This week we speak with Leonie Pickett, who teaches History, English, Geography and Leadership to 7th, 8th and 9th graders at Da Vinci Junior High in Davis. A parent of teens as well, she walks us through what the start of this most unusual school year looks like for her.  We hear about how teachers spent their summers preparing for teaching on Zoom again, how to best engage students, concerns about social development, and other pros and cons with this current mode of reaching students and parents.

Last week, I did an informal poll on Facebook, asking listeners who they'd like me to interview. I received an incredible number of responses, and one thing that emerged was the desire to hear more from everyday people: teachers, kids, parents, business owners. I will continue interviewing  leaders from our local institiutions and organizations, because I believe that's still important, but I've committed to bringing forth some of these other voices, as well.

"Americana" is alive and well thanks to Jason McNiff, who hails from the coast of Southern England. Jason also introduced us to Sarah Gillispie, and we ended the interview playing one of her songs.

British troubadour Jason McNiff has made five albums which people call folk, or Americana, or alt country. There is an Englishness in his guitar playing, however, and you might think of Bert Jansch or Wizz Jones meeting John Prine & Townes Van Zandt. “McNiff’s quiet, intimate, fragile-sounding vocals draw you into his world," wrote Time Out in London, "an almost timeless place through which he drifts, a romantic loner, a dreamer, at home with the blues.” He is often touted as one of the UK’s most overlooked musical treasures, as a songwriter and fingerpicker.

His album April Cruel (Fledg’ling) was nominated for best album in the alt country category at the Independent Music Awards in 2011. A double CD anthology, Rain Dries Your Eyes, was issued in 2017. A new record made during lockdown will be coming soon.

Today's featured guest is West Sacramento City Councilmember Martha Guerrero, who was elected in 2018 after having previously served on the city’s Planning Commission. She is running for mayor in the current election cycle.  We'll talk about the impacts of COVID-19 on West Sac, community resiliency, and economic recovery.  I reached out to her because she’s been a leading source for information about West Sacramento on the COVID-19 Yolo Response Facebook Page.

As Los Angeles County’s Legislative Representative in Sacramento, she has dedicated over 19 years in public service covering legislative strategy and advocacy, public administration, strategic planning, and legislative and budget analysis. Also a licensed clinical social worker, Martha has received a Commendation by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her legislative leadership and dedication to foster children.