Alex Vassar 📚
@alexvassar.bsky.social
Husband, father, man of letters who loves history and learning from the lives and experiences of others. Also a #CACapitol alum who works at the CA State Library. Editor of joincalifornia.com & onevoter.org. Former 8-year elected official. 🇺🇲 🇵🇦
The new California State Capitol Trivia Book (by Chris Micheli, Brian Ebbert, and Alex Vassar dives into the politics, procedure, and personalities that make California such an interesting place. Also... reasonably priced for the policy nerd on your Christmas list 🎁
www.amazon.com/dp/B0G38GRKSD
www.amazon.com/dp/B0G38GRKSD
The California Capitol Cocktail Trivia Book
The California Capitol Cocktail Trivia Book [Ebbert, Brian, Micheli, Chris, Vassar, Alex] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The California Capitol Cocktail Trivia Book
www.amazon.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM
The new California State Capitol Trivia Book (by Chris Micheli, Brian Ebbert, and Alex Vassar dives into the politics, procedure, and personalities that make California such an interesting place. Also... reasonably priced for the policy nerd on your Christmas list 🎁
www.amazon.com/dp/B0G38GRKSD
www.amazon.com/dp/B0G38GRKSD
Fun Fact: California State Senator James C. Miller (who represented Mariposa in the 1851 #CALeg session) listed his occupation as "Gold Digger" 😆
No, not in the modern sense.
No, not in the modern sense.
a woman is sitting on a couch and says maybe a gold digger bravo
ALT: a woman is sitting on a couch and says maybe a gold digger bravo
media.tenor.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Fun Fact: California State Senator James C. Miller (who represented Mariposa in the 1851 #CALeg session) listed his occupation as "Gold Digger" 😆
No, not in the modern sense.
No, not in the modern sense.
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀
Several weeks ago, there was a spirited debate over the federal government's decision to fire artillery shells over a California highway during a demonstration...
Several weeks ago, there was a spirited debate over the federal government's decision to fire artillery shells over a California highway during a demonstration...
November 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀
Several weeks ago, there was a spirited debate over the federal government's decision to fire artillery shells over a California highway during a demonstration...
Several weeks ago, there was a spirited debate over the federal government's decision to fire artillery shells over a California highway during a demonstration...
I have added a new symbol to the 2026 candidate list. I'm adding the 🅴 character to indicate a non-incumbent candidate who has been 🅴ndorsed by the current officeholder. That info doesn't tell you everything, but it also doesn't tell you nothing.. far from irrelevant.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
2027-28 California State Legislature
docs.google.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:10 AM
I have added a new symbol to the 2026 candidate list. I'm adding the 🅴 character to indicate a non-incumbent candidate who has been 🅴ndorsed by the current officeholder. That info doesn't tell you everything, but it also doesn't tell you nothing.. far from irrelevant.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
November 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
While looking through the list of bills that were chaptered in 2025, I found one that brought back a lot of memories. Assemblyman Tom Lackey's AB 486 added the “Key programming device” and the “Signal extender” to the list of burglary tools found in Penal Code...
Way late in the day to post this, I know, but wanted to remind you all of George Stoneman who was a Union General in the Civil War, became the highest-ranking prisoner of war held by the Confederates, and then came west and served as Governor of California.
November 12, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Way late in the day to post this, I know, but wanted to remind you all of George Stoneman who was a Union General in the Civil War, became the highest-ranking prisoner of war held by the Confederates, and then came west and served as Governor of California.
Reposted by Alex Vassar 📚
Log in to our law program! Register at libraryca.libcal.com/event/15008870 and the recording will be uploaded to our YouTube Channel afterwards. #libraries #law
November 10, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Log in to our law program! Register at libraryca.libcal.com/event/15008870 and the recording will be uploaded to our YouTube Channel afterwards. #libraries #law
Fun Fact: Had she run for reelection and won, Nancy Pelosi would have become the longest serving Member of Congress in California history on June 3, 2027.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nancy Pelosi won't seek reelection, ending her storied career in the US House.
November 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Fun Fact: Had she run for reelection and won, Nancy Pelosi would have become the longest serving Member of Congress in California history on June 3, 2027.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
November 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
In early October, I participated in the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl, where the California State Library, State Archives, Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Room at the downtown library showcase their collections for the public to explore.
For those keeping track at home, the new maps (once the election is certified) will officially be the 16th time CA has been divided into Congressional districts. The first time was in 1864, when we shifted away from at-large statewide representation in Congress.
November 5, 2025 at 3:51 PM
For those keeping track at home, the new maps (once the election is certified) will officially be the 16th time CA has been divided into Congressional districts. The first time was in 1864, when we shifted away from at-large statewide representation in Congress.
#CAPolitics #ProTip: The most interesting website in California politics changed at 9 pm.
11/4 - electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/ball...
11/5 - www.fec.gov/data/filings...
11/4 - electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/ball...
11/5 - www.fec.gov/data/filings...
November 5, 2025 at 5:29 AM
#CAPolitics #ProTip: The most interesting website in California politics changed at 9 pm.
11/4 - electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/ball...
