A new program by the California Department of Education aims to reduce the number of “informal suspensions” which largely impacts marginalized students. The owner of Taylor’s Market discusses his wife’s passing and how he hopes her story will help those suffering from mental illness and alcohol addiction. The Outstanding Women Leaders Gala in Sacramento. 

Combating excessive suspensions in schools

Disciplining students in ways that are effective and fair has been a long-standing challenge for our state’s K-12 schools. But according to data from the state, Black and Indigenous students are being suspended or expelled at rates much higher than other racial and ethnic groups in California. The state’s Department of Education also says that some school districts have also avoided reporting expulsions by pushing parents to accept voluntary or involuntary transfers to other districts or even implementing disciplinary actions that may violate California’s education code. To address what it says is a rise of “disproportionate discipline” the California Department of Education has announced new programs to reduce the number of these suspensions and expulsions with the goal of keeping more students in the classroom. William McGee, Director of the Student Achievement and Support Division at California’s Department of Education, joined Insight to share more details about the programs, including a statewide hotline for parents.  

Taylor Market's messages on mental health and addiction

Since 1962, Taylor’s Market in Sacramento has prided itself on being more than a grocery store. Over the decades, the market has evolved to offer a wide range of specialty foods, classes, and events to connect with people in Sacramento, and around the world, through food and drinks. Danny Johnson was hired as a butcher nearly 40 years ago. And over the years since Danny, his wife Kathy, and eventually their two daughters made Taylor’s Market a bigger part of their family. Danny and Kathy became owners in 2007 and remained steadfast in creating a unique food experience. But last month, the market announced the passing of Kathy Johnson. On its Facebook page, sharing that Kathy had passed away at the age of 58 from “mental health and alcohol addiction.” Kathy’s family decided to make her struggle public to help others, and bring to light a disease they say is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Insight spoke with Danny, Kathy’s husband as well as the CEO and Head Butcher of Taylor’s Market, who shared what made Kathy’s life so remarkable, her impact in the community, and how he hopes her story inspires others to seek and get the treatment they need.  

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or struggling with addiction, call the National Alliance on Mental Health Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or text “Help Line” to 6264. 

You can also call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

 Outstanding women leaders

This week an event will celebrate women making a difference across Sacramento. The Outstanding Women Leaders Gala has been going on for more than a quarter-century honoring women who are breaking or redefining the mold, from business owners to government, and those advocating for others in their community.  The special night is hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The Sacramento Valley chapter has been around for more than three decades, providing mentors and advocates so that women can thrive in a professional environment that historically was nonexistent or limiting at best. Christina Dixon, President-Elect of NAWBO Sacramento Valley, joined Insight to tell us more about the Gala and the women some of the women they'll be honoring at the event.