Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute, September 29, 2025
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
News
Lara proposal targets a beleaguered Consumer Watchdog
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced Friday proposed regulations that seek to strike at a financial model employed by Consumer Watchdog, the crusading consumer advocacy organization that has long faced criticism over money it makes by intervening in insurance rate-setting proceedings.
Podcast
A quick hit: Who Had the Worst Week in CA Politics?
Photo of Joel Engardio from his Facebook page. Graphic edited by Capitol Weekly StaffCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Host Rich Ehisen is on vacation, so original CW Podcast Host John Howard joins Tim Foster in the studio to chat about the news and his life post-Capitol Weekly. We also look at a laundry list of Worst Week candidates including a politician who was unceremoniously booted from office, a California company facing a political backlash, a news organization reminded once again of their past malfeasance, and many more.
News
AB 268: A new reason to celebrate?
Celebration on Diwali at Kolkata. Photo by AP.Assembly Bill 268, authored by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Darshana Patel (D-San Diego County), would add Diwali, a holiday celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains to the roster of California holiday celebrations that includes the likes of Cesar Chavez Day and Native American Day.
News
Is second time the charm for Bauer-Kahan’s menopause education bill?
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Photo by AP. When Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) began experiencing severe brain fog, she grew frightened about what could be wrong. After three doctors told her she was fine, it was a recommendation from a friend over lunch that led her to a menopause specialist. That specialist finally recognized her symptoms for what they were and provided treatment. Bauer-Kahan said the experience left her shaken but determined.
Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute, September 22, 2025
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Micheli Files
Considering vetoed bills in California
Image by mapo. Now that the California Legislature has concluded its 2025 Session, and Governor Newsom is working through whether to sign or veto the bills that reached his Desk this year, I pose the question whether and how any vetoed bills are considered by legislators?
Podcast
Ancient history (and much, much more) with Mike Gatto
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Author, podcaster, gadfly and former Assemblymember Mike Gatto joins us to talk about the state of politics, Roman history, and the experience of being a crime victim… plus so much more.
Analysis
Redistricting effort reveals how politics is evolving
Governor Newsom, flanked by Democratic allies, announces his push for the Election Rigging Response Act. Photo by Capitol WeeklyGov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting push – and the similar action in Texas that begat California’s effort – illustrates that in American politics today none of the old rules seem to apply. How else would you explain a savvy career politician with a genuine shot at the White House openly advocating to disenfranchise the registered voters of a rival party?
News
$23 Billion Scientific Research Program Proposed in California
A scientist studies a beeker containing cell samples at the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, a series of laboratories working with stem-cell biology at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver. Gates Frontiers Fund Colorado Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
California would see the creation of a $23 billion state research agency under legislation proposed late last week, a new enterprise that could threaten the existence of the state’s 20-year-old stem cell and gene therapy program.