Podcast

Catharine Baker and the New UC Student and Policy Center

CAPITOL  WEEKLY PODCAST: Former California State Assemblymember and current Fair Political Practices Commissioner Catharine Baker has been appointed director of the newly opened University of California Student and Policy Center, UC’s hub in Sacramento, located just steps from the state capitol. Baker will lead public programming and outreach, aimed at introducing UC students and faculty into the capitol community – and vice versa.  She joined us to talk about her goals and priorities for her new position.  Plus – a DOOZY of a “Worst Week in California Politics!”

Analysis

CA120: Harris gains only small post-convention bump

Photo by AP

In spite of some gains, if the expectation from the Democratic Convention was that it was going to swing any Trump voters toward the Harris campaign, or give her a dramatically widening lead in the race, this has not been met, at least according to the California data.

Micheli Files

Role of the judiciary in the lawmaking process

California courts, image by NanoStockk

Members of the state and federal judiciary branches play a role in the California lawmaking process as a part of our government’s system of “checks and balances.” When California statutes or regulations are legally challenged, for example, then the state or federal court that makes a determination establishes a policy for the state.

Podcast

Takin’ it to the Streets: Sideshows and Traffic Policy

Digitally altered screencap of a sideshow in Oakland, California

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Last year, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed a law that criminalized spectating at the sideshows — the wildly dangerous illegal stunt driving exhibitions that have plagued Oakland and other cities for decades. The move comes as local jurisdictions attempt to curtail the outlaw events that have real costs: damage to infrastructure, injuries to participants and spectators, and increasingly, violence. Our guest today, Oaklandside reporter Jose Fermoso joined a lawsuit led by the First Amendment Coalition to challenge Alameda County’s sideshow law.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Admissions, AI and dyes, oh my!

California State Capitol dome at dusk. Image by Wallentine

Lawmakers are rapidly filling up Gov. Gavin Newsom’s September dance card, sending him scores of bills before they adjourn on Saturday. Here’s a list of some of the ones from yesterday that caught our eye.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: To the governor!

The California State Capitol building at dusk.

Lawmakers are burning the midnight oil to address a huge number of bills before Saturday’s deadline. As such, they sent a handful of notable bills are on their way to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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