Sen. Scott Wiener. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyNobody can ever accuse Sen. Scott Wiener of only taking on the easy fights. The San Francisco Democrat has in fact developed a reputation as someone almost allergic to tackling any bill – from housing to health care, from psychedelics to artificial intelligence – that doesn’t promise a bare-knuckles brawl to get passed.
Erica Costa. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly. The Capitol’s Fellows programs are considered some of the toughest to break into, and Erica Costa is no stranger to that challenge. A graduate of the Assembly Fellows Program, followed by over 15 years of public service experience, she was recently named director of the Senate Fellows Program at the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University.
Ray LeBov, photo by Ellie Appleby of Capitol WeeklyRay LeBov is well known around the Capitol—not just for his prowess as a lobbyist and former legislative counsel but also for his kindness, generosity and joy he brings everywhere he goes. Over the last 50 years, he has shaped the lobbying community, both through his work in the legislature, as a lobbyist and as a mentor to thousands of advocates.
Sen. Jesse Arreguín. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly Jesse Arreguín became Berkeley’s mayor just as Donald Trump first took the White House. Now, as the Democrat enters the California Senate representing District 7, he’s preparing to face similar challenges on a much bigger stage.
Susannah Delano Close the Gap California. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol Weekly Activism is something Susannah Delano was exposed to from birth. “It’s kind of the family business in some ways,” she said. Now, she heads Close the Gap California, a statewide campaign to close the gender gap in the California Legislature by 2028.
Katie Talbot, photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol WeeklyWhat state government staff want and what reporters want is often not the same. But California Department of Fish and Wildlife communications strategist Katie Talbot has found a way to work with both effectively.
Photo courtesy of Jacqui NguyenFor the Yee family, service to California is a family tradition dating back seven generations. The legacy is now being carried on by one of its youngest members, Sarah Yee.
Kim Delfino, photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyKim Delfino, an environmental attorney and consultant, is known for her vast knowledge of land use law, wildlife law, water law and energy law. The president of Earth Advocacy, she has led her campaigns while balancing the needs of her family (she and her husband have two adult children) and surviving breast cancer.
Jeff Walters, photo by Capitol WeeklyWhether state senators are discussing legislation, leading a press conference, or giving a presentation, official Senate photographer Jeff Walters is often called on to capture the scene. He is one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol and has taken photos of just about everybody, from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama.
Robert Hanna, photo by Capitol WeeklyAs manager of the Office of Member Support and Outreach for the California State Assembly Republican Caucus, Robert Hanna offers assistance with legislative research, communications strategy, policy analysis and more to 18 Republican members.