A Look at California’s Competitive Congressional Districts, with Paul Mitchell

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.14.2024

Illustration of Paul Mitchell by Chris Shary. Graphic, Capitol Weekly

CAPITOL 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.

Rising Stars

Rising Stars: Hannah-Orbach Mandel, California Budget and Policy Center

Hannah Orbach-Mandel, photo by Joah Harrison, Capitol Weekly.

by MOLLY JACOBY posted 10.15.2024

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.

CA120

CA 120: Salas would be the first Latino Congressman from the Central Valley

Rudy Salas, photo by AP

by PAUL MITCHELL posted 10.10.2024

According 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.

Micheli Minute

The Micheli Minute, October 14, 2024

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.14.2024

Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up under the capitol dome this week.

News

California continues revitalization efforts after pandemic

Schroeders Oktoberfest, photo by DowntownSF.org

by MAHRUKH SIDDIQUI posted 10.09.2024

A 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.

Opinion

Ensuring affordability and climate resilience: The critical role of decoupling in California

Image by Stefano Spicca

by MARY ANN DICKINSON & TIA FLEMING posted 10.14.2024

OPINION – 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.

Micheli Files

Some drafting observations on 2024 California bills

Image by hapabapa

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 10.11.2024

In 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.

Opinion

Time to pump the brakes on California’s zero-emission diesel truck regulations

Image by Petmal

by IRAN CHIMA and BRANDON NEAL posted 10.11.2024

OPINION – Truck manufacturers are not mass producing heavy-duty commercial electric trucks, a sign that the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations hailed revolutionary, are not working as intended.

Podcast

Special Episode: Proposition 36 – Increased Penalties For Theft and Drug Crime

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.07.2024

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Capitol Weekly hosted the California Ballot Forum: 2024 Election Preview. Through spirited discussion and reasoned debate, proponents for each side explored the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals in a conversation moderated by a journalist. Today’s episode presents: Proposition 36.