No. 97: Capitol Weekly’s Top 100

97. Janelle Beland
Janelle Beland, undersecretary of the state’s Natural Resources Agency, has been described as one of Jerry Brown’s most trusted advisers, aggressively ensuring that the governor’s views are represented in decisions affecting California’s resource strategy. Her responsibilities range from the Delta smelt to marine plastic pollution to coastal issues. Beland’s most high-profile recent activity has been support for expanding day-use fees for visits to the spectacular Sonoma Coast, an issue that has embroiled the Coastal Commission in a fight with local activists. Her background includes work on political campaigns and a stint as deputy press secretary at the Justice Department. She was a lobbyist for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and was a senior adviser and caucus director for former Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg. Brown appointed her as undersecretary in May 2011.

Updated August 9, 2016