Haney bill gives shelter animals a new chance at life

Shelter dog. Image by AwaylGl via iStock.

For most animal lovers, their dogs, cats or other four-legged critters are viewed as nothing less than valued members of the family. But in cases where animals instead suffer abuse bad enough to be forcibly removed from the home, they also become evidence that can keep them legally isolated and unavailable for adoption for months or even years. Thanks to a bill recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, that won’t be the case for much longer.

Continue Reading »
Micheli Files

Legislative drafting examples with needed changes

The Assembly chamber at the state Capitol in Sacramento. (Photo: Felix Lipov, via Shutterstock)

In reviewing some of the bills on Governor Newsom’s Desk after the conclusion of the 2026 California Legislative Session, I have come across a number of examples of bill language that I believe is in need of improvement.

Podcast

A chat with political strategist Kelly Calkin

Kelly Calkin, Calkin Public Affairs

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Kelly Calkin heads Calkin Public Affairs, a Sacramento-based firm that advises some of the biggest names in California politics. Calkin has a different background from many of his public affairs colleagues – he cut his teeth working for Labor, first at the California Building and Construction Trades State Council then for the California Professional Firefighters. He launched CPA thirteen years ago, but “refreshed” and expanded the firm in 2025.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: It’s all over now…or is it?

Gavin Newsom. Photo by AP.

The deadline for Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the hundreds of bills sent his way has come and gone. Here are a few tidbits from the bill signing period to note while we wait to see if the governor calls a special session on AI.

News

Grizzly reintroduction effort may only be hibernating

A wet Kodiak bear walking out of a river. Image by GoDogPhoto via iStock

The iconic grizzly bear image can be seen across California, from the state flag and seal to souvenirs, college mascots and even theme parks, but the state hasn’t seen an actual grizzly bear in the wild since 1924, when one was reportedly sighted in Sequoia National Park. A proposal to consider changing that failed this year, but supporters say the idea is not yet extinct.

Recent Posts
More Recent Posts »
Support for Capitol Weekly is Provided by: