Image by Bing-Jhen HongOPINION – In times of recurring droughts and rising temperatures, aquifers and spring systems are becoming even more essential to our state’s water future – but they are in danger. If we don’t protect these places, California’s water security, natural landscapes, and iconic species are at risk.
Vice President Kamala HarrisThe latest Capitol Weekly polling of California voters shows continued strength for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, with 59% of voters supporting Harris and 34% supporting former President Donald Trump.
Delegation of work, image by Andrii YalanskyiIn delegating authority to the executive branch of government, a question that is often raised is whether legislatures can be expected to adopt statutes that address every detail of public policy? In some instances, they can, but in others they cannot.
Longtime Capitol lobbyist and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Chris Micheli is a “self-professed legislative geek.” To that end, he has collected and is now sharing with us the following statistics from the recently-concluded 2023-24 California Legislative Session:
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Sen. Roger Niello, Sen. Brian Jones. Photo via Alvarado-Gil X account. California’s Fourth Senate District covers 25,000 square miles, basically 1/6th of the state. It stretches from Death Valley in the South to Truckee in the North and juts out West to grab Modesto, the district’s largest metropolitan area. Now the region’s representation in the Senate over the next legislative cycle could severely compromised because the decision by its senator, Marie Alvarado-Gil, to jump political parties.
Image by Serhej CalkaOPINION – Veterans, like all Californians, deserve leaders who take constructive actions to create opportunities and empower them to succeed. Supporting the Kroger-Albertsons merger is one such action—one that will protect jobs, support businesses, and help ensure a brighter future for our communities.
Image by Sansert SangsakawratOPINION – This summer in California has been full of both impressive renewable energy milestones and concerning climate change impacts. These contradictions prove that we still have a long way to go on the road to 100% clean, renewable energy, and how important it is for California to drive quickly toward its goals.
Image by gustavofrazaoOPINION – Recent state-level changes have sought to alter or repeal laws designed to hold individuals accountable for crimes, often without considering how all of the changes work together and their broader impact on the justice system.
Image by Associated PressWhile state lawmakers and local government electeds have been complaining about the Governor’s more aggressive actions on cleaning up homeless encampments, the fact is that he has the voters on his side.
Image by LUNAMARINAOPINION – AB 1755 represents a necessary step forward in modernizing the state’s lemon law, keeping it strong and effective while making the legal process faster and more efficient for everyone.