miner Professor in Addiction Medicine at UC San Francisco talk about how opioids and fentanyl are transforming the workplace, and what more can be done to curb the ongoing crisis.

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

CapRadio Temperature Blanket Update

For the past year, CapRadio has been assembling a temperature blanket to track the changing temperatures throughout Sacramento. Assignment Manager Claire Morgan and Environmental Reporter Manola Secaira provide a recap of the year’s weather, and how they wove science and knitting together - one stitch at a time.

California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is a decade old. The Crocker Art Museum’s Lial Jones retires at the end of the year. Finally, a local opera prodigy is now pursuing her Ph.D. and performing overseas.

10 Years of California’s SGMA

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the approval of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which aimed to conserve the pumping of this valuable resource. But nearly a decade after its passage, questions remain about whether the law is fulfilling its promise and protecting its users. Tien Tran, Senior Policy Advocate with the Community Water Center and Nataly Escobedo Garcia, Policy Coordinator with the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability join Insight to talk about the history of the law, the equity issues surrounding water, and how implementation of SGMA could change. 

Crocker Art Museum’s Lial Jones Retirement

The Crocker Art Museum is the oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi, and its history dates back to the founding of Sacramento. Now, a driving force behind the Crocker’s success and growth for the past 25 years is stepping down. Museum Director and CEO Lial Jones looks back on her contributions to the arts, and the future of the Crocker as an institution in Sacramento.

Soprano Prodigy Tiara Abraham

Eighteen-year old soprano Tiara Abraham is a musical prodigy, having graduated from UC Davis at 16 with her bachelor’s degree  and becoming the youngest person to earn their Master’s Degree from Indiana University earlier this year. Tiara returns to Insight for an update on where she has been performing, and her plans for the future.

The Sacramento County Grand Jury is accepting new applications. Local human rights expert discusses the future of Syria. Finally, revisiting a conversation with local Sacramento chef and Hell’s Kitchen contestant Anthony Vo.

Serving on Sacramento County’s Grand Jury

The Sacramento County Grand Jury serves as an independent watchdog, overseeing and investigating local government, public agencies, and community issues. The jury is currently accepting applications for new grand jurors for 2025-2026 until Dec. 31. Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Steven Gevercer and jury foreperson Elizabeth TenPas join Insight to talk about the experience and importance of serving on the grand jury, and some of the notable cases it has overseen.

Human Rights and Syria’s Future

Over a decade after the Syrian Civil War first began, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed over the weekend. The fall came less than two weeks after a new major offensive was launched by rebel groups. Keith David Watenpaugh, professor and director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis talks about how young Syrians are feeling about the fall of the regime, finding accountability for the regime’s human rights abuses, and what Syria’s future looks like domestically and internationally.

Best of: Hell’s Kitchen Chef Anthony Vo

Sacramento Chef Anthony Vo was recently in the spotlight as a competitor on the newest season of Fox’s reality cooking show, Hell’s Kitchen. While Anthony was eliminated in November, his journey from growing up in Citrus Heights to cooking for chef Gordon Ramsay still captured the attention of many in the region. He spoke with Insight in September, on the eve of the Hell’s Kitchen premiere, about his personal story and experience of cooking at Sonrisa Senior Living in Roseville.

Sacramento new Mayor Kevin McCarty joins us on the heels of his swearing in ceremony. Also, former Mayor Darrell Steinberg reflects on his eight years leading California’s capital city, and his over three decades in public service.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty

More than a year ago, then-Assemblymember Kevin McCarty announced his campaign for mayor of Sacramento. After a crowded primary, and a nail-biting general election race, the former Sacramento city councilmember was sworn in as Sacramento’s 57th mayor. Mayor Kevin McCarty joins us with his priorities in his first term serving the city.

Former Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg

As Sacramento welcomes the next chapter in leadership, it also marks an ending for Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. The now former mayor has spent more than 30 years in local politics - first appointed to Sacramento City Council in 1992, then moving on to the state Assembly and becoming a leader in the state Senate, before serving two terms as Sacramento Mayor. Steinberg joins Insight to reflect on his career in elected office, as well as what he is open to pursuing in the future.

How the SOAR program in Napa County helps individuals with early signs of psychosis. “Chalk Talk” discusses pregnancy leave, technical education and more. Finally, unpacking the 2024 SacramenKnow gift guide.

Napa County’s SOAR Psychosis Care Program

Early-stage psychosis intervention is a relatively new field of study and care in California, and signs of psychosis can be subtle and differ between people. A Napa County nonprofit has been providing wraparound services to help individuals age 12-30 who are vulnerable to psychosis early on, to prevent the need for major interventions later in life. Napa Valley Register reporter Riley Palmer joins Insight to talk about the Supportive Outreach and Access to Resources (SOAR) program.

The Napa Valley Register is part of the Health Equity Lab through the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. CapRadio is also a partner of the CVJC.
You can find Riley’s full story about the SOAR program below.

