Artist Asher Bingham. Photo courtesy of Megan Jamerson, KCRW 89.9 FM, Los AngelesAs people struggled to cope with the immense loss from the Los Angeles fires earlier, artists stepped into offer help, from teaching free classes to victims of the fire, drawing pictures of destroyed houses or just offering much-needed entertainment to give people a break from the devastation.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Brian Joseph has worked as a newspaper reporter and investigative journalist for two decades, writing for Capitol Weekly, the Orange County Register, the Sacramento Bee and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, among other publications. He recently released his first book: Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop and Corruption in America. Using public and private records as well as exclusive, first-person accounts from primary sources, the book shows how prostitutes and pimps ply their trade, how law enforcement agencies trip up and their investigations become compromised, and how self-interest corrupts news organizations and the corridors of power.
Scheduler Anna Esparza. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyGetting a meeting with a lawmaker at the California State Capitol is often an exercise in patience and flexibility, one that generally has multiple moving parts. And no matter who is doing the asking, the process almost always starts with the same person – the scheduler.
Image by Hotaik SungCalifornia scientists took what looked like an $800 million hit last week in their efforts to develop revolutionary treatments and cures for diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Parliamentarian to the California Assembly Speaker Brian Ebbert joins Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about the Parliamentarian’s role, how the legislature has changed in the time he has been there, and about his brief but fascinating time in the Canadian Parliament. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics?
Image via Pechanga Fire Department Facebook pageThe southern California Pechanga Band of Indians, perhaps best known for its gaming resort in Temecula, has for 30 years invested in its own fire department, building a reputation for coming to the aid of major fires and other incidents throughout not only California, but also across the country.
The Capitol in Washington DC. Photo by Pharun Tan, digital manipulation by Capitol Weekly.CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: To look at the unprecedented times in national politics, we’re joined by Thad Kousser, professor of Political Science at UC San Diego. Kousser has written extensively on US and California politics and is an astute observer of American political life. He spoke with us about President Trump’s “everything everywhere all at once” strategy, what Democrats can and can’t do, and how this all plays in California.
Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry in her office. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Cecilia Aguiar-Curry represents California’s 4th Assembly District, which includes Napa, Lake, Yolo, Colusa Counties and part of Sonoma County. She is the chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus and is also the Assembly Majority Leader. She sat down with hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about finding common ground with her Republican colleagues, her role in helping new legislators get their feet under them, and Democratic priorities for 2025.
Rich Ehisen (right) and Tim Foster (left) interview Secretary of State Shirley Weber (middle) for Capitol Weekly's Podcast on January 15th, 2025. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by Dr. Shirley Weber, California’s Secretary of State. Serving as the state’s chief elections officer is a natural fit for Weber, whose family left Arkansas during the Jim Crow era after her father was threatened for agitating in favor of voting rights. The family settled in southern California, where her mother became a longtime poll worker, with the family home often serving as a polling place. Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster spoke with Weber about administrating elections, why it takes so long to get results in some districts, and how to inspire young Californians to care as much about voting as Weber’s family always has.
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Photo courtesy of the California Assembly Democratic OfficeAs Assembly Majority Leader, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry guides her party’s legislative strategy, coordinates with committee chairs and helps ensure the efficient progression of bills. As chair of the bipartisan Legislative Women’s Caucus, she helps promote policies and budget priorities that improve the well-being of women, children and families.