An annual livability poll is revealing Sacramento’s Black residents are most concerned about the region’s high housing costs. A conversation with Sacramento’s new nighttime economic manager. A preview of the Riverbank Food and Wine Festival.

Black Sacramento's housing concerns

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The housing market may be cooling due to the rise in interest rates, but homes are still out of reach for many people in the Sacramento area. Rents are really no better higher than the year prior. Housing affordability is a widespread issue that breaks down unevenly, affecting communities of color the most. A new poll published this week by Valley Vision in partnership with CapRadio found nearly nine of every 10 Black residents are concerned about the cost of housing in the Sacramento region, a level higher than any other racial or ethnic group. And policy experts are not surprised. CapRadio reporter Chris Nichols covers affordable housing and homelessness and joins us this morning to discuss the findings.

Sacramento's nighttime economy manager

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Let’s face it. It’s been a painful year in Sacramento. Just as the city started to emerge from the pandemic with restaurants, bars, and clubs reopening with looser restrictions, a mass shooting on K Street between rival gangs left six dead and 12 injured in April. Three months later, a shooting outside “Mix” nightclub killed one person and injured four others. And then, in late September, a shooting happened outside of BarWest on J Street; a man was shot and killed. The aftermath is trauma and mourning, something we still are very much in. But there are also people nervous about going out and staying late in the city center. And it’s hard because businesses want the crowds after being shut down or limited, in so many ways during the height of COVID. They need the crowds, and we all want the vibe of downtown to come back. Sacramento was on a roll with DOCO, the arena, bars and restaurants. But safety comes first. The city is moving forward with Sacramento’s first “nighttime economy manager.” Her name is Tina Lee-Vogt, and she joins us to talk about her new role and how she plans on making the city core a vibrant, fun and safe place to enjoy.

Riverbank Food and Wine Festival

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The City of Riverbank North of Modesto in Stanislaus County is celebrating its centennial. 100 years! This weekend is the “Riverbank Wine & Cheese Festival,” the 45th anniversary of the event. The festival is a homage to the region’s diversity of people, food and wine. With a year to make changes and expand the festival, there is much to see, smell and taste. The event will highlight local wineries and have entertainment to enjoy. Joining us is Tamra Spade, festival organizer and CEO of “Simply Divine Events.”