Lobbyists crowd around video screen to watch the floor votes on the last night of the Legislature's session. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP)What should your lobby day participants know about California government before they embark on their lobby day at the State Capitol in Sacramento? This article sets forth those key items for them to get acquainted with regarding the Legislature and the legislative process.
Attorney General Rob Bonta (Photo: AP/Rich Pedroncelli)New regulations approved this month will dramatically change the operations of California’s cardrooms and are expected to take a sizable bite out of not only their revenues but that of several cities. The changes, however, are in line with what the state’s gaming tribes have been pushing for.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This week we’re joined by lobbyist Jennifer Fearing of Fearless Advocacy. Fearing was a key player in the negotiations to pass SB 54, a landmark bill that regulates plastic waste in California. Governor Newsom signed the bill in 2022, but as we all know, passing legislation is one thing, implementation is another. Fearing walks us through the bill’s complicated journey, and gives us an updates on it, and other environmental actions in the state.
Image by GlaserStudios. With gifts to state officials capped at $630, no legislator should be accepting free tickets to Super Bowl 60, which start on secondary markets at more than $6,000 a piece. But that hasn’t stopped them from taking a lot of free tickets to other sporting events.
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtaoWhen the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.
Photo, Eric Haynes, used under Creative Commons permissionsCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom has taken up most of California’s political oxygen so far this year, but there are other statewide races coming up, including Lt. Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, and – potentially – a slew of Ballot Measures. Capitol Weekly Editor Rich Ehisen, reporter Leah O’Tarrow and podcast co-host Tim Foster take a look at the 2026 ballot. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.
Image by tiero. Once the global center of film production, California – and Los Angeles in particular – has seen a long steady decline in the number of films and TV shows shot there. The reasons are many, including an ongoing affordability crisis that industry workers say has made it harder to produce film and TV in the place that built the business.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Image by AP. Kamala Harris, Alex Padilla, Rob Bonta and Rick Caruso have all opted out of the governor’s race. That leaves San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as the last notable potential candidate still waffling about getting into the game. How would he impact the race if he does get in? Our experts expound.
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.