With Democrats wielding power in Sacramento, how are CA businesses faring?

FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 8: Chairs remain on dining tables inside a drive-through fast food restaurant in a strip mall after its tenants had been evicted on October 8, 2009 in Fontana, California. Third quarter reports indicate that US strip mall vacancies were at a 17-year high. Vacancies have risen under the decline of the US economy, weak consumer spending and the housing bust. Thirty percent of new retail properties were reportedly less than 50 percent occupied upon completion. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

California, now more than ever, is a one-party state. And as POLITICO reports, that means the state’s business community is trying to figure out how to navigate a space that traditionally isn’t seen as business-friendly.

California, now more than ever, is a one-party state. And as POLITICO reports, that means the state’s business community is trying to figure out how to navigate a space that traditionally isn’t seen as business-friendly.

Where lobbyists and business groups used to call on Republican lawmakers to kill bills for more regulations and higher taxes, Democrats like Gavin Newsom are now on the list of people to endorse, if say, you’re in the restaurant industry. Newsom owns wineries and hotels in Napa. So what’s up with the new strategies to get liberal California leaders on the side of businesses? Larry Mantle speaks to a restaurant lawyer and lobbyist to find out more.

Guests:

Charles Lew, LA-based restaurant lawyer, consultant and owner of multiple hospitality concepts across the United States, including in Los Angeles; he tweets

Adam Keigwin, managing director and lobbyist for Mercury Public Affairs; he provides public relations, government affairs, and strategic communications counsel to labor and trade associations