Rising Stars

Rising Stars: Mauricio Torres

Mauricio Torres. Photo by Ellie Appleby for Capitol Weekly.

Whether he’s deciphering complex policy language or hiking renowned trails like the Inca Trail or the W Trek in Patagonia, Mauricio Torres Jr. approaches it all with confidence, curiosity and a deep connection to the communities he serves.

Micheli Files

Why California needs multiple budget trailer bills

Image by Arseniy45

Questions have often been raised about why there are so many trailer bills needed as part of the budget process in California. The number has grown over the past couple of decades and this has been a recurring concern. However, there is a legal reason for this.

Podcast

A chat with Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares

Senator Suzette Valladares, Photo by Ellie Appleby for Capitol Weekly

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Republican Suzette Martinez Valladares was elected to the California State Assembly in 2020 and served for two years, narrowly losing a reelection bid for the newly drawn 40th Assembly district, then winning a seat in the Senate in 2024. She spoke with us about pursuing policy goals during a year that has been, to put it mildly, a wild ride, (with no end in sight) and offered her perspective on the Immigration raids in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

News

Time running out on prison jobs for disabled workers in SEIU dispute

Vacaville Correctional Medical Facility. Photo by AP.

Without emergency legislation, a little more than two dozen disabled people, including veterans, who work as janitors at a state prison facility in Vacaville are poised to lose their jobs at the end of this month due to a protest lodged by the Service Employees International Union Local 1000.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Sports betting and lowriders

California Lowrider Holiday, June 2024. Photo by Mike Rafter, Capitol Weekly

Things have slowed down a bit now that we are past the house of origin deadline, but there is still plenty going on in California politics.  

Podcast

Lance Hastings: California Manufacturing and the Truth about Tariffs

Lance Hastings

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined by California Manufacturers and Technology Association head Lance Hastings, who began his career as a capitol staffer and has a long history with California trade associations. Hastings probably thought that the COVID pandemic would be the biggest disruptor of the state’s manufacturing industry in his time, but President Trump’s ‘on again, off again’ tariff policy may give COVID a run for its money. He gave us the lowdown on the state of California’s manufacturing industry, tariffs, and just how long it might take to reshore production.

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