This measure would memorialize the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California.

This measure would memorialize the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SJR 4

Author:(Lara)

As Amended Ver:March 18, 2015

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 22-10

SUMMARY: This resolution memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California and to replace the statue of Father Junipero Serra, currently one of two statues representing California in Statuary Hall. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California.

2. Specifies that Father Junipero Serra can best be memorialized by locating his statue in a place of honor in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon the state.

3. Specifies that California has a citizen born in California, Sally Kristen Ride, Ph.D., who is exceptionally worthy of national commemoration.

4. Specifies that Sally Ride stands alone in California and American history as a pioneer in space exploration, academia, and as a role model to Americans everywhere.

5. Specifies that on June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman and youngest American to go into space when she traveled aboard the Challenger.

6. Specifies that the Commission on the Status of Women shall select a commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor or sculptors to sculpt the statue and obtain the necessary funds to carry out this resolution.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS: According to the author, this resolution declares that the California Legislature supports memorializing the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Dr. Sally Ride alongside the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the congressional collection representing California. This resolution also proposes relocating the statue of Father Serra to a location in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon our state. Dr. Ride would become the first woman to represent California and the first member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community represented in Statuary Hall, a move which is supported by women's rights advocates and the LGBT communities.

The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by the United States Congress in 1864 to allow each state to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The Joint Committee on the Library of Congress has oversight of the collection, and under the committee's direction the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the reception, placement, and care of the statues. In 2000, federal legislation was enacted that allowed any state to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state had previously provided. Since passage, only a handful of statues have been replaced, including by California in 2009 which substituted a statute honoring Thomas Starr King with one of former Governor and President Ronald Reagan. Federal legislation requires that the request be approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and approved by the Governor of the state. Furthermore, the statue to be replaced has to have been displayed for at least 10 years. Before submitting a request to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress the state must also select a committee or commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor, and directs the method of obtaining the necessary funds to carry the resolution into effect.

This resolution, if adopted, would fulfill the requirements and begin the lengthy process of replacement of Father Serra with Dr. Sally Ride as a representative of California in Statuary Hall. This proposal has generated objection from the California Catholic Conference, who believes Father Serra is a founding father of our state, and given that he is set to become a Saint for his work here later this year, now is not the time to remove his tributary statue from Statuary Hall.

Please see the policy committee analysis for a full discussion of this measure.

Analysis Prepared by: Dana Mitchell / A.,E.,S.,T., & I.M. / (916) 319-3450 FN: 0001115

Date of Hearing: June 30, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, TOURISM, AND INTERNET MEDIA

Ian Charles Calderon, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SJR 4

Author:(Lara) – As Amended Ver:March 18, 2015

SENATE VOTE: 22-10

SUBJECT: Sally Ride statue.

SUMMARY: This resolution memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California and to replace the statue of Father Junipero Serra, currently one of two statues representing California in Statuary Hall. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California.

2. Specifies that Father Junipero Serra can best be memorialized by locating his statue in a place of honor in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon the state.

3. Specifies that California has a citizen born in California, Sally Kristen Ride, Ph.D., who is exceptionally worthy of national commemoration.

4. Specifies that Sally Ride stands alone in California and American history as a pioneer in space exploration, academia, and as a role model to Americans everywhere.

5. Specifies that on June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman and youngest American to go into space when she traveled aboard the Challenger.

6. Specifies that the Commission on the Status of Women shall select a commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor or sculptors to sculpt the statue and obtain the necessary funds to carry out this resolution.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Creates, under federal law, the National Statuary Hall which establishes that each state has the right to donate statues, in marble, or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each state, of deceased persons who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services.

2. Provides, under federal law, that any state may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States only if all of the following conditions are met:

   1. The request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and the request has been approved by the Governor of the state.

b) The statue to be replaced has been displayed in the Capitol of the United States for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a state.

3. Specifies, under federal law that if the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approves a request, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) shall enter into an agreement with the state to carry out the replacement in accordance with the request and any conditions the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may require for its approval. Such agreement shall provide that:

   1. The new statue shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as apply to any statue provided by the state.

b) The state shall pay any costs related to the replacement, including costs in connection with the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue, the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

4. Specifies, under federal law, that ownership of any statue replaced shall be transferred to the state.

5. Specifies, under federal law, that if any statue is removed from the Capitol of the United States as part of a transfer of ownership, then it may not be returned to the Capitol for display unless such display is specifically authorized by federal law.

