A reporter’s diary

Here’s a day in the life of an intrepid community news reporter

turned loose in the state capital. A tip for anyone visiting

Sacramento -- not the place to break in a new pair of shoes.

8 a.m.: Arrive breathless and eager at state Capitol building to

get media credentials to attend Assembly session; realize no one here

officially starts the day until at least 9 a.m. Get coffee.

9 a.m.: Begin the “journey of 1,000 stairways” and frequently

become lost in the maze-like Capitol, which has two separate wings.

Sometimes you have to go upstairs, when you’re trying to get

downstairs. Finally get media credentials. (Surprisingly, plenty of

people were willing to give directions.)

10 a.m.: Interview with Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, which is

interrupted by a visit from his colleague Todd Spitzer. Ask DeVore

about El Morro bills, only to learn he’s withdrawn them from

consideration at Tuesday’s committee hearing. Completely change plans

for article.

11 a.m.: Pop in to a press conference Sen. John Campbell is

holding with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Campbell doesn’t say much,

but who can compete with Arnold?

11:30 a.m.: Quick interview with Assemblyman Van Tran, who then

leads the way to the Assembly chambers for session. Carpet in the

chambers is reminiscent of dollar bills.

12:30 p.m.: Duck out of session for a press conference on capitol

steps on Campbell’s initiative to promote solar energy. It’s

coincidentally hot outside.

2 p.m.: Time to eat lunch and try to file a story.

5:30 p.m.: Back to the Capitol building for a reception Tran is

co-hosting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Legislators eat a lot of their meals from toothpicks and small

Styrofoam plates.

6:15 p.m.: Walk to nearby youth hostel to see DeVore chatting with

southern California high school students on a political junket with

the Republican Women Federated. He tells them a joke with the punch

line, “Well, Jenny, that’s why they’re called Democrats,” and the

students eat it up.