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.
Laiza Negrete. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.42. Laiza Negrete
For years Laiza Negrete has been content to mostly fly under the radar. But as the head of the California Association of Realtors political action committee and the organization’s top political strategist, she is without question a major player in California policymaking. For one, her organization has a lot of members –
Rachel Michelin. Illustration by Chris Shary for Capitol Weekly.58. Rachel Michelin
When Rachel Michelin got to the California Retailers Association in 2019, it frankly was a mess. That is definitely not the case anymore. Michelin has steadied the organization, making it a force again in the Capitol. This year she has been instrumental in helping to shape legislation and policy proposals aimed at
Image by Arseniy45Special interest groups, AKA “lobbyist employers,” paid lobbying firms more than $82 million to lobby members of California’s state government in the second quarter of 2024, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.