Kristin Lam
Sacramento Government Reporter
Some 1.58 million people call Sacramento County home and about a third live in the city of Sacramento. All count on local governments to provide public services, but agencies have a long history of inequitably distributing funding and resources. Politicians elected to represent their neighbors do not always act in ways that reflect interests of their diverse communities.
As CapRadio’s Sacramento Government Reporter, I focus on covering Sacramento City Hall and connecting policy decisions to people’s daily lives. I examine the extent to which local governments in the Sacramento metro area serve all of their diverse communities and report on how agencies can equitably improve people’s quality of life. I also highlight opportunities to and residents who actively shape our local politics.
Got any suggestions or questions about local government in the Sacramento area? Please let me know, because I want my work to serve the community.
Sacramento police accountability report raises transparency concerns, watchdogs say
August 8, 2022
Last year, the Office of Public Safety Accountability recorded 289 police misconduct complaints. The office’s annual report recommends Sacramento Police reduce backlogs for investigating police conduct complaints.
Sacramento police shoot unhoused man in River District, body camera video shows
August 2, 2022
An unhoused man was walking toward police with a blanket covering his hands when an officer shot him.
Police detained a Black child at the California State Fair. His mother says they targeted him
August 2, 2022
An 11-year-old Black boy suffered cuts, bruises and emotional trauma from the incident, the family’s attorney said.
Sacramento approves 24/7 homeless respite center. But some residents opposed it.
July 27, 2022
The city’s respite and triage center near Arden-Arcade will be referral-only and have 24/7 security on-site, staff said.
Cannabis tax will go to Sacramento County voters after all. What changed?
July 27, 2022
Putting a the tax on the November ballot is a step toward allowing dispensaries in unincorporated areas.
Sacramento City Council OKs youth funding measure for November ballot
July 18, 2022
If voters pass the ballot measure in November, the city would use the “equivalent” of 40% of the cannabis business tax revenue from the general fund for youth programs.
West Sacramento illegally divided diverse low-income neighborhood, court rules
July 8, 2022
A Yolo County judge determined West Sacramento illegally split a neighborhood with a large Latino population into two separate City Council districts.
Sacramento County primary election results are final. November election races are now set.
July 1, 2022
Here's a look at the key races in Sacramento County's 2022 primary election, including who will be moving to the November general election, and who won their seats outright.
Homeless Sacramento residents could face misdemeanor for blocking sidewalks under city proposal
June 30, 2022
A City Council member said the proposal can ensure safe walkways, but opponents say it further criminalizes homelessness.
Mayor Steinberg, north Sacramento leaders request independent investigation into council member’s residency
June 28, 2022
The letters follow reports that Council member Sean Loloee has lived in a million-dollar home in Granite Bay since he was sworn into office, instead of in District 2, a largely impoverished area he was elected to represent in 2020.