Federal judge says California must pay $112 million for failing to provide sufficient mental health staffing in prisons. Unpacking the controversial proposal to build a new city in Solano County. Finally, over 1,500 acres of river canyon are now preserved in Placer County.

CA Fine for Inadequate Prison Mental Health Staffing

The same day Governor Newsom spoke about “dark days in California” during his pre-taped State of the State speech, a federal judge found top prison officials in civil contempt and ordered the state to pay a $112 million fine. The judgment stems from a long-running litigation regarding mental health treatment in California’s prisons. KFF Health News Reporter Don Thompson explains what the ruling means.

‘California Forever’ City Proposal 

Solano County supervisors voted Tuesday to delay placing a  controversial proposal to build a new city on the November ballot. The company California Forever, backed by a slate of billionaires, promises a walkable, sustainable city which could eventually bring in 400,000 new residents and 15,000 new jobs, but has also drawn criticism and skepticism over its impact and promises. KQED Housing Reporter Adhiti Bandlamudi joins Insight to talk about the planned community, the surrounding controversy, and what comes next.

Placer Land Trust’s 1,500-Acre Acquisition

In late May, the Placer Land Trust and Trust for Public Land acquired over 1,500 acres of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills, along the North Fork American River. Jeff Darlington, Executive Director of the Placer Land Trust and Heidi Krolick, Conservation Director for the Trust for Public Land talk about why this acquisition is so important, and what opportunities it provides to visitors and the environment.