Revisiting some of the best Insight conversations of 2022. Yurok Tribe releases endangered California Condors onto ancestral lands for the first time in 100 years. The history of lowrider culture. Jazz pianist Michael Wolff’s autobiography “On That Note.”
Endangered condors returned to Northern California Redwoods
We’re taking a “listen back” to some of our best conversations this year. Starting off, we head to the northwest corner of the state where the California Condor, one of the largest and rarest flying birds on the planet, once thrived on the West Coast. With nine-foot wingspans allowing them to soar up to 15,000 feet in the air, they could be seen from British Columbia to as far south as Baja California. But beginning in the 19th century, their numbers steadily declined and were nearly driven to extinction before scientists captured the few remaining condors and saved the species through a captive breeding program. Today, there are about 330 Condors in the wild and another 200 in captivity. In April, I spoke with Tiana Williams-Clausen, Director of the Yurok Tribe’s Wildlife Department, about not only an ecological milestone but also how condors are a spiritual centerpiece for the Yurok people.
Understanding lowrider culture
We’re revisiting some of the best conversations we’ve had this year. Which brings us to “low and slow.” Lowrider culture has been around for decades in California and, more broadly the Southwest. But recently, there has been a push from lowrider car clubs to reevaluate the intention, effectiveness, and harm of “anti-cruising” ordinances across the state. Earlier this year, the Sacramento City Council joined a larger shift and repealed its ban on cruising put in place back in the 1980s. Back in June, Insight spoke with Chicano Studies professor Denise Sandoval, based at California State University, Northridge. She has long worked to promote, highlight and bring awareness to the lowrider cultural movement, which is currently experiencing a revival of participation, leadership as well as representation by women of color.
Jazz Pianist Michael Wolff's autobiography
We’re rounding out a special hour of Insight, taking a listen back to some of the most meaningful conversations this year. Our final piece comes from CapRadio’s Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli, who sat down with Michael Wolff back in June, a critically acclaimed pianist with a rich musical history. Wolff recently published an autobiography, “On That Note,” sharing an incredible career as well as a profound joy for living following a serious health scare.
