A chat with political strategist Kelly Calkin

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.05.2026

Kelly Calkin, Calkin Public Affairs

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Kelly Calkin heads Calkin Public Affairs, a Sacramento-based firm that advises some of the biggest names in California politics. Calkin has a different background from many of his public affairs colleagues – he cut his teeth working for Labor, first at the California Building and Construction Trades State Council then for the California Professional Firefighters. He launched CPA thirteen years ago, but “refreshed” and expanded the firm in 2025.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: It’s all over now…or is it?

Gavin Newsom. Photo by AP.

by CAPITOL STAFF posted 10.02.2026

The deadline for Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the hundreds of bills sent his way has come and gone. Here are a few tidbits from the bill signing period to note while we wait to see if the governor calls a special session on AI.

Micheli Minute

The Micheli Minute for October 5, 2026

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 10.04.2026

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

News

Grizzly reintroduction effort may only be hibernating

A wet Kodiak bear walking out of a river. Image by GoDogPhoto via iStock

by CORY JAYNES posted 10.01.2026

The iconic grizzly bear image can be seen across California, from the state flag and seal to souvenirs, college mascots and even theme parks, but the state hasn’t seen an actual grizzly bear in the wild since 1924, when one was reportedly sighted in Sequoia National Park. A proposal to consider changing that failed this year, but supporters say the idea is not yet extinct.

News

NIL: Will the feds finish what California started?

Universty of Arkansas men's basketball coach John Calipari. Photo by ap.

by LEAH O'TARROW posted 09.30.2026

California helped open the door for college athletes to finally make money. Five years later, everyone is still fighting over the rules.

News

NIL: Beyond here there be dragons

Nancy Skinner. Photo by AP.

by LEAH O'TARROW posted 09.29.2026

In 2019, then California state Sen. Nancy Skinner set out to change one of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) most entrenched rules. Her legislation helped set off a chain reaction that would transform college sports nationwide.

Opinion

California built a civic-engagement vision. Now it must deliver the experience.

Image by monkey business images, iStock Images.

by KUSUMA BUDDHIRAJU posted 10.06.2026

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, it faces a question: What role should young people play in democracy — as observers or as participants?

Opinion

How Prop 140’s staffing starvation crippled California’s Legislature

Image by David Gyung, iStock Images.

by DEV BERGER posted 10.05.2026

Prop 140 obliterated the Legislature’s institutional memory and created a brain-drain of professional staff.

Micheli Files

Constitutional amendment and revision provisions

Image by NanoStockk, via iStock

by CHRIS MICHELI posted 10.01.2026

The following provides commentary regarding the specific provisions of Article XVIII of the California Constitution, which deal with amending and revising the state Constitution.