[This column was reported for Political Breakdown, a bimonthly newsletter offering analysis and context on Bay Area and California political news. Click here to subscribe .]

Well before John Burton died on Sunday , an event marking the release of his memoir, I Yell Because I Care , was planned for Tuesday night. His death transformed a literary evening at the California Museum, a block from the Capitol, into a celebration of Burton’s life and legacy.

Even with the end-of-session crush looming, attendance was essentially de rigueur for members following in Burton’s footsteps.

“It’s really impossible to be here at this event and not feel the weight of loss of not having our friend, Mr. John Burton, with us,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas told the crowd. “He was family to all of us

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