Sacramento’s top stories: Police contract, garbage rates and best CA schools

From developments on public safety, utility costs and education, here’s a rundown of the top stories to catch you up.

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• Sacramento’s police union delivered a “last, best and final offer” to the city after officers have worked more than a year without a contract. The Sacramento Police Officers Association said it is prepared to take the case to a neutral arbitrator if the offer is rejected. Union leaders said the number of sworn officers has fallen from 800 to 613, with more cuts planned in the 2026-27 budget.

• West Sacramento is considering switching garbage haulers from longtime provider WM to San Jose-based GreenWaste when its current contract ends next year. All three bids under review include rate increases, and a family of four could see a 74% jump in monthly water, sewer and waste charges by 2030 compared with early 2026. The city’s Environment and Utilities Commission declined to recommend approval, criticizing officials for insufficient public outreach.

• Niche released its 2026 Best Schools in California rankings, with top public elementary, middle and high schools clustered in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles. Each of the top schools earned an overall Niche grade of A+ based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation. The rankings draw on data from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau along with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.