Black antique rotary style telephone. Image by montreehanlueSince 1996, California has required select telecommunications companies to offer basic, home telephone service to anyone who asks for it. Lawmakers could take a major step toward changing that when they return to the Capitol on August 18th.
Flag of State of California, image by Arseniy45.Special interests paid lobbying firms more than $89 million to lobby state government in the second quarter of 2025, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Lobbyist, professor, and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
The state Capitol, Sacramento. (Photo: Wikimedia)In today’s edition of the Micheli Files, intrepid McGeorge law professor and Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli offers best practices for the use of letters to the Assembly and Senate Daily Journals.
Kamala Harris. Photo by Gage Skidmore.With last week’s new it seems the right time for a new Experts Expound question: What does Kamala Harris officially opting out mean for the 2026 California gubernatorial race?
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Another jam-packed episode. We start with reaction to Kamala Harris’ bombshell announcement that she will not seek the governorship in 2026, effectively resetting the race, at least on the Dem side. Next up, we welcome Brad Heavner who has stepped into big shoes as Executive Director of The California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA), replacing longtime ED Bernadette Del Chiaro. Heavner has his job cut out for him; the transition comes at a crucial time for California’s solar industry, with rooftop solar facing headwinds from DC and Sacramento. And finally, we tell you Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.
Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris speaking at a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore.Former Vice President Kamala Harris ended speculation that she would run for governor of California with posts on social media this afternoon.
Lobbyist, professor, and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Image by CamerisState mandates refer to state-imposed requirements on local governments and school districts that often involve new programs or higher levels of service. In this week’s Micheli Files McGeorge law professor and Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli shares insights into some types of state mandates.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’ve got a jam-packed episode this week: Podcast cohost Tim Foster marks TWENTY years at Capitol Weekly. Then we speak with Frank Torres, the new Director of Political and Legislative Advocacy for the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals. Finally, we tell you who had the Worst Week in California Politics.