A conversation with Senate pro Tem Monique Limón

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 11.02.2026

Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (L) and Dolores Huerta in the state capitol, January 5, 2026. Photo provided by Sen. Limón's office.

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This week we welcome Senator Monique Limón (D- Santa Barbara), the Senate President pro Tempore. Limón is the first Latina, the first woman of color and the first mother to hold the position. She spoke with us about her tenure so far as leader of the legislature’s upper body, what she expects from the coming year, and about her friend and mentor, the late Dolores Huerta, who passed the day we recorded this interview.

News

Mixed views on state-mandated math assessments

Image by Kenishirotie via iStock.

by ROBIN EPLEY posted 10.30.2026

The success of a 2023 bill that mandated yearly literacy testing for California students in kindergarten through 2nd grades has directly inspired the creation and passage of a new bill that would do the same for early math assessment.

Micheli Minute

The Micheli Minute for November 2, 2026

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 11.02.2026

Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.

News

Cali Carlisle sits at many intersections

Cali Carlisle. Photo by Dan Morain.

by DAN MORAIN posted 10.29.2026

Can Sacramento save a woman who has spent a decade on the streets suffering from mental illness? As the capital of the state that boasts of having the world’s fourth largest economy, Sacramento’s homeless crisis takes on outsized symbolism.

News

Can more organized sports inside prison walls reduce recidivism?

San Quentin Giants baseball. Photo by AP.

by RICH EHISEN posted 10.27.2026

A new California law aims to codify organized sports in state prisons as a way to reduce prison violence and recidivism.

Opinion

California’s war on essential services must end

Image by tylim, iStock Images.

by BRUCE KRANZ posted 10.30.2026

I have seen firsthand the challenges that come with maintaining affordable and dependable municipal services for residents.

Micheli Files

Commentary on constitutional public utilities provisions

Image by Mehaniq

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 10.29.2026

Today’s piece from lobbyist, author, lawyer and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Chris Micheli offers commentary regarding the specific provisions of Article XII of the California Constitution, which deal with public utilities in this state.

Podcast

The art of advance, with Carol Dahmen-Eckery

Carol Dahmen-Eckery. Image from her Facebook page.

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.26.2026

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: A great advance person is equal parts drill sergeant, Energizer Bunny and psychic, with an obsessive attention to detail. On today’s show we are joined by Carol Dahmen-Eckery, who for decades was one of the most well-known and respected campaign managers and advance team leaders in the business, who shares a plethora of insights and lessons from her years being the one to stop problems before they could even occur.

News

Capitol Caffeine: Anchor & Tree

Anchor & Tree, image by Ellie Appleby, Capitol Weekly

by LEAH O'TARROW posted 10.23.2026

Around the Capitol, a walk of just a few blocks can take someone past national chains, longtime Sacramento institutions and an increasingly crowded collection of independent cafes and specialty roasters. For Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co., standing out in that landscape has meant building something that extends beyond what is in the cup.