Capitol clout: Jewish legislators form strategic caucus in Sacramento

In a modest office near the floor of the state Senate, 12 California legislators meet to talk politics every month. Nothing unusual about that in Sacramento. Except that with this group, the lunch usually consists of lox and bagels, and the conversation is peppered with Yiddish.

Meet the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, which launched in January.

Its nine Jewish members and three non-Jewish associate members hail from the Senate and the Assembly. Their mission: Meet monthly to coordinate on legislation, speak as one on issues of concern to the Jewish community, and do a little shmoozing while they’re at it.