Capitol Rountadal and Capitol Grounds

Sponsoring or Hosting an Event at the State Capitol of California
Members often act as the sponsor or choose to host various events such as meetings, receptions and weddings in the Capitol and on the Capitol grounds.  As the Sponsor or host of an event, a member may request the use of hearing rooms, the Basement Rotunda, 6th floor or basement cafeteria dining areas, or the Capitol grounds and will have certain responsibilities in this role.

Sponsoring an Event in a Committee Hearing Room
All requests must be submitted by the sponsoring Member on a Committee Hearing Room Request form.  Food is limited to Room 125 and catering service must be provided by one of the cafeterias located in the Capitol. 

Please note that during Legislative Session, Assembly committees are allocated a specific room during each month; and they will take precedence over any other requests.  In addition, it may be necessary to "bump" a reservation to conduct legislative hearings at a last minute's notice.

For more information, please contact the Session and Committee Scheduling Secretary at (916) 319-2879.
To reserve a Senate hearing room, you may contact the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms at (916) 651-4184.

Sponsoring an Event in the Capitol Basement Rotunda
When an organization or constituent requests a Member's sponsorship to use the Capitol Basement Rotunda, the Member will take on the role of liaison between the requestor and the Joint Rules Committee.
A written request to the Joint Rules Committee must be sent nor more than 3 months prior to the date of the event from the sponsoring Member.  Requests are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Written confirmation, use fees and requirements, and the rules and responsibilities for caterers and sponsors will be sent to the requesting Member after the request has been approved by the Joint Rules Committee.
The first and second floor Rotunda areas are reserved for Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Assembly Speaker events only.

For more information, contact the Joint Rules Committee at (916) 319-2804

Sponsoring an Event in the Cafeteria Dining areas
A written request to the Joint Rules Committee must be sent no more than 3 months prior to the date of the event from the sponsoring Member.  Requests are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Written confirmation, use fees and requirements, and the rules and responsibilities for caterers and sponsors will be sent to the requesting Member after the request has been approved by the Joint Rules Committee.
During regular business hours, events in the cafeteria dining areas must be catered by Griselda’s Catering & Event Planning, the respective cafeteria vendor in the lower level of the Capitol.  Seating Capacity in the Capitol Basement Dining area:
Hors d’oeuvres/Receptions 275 guest
Sit Down with All Dining Areas 200 guest
Eureka Dining Area 88 guest
Arco Dining Area 22 guest
Middle Dining Area 40 guest
Farwest Dining Area 60 guest

Use of Capitol Grounds
The California Highway Patrol is responsible for issuing permits for use of the Capitol grounds outside of the Capitol building.   Member sponsorship is not required for obtaining a permit on behalf of groups or individuals.  However, use of equipment such as public address systems, podiums, risers, etc. do require a Member's sponsorship via a letter to the Joint Rules Committee.

For more information on use of Capitol rooms, Rotunda or Capitol grounds, you may contact the Joint Rules Committee at (916) 319-2804.