Image by GlaserStudios. With gifts to state officials capped at $630, no legislator should be accepting free tickets to Super Bowl 60, which start on secondary markets at more than $6,000 a piece. But that hasn’t stopped them from taking a lot of free tickets to other sporting events.
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California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtaoWhen the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.
Photo, Eric Haynes, used under Creative Commons permissionsCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom has taken up most of California’s political oxygen so far this year, but there are other statewide races coming up, including Lt. Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, and – potentially – a slew of Ballot Measures. Capitol Weekly Editor Rich Ehisen, reporter Leah O’Tarrow and podcast co-host Tim Foster take a look at the 2026 ballot. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.
Image by Javier Zayaz. OPINION – If California is serious about youth mental health, we must fund the physical “operating system” that replaces the digital one.
Image by NicoElNino. OPINION – California voters: If you really want to tax billionaires, there’s a better way: shut down the “buy, borrow, die” tax planning strategy whereby the very wealthy use loan proceeds to support their lifestyles without paying income tax.
Image by tiero. Once the global center of film production, California – and Los Angeles in particular – has seen a long steady decline in the number of films and TV shows shot there. The reasons are many, including an ongoing affordability crisis that industry workers say has made it harder to produce film and TV in the place that built the business.
Image by Sinenkiy. OPINION – California has spent too long treating our most pressing challenges as unsolvable. Housing isn’t unsolvable. It requires political courage, creative policy, and a willingness to use every available tool.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Image by AP. Kamala Harris, Alex Padilla, Rob Bonta and Rick Caruso have all opted out of the governor’s race. That leaves San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as the last notable potential candidate still waffling about getting into the game. How would he impact the race if he does get in? Our experts expound.
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.