“The Dilemma of Mental Commitments in California.” Photo by UC Davis Library If there was any single event that sped the emptying of state asylums in California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was the publication of a 204-page report entitled, “The Dilemma of Mental Commitments in California.” The report was an exposé, a philosophical treatise, and a policy prescription.
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Hannah Orbach-Mandel, photo by Joah Harrison, Capitol Weekly. Not every policy expert successfully identifies a gap within legislation and pioneers their way through our bureaucracy to solve it. 27-year-old Hannah-Orbach Mandel, policy analyst at the California Budget and Policy Center, has done just that.
Sign advertising house for rent in the suburbs. Photo by Ajax9, ShutterstockOPINION: In just three weeks, California will vote for a third time on expanding rent control. Or taken another way, voters will be asked to approve Proposition 33 which will repeal Costa-Hawkins and allow cities and counties to decide what type of rent control their residents need.
Illustration of Paul Mitchell by Chris Shary. Graphic, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Political data expert and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Paul Mitchell joins us for a look at the most competitive congressional districts in California. The race for control of Congress is tight, and these districts could decide which party holds the House in 2025. And he tells us which polls to watch (and which to ignore) and makes his prediction in the Kamala Harris- Donald Trump race.
Rudy Salas, photo by APAccording to recent USC polling, and the election buzz among national prognosticators, voters could be on the verge of electing the first Latino in the House of Representatives from the state’s Central Valley. Yes, you read that right.
Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up under the capitol dome this week.
Schroeders Oktoberfest, photo by DowntownSF.orgA new California law allows cities and counties across California to create local ordinances creating “entertainment zones” where local bars and restaurants can sell alcohol to-go in designated areas.
Image by Stefano SpiccaOPINION – Our state has often turned to temporary conservation measures, but it’s clear that we need sustainable, long-term solutions to secure California’s water future and protect our most vulnerable communities from the rising costs of inaction.
Image by hapabapaIn looking over the 1,200 bills that reached Governor Newsom’s Desk during the 2024 Session, I found several with interesting provisions. They are in random order as I came across them in my review of the bill language.