THE BUZZ — For a quarter century, Los Angeles has had a lock on at least one of the two top legislative posts in the Capitol. Not anymore. With the ascendance of new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas last month, the gilded leadership offices of the Capitol’s third floor are occupied by representatives from Hollister (Rivas) and San Diego (Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins). That combination is remarkable in its own right: Atkins is the first San Diegan to serve as both speaker and pro tem, while the rural Central Coast has never yielded a legislative leader before Rivas. But the transfer of power from Lakewood Assemblymember Anthony Rendon to Rivas also snaps an impressive streak for Angelenos. Ever since Antonio Villaraigosa was sworn in as speaker in 1998, Los Angeles held at least one of the Big Three posts (speaker, pro tem or governor) for an 25 almost-unbroken years, according to legislative history whiz Alex Vassar at the California State Library. (Why almost? Because, for six months in 2014, Atkins led the Assembly, while Sacramento’s Darrell Steinberg ran the Senate. At that point, though, Kevin de León was already primed to succeed Steinberg, ensuring LA’s prompt return to leadership). “This is new territory for all of us,” acknowledges Assemblymember Luz Rivas of North Hollywood. But don’t cry for LaLa Land just yet, said Rendon. He told POLITICO he believes Los Angeles County is in a stronger position in the Capitol now than when began his speakership, thanks in part to a revitalized L.A. County Caucus. The delegation’s caucus has waxed and waned in power over the years, but recently it’s been more cohesive, with regular meetings and a region-specific strategy when budget season rolls around. Luz Rivas, who has led the caucus since December, credits her predecessor, now-Rep. Sydney Kamlager, for ramping the group back up. “In the past, there were members from L.A. that couldn't even be in the same room together because of political rivalries or who knows why,” she said. Now, she points to wins like the latest version of the film tax credit and funding for L.A. Metro Rail’s Gold Line as evidence of the caucus’ influence. The group has also held at least three joint fundraisers, with another one slated for October in Long Beach. The events have been popular with the Third House, she said, because they offer a one-stop spot to fraternize with a wide spectrum of legislators, including moderates, progressives and even some Republicans. Given that diversity, it’s unlikely the delegation will be endorsing candidates any time soon, unlike other powerhouse groups like the Latino Caucus or the Women’s Caucus. Rivas said she hasn’t heard much appetite from L.A. lawmakers to do the same. “For some of us, all we have in common is that we're from L.A. County,” she said. “That makes it harder.” HAPPY MONDAY. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. Los Angeles can’t seem to catch a break these days, eh? PLAYBOOK TIP LINE — Know of any lawmakers cooking up amendments over recess? Which bills will get a makeover when session resumes? Get in touch! We want all your hot tips, photos and story ideas. Now you can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on Twitter — @DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.
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