By: John Fairbanks, Capitol Morning Report

Bev with her family

Beverly K. “Bev” Hansen is retiring after nearly 40 years working at the Capitol as a staffer, legislator and lobbyist. She was an administrative assistant to Sen. Jim Nielsen during his first go around here in the 1970s and 80s. She was elected to the Assembly in 1986, representing parts of Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Yolo Counties, and left office in 1992 following the 1990 reapportionment. She and Joe Lang later partnered on a lobbying practice that became Lang, Hansen, O’Malley and Miller in 1997, which is where she’s been working ever since.

“I have such great respect for this institution and all the hard-working people here,” Hansen said.

Not only are the people diligent, she says, but they’re exceptionally smart, too. Over the years she’s been consistently impressed by the intellects the Capitol attracts. It disappoints her that the erudite aspect of the Capitol doesn’t receive more attention.

Yet a life in politics and governing isn’t necessarily an academic one and Hansen knows that well. It can be a good life, though, and she recalls Willie Brown making that point to her after first being elected.

The Republican party backed her opponent in the primary. Then in the general, Brown, who was Speaker at the time, spent a “pantload” of money against her. Nonetheless, she prevailed and Brown called for a meeting with her after the election. “You cost me a lot of money,” Hansen recalls Brown telling her. “Well I’m not going to apologize for it,” she replied. Brown said he wasn’t looking for an apology. He asked for the meeting to let her know that this will be the best job she’s ever had. Serving in the Assembly isn’t the most money, he said. Nor is it that glamorous, but it will be worthwhile because if you see a problem, or hear about one, you can actually do something about it.

Brown was right and the people in public service deserve respect, Hansen says, even if they don’t always show respect to each other. “You can fight on policy, but you should always respect each other,” she said, referring not only to legislators but to the entire Capitol community. “I don’t want the fights to define this great institution,” she said.

Four out of Hansen’s five children live in Sacramento (the other is in Los Angeles) and all seven of her grandchildren live here. She’s looking forward to spending more time with her family after retiring. “That’s my real happy place,” she said. She also has some trips planned, including one next year to Asia.

Hansen will be in Sacramento come January 3, 2018, when the Legislature reconvenes, although finding an author for a bill won’t be her concern anymore. She’ll be getting ready to celebrate her youngest grandchild’s birthday, and perhaps, picking up another from school. Contact: Hansen 916 441 6222.