In her historic rise to California Senate leader, Toni Atkins brings hope for a calmer era in the Capitol

After 168 years of statehood, the California Senate finally agreed to be led by a woman.

But, after all, women have only been allowed to vote in California for 107 years.

“It’s the first time — and it’s about time,” Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) told legislators and VIP guests after being sworn...