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Capitol Weekly
@capitolweekly.bsky.social
1.2K followers 370 following 360 posts
Nonpartisan, nonprofit news outfit targeting California government and politics. Editor Rich Ehisen. What could possibly go wrong?

https://capitolweekly.net
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capitolweekly.bsky.social
PODCAST: @bayareacouncil.bsky.social head Jim Wunderman has been at the center of Bay Area politics for decades, starting in the office of then Mayor Feinstein. In 2026 he'll lead public affairs for @california-forever.bsky.social, a proposed city 50 miles from SF
capitolweekly.net/wunderman-ca...
Jim Wunderman: From Bay Area Council to California Forever - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is Jim Wunderman, who has been at or near the center of Bay Area Politics for four decades, starting with his time working in the office of then-San Francisco M...
capitolweekly.net
November 17, 2025 at 5:51 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
MSNBC: Swalwell to announce run for governor

www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/e...
Eric Swalwell eyes his next campaign — a run for California governor
The Democrat is looking at a run to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.
www.msnbc.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:19 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Dana Williamson, Gov. Newsom's former Chief of Staff, was indicted by federal officials, charged with corruption. Also named in the indictment were Democratic consultant Greg Campbell, Sean McCluskie, McCluskie’s spouse & an unnamed former public official
capitolweekly.net/dana-william...
Dana Williamson, Newsom's former Chief of Staff, four others, indicted for corruption - Capitol Weekly
Dana Williamson, Gov. Newsom's former Chief of Staff, who stepped down in December last year, was indicted by federal officials today, charged with corruption.  Also named in the indictment were Democ...
capitolweekly.net
November 12, 2025 at 9:38 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Dana Williamson, Gov. Newsom's former Chief of Staff arrested on corruption charges
November 12, 2025 at 8:35 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
We're asking you: Who had the Worst Week in California politics? Prop 50 was bad news for many CA pols - so many that we couldn't decide who got the worst of it. We're taking a survey and will announce the "winner" next week. Cast your vote here:
capitolweekly.net/proposition-...
Proposition 50 passed: What now? - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: After a lightning speed rollout and campaign, Proposition 50 passed decisively last week, with voters approving a partisan temporary gerrymander of the state's congressional di...
capitolweekly.net
November 12, 2025 at 5:35 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
The race to replace @nancypelosi69.bsky.social has scrambled the future of a proposal to create a $23 billion CA version of the National Institutes for Health. However, the situation may be a boon for @cirmnews.bsky.social
capitolweekly.net/will-race-to...
Will race to replace Pelosi doom Wiener’s $23 billion bond proposal? - Capitol Weekly
The race to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi in Congress, once the nation’s most powerful political woman, has scrambled the future of a proposal to create a $23 billion California version of the National In...
capitolweekly.net
November 11, 2025 at 7:48 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Who had the Worst Week in CA Politics? After the Prop 50 election there appear to be even more losers than winners. We present our longest-ever list, and leave the final decision to you - click to vote!
capitolweekly.net/proposition-...
Proposition 50 passed: What now? - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: After a lightning speed rollout and campaign, Proposition 50 passed decisively last week, with voters approving a partisan temporary gerrymander of the state's congressional di...
capitolweekly.net
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Prop 50 passed decisively last week - our guests today are 2 of the state’s foremost redistricting experts, @mattrexroad.bsky.social & @paulmitche11.bsky.social. Rexroad is a longtime GOP consultant; Mitchell is the political data expert who helped draw the new maps
capitolweekly.net/proposition-...
Proposition 50 passed: What now? - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: After a lightning speed rollout and campaign, Proposition 50 passed decisively last week, with voters approving a partisan temporary gerrymander of the state's congressional di...
capitolweekly.net
November 10, 2025 at 3:49 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
For Lourdes Ayon, lobbyist for @sdge.bsky.social by day and a comedian by night, “the policy brain and the comedy brain are totally different.” She’s found a way to conquer both. @leahotarrow.bsky.social for Capitol Weekly

capitolweekly.net/capitol-spot...
Capitol Spotlight: Lourdes Ayon, San Diego Gas & Electric - Capitol Weekly
For Lourdes Ayon, lobbyist by day and a comedian by night, “the policy brain and the comedy brain are totally different.” She’s found a way to conquer both.
capitolweekly.net
November 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
LOBBYING REPORT: "The top grossing firm for the third quarter was... Axiom Advisors which reported receiving nearly $3.5 million. Coming in second for July through September was Capitol Advocacy which reported receiving more than $3.3 million..."

