The latest on the deadly McKinney wildfire in Siskiyou County. A new state law revoked anti-loitering provisions that target sex workers. Cirque Du Soleil’s “Alegria” debuts in West Sacramento. 

McKinney Fire Update

The McKinney Fire has charred over 86 square miles of the Klamath National Forest in less than four days and devastated at least one community along the Klamath River in Siskiyou County. At least 2,000 people were forced to evacuate, including residents of Yreka, which is home to more than 7,500 people and remains within the fire’s reach. The extent of the damage to homes and property along the Klamath River remains unknown/ but officials confirmed at least two people were unable to escape and sadly perished in the fire. Rain helped slow the fire’s ferocious pace, but thunderstorms sparked at least a dozen smaller fires in the county and the threat of gusty winds and dry lightning combined for a dangerous combination that could potentially fuel the state’s largest wildfire so far this year. Mike Lindbery, the public information officer for the McKinney Fire joined Insight to provide the very latest on the fire and how the weather has and will continue to impact efforts to bring it under control.

Sex Workers Outreach Project

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new state law that repeals an anti-loitering provision that targets prostitution. The bill was approved by the legislature last fall but was delayed roughly nine months to allow those for and against the bill to weigh in. In signing the bill, Gov. Newsom said it does not legalize prostitution, but revokes provisions of a law that has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, those previously convicted can ask for those convictions to be dismissed or sealed. Those in support include the ACLU, Trans LatinX Coalition, the San Francisco and Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and Sex Workers Outreach Project. However, the opposition includes the Republican Senate Caucus and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Their argument is that the unintended consequences of this law will embolden human traffickers and hinder law enforcement’s ability to help victims. Joining Insight to talk about the challenges of sex workers is Co-Founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project Kristen DiAngelo. 

Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria in West Sacramento

There is a vibe in West Sacramento that “things are happening.” If you’ve driven by the West Sacramento waterfront lately, you may have noticed a few changes. Construction is booming, hotels are springing up, roads are being improved, and there are new restaurants that have opened or re-opened in the last few months. One of the “things to do in West Sac” that is hard to miss, especially if you are passing by the Capital City Freeway. Right next to Sutter Health Park is a big, beautiful setup for Cirque du Soleil’s production of Alegria. Joining Insight is the artistic director of Alegria  Michael G. Smith, along with Denice Domke with the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce to discuss this revitalizing vibe in West Sacramento.