Two of Alameda's lawyers have recently explored other positions – but are now continuing in their current roles.
State
Alameda resident (and former councilmember) Rob Bonta has announced that he's going to run for re-election in his current role as California attorney general, ending his quiet campaign for governor (when Gavin Newsom is termed out in 2026).
According to Politico this morning:
The attorney general said he feels a strong calling to lead California’s legal defense as the state faces off with Trump over a flurry of executive orders on immigration, gender, climate change and more.
[...]
“It’s important to always assess the moment that you’re in,” Bonta said. “The political world changes in seconds, overnight at times.”
Bonta's announcement is timely given that this Monday the California state legislature made available $25mm in additional funds for the state Attorney General's office to handle potential lawsuits against or from the Trump administration. During the first Trump administration, the State of California sued 'em 123 times and prevailed in 69% of those lawsuits.
But why would Harris actually want that job? California's governor has to make zero-sum decisions, particularly about the state's ever-fluctuating budget.
Instead, how about Harris uses her powerful voice to criticize the Trump/Musk presidency, and then becomes the leading candidate in the Dem presidential primaries as 2028 approaches?
In any case, more power to Kamala Harris in her next steps on the public stage — whatever those steps may be.
- Drew [riding on bike with kids]: "Good morning!"
- Attorney General Bonta [taking out trash cans]: "Hello!"
Thinking about it now, the meaty parts about policy may have just been imagined in my head.
City
Alameda's City Attorney, Yibin Shen, recently interviewed for the role of Alameda County District Attorney.
(Upon voters' recall of former DA Pamela Price, the task of finding a replacement went to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The five supervisors interviewed seven finalist candidates on January 21, including Shen. The supervisors' choice now serves as DA until the 2026 election.)
While Shen wasn't selected by the supervisors, his presentation is an informative look at his own approach to law and justice, as well as a capsule summary of the unique scope of the Alameda City Attorney's Office:
Each finalist was allowed 10 minutes to give an opening presentation. This is Mr. Shen's presentation. The supervisors then questioned all of the candidates. I didn't watch all of that, as it's spread over multiple hours. Here's the full video if you have that amount of time and interest.
Alameda is unique in being the only city in northern California that has its own staff to prosecute misdemeanor-level crimes and to enforce the municipal code. (These capabilities and staff were added in 2019 by Alameda City Council.) As summarized on the city website [with my own emphasize added]:
The Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office represents the People of the State of California in prosecuting misdemeanor criminal matters, such as child/elder abuse, domestic violence, assault/battery, DUI, theft, and weapons charges. The Unit is further charged with bringing affirmative litigation in response to violations of consumer protection and fair housing laws. City prosecutors are dedicated to promoting and improving public safety and the quality of life in Alameda, through the fair, compassionate and effective administration of justice.
Best of luck to both Attorney General Bonta and City Attorney Shen in their current duties and wherever they may go in the future.