Disaster researcher discusses Hurricane Fiona, an Alaskan storm, and an earthquake in Mexico in terms of the impact of emergency response on historically vulnerable communities. The latest on Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia and how California’s Armenian diaspora is responding to the invasion. A remembrance of Fred Franzia and his legacy on the wine industry.
Hard lessons from disaster response
Hurricane Fiona, an Alaskan storm, is flooding the remote coastline and a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Mexico on the anniversary of two deadly quakes. Not to mention that firefighters will be working to contain the largest wildfire — so far — this year in California. Dr. Samantha Montano views these as connected. The disaster researcher says these crises are predictable, and the response in the aftermath can be managed strategically. But often, that isn’t the case, and the most vulnerable shoulder the impact. Dr. Montano joined Insight to talk about her work and being the author of “Disasterology: Frontlines from The Climate Crisis.”
Azerbaijan invades Armenia
One week ago, news broke worldwide about another round of fighting between two former Soviet Republics and neighbors — Armenia and Azerbaijan. Simply put, just as Russia invaded the sovereign territory of Ukraine earlier this year, the same thing is happening right now in Armenia. The sovereign nation of Armenia is being invaded and hit by heavy artillery and drones. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and thousands of Armenians have been displaced. In a moment, we will learn more about the “why,” But for context, California is home to one of the largest Armenian diasporas outside of Armenia. Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Sacramento, especially the Rancho Cordova area, are home to tens of thousands of Armenian-American families. Many of whom have relatives back in Armenia. This conflict is once again highlighting the issue of human rights, democracy around the world, and, as our next guest puts it, the need to confront denial as a shared responsibility. Keith David Watenpaugh is a UC Davis Professor and Founding Director of Human Rights Studies and joined the program to talk about the conflict.
Remembering Fred Franzia
“Franzia,” the word alone conjures up the image of one of the best-known boxed wines in America with a family origin that traces back to the Central Valley. Franzia Brothers Winery started in Modesto and sold its business to Coca-Cola and The Wine Group decades ago. However, the Franzia family still shapes the way we drink wine today. Fred Franzia set off with his venture “Bronco Wine Company,” behind the popular Charles Shaw or “two buck Chuck” sold at Trader Joe’s, which costs a couple of bucks more now. The way Fred Franzia viewed and pursued the wine industry was formative, to say the least, and controversial. As with many successful people who shake up industries, Fred Franzia is a complicated one to dissect. Last week, he passed away at his home in Stanislaus County. He was 79 years old. We’ll spend some time talking about his life and legacy. Rick Kushman is a familiar voice on Insight, and the New York Times Best Selling author has long provided context about California’s wine industry. He joined us to discuss Frank Franzia’s life and legacy.
