When Fiona Hutton talks: 25 years in public affairs

Former staffers accuse Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct

Congressman Eric Swalwell. Photo by Tim Foster, Capitol Weekly

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 04.10.2026

Following days of fervent online speculation, the San Francisco Chronicle today published allegations of sexual misconduct against Congressman Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate for Governor. The accusations come from a former member of Swalwell’s staff, who described predatory behavior, ranging from sexting to sexual assault, that began shortly after she started working for him. The Chronicle has not revealed the identity of the staffer.

The Legislature tried to fix housing. It didn’t go far enough

Aerial view of unfinished wooden frames of affordable houses under construction. Development of residential housing in American suburbs. Real estate market in the USA.

by SUZETTE VALLADARES and ANAMARIE ÁVILA FARÍAS posted 04.14.2026

OPINION – With some of the most expensive housing in the country, the Legislature has spent years trying to make it easier to build more homes by cutting red tape and reducing unnecessary barriers. The Legislature passed a major housing reform package meant to help projects move faster and build the housing Californians desperately need. The goal was right. But parts of that law lack the legal certainty to be effective.

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

California must keep its promise to protect kids from big cannabis

One Pound of Organic Cannabis

by JIM KEDDY posted 04.13.2026

OPINION – California voters were promised something simple and reasonable when they approved cannabis legalization under Proposition 64: a tightly regulated industry that would fund youth programs, protect children, and operate responsibly. Nearly a decade later, that promise has been broken.

Capitol Briefs: Antitrust, cost drivers and conversion therapy

California State Assembly . Photo by Capitol Weekly.

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 04.10.2026

In this week’s Capitol Briefs we look at a handful of bills lawmakers have under consideration as we head toward the April 24th deadline for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees fiscal bills introduced in their chamber.

Capitol Spotlight: Assemblymember Jessica Caloza

Jessica Caloza. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly.

by LEAH O'TARROW posted 04.09.2026

The first Filipina elected to the Legislature, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza represents Los Angeles, serving a working-class, immigrant-heavy district. She has built her career on a simple idea shaped by her own experience: that government can transform lives when it works.

Codified v. uncodified laws

Image by george tsartsianidis.

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 04.09.2026

We sometimes hear statements around the California State Capitol about codified versus uncodified laws. What’s the difference? In today’s Micheli Files Capitol lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli explains it all for you.