6. Specifies, under federal law, that the AOC, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, is authorized and directed to relocate within the United States Capitol any of the statues received from the states and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of the statues received from the states.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS:

1. Author's statement of need for legislation. According to the author, SJR 4 declares that the California Legislature supports memorializing the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Dr. Sally Ride, alongside the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the congressional collection representing California. SJR 4 also proposes relocating the statue of Father Serra to a location in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon our state. Dr. Ride would become the first woman to represent California and the first member of the LGBT community represented in Statuary Hall.

It should be noted that while SJR 4 specifies that the statue of Sally Ride should be placed “alongside the Statue of former President Ronald Reagan,” the final location of the Sally Ride Statue would be determined by the AOC with approval by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

2. Background:

   1. History of the National Statuary Hall. The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by the United States Congress in 1864 to allow each state to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The Joint Committee on the Library of Congress has oversight of the collection, and, under the committee’s direction, the AOC is responsible for the reception, placement, and care of the statues. The subjects of the statue must be a deceased person who was a citizen of the United States and is illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services. Though many individuals were born in the state that their statue is representing, this is not a requirement.

The entire collection consists of statues contributed by 50 states; for a total of 100 statues. Thirty-five statues are currently located in National Security Hall, six in the Rotunda, 13 in the Crypt, 13 in the Hall of Columns, and 24 in the Capitol Visitor Center. The remaining statues are located in various areas throughout the House and Senate wings of the Capitol.

California’s current contributions to the collection are Father Junipero Serra and President Ronald Wilson Reagan. The statue of Father Junipero Serra was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1931 and is currently being displayed in the National Security Hall. President Ronald Reagan’s statue was donated by the State of California in 2009 and is located in the Rotunda. The Reagan statue replaced the statue of Thomas Starr King, who spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by President Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic. Starr King is sometimes referred to as “the orator who saved the nation.” The statue of Starr King had been on display since 1931. It is now on display within the Civil War Memorial Grove in Capitol Park, which surrounds the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

2. Rules for replacing statues. In 2000, federal legislation was enacted that allowed any state to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state had previously provided. Since passage only a handful of statues have been replaced. Federal legislation requires that the request be approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and approved by the Governor of the state. Furthermore, the statue to be replaced had to have been displayed for at least 10 years. Before submitting a request to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress the state must also select a committee or commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor, and directs the method of obtaining the necessary funds to carry the resolution into effect.

Expenditures for which the state is responsible includes the cost of paying the sculptor for designing and carving or casting the statue; designing and fabricating the pedestal; transporting the statue and pedestal to the United States Capitol; removing and transporting the replaced statue; temporarily erecting the new statue on its pedestal in the location approved for the unveiling ceremony; certain expenses related to the unveiling ceremony; and any other expenses that the state commission may find it necessary to incur.

Once the resolution is approved by the Governor of the state, a duly authorized state official, typically the governor, then submits to the AOC, a written request to provide a new statue, a description of the location in the state where the replaced statue will be displayed after it is transferred, and a copy of the applicable enacted state legislation authorizing the replacement. The AOC reviews the request for completeness and forwards it to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress. The Committee will then approve or deny the request.

If the request is approved by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, the AOC formalizes an agreement with the state to guide the process. The agreement consists of the state’s commitment to follow the guidelines for the design and fabrication of statues and to take responsibility for any cost related to the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue; the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

3. Proposed Honoree - Dr. Sally Ride (1951-2012). Born on May 26, 1951 in Encino California, Sally ride is best known for being the first American woman in space and still remains the youngest American to travel to space.

Sally Ride grew up in Los Angeles, California and attended Stanford University where she studied physics and English. She continued her education at Stanford earning a master’s degree in 1975 and a Ph. D. in 1978. Following her time at Stanford, Ride was accepted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s astronaut program (NASA).

After completion of the program Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983 aboard space shuttle Challenger. During her first mission, the five-person crew deployed two communications satellites and conducted pharmaceutical experiments. Soon after, Dr. Sally Ride took her second trip to space aboard Challenger.

