Kitty Felde, a longtime public radio reporter known for her coverage of Capitol Hill, has shifted her career toward young adult fiction, creating a mystery series aimed at demystifying government for younger audiences. Her protagonist, Fina Mendoza, is a 10-year-old girl detective whose adventures blend elements of political drama with classic sleuthing, providing readers with a primer on American government.
Felde, a Southern California native, drew inspiration for Fina from a young mentee she once guided in Los Angeles—an intelligent and determined girl who overcame obstacles to succeed academically. The character's father, Arturo Mendoza, is a fictional Democratic congressman representing Los Angeles, modeled loosely on Xavier Becerra, a prominent California political figure. While the real Becerra is not a widower as Felde’s character is, she envisioned him as a genial and soft-spoken father figure, informed by her personal interactions with Becerra and his family during her time covering California’s congressional delegation.
Though Becerra, who served in the House of Representatives for nearly 25 years before becoming California attorney general and later serving as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has recently emerged as a leading candidate in the November gubernatorial race, Felde did not initially see him as a potential governor. In fact, the character Arturo Mendoza was created before Becerra gained statewide recognition. Becerra topped the June 2 primary field and is heavily favored to defeat Republican Steve Hilton in the general election, reflecting California’s strong Democratic lean.
The Fina Mendoza series, published in both English and Spanish, has grown to include four volumes, with a fifth and final installment expected soon. The books revolve around various Capitol Hill mysteries—ranging from a bird defecating on the president during the State of the Union speech to a string of local crimes in Fina’s Los Angeles neighborhood—each infused with lessons about civic processes and government functions.
Felde, now writing from her Baldwin Hills home, expressed cautious optimism about Becerra’s potential as governor, noting the complexity of governing a large state with numerous challenges. She highlighted Becerra’s extensive political connections in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C., as assets that could facilitate obtaining necessary funding.
Beyond the novels, Felde’s broader goal is to bridge the gap between California and the federal government, fostering greater awareness among Californians about the importance of national politics. She emphasized the interdependence between the state and Washington, pointing out that while Californians often see themselves as distinct, the federal government remains central to key decisions affecting their daily lives.
In addition to her fiction work, Felde has authored other books and plays centered on government and history and hosts several podcasts, including a children’s book club.
When Felde’s husband recently presented Becerra with the first Fina Mendoza novel at a candidates forum in Santa Monica, Becerra responded warmly and expressed appreciation, though Felde herself has yet to receive direct feedback from the gubernatorial hopeful.