I could not be prouder to be your incoming general manager, and I’m thankful to our Board for putting their trust in me to lead the station at such a pivotal moment in CapRadio’s story. As I step into this new position, I have taken time to reflect on the important role that CapRadio plays in keeping our communities informed and connected, as well as providing moments of respite each day through stories that inspire and music that elevates the spirit. As an anchor organization for the region, I recognize that there will always be opportunities to serve our communities better, and we will continually strive to do so.

As we look toward the future, I’ve always embraced an innovative and inclusive approach when it comes to serving our communities. We will commit to being the region’s connective tissue, bringing diverse voices and cultures together — and turning up the volume for those who aren’t always heard. We must look at the world through a lens of kindness and empathy, with a sense of optimism for a brighter, more cohesive future that we can all share together. With those words in mind, I am honored to be in a position to continue expanding our essential public service and strengthening the communities we serve.

Jun Reina
General Manager

The month of June has been a tumultuous one for a lot of us, especially for reporters, and even more so for reporters who aren’t White. I think the George Floyd demonstrations have re-opened a lot of fresh wounds for the Sacramento community that hadn’t fully healed since Stephon Clark was killed in 2018. 

When the protests began, I felt there was a lot of frustration among advocates that the message they’d been saying two years ago was still not being heard. And while covering the day-to-day protests is obviously important, I also wanted to offer some coverage that could take a step back in such an emotionally charged moment to look at what advocates were really asking for during this time. This is the primary reason I pitched and began reporting my series on police reform.

Sometimes advocates almost speak in code because they’ve been doing this work for years. It’s important to remember that the concepts many have brought forward during June’s demonstrations aren’t new. Being out there day after day, you start to hear themes come through — Black Lives Matter, Defund the Police, I Can’t Breathe. You hear these terms being chanted, but as a layperson, you may not fully know what they mean.

I wanted this series to help demystify that a bit. What does it really mean to defund the police? What does it mean that police are becoming militarized? Why is there such a toxic relationship between police and underserved communities? These are really complex concepts that are often distilled into quick chants for the sake of ease and unity, but unless you can grab an advocate who’s been doing this work and talk with them for half an hour or more, you may not be able to fully explore what they mean when they lead a crowd in these chants.

Furthermore, I wanted to do this series focusing on police reform to put these issues in front of people who may not have been able to go out to these demonstrations or who may not understand what it’s like to have a negative encounter with a police officer. I think overall, there’s a strong sense in the advocacy community that not enough reform and change are being made right now.

There’s frustration that it took a near nine-minute long video of a man slowly being killed on camera to make public officials even begin to hear them. Years from now, I believe we may all look back and say “Wow, it was crazy that it took a horrible, brutal death to be captured on video for us to see what was there all along,” and I want journalism to be seen as having played a role in that realization. I want journalism to shed light on these issues to move public officials to fully hear the change that’s being asked for so they can feel empowered to do it. I know advocates still feel enough isn’t being done, so clearly my work isn’t done either. I just hope the right people are listening.

Sarah Mizes-Tan
News Reporter

Deeper Dive

Are Police Becoming Too Militarized, And Does It Escalate Conflict?

Inspired By The Movement For Racial Justice, Two Sacramento Artists Paint Their Message

Sacramento Passes Police Reforms, But Activists Say City Officials Must Do More

Should Police Be Responding To Mental Health Calls? This Group Says No, And Offers An Alternative

Late last month, I was given an incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Getting access to the nation’s leading health expert during an international crisis was hands-down one of the most exciting moments of my career. Here’s how it happened.

The Sacramento Press Club, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting journalism and supporting aspiring journalists, contacted Dr. Fauci’s office and secured 20 minutes of his time. I’m a former member of the board, and CapRadio managing editor Nick Miller is a current member. When the board began discussing which local journalist should interview Dr. Fauci, Nick threw my name into the ring. He said the group unanimously agreed that I should conduct the interview. I’d imagine my five years of experience as a health reporter, and my recent coverage of COVID-19 were factors in the decision.

