Best Local Politician

Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley

District office, 100 W. Alisal St., Salinas (831) 424-2229, panetta.house.gov

Jimmy Panetta's first year in Congress, 2017, came amid a time when the nation's capitol seemed like an alternate universe (with alternative facts), but he didn't let that stop him from practicing politics the best way he knows how: by reaching across the aisle. Panetta says he is honored by the distinction – "because the readers of the Weekly are so well-informed" – and because so many other local politicians inspire him. He says the most important thing he stays focused on is for his office to be a bridge connecting his district, and its needs, to Washington, D.C. "I do believe that all politics is local," he says, "so I'm staying local, and serving the people of Central California."