Capitol Briefs
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
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
News
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
California helped open the door for college athletes to finally make money. Five years later, everyone is still fighting over the rules.
News
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
Knowing the results is only half the job. The other half is improving them.
Micheli Files
The following provides commentary regarding the specific provisions of Article XVIII of the California Constitution, which deal with amending and revising the state Constitution.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at California Health Care which was held in Sacramento on September 23, 2026. This is Panel 1: The Impact of H. R. 1. Our panelists are: Ben Avey, WellSpace Health; Tam Ma, UC Office of the President; Katie Rodriguez, California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems; Christine Smith, Health Access; Josh Stehlik, California Immigrant Policy Center. The panel was moderated by Rich Ehisen, Capitol Weekly.
Kelly Calkin, Calkin Public Affairs
