An independent journalist in Puerto Rico joins us in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona and how the U.S. territory continues to struggle to overcome compounding crises. Efforts are underway to protect Yosemite National Park’s giant sequoia trees from the threat of wildfires and climate change. A preview of this year’s Farm-To-Fork Festival in Sacramento. 

Hurricane Fiona

Hurricane Fiona has strengthened into a Category 4 storm. The damage and devastation can be seen from the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico-- where many are still without power, clean water, and any comfort of stability. Fiona happened on the near five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria, and Puerto Ricans were still rebuilding. The reasons are rooted in Puerto Rico's complicated and painful history with the United States. Although by law, U.S. Territories are treated equally, if you ask Boricuas-- those native or born in Puerto Rico-- many would say that is far from the truth. Bianca Graulau is an independent journalist who returned to Puerto Rico to tell the underreported realities that take place in her home. She joined Insight to discuss the U.S. Territory's challenges in navigating and responding to compounding disasters.  

Protecting Yosemite's Sequoias

California’s giant sequoias.  They are one of our state’s most majestic, beautiful and precious national treasures. People come from all over the country and world to see them, flocking to national parks like Yosemite to see just how beautiful they are. Over the past several years, California’s intensifying and changing climate has caused enormous damage to our state’s sequoia groves. Whether it’s wildfires turning the monstrous trees into ash, weeks and weeks of choking smoke filling the air, or the extremes of our dry seasons, parching their roots and branches, climate change and especially the wildfires are literally transforming our landscape. Those who study the sequoias in hopes of protecting them for thousands more years are very concerned about their future. As the environment changes, so is the way researchers are thinking about how much more the giant trees will be able to endure. CapRadio Environment reporter Manola Secaira is here with me to talk about what she learned on a recent trip to Yosemite — right in the middle of wildfire season. 

Farm-to-Fork Festival

Sacramento is known as the city of trees, but to many, it’s also the capital of the farm-to-fork culinary scene. One of the region's most anticipated music and food festival will return to the Capitol Mall this September. The Farm-To-fork Festival, which began in 2013, is the gastronomical celebration of Sacramento’s culinary roots and pays homage to the farmers and chefs who feed the region. The two-day festival hosts various demonstrations, exhibitions, and discussions on food advocacy, providing a seat at the table for the diverse population that call Sacramento home.  Mike Testa, CEO and President of Visit Sacramento, joined Insight to provide a preview of this culinary celebration.