11/5 - www.fec.gov/data/filings...
11/4 - electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/ball...
11/5 - www.fec.gov/data/filings...
I mailed in my ballot weeks ago (the same day that it got me), but I definitely felt like everyone posting their #BallotSelfies made me feel like I was missing out.
November 4, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I mailed in my ballot weeks ago (the same day that it got me), but I definitely felt like everyone posting their #BallotSelfies made me feel like I was missing out.
My favorite poem, by John Pierpont, is about how on election day, the power of the ballot is unmistakable.
November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM
My favorite poem, by John Pierpont, is about how on election day, the power of the ballot is unmistakable.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 ‘𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲!’ 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
October 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 ‘𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲!’ 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
If you visit the websites of more than a handful of Sacramento advocates, lobbyists, and public affairs professionals, you'll notice something interesting: many of the staff photos were taken in just a few locations.
Can you imagine the fallout these days if someone tried selling sewing machines by putting an ad in a newspaper with this headline? Friends, 1992 was some wild times.
October 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Can you imagine the fallout these days if someone tried selling sewing machines by putting an ad in a newspaper with this headline? Friends, 1992 was some wild times.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟵𝟮𝟱: 𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
October 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟵𝟮𝟱: 𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
In politics, it’s common to hear the words “groundbreaking,” “unprecedented,” or “watershed moment” used to describe events that may not truly merit those distinctions. Yet one episode in California history fully deserves all three labels: the Vetoes of 1925.
Here's a thought for you: There are 28 days until Monique Limon becomes California's Senate President pro Tempore.
The last pro Tem from Santa Barbara was Clarence C. Ward, who represented the Ellwood Oil Field when it was shelled by the Imperial Japanese Navy sub I-17 on February 23, 1942. #WWII
The last pro Tem from Santa Barbara was Clarence C. Ward, who represented the Ellwood Oil Field when it was shelled by the Imperial Japanese Navy sub I-17 on February 23, 1942. #WWII
October 20, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Here's a thought for you: There are 28 days until Monique Limon becomes California's Senate President pro Tempore.
The last pro Tem from Santa Barbara was Clarence C. Ward, who represented the Ellwood Oil Field when it was shelled by the Imperial Japanese Navy sub I-17 on February 23, 1942. #WWII
The last pro Tem from Santa Barbara was Clarence C. Ward, who represented the Ellwood Oil Field when it was shelled by the Imperial Japanese Navy sub I-17 on February 23, 1942. #WWII
Taking folks on tours of the State Library is easy. Explaining California history always feels like a heavy responsibility because I'm not just speaking for myself or my employer... I'm trying to share an understanding that is accurate but sympathetic.
pro.stateaffairs.com/ca/environme...
pro.stateaffairs.com/ca/environme...
Garter Snake and Manzanita Join California's List of State Symbols
California's giant garter snake and bigberry manzanita are now state symbols, emphasizing their ecological significance and conservation needs.
pro.stateaffairs.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Taking folks on tours of the State Library is easy. Explaining California history always feels like a heavy responsibility because I'm not just speaking for myself or my employer... I'm trying to share an understanding that is accurate but sympathetic.
pro.stateaffairs.com/ca/environme...
pro.stateaffairs.com/ca/environme...
What a time to be a political reporter in California.
Aug-Sept: End of Session
Sept-Oct: Bill Signings
Oct-Nov: Statewide Special Election
Nov-Dec: Post Election Jockeying of candidates (incl. some big new statewide candidates)
January: New Bills & 2026 Election gets into gear
Aug-Sept: End of Session
Sept-Oct: Bill Signings
Oct-Nov: Statewide Special Election
Nov-Dec: Post Election Jockeying of candidates (incl. some big new statewide candidates)
January: New Bills & 2026 Election gets into gear
October 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
What a time to be a political reporter in California.
Aug-Sept: End of Session
Sept-Oct: Bill Signings
Oct-Nov: Statewide Special Election
Nov-Dec: Post Election Jockeying of candidates (incl. some big new statewide candidates)
January: New Bills & 2026 Election gets into gear
Aug-Sept: End of Session
Sept-Oct: Bill Signings
Oct-Nov: Statewide Special Election
Nov-Dec: Post Election Jockeying of candidates (incl. some big new statewide candidates)
January: New Bills & 2026 Election gets into gear
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
October 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
In the 1940s, there was no lobbyist as influential as Arthur H. Samish. Artie, as he was known, primarily represented the interests of the liquor industry...
Rolling into the weekend like
October 11, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Rolling into the weekend like
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
October 8, 2025 at 4:36 PM
𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
As of California’s latest Report of Registration from the Secretary of State, there were just a little less than 27 million citizens in California who are eligible to vote.
Fun Fact: No California state legislation in the past quarter century has used the phrase "honorable means" which you can find in this 1860 resolution attempting to secure weekly mail between Sonora, CA and Monoville, Utah.
October 7, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Fun Fact: No California state legislation in the past quarter century has used the phrase "honorable means" which you can find in this 1860 resolution attempting to secure weekly mail between Sonora, CA and Monoville, Utah.