Inside California’s Return-to-Office Battle

Five years after getting WFH orders, workers are rebelling against resuming cubicle life

Earlier this spring, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order mandating that most of California’s 224,000 full-time state workers should return to working in the office four days per week starting July 1. The executive order has stirred passionate debate, with local businesses in favor of the change and organizations representing state employees adamantly opposed.

Jul 28, 2025 Sasha Abramsky

The Way We Work: Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper

A glimpse into the daily life of the top law enforcement officer for Sacramento County

The biggest challenge of his job? “It never turns off,” says Sheriff Cooper. “It’s always on. My phone rings at all hours of the day and night.” The good news is that he’s wired for this. “I enjoy what I do,” says the sheriff. “I’m not a type-A personality. I’m a type-AAA personality. I can go. I don’t have an off switch.” 

Apr 17, 2025 Jeff Wilser