SCUSD renames three schools named after racist historical figures. The state of California’s coast and the challenges it faces from human development and climate change. Bike repair program begins for Meadowview middle school students.
SCUSD renames schools
School is out for Sacramento City Unified, but when students of three campuses return for the upcoming school year, those schools will have new names. The Sac City Unified School Board voted to rename Sutter Middle School, Kit Carson International Academy and Peter Burnett Elementary due to names that the district says “glorify racist historical figures.” John Sutter, considered a founder of California, Peter Burnett, our state’s first governor, and frontier scout Kit Carson all made their mark in California history. But they also played an oversized role in racism as well as the murder and enslavement of indigenous people– even genocide. The new identities of the schools will reflect Sacramento’s indigenous and African American history. Sutter Middle School will become “Miwok Middle School,” honoring the Miwok people who originally inhabited Sacramento and are still here today. Peter Burnett is now “Suy:u Elementary” a Miwok name for “hawk.” And Kit Carson is now “Umoja International Academy,” honoring the first principle of Kwanzaa. Mark Harris is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Monitor for Sacramento City Unified, and joined Insight to explain the district's decision and the significance of the new names.
The health of California's coast
A Sacramento ocean scientist has checked off some pretty incredible dives while researching California’s coast, reaching depths that provide an invaluable perspective of the health of the Pacific Ocean along the Golden State– a coastline where more than 26 million Californians call home. Dr. Amber Mace is using her education and experience to shape science-based policy as CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology. Dr. Mace joins Insight with a deeper look at our coastline, which is at risk of disappearing or looking dramatically different by the end of this century due to rising sea levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This is just one of many challenges facing the state’s coast, with ramifications that could impact those who live far beyond its shores. Dr. Mace will share some solutions to overcome the challenges California faces from human development and climate change.
Meadowview youth bike repair program
When we think of Sacramento as a “biking friendly” community , that typically is reserved for the city center and bordering neighborhoods. Access to a safe, welcoming cycling environment is difficult to find outside that area. It’s something the city has been working to change in recent years, as part of a broader climate action plan. But there are community partners stepping up to bridge that gap. Debra Banks, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), and Ron Brasel, Sacramento Active Transportation Commissioner and SABA Board of Directors, discuss the Ride Ready Repair Meadowview program at John Still Middle School, a six-week summer session beginning June 29 which allows students to repair bikes, and in turn, nurture and empower a bicycle culture for future generations.