Chalk Talk: Pregnancy Leave and Tech Education

CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha returns for another edition of “Chalk Talk,” this time talking about pregnancy leave for teachers, career technical classes in schools, and the impact of education reforms.

2024 SacramenKnow Gift Guide

The clock is ticking to get gifts for family, friends or coworkers, and the SacramenKnow team has you covered. CapRadio staff and newsletter audience members have put together a guide to some of the best of what Sacramento has to offer this holiday season. CapRadio’s Assignment Manager and Communities Editor Claire Morgan walks us through this year’s gift guide.

How Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to reshape the “California vs. Trump” narrative. Analyzing Gov. Newsom’s proposed electric vehicle tax credit for California. Finally, a tsunami expert discusses the possible threats to California.

Newsom’s Shifting ‘California vs. Trump’ Narrative

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a second term, Governor Gavin Newsom is striking a different tone when it comes to California’s opposition to the incoming administration, focusing more on pragmatism and moderation. LA Times reporter Taryn Luna talks about Newsom’s balancing act between policy positions, maintaining a working relationship with the White House, and appealing to moderate voters.

Analyzing California’s Proposed EV Credit

Late last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed launching a new electrical vehicle tax credit in California, based on the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the existing federal credit. This comes as California surpasses the sale of over two million zero-emission vehicles. Professor Gil Tal, Director of the Electric Vehicle Research Center at UC Davis discusses the implications of Newsom’s proposal and the possible removal of the federal credit, as well as actions needed to make driving ZEVs more affordable in California.

Tsunami Risks in California

When a tsunami warning went out last week following a series of sizable earthquakes off California’s north coast, people in the affected areas reacted differently, with some heeding the warning, while others took the opportunity to flock to the coast. What kind of damage could a tsunami could cause to coastal communities in California and how likely are we to actually see one? Dr. José Borrero is a Coastal and Environmental Scientist and Engineer with extensive expertise in tsunamis, coastal hazards, and climate change. Dr. Borrero developed the first tsunami inundation and hazard maps for California and he joins Insight today to discuss the threat a tsunami could pose to the state.

An update on a school shooting at a Butte County religious school. Also, a new book chronicles the undamming of the Klamath River and homecoming of salmon. Finally, an interactive art exhibit in downtown Sacramento.

Butte County School Shooting

Two kindergarten students are in critical condition after a shooting at a small religious school in Butte County.  The shooting happened at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Oroville on Wednesday. The sheriff’s office says the suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. CapRadio reporters Srishti Prabha and Kate Wolffe share their reporting from the scene

‘River of Renewal’ and ‘Klamath Unbound’

The Klamath River flows through the Cascade Mountains in Southern Oregon, crossing into California until reaching the Pacific Ocean in Del Norte County. A sight generations in the making is now unfolding. Salmon are returning to spawn in waters that have been cut off for more than a century. This milestone began after the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. The Klamath River was once the third largest salmon producing river in the West Coast. In recent decades, tribal communities fought to un-dam and restore hundreds of miles of fish habitat. A battle that our next guest has closely followed. Stephen Most is the author of River of Renewal: Myth and History in the Klamath Basin and joins Insight ahead of an event at the California Museum discussing this historic watershed restoration.

CADA Sensory Art Exhibit

Art is more than just a visual medium. That’s the message behind a new interactive art exhibit in downtown Sacramento from CADA, the Capitol Area Development Authority. The exhibit is called Come to Your Senses and runs through Feb. 9 at the former Capital Athletic Club building at 8th and O streets. It engages all five senses through tactile art, immersive light displays, and soundscape creation.  Danielle Foster is the executive director of CADA and she joins us, along with Buddy Hale who is the founder of MusicLandria.

How avian influenza is affecting people across California. Why Sacramento libraries are increasingly becoming centers for social services. Finally, breaking down the new CARE Court system in Sacramento.

Avian Influenza in California

Avian influenza is spreading across California. Hundreds of dairies have been affected by the virus, and a raw milk farm has been quarantined after the bird flu was detected in its products. Dozens of people in the state have also contracted the disease, including a child in Alameda County last month. Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health provides the latest updates on the avian influenza, as well as COVID and other seasonal diseases.

The Evolving Role of Sacramento’s Libraries

Libraries have long been institutions of reading, information, and knowledge. But recently, these public spaces have also become centers to provide social services and address some of society’s most complex challenges. Sacramento Public Library Director and CEO Peter Coyl talks about how librarians are navigating these issues, and the resources needed to care for both staff and customer wellbeing.

CARE Court Rolls Out in Sacramento

Sacramento County recently launched its CARE Court program, which aims to help treat people with severe mental health or substance use disorders before they end up hospitalized, incarcerated, or in a conservatorship. CapRadio Health Care Reporter Kate Wolffe breaks down the CARE Court process, the challenges the program has faced early in the rollout, and what the larger implications are for people seeking care.