Sacramento RegionSacramento mayoral candidate profile: Epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune CoferFebruary 29, 2024 | Chris NicholsCofer is the only woman running among the major candidates for Sacramento mayor. She’s also the youngest at 41. Unlike her three main opponents, she’s not accepting corporate money and has never held elected office. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionSacramento mayoral candidate profile: Former state Senator Dr. Richard PanFebruary 28, 2024 | Chris NicholsPan said there’s no shortage of ideas for how to solve Sacramento’s homelessness crisis. Instead, he argues there’s a lack of follow through. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionSacramento mayoral candidate profile: Assembly member Kevin McCartyFebruary 27, 2024 | Chris NicholsMcCarty served on the Sacramento City Council from 2004 until he was elected to the state Assembly in 2014. He said finding housing for the hundreds who camp along the American River Parkway would be among his top priorities as mayor. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Housing and HomelessnessHow far can cities go to clear homeless camps? The U.S. Supreme Court will decideFebruary 20, 2024Lower courts have said it's unconstitutional to punish people for sleeping outside if no shelter is available. Cities say these rulings have paralyzed their efforts to manage growing tent encampments.
State GovernmentFeds leave California on the hook for $300 million in COVID homeless spendingFebruary 12, 2024When Gov. Gavin Newsom launched his landmark effort to shelter homeless residents in hotels during COVID, the state and local governments were relying on FEMA to foot much of the bill. Now, they’re on the hook for $300 million.
Housing and HomelessnessCounting Sacramento County’s homeless: Volunteers set out across region for biennial Point-In-Time CountJanuary 25, 2024 | Chris NicholsHundreds of volunteers took part in Sacramento County’s homeless Point-In-Time Count this week. The biennial survey provides an estimate for the county’s overall homeless population and is required to receive federal homeless funding.
State GovernmentState program to clear homeless encampments show signs of success, but housing remains elusiveJanuary 18, 2024A multi-year, $750 million program aimed at doing away with homeless encampments has had mixed results throughout California. Local leaders say ongoing funding is needed.
Housing and HomelessnessDowntown Sacramento’s Capitol Park Hotel reopens as homeless housing, but at a high costJanuary 18, 2024 | Chris NicholsThe 110-year-old structure has been renovated and will also provide supportive services. But critics say the $76 million cost to renovate the historic building and its 134 studio apartments is far too high.
State GovernmentSupreme Court will hear case about homeless encampments, with huge implications for CaliforniaJanuary 12, 2024The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that has implications for how much power California officials have over homeless camps. It will rule on current precedent later this year.
State GovernmentCabin-sized homeless shelters showcased at state Capitol, promoted as temporary solutionJanuary 11, 2024 | Chris NicholsPallet is one of five companies the state selected to build 1,200 tiny homes Governor Gavin Newsom promised last March for communities across the state including Sacramento. That promise has yet to be fulfilled.