After leaving NASA in 1987, Dr. Ride focused much of her efforts on science education and trying to get young girls interested in science. In 2001, Dr. Ride founded Sally Ride Science to develop and provide classroom materials, programs, and professional development opportunities for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math educators.

Dr. Ride was a member of the President’s Committee Advisors on Science and Technology, director of the California Space Institute, inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame, the Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Dr. Ride died on July 23, 2013 at the age of 61, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Following her death, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor bestowed in the United States.

4. Current inhabitant - Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784). Father Junipero Serra was born on the Spanish island of Majorca on November 24, 1713; he joined the Franciscan Order at the age of 16. Soon after joining, he gained prominence as an eloquent preacher and eventually became a professor of theology. His dream was to become a missionary to America and thus he traveled to Mexico City in 1750.

In 1769 Father Junipero Serra established a mission in present day San Diego, California. This would become the first of many missions that would include San Antonio, San Buenaventura, San Carlos, San Francisco de Assisi, San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara.

Father Serra was ascetic and uncompromising in his zeal to convert Native Americans to Christianity and to make his missions self-sufficient. Inhabitants built their own homes, spun wool for garments, and pursued careers as masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and millers; thousands of barrels of grain were kept in reserve supply, and herds of cattle, sheep, horses, and swine were maintained.

Father Junipero Serra died in Monterey, California, on August 28, 1784. Later this year, Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to the United States and canonize Father Junipero Serra.

5. Support: Sally Ride is a deserving and historic representative of two communities which are underrepresented in Statuary Hall, LGBT and women. The Association of California Commissions for Women argues that Dr. Sally Ride’s contributions in the field of science, physics and space exploration, as well as her civic service and investment in science education are not only worthy of this recognition, but they exemplify our state’s rich history of advancement, growth, diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.

Equality California (EQCA) states that Dr. Ride would continue to make history with SJR 4 by becoming the first woman to represent California, and the first member of the LGBT community to be memorialized in Statuary Hall. EQCA further states that a statue of Dr. Ride would be particularly meaningful to EQCA and to the LGBT community in California and beyond, because Dr. Ride would be the first member of our community represented in Statuary Hall.

6. Opposition: Father Serra is a founding father of our state who is set to become a Saint for his work here, now is not the time to remove his tributary statue from Statuary Hall. The City of San Juan Capistrano writes that even though they appreciate that Sally Ride is worthy of recognition, they believe that relocating the current bronze statue of Father Junipero Serra from the United States Capitol would diminish his legacy and role of establishing the mission system, which laid a foundation for what would become the State of California. Opponents including the California Catholic Conference also argue that diminishing our appreciation of Father Serra’s contributions at the same time that Pope Francis is scheduled to canonize the mission founder and gain such international recognition makes very little sense and urge delaying this conversation until after the canonization takes place.

7. Prior related legislation.

SJR 3 (Hollingsworth), Res. Chapter 136, Statutes of 2006. The resolution memorialized the Congress of the United States to place a statue of former President Ronald Reagan next to the statue of Father Junipero Serra in the Congressional collection representing California.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American Association of University Women – California
Association of California Commissions for Women
Building Healthy Communities: Long Beach
El Segundo Woman's Club
Equity California
Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Long Beach Unified School District
Pride Real Estate Professional Association
16 Retired NASA Astronauts
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
4 members of the South Bay Junior Woman's Club
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
The Wall Las Memorias Project
Viejas Tribal Government
Woman's Club of Redondo Beach
2 individuals

Opposition

California Catholic Conference

City of San Juan Capistrano

2 individuals

Analysis Prepared by: Dana Mitchell / A.,E.,S.,T., & I.M. / (916) 319-3450

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SJR 4

Author: Lara (D), et al.

Amended: 3/18/15

Vote: 21

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 10-0, 3/24/15

AYES: Hall, Berryhill, Block, Gaines, Hernandez, Hill, Hueso, Lara, McGuire, Vidak

NO VOTE RECORDED: Galgiani

SUBJECT: Sally Ride statue

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This resolution memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California and to replace the statue of Father Junipero Serra, currently one of two statues representing California in Statuary Hall.

ANALYSIS:

Existing federal law:

1. Creates the National Statuary Hall which establishes that each state has the right to donate statues, in marble, or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each state, of deceased persons who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services.

2. Provides that any state may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol only if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and the request has been approved by the governor of the state.