In the days leading up to the interview, I spent time writing questions for Dr. Fauci that I hoped would produce unique and informative answers. In conjunction with the Press Club board, I decided to stay away from political questions, particularly those involving Dr. Fauci’s thoughts about President Donald Trump. Given the misinformation circulating about COVID-19 across the country, we felt it was important to stay focused squarely on the facts. We also wanted to get Dr. Fauci’s perspective on how California is handling the pandemic. This interview came just as California started to see a spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations, and many listeners were questioning whether Governor Gavin Newsom had moved too quickly in re-opening the economy.

Fortunately, Dr. Fauci expressed that he had a lot of faith in Gov. Newsom and the people of California. He felt confident that the numbers would level out, so long as people take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a face covering and staying at least six feet from others. Dr. Fauci spoke honestly about the temptation to return to normal life, reconnect with family and engage in activities that make us feel human. But he emphasized plainly and concisely the need to make sacrifices to protect one another. He spoke directly to younger people, who often feel they’re immune to COVID-19 and may not realize that they can unintentionally spread the virus to older, more vulnerable people.

All in all, Dr. Fauci was smart, personable and honest. Getting to speak with him in front of a live audience was a thrill, and has better equipped me to cover the pandemic for CapRadio.

Sammy Caiola
Health Care Reporter

ICYMI

Yes, Gov. Newsom Has The Authority To Make Masks Mandatory In California, Legal Experts Say

Counties Urge Residents To Stop Private Social Gatherings As California COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise

Photo Essay: 100 Days Of California's Stay-At-Home Order

CapRadio’s newsroom has been mobilized since March covering the COVID-19 crisis, the response to George Floyd’s murder and other events and issues across our region. These are extraordinary times that call for exceptional journalism. CapRadio has marshalled its resources to rise to the occasion and we’ve harnessed editorial and technological innovation for our coverage. 

I’m excited to give you a preview of a new tool we’re adding to our kit through a partnership with Valley Vision. On Monday, July 13 we’ll release our COVID-19 Resilience Poll. Through the week, we’ll feature stories, information and data on our news, talkshow and digital platforms about how residents across the region are responding to the pandemic. 

As we dive into the data, there are some big takeaways including how the pandemic is intensifying already serious racial and economic disparities. We also found the mental health impact of the pandemic has hit young Black and Latino residents the hardest. Additionally, there are insights on how people in our region view leadership from government at all levels, what media sources they’re going to for information on the pandemic and more.  

The results from this survey will inform our reporting for weeks and months to come. What’s more, we’re planning on two more surveys through the end of the year for an ongoing picture of how the region is responding to the crisis. To get the upcoming report, as well as future reports and updates, subscribe for email notifications.

Joe Barr
Chief Content Officer

On July 2, Beth Ruyak ended her eight-year stint as the host of Insight at CapRadio. “New adventures are already beginning, and as a curious life-long learner, I am eager to have the capacity to explore them,” said Beth Ruyak. “But, I am leaving with a changed perspective. Stories and experiences shared by you and the Insight guests have taught me, showed me, inspired me, broken my heart sometimes and even made me laugh out loud. I have felt privileged every day to share time with you. You are the best part of Insight.”

We wish Beth all the best as she moves on from CapRadio. Beth brought humanity, authenticity and an unparalleled community connection to her role as the host of Insight, and we will miss her presence. As part of our farewell for Beth, we reached out to a number of past guests, including Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who recorded their appreciation for her time as the host of Insight.

Moving forward, we are fully committed to Insight. It's the town hall for the region and the conversations that happen on Insight play an important role in our community. Beginning July 13, CapRadio’s afternoon anchor Randol White will be Insight’s interim host. Randol will remain as interim host until we hire a new Insight host, and we will conduct a nationwide search for the position. We will be diligent in finding someone who can take an already strong show to the next level. We look forward to building on everything that Beth and the Insight team have created.

