Enviro updates with Jennifer Fearing

For many lawmakers, free sports tickets are all in the game

Image by GlaserStudios.

by BRIAN JOSEPH posted 02.05.2026

With gifts to state officials capped at $630, no legislator should be accepting free tickets to Super Bowl 60, which start on secondary markets at more than $6,000 a piece. But that hasn’t stopped them from taking a lot of free tickets to other sporting events.

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

With immigration, Newsom should stick it to Trump with facts

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by ANTHONY PAHNKE posted 02.09.2026

OPINION – Governor Newsom, with his Presidential aspirations hidden from no one, ought to seize this opportunity on immigration. Specifically, he should make a point to call out the Trump administration with facts, clarifying the reality of this complicated issue to potentially earn the support of an energized population. 

Statutory statements by the Legislature should guide courts

California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtao

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 02.05.2026

When the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.

Beyond the Governor’s Race

Photo, Eric Haynes, used under Creative Commons permissions

by CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST posted 02.02.2026

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom has taken up most of California’s political oxygen so far this year, but there are other statewide races coming up, including Lt. Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, and – potentially – a slew of Ballot Measures. Capitol Weekly Editor Rich Ehisen, reporter Leah O’Tarrow and podcast co-host Tim Foster take a look at the 2026 ballot. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.

Your kid’s phone never closes. Why do California’s rec centers?

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by WILL LU posted 02.05.2026

OPINION – If California is serious about youth mental health, we must fund the physical “operating system” that replaces the digital one.

A better way to tax billionaires

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by ANDREW SIDAMON-ERISTOFF posted 02.04.2026

OPINION – California voters: If you really want to tax billionaires, there’s a better way: shut down the “buy, borrow, die” tax planning strategy whereby the very wealthy use loan proceeds to support their lifestyles without paying income tax.

Lights, camera, more action needed to save Hollywood

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by LEAH O’TARROW posted 01.29.2026

Once the global center of film production, California – and Los Angeles in particular – has seen a long steady decline in the number of films and TV shows shot there. The reasons are many, including an ongoing affordability crisis that industry workers say has made it harder to produce film and TV in the place that built the business.