Capitol Alert

Controller John Chiang is joining state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier in Contra Costa County to lead a seminar on small businesses and regional business opportunities.

Chiang did tell The Bee Capitol Bureau earlier this week that he's interested in running for state treasurer. Job creation is part of the mix.

"I worry about cash, and I think about the general economy and how to impact California," he said Wednesday in this video. "In the treasurer's office, I can focus on access to capital -- how do I make job creation happen, how do I make business creation happen in the state of California."

Chiang and DeSaulnier, D-Concord, will conduct the seminar from 1 to 4 p.m. at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill. Representatives of state, local and federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration, will talk about tax compliance, small business financing and other incentive programs. Click here to read the flyer.

Chiang is also leading a seminar for nonprofits this morning in San Jose along with Democratic Assembly members Nora Campos of San Jose, and Paul Fong of Cupertino, and Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro. Click here to see the flyer for that event.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, meanwhile, is discussing California's public education system during the Association of California School Administrators' leadership summit. Torlakson will also talk up his "Blueprint for Great Schools" initiative during his address, which starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Sacramento Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E, at 1400 J St. Click here to learn more about the event.

CEQA: UC Davis Law School is sponsoring an assessment of the California Environmental Quality Act at its 40th anniversary. Listed speakers include Democratic Sen. Lois Wolk of Davis, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg's aide Kip Lipper, and Ken Alex, director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. Click here to read the agenda.

RECESS: Assemblyman Das Williams, D-Santa Barbara, is helping clean up litter and graffiti in Isla Vista, Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-Gardena, is hosting a seminar in Los Angeles intended to help seniors avoid car repair and other scams, and Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Pomona, is co-hosting a workshop in Ontario on how to apply for state boards and commissions.

MEMORIAL: Friends of Robb Deignan, the former Senate staffer who died Oct. 15 following a bike wreck, will celebrate his life Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at William Pond Park in Carmichael along the American River Parkway. Click here to learn more at the Facebook memorial page honoring Deignan.