James Siva. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.52. James Siva
Siva is the vice chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the owners and operators of the towering Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa north of Palm Springs, and the chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the nonprofit that represents the combined political might of California’s gaming tribes. He’s a
Alicia Isaacs-Lee. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.69. Alicia Isaacs-Lee
A new entrant to the Top 100, Alicia Isaacs-Lee has more than earned her spot on this list. She is the deputy chief of staff to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and in the last year rose to prominence in the Capitol community with her consistent ability to make things happen under any
Taryn Luna. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.98. Taryn Luna
No conversation about who might be the best reporter covering the Capitol is complete without mentioning Los Angeles Times reporter Taryn Luna. With her scoops, insightful analysis and obvious deep sourcing, Luna is widely respected both inside the building and out. She joined the Sacramento press corps in 2016 when she started
Karla Nemeth. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.94. Karla Nemeth
California has been blessed with two “normal” winters, meaning the dreaded word drought hasn’t been thrown around a lot lately. But even in wet times, water conservation and water issues in general remain a priority for the Golden State. Which is where Karla Nemeth, the director of the Department of Water Resources
Christopher Cadelago. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.96. Christopher Cadelago
Politico’s expansion of its California operations has been one of the most significant developments in the Capitol’s media environment in years and Christopher Cadelago is one of the reasons why. Insightful and well-sourced, Cadelago has broken a litany of big stories since he was named Politico’s California bureau chief in February 2023,
Jason Liles. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.95. Jason Liles
When Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire needs, well, virtually anything, his first call these days is almost certainly to his long-time aide Jason Liles. With McGuire’s chief of staff Rebecca Wachsberg (No. 95 on last year’s list) out on maternity leave, Liles has stepped in to keep the trains running on time
Greg Totten. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.49. Greg Totten
As the CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, Greg Totten may be one of the most consequential names on this year’s list. The DAs, of course, have been on a mission to reform Proposition 47 and Totten in particular has resisted any efforts by Gov. Newsom and the Democrats to keep
Chris Hannan. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.73. Chris Hannan
Chris Hannan is about a year into his new job as the president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, having replaced former president Andrew Meredith, who replaced the legendary Robbie Hunter, who replaced the legendary Bob Balgenorth. (Can you say “big shoes?”) The council is the largest construction trades council
Larisa Cespedes. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.91. Larisa Cespedes
Larisa Cespedes is a partner at Miller, Cespedes & Associates, one of Sacramento’s smaller (and newer) lobbying firms, but no less mighty or influential. The firm of just three lobbyists, which billed nearly $3.24 million over the first 15 months of the legislative cycle, represents some big hitters, including Estee Lauder, FedEx,
Ramona Prieto. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.43. Ramona Prieto
Uber also has a lot of money to spend, and Ramona “Monie” Prieto is the person they trust to spend it wisely. Prieto is officially Uber’s head of public policy and communications for the western region, but in that role she also controls the company’s independent expenditures through its Uber Innovation PAC.