capitolweekly.net/spending-on-...
Spending on lobbying firms exceeded $91 million in Q3 - Capitol Weekly
Special interests, AKA “lobbyist employers” as the California Secretary of State calls them, paid lobbying firms more than $91 million to lobby state government in the third quarter of 2025, according...
capitolweekly.net
November 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Welcome Adam Silver, Chair of The CA Fair Political Practices Commission. The FPPC was created in 1974. 5 decades later, it's plenty busy. Silver spoke with us about the Commission’s work, challenges posed by Crypto & his path to the Chair
capitolweekly.net/a-chat-with-...
A chat with Adam Silver, Chair of the California FPPC - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Adam Silver was appointed Chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission in March 2024. The FPPC was created in 1974 when California voters approved Proposition 9, The Politi...
capitolweekly.net
November 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome this week.

capitolweekly.net/the-micheli-...
The Micheli Minute, November 3, 2025 - Capitol Weekly
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
capitolweekly.net
November 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Capitol Briefs: Chris Micheli has the numbers for the last session, Capitol Weekly welcomes a new reporter, and @megangamble.bsky.social and Jim Wunderman are on the move... #caleg

capitolweekly.net/capitol-brie...
Capitol Briefs: Bills, a Bay Area shocker and a new CW staffer - Capitol Weekly
Lawmakers are away, but all sorts of things are still happening in California's Capitol community...even here at Capitol Weekly!
capitolweekly.net
October 31, 2025 at 5:05 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Next week Californians will decide whether to accept or reject the Dems' redistricting proposal, #prop50. Political data and redistricting whiz @paulmitche11.bsky.social drew the new maps - we asked him what's at stake and which seats would see the biggest changes
capitolweekly.net/mapmaker-pau...
Mapmaker Paul Mitchell on California's emergency redistricting proposal - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Governor Newsom and Democratic allies announced Thursday that they will propose a constitutional amendment — The Election Rigging Response Act — to counter Texas and other Red ...
capitolweekly.net
October 30, 2025 at 7:12 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
For years, pharmacy benefit managers – prescription drug middlemen often referred to as PBMs – have gone virtually unregulated in California. With @governor.ca.gov's signature of a PBM regulation bill, @scottwiener.bsky.social's #SB41, that is about to change
capitolweekly.net/sb-41-gettin...
SB 41: getting deep in the weeds on pharmacy benefit managers - Capitol Weekly
For years, pharmacy benefit managers – prescription drug middlemen often referred to by the shorthand term PBMs – have gone virtually unregulated in California. With Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature on O...
capitolweekly.net
October 29, 2025 at 6:17 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Leah Barros is a familiar face in Sacramento, having worked in the Capitol as a staffer and as a lobbyist for various firms before launching Barros Clay & Associates. Among her notable wins was leading the lobbying effort to enact The CROWN Act. #caleg
capitolweekly.net/a-chat-with-...
A chat with Leah Barros of Barros Clay & Associates - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we welcome lobbyist Leah Barros of Barros Clay and Associates. Barros is a familiar face in Sacramento, having worked in the Capitol as a staffer and later as a lobbyist ...
capitolweekly.net
October 28, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by Capitol Weekly
ucstudentpolicy.bsky.social
Prop. 50 Debate: Understanding the Ballot

Informed voters make informed decisions. The UCSPC, @capitolweekly.bsky.social, & @calmatters.org hosted an engaging debate on #Prop50, featuring Patricia Sinay & @rustyhicks.

