The Sacramento Bee week in review

State workers return to offices four days a week

Wednesday marked the first day most California state workers were required to increase their in-office schedule from two days to four days a week, under an executive order Gov. Gavin Newsom issued in March 2025. The mandate affects more than 108,000 state workers statewide, with roughly 40% based in the capital region. Early morning traffic appeared lighter than expected, with key routes flowing freely around 7 a.m., though congestion began building by 7:30 a.m. in familiar spots. Transportation experts say the order will increase traffic volumes but not double vehicle miles traveled, and predict a rise in public transit ridership. Some workers received exemptions, and others took the day off to attend a protest at the Capitol organized by SEIU Local 1000. The four-day requirement ends six years of widespread telework policies that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reported by Madison Smalstig, published July 1

Sacramento musician’s Southwest guitar dispute goes viral

Sacramento vocalist and guitarist Samantha Henson says Southwest Airlines gate agents blocked her from boarding two flights at Sacramento International Airport with her guitar, ultimately calling sheriff’s deputies to the gate. Henson was traveling to Portland for a friend’s wedding when a flight attendant said her guitar was too large to carry on. After waiting hours for a second flight, a gate agent threatened to call law enforcement if she didn’t check her bag. Deputies arrived but appeared confused, Henson says. Southwest’s policy permits guitars as carry-ons if they fit in overhead bins or under seats. Henson eventually flew out on a 4 a.m. flight with her guitar aboard. A video of the incident garnered roughly 1.8 million Instagram views by Saturday. Henson says the experience reflects a broader issue musicians face when flying with instruments.

Reported by Sofia Williams, published June 28

California billionaire tax heads to November ballot

A proposed 5% tax on California billionaires’ assets will appear on the November ballot after negotiations to sideline the measure collapsed. Backed by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, which represents 120,000 healthcare workers, supporters say the tax would raise $100 billion to offset healthcare cuts from federal legislation signed by President Donald Trump. SEIU-UHW President Dave Regan said talks with Gov. Gavin Newsom broke down because Newsom would not consider any proposal taxing billionaires. Critics, including the California Business Roundtable and some progressive groups, warn the measure could drive high earners out of the state and harm long-term revenues. Ballot strategist Brandon Castillo said he would not be surprised to see $400 million spent on one side of the fight alone. A Public Policy Institute of California poll showed 54% of likely voters support the tax and 45% are opposed.

Reported by Ben Paviour, published June 26

Sac State president receives first performance review

Sacramento State President Luke Wood has completed his first official performance review since taking office in 2023, with CSU Chancellor Mildred García describing him as a “highly energetic, charismatic and boldly innovative leader.” The review, based on feedback from faculty, staff, students and community members, identified six goals for Wood’s presidency, including building campus trust through transparent communication, boosting Sacramento State’s national reputation to attract out-of-state students, and engaging an executive coach to improve cabinet relationships. Additional priorities include strengthening discrimination and harassment prevention programs, completing tribal repatriation requirements, and merging business operations with Stanislaus State. Wood currently earns $504,799 annually, plus a housing allowance and performance incentive. His next formal review is scheduled for 2029.

Reported by Tarini Mehta, published June 26

Flood board OKs levee fences amid Sacramento trail plan

The California Central Valley Flood Protection Board approved two permanent cross-levee fence applications June 26, despite opposition from residents and the city of Sacramento. The fences, requested by Gail Nadal on Clipper Way and by James Silva, Karen Silva, and the Riverside Village Improvement Association in the Little Pocket neighborhood, conflict with the city’s vision for a 17-mile Sacramento River Parkway trail. The city filed a formal protest on June 24, arguing the permits would block public access. Board secretary Brian Johnson said the board’s only standard is flood performance, not trail planning. Two special conditions were added requiring fence removal if public access rights are established. Pocket resident Richard Markuson argued the board’s cumulative decisions could gradually foreclose future trail options.

Reported by Alula Alderson, published June 30

Rivian to open Sacramento site at former Fry’s location

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian plans to open a new sales location on Northgate Boulevard in Sacramento, occupying a portion of a former Fry’s Electronics store that closed in 2021. The 60,000-square-foot site, located just off the Interstate 80 Northgate Boulevard exit, will offer sales, test drives, service, and delivery. Rivian, which is based in Irvine, has long advocated for direct-to-consumer car sales, bypassing traditional franchised dealerships. The company already operates a parts distribution center in Metro Air Park and service centers in West Sacramento and Rocklin. Councilmember Lisa Kaplan called the expansion a win for District 1, citing job creation and economic activity. The new location is expected to open in the third quarter of 2027.

Reported by Annika Merrilees, published June 29

This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 11:05 AM with the headline "The Sacramento Bee week in review."