Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown raised eyebrows by dodging questions about debates over legislation and joking that he stands "above the fray."
On Thursday, it became clear that phase had ended, and he was diving into some big Capitol scuffles.
Brown worked with state Senate leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) to secure important support from utilities for climate-change legislation that would increase the state's use of renewable energy.
The governor also produced a new plan for funding road repairs, proposing a mix of higher gas taxes, a new fee on vehicles and money from the state's pollution-reduction program.