Aram Sarkissian
Managing Editor of News-Talk

Life has definitely changed during the pandemic. As CapRadio’s environment reporter, I am spending way more time indoors when I usually do most of my reporting outside talking to scientists and researchers across Northern California.

The pandemic could impact the environment for the long-term in the form of less air pollution or less funding for outdoor educational programs. This moment also forces people to get creative with how to get outdoors, and social distancing rules are challenging the world of recreation. Whole industries, like whitewater rafting, have lost months of their season. For some, this has meant closing up shop this year.

The environmental movement isn’t just about the outdoors, it’s about the people that live and recreate in it. During this time in America’s history it’s important to see how racial inequality impacts the same people that environmental issues, like climate change and air pollution, do as well. It’s important to know that climate justice is tied to racial justice and that people of color are already leading in outdoor spaces and thriving.

Ezra David Romero
Environment Reporter

ICYMI

Social Distancing, Climate Change Leading To Perfect Storm Of Conditions For Heat Deaths Among Aging Californians

Before You Go To The Beach, Check Its Pollution Score

Juneteenth marks the celebration of the emancipation of slaves in America. Amid national protests, Juneteenth celebrations this year held a particular significance as people asked for the acknowledgment that this day — not the Fourth of July — meant freedom for many. In Sacramento celebrations were held in Cesar Chavez park as organizers called for action from their mayor and city council.

In honor of Juneteenth, CapRadio classical host Kevin Doherty shared a playlist celebrating Black Americans in classical music.

Suspected Golden State Killer Pleads Guilty To 13 Murders

A Growing Share Of The Sacramento And Stockton Regions Is Over 65. Here's What That Means

California Passes Nation's First Zero-Emission, Electric Truck Goal

California Legislature Sends Budget Compromise To Gov. Newsom’s Desk 

As An Overhaul Of California’s Mental Health Spending Gets Shelved, One Mother Pushes For Reform

CapRadio Welcomes It’s Been A Minute With Sam Sanders To Our Program Schedule

We are in the early stages of planning a much-needed service — an online account to manage your membership — based on feedback we received. As we go through this process, we would like to work with you to build a product that meets your needs. If you are interested in providing feedback through surveys, phone/video calls or by testing the interface at different stages of development, please sign up below. Your input is valuable, and we look forward to serving you better.

Join CapRadio and host Donna Apidone for a live virtual author interview with poet Devi S. Laskar about her first novel, The Atlas of Reds and Blues. Inspired by the terrifying experience of a police raid on her own home, Laskar tackles what it means to be the daughter of immigrants in America and all of the prejudice and bias that comes with it. 

You can purchase your book or audiobook online here.

If you missed last month’s interview with Holocaust survivor Irene Butter, watch it here.

Enter your submissions for Print Radio, CapRadio’s annual design competition, by July 26 for a chance to win a $250 prize. This year’s focus invites artists, creators and designers to illustrate how public radio serves our community. Our listeners rely on our in-depth reporting and appreciate our support of the arts. How do you express your connection to public radio through art? 

Thank you to our 2020 sponsor Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air.

The Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) announced that CapRadio won second place in its Podcast (Division AA) category for TahoeLand. The PMJA awards recognize the best work in public media journalism from across the country.

TahoeLand, hosted by environment reporter Ezra David Romero, examines the global impacts of climate change through the ecosystem and community of Lake Tahoe. The podcast explores issues such as how rising temperatures and invasive shrimp impact the iconic lake's clarity, how changing snowfall affects Olympic skiers, how more wildfires threaten vacationers and what a drier region means for the area's hospitality workers.

Learn more about TahoeLand.

CapRadio and NPR are accessible any time you want through your Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Homepod smart speaker. To help you out, our digital products team put together a guide so you can easily stream the news and music you love.

In order to better serve our listeners, we now have a web page where you can check the status of our broadcast signals across our coverage areas. You can also report problems you're having and easily access other listening options through our online streaming, mobile app and more.