Local Politics · Los Angeles County
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California and Los Angeles County seeking to set aside ballots cast by approximately 20,000 individuals identified as potential noncitizen voters. Federal prosecutors recently charged 28 lawful permanent residents in California with illegally registering or voting, while the state argues the federal list is flawed and lacks sufficient evidence. A federal judge in Oakland has ordered Homeland Security to halt interviews based on the list until after polls close on Nov. 3, citing concerns about voter intimidation. The legal dispute centers on whether the state must verify citizenship status for voters flagged by a cross-referenced database before the midterm elections.
Local Politics · Sacramento County
Approximately 450 Sacramento Superior Court employees represented by United Public Employees voted Friday to authorize a strike on or after Oct. 30. The workers have been without a contract since September 2026, and mediation sessions on Oct. 19-20 did not produce a deal. The union is seeking a 4% pay increase to offset rising costs of living. The court stated it faces a $61 million funding shortfall for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and said all court locations will remain open during a strike, though some services may be delayed.
Transportation · Sacramento County
A new six-story, more-than-5,500-space parking garage at Sacramento International Airport will open Nov. 19, one week before Thanksgiving, according to the Sacramento County Department of Airports. Only three floors will be available on opening day due to a grand opening event; all spaces open the following day. Parking rates at all SMF lots and garages will increase when the garage opens, per rates approved by the county Board of Supervisors in September: garage parking rises from $21 to $28, daily lots from $14 to $19, and economy lots from $12 to $14. The garage is part of the $1.4 billion SMForward capital project, which also includes a quarter-mile pedestrian walkway replacing the Terminal B tram (expected early 2027), a new Terminal A exit road (estimated late 2027), and a $485 million consolidated rental car center. A Park SMF mobile app showing real-time parking availability is expected before Christmas.
Crime · Sacramento County
Seven retired Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives have formed Project Legacy, a volunteer cold case unit focused on unsolved suspicious deaths and homicides of children caused by caregiver abuse or neglect. The group met Monday to officially begin work on approximately three dozen cases held by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Their first assignment is the 1995 homicide of a 20-month-old girl in North Highlands. Retired detective John Sydow said the cases had gone unexamined for years, and the team plans to interview witnesses and anyone with information. The detectives urged anyone who may have committed a crime or knows something about these cases to come forward.
Community News · Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove residents can view upcoming local events and meetings for the week of October 26 through November 7, 2026. Scheduled items include City Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as community festivals like Hallopalooza and a Fall Festival. The schedule also highlights General Election Day on November 3 and a Youth Commission event on October 31.
Nearby · Local Politics · Sacramento, CA
Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra and epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer debated at an Oct. 1 League of Women Voters forum for the District 1 county supervisor seat being vacated by Phil Serna. The candidates clashed over whether to build a new jail to comply with the Mays consent decree, with Guerra supporting construction and Cofer opposing what she called a potential $1 billion project. They agreed on letting voters decide ranked choice voting and data center development, and opposed a major development west of North Natomas approved by the current Board. Outside spending emerged as a contentious issue, with filings showing nearly $64,000 in mailers opposing Cofer linked to labor and real estate PACs, while Guerra's supporters reported about $198,000 in cumulative spending. The top two primary finishers face voters in the Nov. 3 general election.
Nearby · Local Politics · Sacramento County
Rep. Doris Matsui has loaned her reelection campaign $5.4 million through Oct. 14, with no repayments reported, federal records show. The personal loans account for approximately 69% of her campaign's $7.84 million in total receipts during the 2025-26 cycle. Challenger Mai Vang is relying on a volunteer ground operation with more than 900 registered volunteers for canvassing and phone outreach. The Cook Political Report rates the district "Solid Democratic," though that designation addresses party control rather than the outcome of this all-Democratic contest. Voters in the district go to the polls Nov. 3.
