Tia Orr, photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyBy any accounting, SEIU California had a very good year. Some might say a monster year. And much of the credit goes to executive director Tia Orr, who rose to the job amidst turmoil and then led labor to some of its biggest wins in years.
Image by Owlie ProductionsIn October, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 253, a first in the nation bill that will require public carbon disclosures from large corporations – defined as those “with total annual revenues in excess of $1 billion” – that do business in California. So what happens next?
Gene therapy, image by CI PhotosThe neuro task force of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, chaired by CIRM Director Larry Goldstein, is scheduled to meet next Wednesday morning (October 18th) to discuss an overall funding approach for allocating $1.5 billion in research toward neuro diseases like brain cancer and epilepsy.
Gene therapy, image by Natali _ MisCalifornia launched a $111 million research program last week aimed at developing genetic tools and treatments to help the millions of persons afflicted with mental disorders ranging from autism to schizophrenia. Dubbed ReMIND, it is the largest such concerted effort in the nation.
Gregory Sarris, image from Becoming Story YouTube book trailerAn esteemed author and scholar as well as a long-time tribal leader, Greg Sarris would seem to be a natural fit on the UC Board of Regents. But scratch below the surface and you’ll find that Sarris has led such a controversial life that he could face scrutiny when his appointment is reviewed sometime next year.
It’s an ill wind that blows no good, and if yesterday’s proceedings in the House were bad for now-former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, (and for any hoped-for stability in DC’s lower house) they were certainly a boon for the wits among the representative from Bakersfield’s enemies.
Dianne Feinstein, image courtesy of APThere are people who believe Feinstein’s legacy will come down to her final few years in office, when she became frail, sometimes confused, and suffered from memory issues. Those people don’t know Dianne Feinstein. She is much more than a footnote.
Kapri Walker, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyBorn and raised in an exceptionally close family in sunny San Diego, Kapri Walker was initially hesitant to take the leap and begin building career roots in Sacramento. But our latest Capitol Weekly Rising Star couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return after her Capitol Fellowship position ended and she was offered a job as a legislative aide in Sen. Nancy Skinner’s office (D-Oakland).
Blackjack, image by 18percentgreyIn the annals of California gaming history, there is perhaps no more infamous and consequential figure than Bob Lytle, who directly shaped California’s current gambling landscape right before he retired from the Attorney General’s office to go work for a cardroom – a cardroom where he was later investigated and ultimately lost his gaming license.
Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty and Jay Obernolte. Image by Associated PressWidely regarded as the most knowledgeable and effective state legislator on mental health issues in the Legislature, Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) is credited with major, bipartisan legislative accomplishments over nearly 12 years, first in the Assembly, now in the Senate, where she chairs the Senate Health Committee.