Game changer: California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 06.08.2026

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: If you have noticed that the state now has less “rolling” blackouts, former state senator Nancy Skinner’s AB 2514 is a big part of the reason. Skinner is serving her first term on the California Energy Commission after serving as a state senator and member of the Assembly. Her legislation created requirements for electrical energy storage systems – she spoke with us about AB 2514, about the Trump Administration’s opposition to California’s climate goals, the challenges (and opportunities) presented by Data Centers, and her landmark Name Image and Likeness legislation, SB 206, which changed college sports across the country. And, with the Primary behind us, we have a long list of candidates for Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.

Experts Expound

Experts Expound: To elect or appoint the insurance commissioner

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara at California Insurance Crisis, May 14, 2025. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 06.05.2026

Our Capitol insiders are back to answer another pressing question: Should California return to having the Insurance Commissioner be an appointed position rather than being chosen by voters?

Micheli Minute

The Micheli Minute for June 8, 2026

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 06.08.2026

Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.

News

Slew of e-bike bills speed forward

Image by SCM Jeans.

by CORY JAYNES posted 06.03.2026

As the popularity of e-bikes has grown, so too have the instances and severity of crashes involving the motorized bicycles. With that in mind, lawmakers this session have pondered several bills seeking to balance expanding e-bike use and road safety.

Opinion

A moratorium on op-ed submissions

Image by Volkan ISIK.

by RICH EHISEN posted 05.21.2026

Due to a massive backlog in our queue, effective immediately Capitol Weekly is imposing a moratorium on new op-ed submissions through at least June 24th.

Micheli Files

More observations on California bill drafting

California Assembly. Photo by Capitol Weekly.

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 06.04.2026

In his continuing review of 2026 legislation in the California Legislature, intrepid legal scholar, lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli offers some additional observations on the dos and don’ts of drafting legislation.

Podcast

How California can get ahead of wildfires, with Steve Frisch

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 06.01.2026

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is Steve Frisch, President and CEO of the Sierra Business Council (SBC) and a founding member of the Wildfire Solutions Coalition. With the devastating impacts of wildfire becoming more evident with each fire season, the Coalition advocates for funding and implementation of wildfire resilience strategies. While acknowledging California’s budget woes, he argues that preventing fires will save the state money, and that “this is not the year we should be reducing wildfire funding.”

News

CIRM’s ongoing struggle with financial conflicts of interest

Haifaa Abdulhaq, photo courtesy of UCSF Fresno.

by DAVID JENSEN posted 05.28.2026

Questions about inherent conflicts of interest continue to dog the $12 billion California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the largest such state enterprise in the nation.

Opinion

California needs a leader who knows how to build housing

Workers are constructing wooden frame beams for new building under roof trusses

by DAN DUNMOYER posted 06.04.2026

OPINION—Within the crowded field of candidates running for governor, California’s housing shortage dominates every campaign agenda. Voters are right to demand action on this issue.