2. The statue to be replaced has been displayed in the United States Capitol for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a state.

3. Specifies that if the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approves a request, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) shall enter into an agreement with the state to carry out the replacement in accordance with the request and any conditions the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may require for its approval. Such agreement shall provide that:

1. The new statue shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as apply to any statue provided by the state.

2. The state shall pay any costs related to the replacement, including costs in connection with the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue, the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

4. Specifies that ownership of any statue replaced shall be transferred to the state.

5. Specifies that if any statue is removed from the United States Capitol as part of a transfer of ownership, then it may not be returned to the United States Capitol for display unless such display is specifically authorized by federal law.

6. Specifies that the AOC, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, is authorized and directed to relocate within the United States Capitol any of the statues received from the states and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of the statues received from the states.

This resolution:

1. Memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the congressional collection representing California.

2. Specifies that Father Junipero Serra can best be memorialized by locating his statue in a place of honor in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon the state.

3. Specifies that California has a citizen born in California, Sally Kristen Ride, Ph.D., who is exceptionally worthy of national commemoration.

4. Specifies that Sally Ride stands alone in California and American history as a pioneer in space exploration, academia, and as a role model to Americans everywhere.

5. Specifies that on June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman and youngest American to go into space when she traveled aboard the Challenger.

6. Specifies that the Commission on the Status of Women shall select a commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor or sculptors to sculpt the statue and obtain the necessary funds to carry out this resolution.

Background

Purpose of the Resolution: According to the author, SJR 4 declares that the California Legislature supports memorializing the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Dr. Sally Ride, alongside the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the congressional collection representing California. SJR 4 also proposes relocating the statue of Father Serra to a location in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon our state. Dr. Ride would become the first woman to represent California and the first member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community represented in Statuary Hall.

It should be noted that while SJR 4 specifies that the statue of Sally Ride should be placed “alongside the Statue of former President Ronald Reagan,” the final location of the Sally Ride statue would be determined by the AOC with approval by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

Sally Ride (1951-2012): Born on May 26, 1951, Sally Ride is best known for being the first American woman in space and still remains the youngest American to travel to space.

Sally Ride grew up in Los Angeles, California, and attended Stanford University where she studied physics and English. She continued her education at Stanford earning a master’s degree in 1975 and a Ph. D. in 1978. Following her time at Stanford, Ride was accepted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) astronaut program.

After completion of the program, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983, aboard space shuttle Challenger. During her first mission, the five-person crew deployed two communications satellites and conducted pharmaceutical experiments.

After leaving NASA in 1987, Dr. Ride focused much of her efforts on science education and trying to get young girls interested in science. In 2001, Dr. Ride founded Sally Ride Science to develop and provide classroom materials, programs, and professional development opportunities for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math educators.

Dr. Ride was a member of the President’s Committee Advisors on Science and Technology, director of the California Space Institute, inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame, the Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Dr. Ride died on July 23, 2013, at the age of 61, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Following her death, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor bestowed in the United States.

Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784): Father Junipero Serra was born in Majorca, Spain, on November 24, 1713; he joined the Franciscan Order at the age of 16. Soon after joining, he gained prominence as an eloquent preacher and eventually became a professor of theology. His dream was to become a missionary to America and thus he traveled to Mexico City in 1750.

In 1769, Father Junipero Serra established a mission in present day San Diego, California. This would become the first of many missions that would include San Antonio, San Buenaventura, San Carlos, San Francisco de Assisi, San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara. This was a difficult task considering that Father Serra was already in his fifties and suffered from a chronic ulcerated condition on one of his legs. Father Serra was ascetic and uncompromising in his zeal to convert Native Americans to Christianity and to make his missions self-sufficient. Inhabitants built their own homes, spun wool for garments, and pursued careers as masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and millers; thousands of barrels of grain were kept in reserve supply, and herds of cattle, sheep, horses, and swine were maintained.

Father Junipero Serra died in Monterey, California, on August 28, 1784. Later this year, Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to the United States and canonize Father Junipero Serra.

National Statuary Hall Collection: The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by the United States Congress in 1864 to allow each state to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The Joint Committee on the Library of Congress has oversight of the collection, and, under the Committee’s direction, the AOC is responsible for the reception, placement, and care of the statues. The subjects of the statue must be a deceased person who was a citizen of the United States and is illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services. Though many individuals were born in the state that their statue is representing, this is not a requirement.

