Day 2 in Sacramento and I already...

Day 2 in Sacramento and I already have a favorite table at the coffee

shop across from the Capitol building. Sometimes you need the

caffeine to stay alert during those long committee hearings.

7 a.m.: Ask Assemblyman Van Tran’s chief of staff about the radio

show Tran is doing at 7:30 a.m., find out he’s calling in -- I was

hoping for a photo op. Regroup and prepare for another day in the

capital.

8:45 a.m.: Arrive early and jostle for a seat at the Business and

Professions Committee hearing that will include Tran’s bill to cut

salaries for members of 13 state boards and commissions. Realize even

though the bill is second on the day’s schedule, the committee may

not follow that order. (The bill later was voted down but can be

reconsidered next year.)

9:20 a.m.: Dash downstairs to a packed hearing room where

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore will explain a marriage-related bill. While

waiting, hear compelling arguments for and against Assemblyman Mark

Leno’s bill that would permit gay marriage. Learn DeVore has planned

a news conference for 1 p.m. Change afternoon plans.

11:15 a.m.: The room clears out after debate is closed on Leno’s

bill, which is ultimately approved. DeVore asks for but doesn’t get

approval of a bill offering marrying couples (of opposite sexes, of

course) a stiffer marriage contract with some elements of

California’s old fault-based divorce law.

12:20 p.m.: Try to find lunch but don’t want to miss press

conference, so go check out redwood trees on Capitol lawn instead --

they’re shady.

1 p.m.: Arrive at DeVore’s news conference to discover I’m the

only reporter there. At least I can ask all the questions I want.

He’s asking for an audit of the Crystal Cove State Park cottage

renovation project.

3 p.m.: Return to swank accommodations at the Travelodge to try to

write story; try to make it to an evening reception with legislators

and folks from the Orange County Business Council.