CA’s New Housing Agency | Local Author Jamil Jan Kochai | Remembering Mick Martin

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

California is creating a state agency exclusively focused on housing issues. Also, local author and National Book Award finalist Jamil Jan Kochai. Finally, remembering longtime Sacramento blues musician and radio DJ Mick Martin.

California’s New Housing Agency

California is on track to get a new state agency specifically focused on housing issues. Governor Gavin Newsom first proposed the new agency earlier this year, which would split the existing Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency in two, and the new department is set to start operating next summer. CalMatters Housing Reporter Ben Christopher talks about the state’s complicated housing landscape, the response to Newsom’s proposal, and what impact the agency could have on reducing the high costs of building more housing in California.

CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

Local Author Jamil Jan Kochai

A Sacramento author is weaving together writing and oral storytelling, in stories that breathe life into the Afghan-American diaspora. Jamil Jan Kochai is a 2022 National Book Award Finalist for his short story collection “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak” and a finalist for the Pen/Hemingway Award for his debut piece, “99 Nights in Logar.” He joins Insight to talk about his literary journey, and the story that will be shared and performed as part of the CapLit literary performance series on Friday at the CLARA Auditorium, starting at 7 p.m.

Remembering Mick Martin

Longtime Sacramento blues musician and radio deejay Mick Martin has died. K-ZAP posted the news on social media Sunday night. “With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Mick Martin, the irreplaceable soul behind 'Mick Martin's Blues Party.'" CapRadio’s Gary Vercelli, K-ZAP’s Dennis Newhall and Iowa Public Radio’s Nick Brunner join us to remember Martin’s lasting legacy.