Alex Vassar 📚
@alexvassar.bsky.social
Husband, father, man of letters who loves history and learning from the lives and experiences of others. Also a #CACapitol alum who works at the CA State Library. Editor of joincalifornia.com & onevoter.org. Former 8-year elected official. 🇺🇲 🇵🇦
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
November 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
Way late in the day to post this, I know, but wanted to remind you all of George Stoneman who was a Union General in the Civil War, became the highest-ranking prisoner of war held by the Confederates, and then came west and served as Governor of California.
November 12, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Way late in the day to post this, I know, but wanted to remind you all of George Stoneman who was a Union General in the Civil War, became the highest-ranking prisoner of war held by the Confederates, and then came west and served as Governor of California.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
November 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
For those keeping track at home, the new maps (once the election is certified) will officially be the 16th time CA has been divided into Congressional districts. The first time was in 1864, when we shifted away from at-large statewide representation in Congress.
November 5, 2025 at 3:51 PM
For those keeping track at home, the new maps (once the election is certified) will officially be the 16th time CA has been divided into Congressional districts. The first time was in 1864, when we shifted away from at-large statewide representation in Congress.
I mailed in my ballot weeks ago (the same day that it got me), but I definitely felt like everyone posting their #BallotSelfies made me feel like I was missing out.
November 4, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I mailed in my ballot weeks ago (the same day that it got me), but I definitely felt like everyone posting their #BallotSelfies made me feel like I was missing out.
My favorite poem, by John Pierpont, is about how on election day, the power of the ballot is unmistakable.
November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM
My favorite poem, by John Pierpont, is about how on election day, the power of the ballot is unmistakable.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 ‘𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲!’ 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
October 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 ‘𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲!’ 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
Can you imagine the fallout these days if someone tried selling sewing machines by putting an ad in a newspaper with this headline? Friends, 1992 was some wild times.
October 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Can you imagine the fallout these days if someone tried selling sewing machines by putting an ad in a newspaper with this headline? Friends, 1992 was some wild times.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟵𝟮𝟱: 𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
October 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟵𝟮𝟱: 𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
October 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
Rolling into the weekend like
October 11, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Rolling into the weekend like
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
October 8, 2025 at 4:36 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
Fun Fact: No California state legislation in the past quarter century has used the phrase "honorable means" which you can find in this 1860 resolution attempting to secure weekly mail between Sonora, CA and Monoville, Utah.
October 7, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Fun Fact: No California state legislation in the past quarter century has used the phrase "honorable means" which you can find in this 1860 resolution attempting to secure weekly mail between Sonora, CA and Monoville, Utah.
That's true. Life will wait for you and show up when it's most inconvenient.
October 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
That's true. Life will wait for you and show up when it's most inconvenient.
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: "𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵"
Of the hundreds who have served in the Legislature during the past century, there have been fewer than 50 Assembly members who voluntarily left the #CALeg after a single term. Stan Ellis is the latest.
Of the hundreds who have served in the Legislature during the past century, there have been fewer than 50 Assembly members who voluntarily left the #CALeg after a single term. Stan Ellis is the latest.
October 1, 2025 at 3:36 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: "𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵"
Of the hundreds who have served in the Legislature during the past century, there have been fewer than 50 Assembly members who voluntarily left the #CALeg after a single term. Stan Ellis is the latest.
Of the hundreds who have served in the Legislature during the past century, there have been fewer than 50 Assembly members who voluntarily left the #CALeg after a single term. Stan Ellis is the latest.
On this date 88 years ago... Shortly after declaring his candidacy for Lt. Governor, State Senator Jerrold Seawell of Roseville responds to a message of support in one of the most elegantly written letters I've ever seen on state* letterhead.
* Not allowed to do that anymore!
* Not allowed to do that anymore!
September 29, 2025 at 1:22 AM
On this date 88 years ago... Shortly after declaring his candidacy for Lt. Governor, State Senator Jerrold Seawell of Roseville responds to a message of support in one of the most elegantly written letters I've ever seen on state* letterhead.
