Scott Lay. Illustration by Chris Shary98: Scott Lay
Scott Lay is the publisher and editor of The Nooner, a daily compendium of news and analysis targeting the state Capitol that he started a few years ago and which has become a regular read for some 9,000 subscribers. The Washington Post called it one of California’s top political blogs. Scott, an attorney with
Liam Dillon and Matt Levin of Gimme Shelter. Illustration by Chris Shary.
99. Gimme Shelter
There is no shortage of proposed solutions for the housing crisis (heck, Sen. Scott Weiner pitched an entire catalog of them himself) and navigating the often internecine and multi-faceted planning/zoning/economic policy arguments is no easy matter, even for the experts. (Actually, that’s part of how we got into this mess… but I digress.)
Dale Kasler. Illustration by Chris Shary100. Dale Kasler
The Sacramento Bee’s Dale Kasler writes good stuff and a lot of it, and he makes even hard-to-report stories look easy. He has speedily reported out – but with depth and nuance – complex tales about pensions, government, transportation, environmental regulation, dam safety, wetlands, farming, wildfires, investigative stories…. you name it. Just one example: A
Brian Brokaw. Illustration by Chris Shary40. Brian Brokaw
We at Capitol Weekly have almost criminally underappreciated Brian Brokaw for years. But no more! This year, we’re giving Brokaw his due. A Democratic strategist and consultant, Brokaw is one of the most well-connected players in California politics, including being a confidant of Gov. Newsom. He also helped get Kamala Harris elected
4. Wade Crowfoot
Wade Crowfoot is the tip of the spear in the Newsom administration’s fight against global climate change, a top priority for the governor. As the secretary of Natural Resources, Crowfoot oversees 25,000 state employees in 26 departments, including Water Resources, Cal Fire and Fish and Wildlife. A veteran of the horseshoe, Crowfoot
Ditas Katague. Illustration by Chris Shary93. Ditas Katague
California wants an accurate census, and here’s just the person to make that happen – Ditas Katague. She is the director of Complete Count, the state office coordinating the census program here. She served on the U.S. Census Bureau’s National Advisory Committee (NAC) on Race, Ethnicities and Other Populations from 2012-2018, and as
Brandon Castillo. Illustration by Chris Shary76. Brandon Castillo
Brandon Castillo has secured a historic position of sorts in California politics: His firm – Bicker, Castillo and Fairbanks – took the lead communications role in pushing the passage of the state’s most costly ballot initiative, the $224 million Proposition 22 of 2020; BCF’s clients spent more than $200 million of that. Castillo
Karen Skelton. Illustration by Chris Shary92. Karen Skelton
Few people can boast of being steeped in California politics and policy as deeply as Karen Skelton. She’s been practicing the arts of communicating and political strategizing for 30 years. In 2011 she founded Skelton Strategies, a boutique consulting firm handling a wide variety of clients and causes. For most of the decade
Teri Holoman. Illustration by Chris Shary7. Teri Holoman
If Tia Orr is the most powerful unelected woman in California politics, California Teachers Association associate executive director Teri Holoman is a close second. And it makes sense: Holoman heads up government affairs for one of the most powerful interest groups in the Golden State, with the CTA representing 310,000 well-organized members
Lance Hastings. Illustration by Chris Shary50. Lance Hastings
Manufacturing is one of the largest sectors of California’s economy. It accounted for more than 12 percent of the state’s gross domestic product in 2022 and employs more than 1.2 million Californians. Among the state’s most critical leaders for this industry is Lance Hastings, the president and CEO of the California Manufacturers