Image via Pechanga Fire Department Facebook pageThe southern California Pechanga Band of Indians, perhaps best known for its gaming resort in Temecula, has for 30 years invested in its own fire department, building a reputation for coming to the aid of major fires and other incidents throughout not only California, but also across the country.
Sen. Tom Umberg and Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Steve Bennett. Photo by Jeff Walters, Senate Rules PhotographyTuesday at the Capitol saw a very chilly morning press conference to announce new efforts to protect both California consumers and our canine friends from the dangers of out-of-state puppy mills. Plus, packages of fire response and recovery measures, some interesting bills from other states and Denmark looking to buy…California!
The Capitol in Washington DC. Photo by Pharun Tan, digital manipulation by Capitol Weekly.CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: To look at the unprecedented times in national politics, we’re joined by Thad Kousser, professor of Political Science at UC San Diego. Kousser has written extensively on US and California politics and is an astute observer of American political life. He spoke with us about President Trump’s “everything everywhere all at once” strategy, what Democrats can and can’t do, and how this all plays in California.
Image by DeagreezSpecial interest groups paid contract lobbying firms more than $81.397 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, the third highest quarter during California’s 2023-24 legislative cycle, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Seve Christian. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol WeeklyIf you follow California legislation around artificial intelligence, LGBTQ rights, or public health, chances are you’re familiar with the work of Seve Christian, Legislative Director to Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). At just 29 years old, Christian has already left an enduring mark on California policy.
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieWhat is a “resolution” in the California Legislature? Although resolutions and concurrent resolutions are mentioned several times in Article IV of the California Constitution, neither term is defined in that document.
California Capitol #50501 rally, Feb. 5th 2025. Photo by Capitol WeeklyNationwide protests against President Trump, Elon Musk and Project 2025 were held at the California Capitol and in other capitols and major cities around the country.
Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry in her office. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Cecilia Aguiar-Curry represents California’s 4th Assembly District, which includes Napa, Lake, Yolo, Colusa Counties and part of Sonoma County. She is the chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus and is also the Assembly Majority Leader. She sat down with hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about finding common ground with her Republican colleagues, her role in helping new legislators get their feet under them, and Democratic priorities for 2025.
Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.