California Politics | Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

Meet Our 2022 McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco

Our 2022 McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco have just began their journey with the City and County of San Francisco, by attending their first class at City Hall. In this week’s blog, meet 16 students who will be learning firsthand about San Francisco’s local policymaking, administration, and politics throughout the semester aimed at shaping San…

In the Service of Equality

Former member of the California State Assembly, and McCarthy Center Emeritus Board of Advisor, Betsy Butler, recently gave an interview in The Easy Reader as executive director of the California Women’s Law Center. She elaborates on the issues she’s working on, from advocating for assault and rape survivors, to gendered pay disparity. This interview have…

Discovering My Passion For Public Health

This summer I interned with Planned Parenthood, one of the most liberal organizations in the country. They are known for their outspoken progressive messaging and advocacy for reproductive rights. I worked in the California Affiliates office, where they are in charge of seven local affiliates and make sure legislation is passed to ensure reproductive rights…

Questions For John Chiang

California State Treasurer John Chiang will be our fifth speaker to participate in Conversations for the Common Good, a new speaker’s series that invites inclusive voices to the challenge of serving the public good. Join us in meeting California’s Treasurer, John Chiang and POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci in conversations on Thursday, March 22nd, 5:00 PM on…

Questions for Gavin Newsom

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom will be the second speaker to participate in Conversations for the Common Good, a new speakers series that invites inclusive voices to the challenge of serving the public good. Join us in meeting San Francisco’s former mayor, Gavin Newsom and POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci in conversation on Monday, February 5th, 5:00 PM on campus at…

Learning to Care About Politics

Something that I often hear from family members, friends, and teachers is, “The government doesn’t work.” Chances are, if you’re familiar with American politics, you have heard or even said something similar yourself. This was the mindset that I even had as I prepared for my internship with the McCarthy Fellows program. Pessimistic? Sure, but…

Meet Our 2017 McCarthy Fellows

In this summer program, McCarthy Fellows spend 12 weeks in full time internships at Sacramento institutions that contribute to the California policy-making process. Student engage in everything from conducting legislative research to responding to constituent concerns to drafting policy memos. Concurrently, they participate in a California Politics course focused on exposing and analyzing the structures…

Our Best Summer is Yet to Be: Working for a More Equitable California

For several years now, I have taught at the University of San Francisco. Like everyone else, when summer approaches, I reflect back on earlier special times at the beach or touring National Parks. This year, looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be working with the Leo T. McCarthy Center’s McCarthy Fellows in Sacramento program, and expect it to be the best one yet. – Peter Wright