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

Doris Matsui Just Won Her 10th Full Term in Congress. What’s Her Secret? (Hint: It’s Not Just Having a ‘Safe Seat’)

A district office chat with a political marathoner

“When I’m in Sacramento,” she says, “people stop me on the street wondering about the impact something will have on their lives. I respond to every inquiry, but that doesn’t mean I’m able to go down every rabbit hole.” She smiles. “I always stand firm on what my constituents want. They first put me here and have put me back here every two years.”

Mar 25, 2025 Ed Goldman

Women in Leadership 2025: Ann Patterson

Our annual salute to the women who lead the Capital Region

Patterson returned to public policy in 2019 as the legal affairs secretary for Gov. Newsom, where she spent a good portion of her early work as counsel on the energy team, tackling the PG&E bankruptcy after the destructive North Bay and Camp fires. As cabinet secretary, Patterson advises the governor on policy and oversees all state agencies and departments within the administration.

Mar 12, 2025 Laurie Lauletta-Boshart

Artificial Intelligence Is Bringing Nuclear Power Back From the Dead — Maybe Even in California

CalMatters: Artificial intelligence uses so much energy that its rapid spread could endanger California’s goal of eliminating all carbon emissions by 2045 — even as AI companies may be flooding the state treasury with tax revenue. The conundrum has legislators considering what was once unthinkable: Bringing back nuclear power as a driver of innovation and economic growth, sort of like it was the 1960s all over again.

Jan 31, 2025 Alex Shultz, CalMatters