As wildfire smoke becomes the norm in California, winemakers are having to deal with the impact the smoke has on their product.  Now, researchers at UC Davis are experimenting with ways to help protect wine grapes from the smell and taste of smoke, putting the state’s multi-billion dollar industry at risk. CapRadio’s Environment Reporter, Manola Secaira, joins Insight for the latest advances in technology to fight against smoke-tainted wine and the effort to keep the costs down. Plus, we’ll get a virtual taste-test of what smoke-tainted wine really tastes like.

Small businesses are core to the local economy. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Getting a business off the ground and becoming successful can be tough to do alone, especially when taking on the added overhead of a storefront. A new nonprofit wants to make those hurdles less daunting for local entrepreneurs. Roshaun Davis, co-owner and founder of Unseen Heroes, discusses launching a sister non-profit CLTRE Club in midtown Sacramento, which is a business incubation pilot program and community space in partnership with the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA). 

Last week, CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff and canceled four music shows due to ongoing financial issues. The layoffs span music, news hosts, digital and include North State Public Radio based in Chico, which CapRadio operates. The Saturday program cuts are “Mick Martin’s Blues Party,” “K-ZAP,” “At the Opera,” and “Hey, Listen!” In August, Tom Karlo was appointed interim general manager of CapRadio. Karlo retired from KPBS in San Diego after 47 years with the public media station. He joins Insight to explain the financial challenges that led to these cuts.