• Know the lawmakers who represent you and contact them. Each senator and every Assemblymember has a website that includes information on how to call, send emails or request a meeting. You can also sign up for their email lists and follow them on social media so you can be alerted to initiatives you care about, or events happening near you. 
• Get a general idea of the legislative process. If you have a concern or idea, how does it turn into state law? The Assembly has an overview here.
• Figure out which Assembly and Senate committees focus on the issue or issues you’re concerned about, pay attention to who the committee chairpersons are, tune into committee hearings and give public comment. Here’s where you can see which hearings are happening when and what’s on the agenda: In the Assembly, and in the Senate.
• The Legislature has its own lingo. Here are some of the terms and phrases you may not understand.

If it all sounds like more than you have time or energy for, start with just getting informed. Sign up for CalMatters’ daily WhatMatters newsletter, where we try to make sense of what’s happening.