Sen. Scott Wiener. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyNobody can ever accuse Sen. Scott Wiener of only taking on the easy fights. The San Francisco Democrat has in fact developed a reputation as someone almost allergic to tackling any bill – from housing to health care, from psychedelics to artificial intelligence – that doesn’t promise a bare-knuckles brawl to get passed.
Sen. Jesse Arreguín. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly Jesse Arreguín became Berkeley’s mayor just as Donald Trump first took the White House. Now, as the Democrat enters the California Senate representing District 7, he’s preparing to face similar challenges on a much bigger stage.
Schroeders Oktoberfest, photo by DowntownSF.orgA new California law allows cities and counties across California to create local ordinances creating “entertainment zones” where local bars and restaurants can sell alcohol to-go in designated areas.
Sacramento capitol rotunda, image by Reina SmythAround the Capitol, one big bill effort dies and another one comes back from the grave.
Image by Afry HarvyOPINION – Powerful companies like Wells Fargo, Koch Industries, Walmart, and Big Pharma are trying to change one of the few laws on the books that give everyday people a shot at justice: the Private Attorneys General Act. If they succeed, they’ll open the door for millions of California workers to have their wages stolen. Legislators should say “NO” to watering down the law.
Dianne Feinstein, image courtesy of APThere are people who believe Feinstein’s legacy will come down to her final few years in office, when she became frail, sometimes confused, and suffered from memory issues. Those people don’t know Dianne Feinstein. She is much more than a footnote.
California justice, image by MehaniqOPINION: Last week, AB 1633 passed the State Senate by a single vote despite a strong campaign by environmental justice advocates to stop the bill. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will tip the scales in favor of powerful development and industry interests and against everyday Californians and vulnerable communities.
OPINION – California’s local government industrial complex has learned how to work the political system to keep resources flowing even when clients stop coming through the door.
Reps. Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, Katie Porter. Photo courtesy of the U.S. House of RepresentativesOPINION: The next U.S. Senator from California will be only the third member of the House of Representatives to ascend to the position in more than a half-century. The big question is: Who will it be?
Protecting the technology industry is vital for the state’s economy as it contributes significantly to job creation, tax revenue, and economic growth.