It was so packed at Social Night Club on Monday night that it was impossible not to rub elbows with a politician. 1,500 people showed up to celebrate and shake hands with one man, new Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

On December 1, inside the walls of the Capitol, a Sacramentan was sworn in as the Senate President pro Tem. The last time the state saw a Senate President pro Tem from Sacramento was in 1882.

Caliph Assagai, who was a field crew chief for the Kevin Johnson for mayor campaign said, "I think people have a renewed sense of leadership in Sacramento, having the president pro tem of the Senate be from our city having a new mayor who's going to bring a lot of energy into the city and having new leadership in both of those key posts is going to be crucial to moving Sacramento forward so it seems like people are excited, I know I am."

Cosmo Café, the new Paragary restaurant adjoining The California Musical Theatre's Cosmopolitan Cabaret on 10th and K, hosted Steinberg's fundraiser. Crowds lined up around the corner to join the party upstairs at Social Night Club.

Despite the hazy fog outside and dim lights in Social Night Club, the warmth of spirit and bright future of political possibilities kept partygoers buzzing with excitement.

Rusty Areias of California Strategies, LLC commented on the energy of the evening. "I think it's fabulous, it's a new day, a new leader, a Sacramentan. I think Darrell knows Sacramento, he understands Sacramento. He's been a leader wherever he was, whether it was on the city council or the state assembly or here now in the senate. I think it's been what, more than a hundred years since someone from Sacramento was elected president pro tem of the Senate. It's a great thing not only for Sacramentans but for Californians."

The climate of Sacramento is rapidly changing – with a new mayor, a new café, club and cabaret theater on K street and a new Senate President pro Tem. These new leaders and new businesses may breath new life into the worn out areas of Sacramento.

The hundreds of supporters from various political backgrounds and all different walks of life came to celebrate, proving Darrell Steinberg's ability to unite people.

Council Member Robbie Waters was in attendance on Monday and has known Steinberg since 1994. He said, "Darrell is a very understanding person. He's out there to try and bring people together. That's his whole motivation and he'll get it done. I'm still the only Republican today on the city council. Darrell and I became good friends, not agreeing on some things [which is] fine, but he's a fine gentleman."

Were you at the swearing in at the Capitol? Did you make it to the fundraiser or the party at Social Night Club? How do you feel about the new Senate President pro Tem? Are you excited to have a Sacramentan leading the Senate?

Please comment below.