For anyone interested in the history of Chico State, When Chico Stole the College, by “Old Hutch” (W.H. Hutchinson), is a fun and very short introduction.  I read it when I was researching Bidwell and the formation of Chico Normal School. Old Hutch was a colorful character and a lively writer, and I was struck by the pertinence of this passage to today’s political situation:

“In those unenlightened times [the 19th century], the legislature met every other year, unless some dire emergency demanded a short interim session. Even so, there were those who were wont to arise and proclaim that no person’s property or purse was safe when the legislature was in session. Now it meets all year, every year, except for numerous paid recesses, which increases its hazards.”

That might explain why California is in such difficulties today.  And look at the number of candidates in the June Primary! It must be worthwhile to be a legislator, even if it’s not so good for the state of the state.