Winner of the CHS Book Award, "Game Changers" examines California’s history through the prism of twelve elections – revealing the forces behind the voter choices and the consequences that carry over to this day.
This evening the authors will focus their discussion on the role of key San Franciscans in the 1878-79 chaotic re-write of California’s enigmatic constitution that remains in force to this day, how San Francisco prosecutor Hiram Johnson revolutionized state government in the early 20th century, how the extraordinary leadership of Earl Warren launched California’s post-war growth, and how legendary lobbyist Artie Samish – a native San Franciscan – dictated policy making at the capitol in the run-up to historic political reform.
The authors – Steve Swatt, Susie Swatt, Jeff Raimundo and Rebecca LaVally – have a combined 150 years experience in journalism, public-policy analysis, and political consulting at the state Capitol. Their book draws from a wealth of primary sources, including dozens of new interviews, rarely accessed oral histories, and archival collections to tell compelling and little-known stories about larger-than-life personalities that helped define modern California.
