Taking on the Capital
Rachel Jacobs, Portfolio Manager, MVSO, Bank of America
In 1860, construction began on the CA State Capitol building. When flooding hit in 1861, the foundation was raised 6 feet. It took 14 years to complete the building.
In 1975, they gutted the entire building, taking it down to just the exterior walls. The building was seismically retrofitted, extensive historical restoration was completed, and the construction was finally completed in 1982, giving us the gorgeous (and strong) building we have today.
After visiting Sacramento with Ventura County Leadership Academy and Cohort XXXI, I’m reminded that government itself is a lot like our Capitol Building.
We start with a grand idea, we run into problems, we come up with solutions, and then it runs well for a while.
But sometimes, you need an extensive overhaul. Sometimes your original plan didn’t account for earthquakes (or AI, or RCU income tax), and you need to gut the building. Make it stronger, make it better.
This trip, and our wonderful speakers, taught me that our wonderful state is at a crossroads. We need leaders who are not afraid of change, not afraid to stick their neck out to do the right thing.
As Steve Bennett put it, “Secure leaders make hard decisions.” And as we learned from Chas Alamo from the CA Legislative’s Analyst’s Office, there are going to be a lot of hard decisions for our state soon.
For example, Michael A. Gunning pointed out how the state will need to find ways to make up for a lack of federal funding. Jacqui Irwin and Monique Limón both discussed the ways AI and other digital tools lack regulation and consumer protections.
We also have an aging state, with an extensive need for infrastructure funds. For example, State Librarian Greg Lucas pointed out that over half the libraries in CA are over 50 years old.
With all of this work ahead, I am reminded that we must be engaged with all levels of government. From city councils and school boards to state assemblies and the US Congress, we must be aware of how our elected officials are voting on our behalf and hold them accountable. One way to stay informed is to use Digital Democracy from Cal Matters. Neil Chase walked us through the importance of media in discovering the truth and making it available to the public.
Thank you to Ventura County Leadership Academy, Pattie Braga, and all our speakers for this engaging, informative, and powerful weekend. Getting it done, 31!