* Not allowed to do that anymore!
* Not allowed to do that anymore!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆? 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝘁, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.
Bills are still being reviewed and signed even as the TV lights have dimmed on the Senate and Assembly floors. The end of a legislative session can be hard because while the start of the year is focused on bold ideas and aspirations...
Bills are still being reviewed and signed even as the TV lights have dimmed on the Senate and Assembly floors. The end of a legislative session can be hard because while the start of the year is focused on bold ideas and aspirations...
September 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆? 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝘁, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.
Bills are still being reviewed and signed even as the TV lights have dimmed on the Senate and Assembly floors. The end of a legislative session can be hard because while the start of the year is focused on bold ideas and aspirations...
Bills are still being reviewed and signed even as the TV lights have dimmed on the Senate and Assembly floors. The end of a legislative session can be hard because while the start of the year is focused on bold ideas and aspirations...
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀
There's a joke that has been circulating through the Capitol for the past few years that asks “What's the scariest thing at the State Capitol?” The punchline, which varies with each telling, is "@zavalaa.bsky.social in new running shoes.”
There's a joke that has been circulating through the Capitol for the past few years that asks “What's the scariest thing at the State Capitol?” The punchline, which varies with each telling, is "@zavalaa.bsky.social in new running shoes.”
September 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀
There's a joke that has been circulating through the Capitol for the past few years that asks “What's the scariest thing at the State Capitol?” The punchline, which varies with each telling, is "@zavalaa.bsky.social in new running shoes.”
There's a joke that has been circulating through the Capitol for the past few years that asks “What's the scariest thing at the State Capitol?” The punchline, which varies with each telling, is "@zavalaa.bsky.social in new running shoes.”
It's the last day (and a half) of session for the California State Legislature.
#CALeg staff, it will be a long day but it's days like this that you are here for.
Give it your best... today is a day when history will be written.
#CALeg staff, it will be a long day but it's days like this that you are here for.
Give it your best... today is a day when history will be written.
September 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
It's the last day (and a half) of session for the California State Legislature.
#CALeg staff, it will be a long day but it's days like this that you are here for.
Give it your best... today is a day when history will be written.
#CALeg staff, it will be a long day but it's days like this that you are here for.
Give it your best... today is a day when history will be written.
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 : 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿
Even the casual observer can tell that end of the legislative session is a time of intrigue, building and failing alliances, and high passion.
Even the casual observer can tell that end of the legislative session is a time of intrigue, building and failing alliances, and high passion.
September 10, 2025 at 4:25 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 : 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿
Even the casual observer can tell that end of the legislative session is a time of intrigue, building and failing alliances, and high passion.
Even the casual observer can tell that end of the legislative session is a time of intrigue, building and failing alliances, and high passion.
Back in the 1940s/1950s, before the advent of member resolutions (resos) and certificates, members of the #CALeg would hand out these LARGE (more than 11x17) "posters" talking about the history of the California state seal. Worth reading. #CA175
cc: @capitolweekly.bsky.social
cc: @capitolweekly.bsky.social
September 9, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Back in the 1940s/1950s, before the advent of member resolutions (resos) and certificates, members of the #CALeg would hand out these LARGE (more than 11x17) "posters" talking about the history of the California state seal. Worth reading. #CA175
cc: @capitolweekly.bsky.social
cc: @capitolweekly.bsky.social
The State Library appreciated the visit and kind words from California First Partner Jen Siebel Newsom this afternoon. She spoke with the guests, did a fantastic job cutting the cake, and took in the exhibit (on the 3rd floor) featuring historic photographs of California and Californians.
September 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The State Library appreciated the visit and kind words from California First Partner Jen Siebel Newsom this afternoon. She spoke with the guests, did a fantastic job cutting the cake, and took in the exhibit (on the 3rd floor) featuring historic photographs of California and Californians.