California Life Sciences reports having promoted Sam Chung to senior vice president of government relations and external affairs. Chung was previously vice president of state government relations since 2021. In his new role, he “will continue to be based in Sacramento” and “will be overseeing all federal and California policy and advocacy strategies and activities for CLS.” Contact: mguerra@califesciences.org.

Lobbying firm Englander Knabe & Allen reports Pat West has joined the firm as a joint venture partner. West has been owner of consulting firm Pat West LLC since 2019, which he founded after serving “as a government official in the Gateway Cities region [in Los Angeles County] for 39 years, including 23 years as a city manager.” […]

Panzon, a Roseville-based Mexican restaurant, has opened a second location on the 11th Street pedestrian corridor between K and L Streets. Led by manager and chef Francisco Damien, Panzon serves up tacos, burritos, and bowls (the chef highly recommends the birria and pastor). Downtown regulars will recognize Panzon’s address as the former site of The […]

Capitol Weekly has announced the reception for releasing its annual Top 100 List of the “most powerful movers and shakers in California politics” is scheduled for August 26. New this year is the addition of a Top 100 Hall of Fame that recognizes “individuals who have become true giants within the Capitol community.” The publication […]

Asm. Tasha Boerner reports having released the latest episode of her podcast series, Tea Time with Tasha, where “listeners learn more about their elected officials and what is going on in California.” In this episode, Boerner is joined by Asm. Sade Elhawary to discuss “her story, how she became a foster mom, and when she realized […]

The California Nurses Assn./National Nurses Organizing Committee reports having selected Puneet Maharaj as is executive director. Maharaj has worked “for more than 13 years in nearly every capacity at the union, including her latest position as national political and government relations director.” Contact: press@calnurses.org.

Marva Diaz Strategies reports having promoted Jelena Herrera to development director, and having hired Sessily Preciado as an executive assistant. Herrera joined the firm in 2023 and was previously an account executive. In her new role, she will “lead the firm’s fundraising initiatives, manage events, and oversee team operations.” Preciado is a graduate of Sacramento […]

Paschal Roth Public Affairs reports having hired Madison Torres as a communications assistant, a newly created position. Torres joins the firm after working for 3fold Communications since September 2022, where she started as an intern before becoming a media and project specialist. Contact: Maya Polon, maya@paschalroth.com.

Asm. Marc Berman and his wife Aimee Gildea announce the birth of their son, Kaiden Noah Gildea, who entered the world on July 19. Berman’s office says, “Kaiden has been a dream of theirs for a very long time, and Marc is so grateful to Aimee for everything she went through to make that dream come true.” […]

The Maddy Institute, a public policy and public affairs institute honoring the late Sen. Ken Maddy, reports that this year’s Sacramento fundraiser will feature Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez-Muñoz, and former Sen. Chuck Poochigian. Poochigian will receive the Legacy Award for “his instrumental role in the creation on our organization and lifelong dedication […]