California’s current contributions to the collection are Father Junipero Serra and President Ronald Wilson Reagan. The statue of Father Junipero Serra was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1931 and is currently being displayed in the National Statuary Hall. President Ronald Reagan’s statue was donated by the State of California in 2009 and is located in the Rotunda. The Reagan statue replaced the statue of Thomas Starr King, who spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by President Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic.

Replacing of Statues: In 2000, federal legislation was enacted that allowed any state to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state had previously provided. Since passage only a handful of statues have been replaced. Federal legislation requires that the request be approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and approved by the governor of the state. Furthermore, the statue to be replaced had to have been displayed for at least 10 years. Before submitting a request to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, the state must also select a committee or commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor, and directs the method of obtaining the necessary funds to carry the resolution into effect.

Once the resolution is approved by the governor of the state, a duly authorized state official, typically the governor, then submits to the AOC, a written request to provide a new statue, a description of the location in the state where the replaced statue will be displayed after it is transferred, and a copy of the applicable enacted state legislation authorizing the replacement. The AOC reviews the request for completeness and forwards it to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress. The Committee will then approve or deny the request.

If the request is approved by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, the AOC formalizes an agreement with the state to guide the process. The agreement consists of the state’s commitment to follow the guidelines for the design and fabrication of statues and to take responsibility for any cost related to the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue; the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced; and any unveiling ceremony.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT:

(Verified 3/24/15)

Association of California Commissions for Women

Building Healthy Communities, Long Beach

Equality California

Junior League of Long Beach

Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Long Beach Unified School District

Pride Real Estate Professional Association

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

South Bay Junior Woman’s Club

Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

The Wall Las Memorias Project

Woman’s Club of Redondo Beach

16 retired NASA astronauts

OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/24/15)

City of San Juan Capistrano

Kerry Ferguson, San Juan Capistrano City Council Member

1 individual

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The Association of California Commissions for Women argues that Dr. Sally Ride’s contributions in the field of science, physics and space exploration, as well as her civic service and investment in science education are not only worthy of this recognition, but they exemplify our state’s rich history of advancement, growth, diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.

Equality California (EQCA) states that Dr. Ride would continue to make history with SJR 4 by becoming the first woman to represent California, and the first member of the LGBT community to be memorialized in Statuary Hall. EQCA further states that a statue of Dr. Ride would be particularly meaningful to EQCA and to the LGBT community in California and beyond, because Dr. Ride would be the first member of our community represented in Statuary Hall.

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: The City of San Juan Capistrano writes that even though they appreciate that Sally Ride is worthy of recognition, they believe that relocating the current bronze statue of Father Junipero Serra from the United States Capitol would diminish his legacy and role of establishing the mission system, which laid a foundation for what would become the State of California. Opponents also argue that diminishing our appreciation of Father Serra’s contributions at the same time that Pope Francis is scheduled to canonize the mission founder and gain such international recognition makes very little sense.

Prepared by: Felipe Lopez / G.O. / (916) 651-1530

3/24/15 17:34:24

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Isadore Hall, III

Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: SJR 4 Hearing Date: 3/24/2015

SUBJECT: Sally Ride statue.

DIGEST: This resolution memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California and to replace the statue of Father Junipero Serra, currently one of two statues representing California in Statuary Hall.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Creates, under federal law, the National Statuary Hall which establishes that each state has the right to donate statues, in marble, or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each state, of deceased persons who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services.

2. Provides, under federal law, that any state may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States only if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and the request has been approved by the Governor of the state.

2. The statue to be replaced has been displayed in the Capitol of the United States for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a state.

3. Specifies, under federal law that if the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approves a request, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) shall enter into an agreement with the state to carry out the replacement in accordance with the request and any conditions the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress may require for its approval. Such agreement shall provide that:

1. The new statue shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as apply to any statue provided by the state.

2. The state shall pay any costs related to the replacement, including costs in connection with the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue, the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

4. Specifies, under federal law, that ownership of any statue replaced shall be transferred to the state.

5. Specifies, under federal law, that if any statue is removed from the Capitol of the United States as part of a transfer of ownership, then it may not be returned to the Capitol for display unless such display is specifically authorized by federal law.

