Elk Grove PD ‘First Responder’ Drones | Mystifying Cost of College | California Wildflower Season

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Elk Grove Police adds drones as first responders. Also, why the cost for California universities are so high, and how to get help. Finally, we’re approaching peak wildflower season in Northern California.

Elk Grove PD ‘First Responder’ Drones

The Elk Grove City Council recently voted to approve $2.1 million to the city’s police department for a new Drone as a First Responder program. These unmanned aerial systems would respond to calls for service within minutes, gather data, and allow the department to more efficiently dispatch officers. Sgt. Jason Jimenez is a public information officer with Elk Grove Police Department and joins Insight to discuss how the new drones will be used.

Mystifying Cost of College

It’s an exciting time of year for high school seniors and transfer students as they look ahead to attending a UC or CSU in the Fall. But between the cost of tuition, fees, books, meals, and housing - the reality of affording it all may put a damper on all the excitement. A detailed report by CalMatters Higher Education Reporter, Mikhail Zinshteyn shines a light on the true cost of college in California and examines why some students will pay the full cost, while others pay next to nothing. We are also joined by Meredith Curry Nuñez, Executive Director of the Northern California College Promise Coalition, who can explain what students and families can try to do to lower the cost of college here in California.

California Wildflower Season

The weather is getting warmer and sunnier, which means wildflower season in northern California is hitting its peak. Although this year won’t be a superbloom, there are still spectacular views from the valley to the foothills. Kara Walker is the Donor Relations Director for the Placer Land Trust and Kate Mawdsley is a docent at the Jepson Prairie Preserve in Solano County. They join us with tips to take in wildflowers this spring.