California state Sen. Jesse Arreguín may be taking on the most work of any freshman lawmaker.

The former Berkeley mayor is chairing not one, but two committees — Senate Public Safety and Human Services — a rare feat for a legislative newbie. And Arreguín has big shoes to fill: He took over a seat previously held by longtime progressive state Sen. Nancy Skinner. She served as the powerful chair of the Senate Budget Committee and was widely respected for her deep knowledge on everything from the criminal justice system to how to wield her authority to help the poor and neediest Californians.

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