6. Specifies, under federal law, that the AOC, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, is authorized and directed to relocate within the United States Capitol any of the statues received from the states and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of the statues received from the states.

This resolution:

1. Memorializes the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Sally Ride next to the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Congressional collection representing California.

2. Specifies that Father Junipero Serra can best be memorialized by locating his statue in a place of honor in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon the state.

3. Specifies that California has a citizen born in California, Sally Kristen Ride, Ph.D., who is exceptionally worthy of national commemoration.

4. Specifies that Sally Ride stands alone in California and American history as a pioneer in space exploration, academia, and as a role model to Americans everywhere.

5. Specifies that on June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman and youngest American to go into space when she traveled aboard the Challenger.

6. Specifies that the Commission on the Status of Women shall select a commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor or sculptors to sculpt the statue and obtain the necessary funds to carry out this resolution.

Background

Purpose of the Resolution: According to the author, SJR 4 declares that the California Legislature supports memorializing the Congress of the United States to place a statue of Dr. Sally Ride, alongside the statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the congressional collection representing California. SJR 4 also proposes relocating the statue of Father Serra to a location in California where citizens and visitors can enjoy it and be reminded of his significant historical impact upon our state. Dr. Ride would become the first woman to represent California and the first member of the LGBT community represented in Statuary Hall.

It should be noted that while SJR 4 specifies that the statue of Sally Ride should be placed “alongside the Statue of former President Ronald Reagan,” the final location of the Sally Ride Statue would be determined by the AOC with approval by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

Sally Ride (1951-2012): Born on May 26, 1951, Sally ride is best known for being the first American woman in space and still remains the youngest American to travel to space.

Sally Ride grew up in Los Angeles, California and attended Stanford University where she studied physics and English. She continued her education at Stanford earning a master’s degree in 1975 and a Ph. D. in 1978. Following her time at Stanford, Ride was accepted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s astronaut program (NASA).

After completion of the program Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983 aboard space shuttle Challenger. During her first mission, the five-person crew deployed two communications satellites and conducted pharmaceutical experiments. Soon after, Dr. Sally Ride took her second trip to space aboard Challenger.

After leaving NASA in 1987, Dr. Ride focused much of her efforts on science education and trying to get young girls interested in science. In 2001, Dr. Ride founded Sally Ride Science to develop and provide classroom materials, programs, and professional development opportunities for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math educators.

Dr. Ride was a member of the President’s Committee Advisors on Science and Technology, director of the California Space Institute, inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame, the Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Dr. Ride died on July 23, 2013 at the age of 61, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Following her death, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor bestowed in the United States.

Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784): Father Junipero Serra was born in Majorca on November 24, 1713; he joined the Franciscan Order at the age of 16. Soon after joining, he gained prominence as an eloquent preacher and eventually became a professor of theology. His dream was to become a missionary to America and thus he traveled to Mexico City in 1750.

In 1769 Father Junipero Serra established a mission in present day San Diego, California. This would become the first of many missions that would include San Antonio, San Buenaventura, San Carlos, San Francisco de Assisi, San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara. This was a difficult task considering that Father Serra was already in his fifties and suffered from a chronic ulcerated condition on one of his legs. Father Serra was ascetic and uncompromising in his zeal to convert Native Americans to Christianity and to make his missions self-sufficient. Inhabitants built their own homes, spun wool for garments, and pursued careers as masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and millers; thousands of barrels of grain were kept in reserve supply, and herds of cattle, sheep, horses, and swine were maintained.

Father Junipero Serra died in Monterey, California, on August 28, 1784. Later this year, Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to the United States and canonize Father Junipero Serra.

National Statuary Hall Collection: The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by the United States Congress in 1864 to allow each state to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The Joint Committee on the Library of Congress has oversight of the collection, and, under the committee’s direction, the AOC is responsible for the reception, placement, and care of the statues. The subjects of the statue must be a deceased person who was a citizen of the United States and is illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services. Though many individuals were born in the state that their statue is representing, this is not a requirement.

The entire collection consists of statues contributed by 50 states; for a total of 100 statues. Thirty-five statues are currently located in National Security Hall, six in the Rotunda, 13 in the Crypt, 13 in the Hall of Columns, and 24 in the Capitol Visitor Center. The remaining statues are located in various areas throughout the House and Senate wings of the Capitol.