Watch the discussion and inform your vote.

capitolweekly.net/events/calif...
California Votes: Proposition 50 - October 14, 2025 - Capitol Weekly
DEBATE: Proponents from each of the campaigns offered their arguments in a debate on the merits of Prop. 50. Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party represented the Yes side. Patricia Si...
capitolweekly.net
October 27, 2025 at 9:34 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
PODCAST: Today we welcome lobbyist Leah Barros of Barros Clay and Associates. Barros is a familiar face in Sacramento, having worked in the Capitol as a staffer and later as a lobbyist for various firms before launching her own shop. #caleg
capitolweekly.net/a-chat-with-...
A chat with Leah Barros of Barros Clay & Associates - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we welcome lobbyist Leah Barros of Barros Clay and Associates. Barros is a familiar face in Sacramento, having worked in the Capitol as a staffer and later as a lobbyist ...
capitolweekly.net
October 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
On Nov 4 Voters will decide if California should go forward with new Congressional district maps in response to Texas and other Red states' mid-decade redistricting plans. We spoke with @paulmitche11.bsky.social, who drew the proposed maps, about the process
capitolweekly.net/mapmaker-pau...
Mapmaker Paul Mitchell on California's emergency redistricting proposal - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Governor Newsom and Democratic allies announced Thursday that they will propose a constitutional amendment — The Election Rigging Response Act — to counter Texas and other Red ...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
Know a student seeking a journalism internship? The next round of Capitol Weekly Public Policy Journalism internships will begin in January 2026. Applications are due by November 7, 2025 - details here:
capitolweekly.net/about-us/pub...
Public Policy Journalism Internships - Capitol Weekly
Applications for our 2026 program are now open. Capitol Weekly nurtures the next generation of public policy voices with our Journalism Internship Program. We have hosted dozens of interns from esteem...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
“I completely agree that we need to do everything possible. I also completely understand, and I want to say sorry to all of you who are impacted by what’s happening…. but I don’t think this is the way to do it” – Patricia Sinay
#prop50debate
capitolweekly.net/special-epis...
Special Episode: A Debate on Proposition 50 - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Proposition 50 would require California to use new congressional district maps through 2030. Use of independent Citizens Redistricting Commission maps would resume after that d...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
New @chrismicheli.bsky.social Files: Lobbyist, author and @pacificmcgeorge.bsky.social professor Chris Micheli reviewed over 900 bills sent to Governor Newsom, and compiled a number of legislative drafting notes. Part 1 - Chaptering-Out

capitolweekly.net/more-insight...
More insights on drafting legislation in California, Part I - Capitol Weekly
As I finished my review of the over 900 bills sent to Governor Newsom’s Desk, I compiled a number of legislative drafting notes and thought I would share them (the first of three parts): A unique appr...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
In the months since LA County agreed to pay $4 billion to settle thousands of sexual abuse claims linked to its juvenile halls and foster homes, abuse survivors say the narrative has flipped to victim blaming – and they’re asking @agrobbonta.oag.ca.gov to step in
capitolweekly.net/abuse-surviv...
Abuse survivors accuse LA Co of victim blaming, seek AG's help - Capitol Weekly
In the months since Los Angeles County agreed to pay $4 billion to settle thousands of sexual abuse claims linked to its juvenile halls and foster homes, sexual abuse survivors believe the narrative h...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
In 2024 Angelinos approved Measure G, a revolutionary ballot measure that reshaped the nation’s most populated county, expanding the Board of Supes from 5 to 9 & made the county executive an elected official. How @lindseyphorvath.bsky.social made it happen: capitolweekly.net/change-agent...
Change Agent: Lindsey Horvath and the massive reform of LA County governance - Capitol Weekly
Last November Los Angeles County voters narrowly approved Measure G, a massive reform to county governance that will eventually expand the Board from its current five members - each representing aroun...
capitolweekly.net
October 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
capitolweekly.bsky.social
“I think it’s important to note that the North State has 600,000 Democrats and has 400,000 Republicans. And as a result, these lines represent that” – @rustyhicks.bsky.social
#prop50debate #prop50 #proposition50
capitolweekly.net/special-epis...
Special Episode: A Debate on Proposition 50 - Capitol Weekly
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Proposition 50 would require California to use new congressional district maps through 2030. Use of independent Citizens Redistricting Commission maps would resume after that d...
capitolweekly.net
October 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM