Posts Tagged: Sacramento

News

The Capitol Weekly Top 100: Sweet Sixteen!

Photo by Mike Rafter, taken at the California Lowrider Holiday. Design by Ted Angel

We bring you the 16th Edition of The Capitol Weekly Top 100. First published in 2009, the Top 100 is our annual analysis of the unelected political power structure in California. We rank the behind the scenes players who influence policy, elections and governance, including Capitol staff, lobbyists, Agency staff, donors, business leaders, activists, Labor leaders – and even journalists.

Opinion

Life-saving supplement is in danger

Green bottles of medical CBD oil. Image by Inna Dodor

OPINION – Despite the tremendous natural benefits offered by CBD, there is an effort underway in the California State Legislature that would effectively ban all access to CBD for the millions of Californians who rely on the benefits of CBD products every day.  

News

Better know a flack: the Capitol’s best and worst press reps

The scrum

Capitol Weekly recently did a very subjective, very unscientific email poll of our fellow journalists who cover the Capitol or other parts of California government to see who they think are the best press reps to deal with. And yes, we also asked who they think…. hmmm, how to put this nicely? … could be better at their job. We granted everyone anonymity so they could speak freely.

Micheli Files

Challenges in California’s lawmaking process

Image by Yuriy K

There is not a single factor that makes lawmaking in California difficult. Instead, it is a combination of factors that impacts resolution of public policy issues by the Legislature and sometimes results in gridlock or lack of success.

Micheli Files

Punctuation in California legislation

Image via iStock

As readers might anticipate, there are extensive rules of punctuation when drafting legislation in California. First, as a general bill drafting guide, the rules of English grammar, including punctuation, usually apply to legislative drafting.

Capitol Spotlight

Capitol Spotlight: Senate photographer Jeff Walters

Jeff Walters, photo by Capitol Weekly

Whether state senators are discussing legislation, leading a press conference, or giving a presentation, official Senate photographer Jeff Walters is often called on to capture the scene. He is one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol and has taken photos of just about everybody, from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness

California State Capitol building in the warm light of the setting sun. Image by rschlie

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness. It’s going to be a really busy few days before everyone heads off to summer recess, so here’s a few things to ponder before you go.

Opinion

California is broke and making bad decisions

Image by Gladkikh

OPINION – The California Assembly is currently contemplating legislation that will increase health care costs for taxpayers, small business owners, and unions, while giving a multi-billion dollar handout to Big Pharma.

Opinion

A veteran’s journey with chronic pain and kratom

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) capsules with kratom powder and green leaves

OPINION – I am a 48-year-old Army veteran from Woodland, CA. By many accounts, I am a typical person – married with children, maintain close friendships, love my relatives, and have a daily routine. At the same time, my life is a story of both desperation and resilience in the face of chronic pain.

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