California’s current contributions to the collection are Father Junipero Serra and President Ronald Wilson Reagan. The statue of Father Junipero Serra was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1931 and is currently being displayed in the National Security Hall. President Ronald Reagan’s statue was donated by the State of California in 2009 and is located in the Rotunda. The Reagan statue replaced the statue of Thomas Starr King, who spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by President Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic. Starr King is sometimes referred to as “the orator who saved the nation.” The statue of Starr King had been on display since 1931. It is now on display within the Civil War Memorial Grove in Capitol Park, which surrounds the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

Replacing of Statues: In 2000, federal legislation was enacted that allowed any state to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the state had previously provided. Since passage only a handful of statues have been replaced. Federal legislation requires that the request be approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the state and approved by the Governor of the state. Furthermore, the statue to be replaced had to have been displayed for at least 10 years. Before submitting a request to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress the state must also select a committee or commission to represent the state in selecting the sculptor, and directs the method of obtaining the necessary funds to carry the resolution into effect.

Expenditures for which the state is responsible includes the cost of paying the sculptor for designing and carving or casting the statue; designing and fabricating the pedestal; transporting the statue and pedestal to the United States Capitol; removing and transporting the replaced statue; temporarily erecting the new statue on its pedestal in the location approved for the unveiling ceremony; certain expenses related to the unveiling ceremony; and any other expenses that the state commission may find it necessary to incur.

Once the resolution is approved by the Governor of the state, a duly authorized state official, typically the governor, then submits to the AOC, a written request to provide a new statue, a description of the location in the state where the replaced statue will be displayed after it is transferred, and a copy of the applicable enacted state legislation authorizing the replacement. The AOC reviews the request for completeness and forwards it to the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress. The Committee will then approve or deny the request.

If the request is approved by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, the AOC formalizes an agreement with the state to guide the process. The agreement consists of the state’s commitment to follow the guidelines for the design and fabrication of statues and to take responsibility for any cost related to the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue; the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony.

Prior/Related Legislation

SJR 3 (Hollingsworth), Res. Chapter 136, Statutes of 2006. The resolution memorialized the Congress of the United States to place a statue of former President Ronald Reagan next to the statue of Father Junipero Serra in the Congressional collection representing California.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT:

Association of California Commissions for Women

Building Healthy Communities, Long Beach

Equality California

Junior League of Long Beach

Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Long Beach Unified School District

Pride Real Estate Professional Association

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

South Bay Junior Woman’s Club

Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

The Wall Las Memorias Project

Woman’s Club of Redondo Beach

16 Retired NASA Astronauts

OPPOSITION:

City of San Juan Capistrano

Honorable Kerry Ferguson, San Juan Capistrano City Council Member

1 individual

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Association of California Commissions for Women argue that Dr. Sally Ride’s contributions in the field of science, physics and space exploration, as well as her civic service and investment in science education are not only worthy of this recognition, but they exemplify our state’s rich history of advancement, growth, diversity, tolerance, and inclusion. The believe that Dr. Ride will represent our state’s modern history and will ensure that our generation and future generations will be inspired and learn that anything is possible when you pursue your dreams, including those that break every ceiling, reach beyond the sky and touch the stars.

Equality California (EQCA) states that Dr. Ride would continue to make history with SJR 4 by becoming the first woman to represent California, and the first member of the LGBT community to be memorialized in the Statuary Hall. Equality California further states that a statue of Dr. Ride would be particularly meaningful to EQCA and to the LGBT community in California and beyond, because Dr. Ride would be the first member of our community represented in Statuary hall.

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: The City of San Juan Capistrano writes in opposition of the resolution stating that even though they appreciate that Sally Ride is worthy of recognition, they believe that relocating the current bronze statue of Father Junipero Serra from the U.S. Capitol would diminish his legacy and role of establishing the mission system, which laid a foundation for what would become the State of California.

Opponents also argue that diminishing our appreciation of Father Serra’s contributions at the same time that Pope Francis is scheduled to canonize the mission founder and gain such international recognition makes very little sense. Opponents further argue that the diminished presence of Father Serra nationally would undermine the collective contribution that the 21 missions continue to make in supporting the California identity as a place of education, history, and travel.