Image by Simone HoganWhile in other states, they’re packing up the campaign office in mid-November, in California races are still being won and lost through organized field programs doing ballot signature “curing” that was unheard of just a few election cycles ago.
Image by NeydtstockIn talking with legislative staff, there are some practical tips that were shared with me for those working with staff of legislators in the California State Capitol. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating.
California law, image by designer491.There are a number of publications that are regularly used by the California Legislature. Of note is that several of these publications are specified in the California Government Code.
Image by megafloppOPINION – The voters repeatedly have said that housing is their number one concern, and yet six years into the Newsom administration, there is little to show for the tens of billions that have been spent on housing since 2019.
Image by Serhej Calka, istockBoth legislative leaders have said their primary goal this year is to advance legislation to make California more affordable. With that in mind, we asked our expert panel this question: What one suggestion would you make to help them achieve that goal?
Susannah Delano Close the Gap California. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol Weekly Activism is something Susannah Delano was exposed to from birth. “It’s kind of the family business in some ways,” she said. Now, she heads Close the Gap California, a statewide campaign to close the gender gap in the California Legislature by 2028.
Scientist performing stem cell research for cancer therapy. Image by ManjurulCalifornia’s $12 billion stem cell experiment turned 20 years old this fall, winning kudos from some patients and scientists but failing to fulfill the expectations of voters who thought they had created an enterprise that would lead quickly to revolutionary cures for cancer, heart disease, stroke and much more.
Image by Tatsiana HancharovaOPINION – As the next Master Plan for Developmental Services Committee meeting convenes on December 11, it’s a critical time to remind policymakers, the administration, key agencies, and stakeholders of the importance of developing and implementing the Master Plan in a way that prioritizes meeting the unique needs of 450,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.
California State Capitol dome at dusk. Image by WallentineCalifornia has three types of open meetings laws that apply to local and state governmental entities. These laws, adopted over the years, apply to state agencies and departments, the Legislature, and local entities (including city councils and boards of supervisors).
Assembly swearing-in, photo by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyThe 2025-2026 legislative session kicked off on Monday with the swearing in of lawmakers old and new. Both chambers then adjourned until Jan. 6, 2025. In this edition of Capitol Briefs we share a few tidbits from Monday’s festivities.