Senate Floor

Good morning, members. Secretary will call the role.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Would the members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We will be led in prayer this morning by our chaplain, Sister Michelle Gorman, after which please remain standing. We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag by Senator Cortese.

Loving God, be with us these days. As we recall from the prophet Isaiah, how you wish us to live. Is not this the fasting I desire? To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?

When you see the naked, to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood, then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear. Then your righteousness will go before you. You will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help and God will say, here I am. Amen.

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Privileges of the floor. Senator Atkins, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Well, thank you, Madam President. And good morning, everyone. Colleagues. For the first time since the Pandemic struck in 2020, the Senate is officially recognizing Canada Day in the Capitol. This is a welcome opportunity to highlight the importance of California's relationship with Canada and its provinces, especially considering that it's one of our closest international partners. The connections and the collaboration on critical issues are numerous, so I'll only mention a few key points. Trade and goods between California and Canada topped $46 billion annually.

Canadian businesses provide over 60,000 jobs in California, paying significantly more than the average regional wage. Our cooperation on climate change is linked through multiple mechanisms, including the Western Climate Initiative and the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Both California and Canada's populations are strengthened by diversity. About one in four people are foreign-born. This relationship between California and Canada is built on mutual respect, complementary economics and economies. Common goals for our future, which include a clean environment, a healthy planet, and equitable opportunities for all.

So with that, and to celebrate this relationship, we welcome back to our Senate Chamber today, the Consul General of Canada, who resides in San Francisco and is part of the Silicon Valley outreach, Mr. Rana Sarkar. Mr. Sarkar was personally picked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grow the California-Canada relationship. He's continued that work on Canada's behalf despite the challenges of the pandemic.

And it's no accident that the first international trip that the Senate and a number of our colleagues here today embarked upon last year as the world reopened, was to Canada, where we shared information on climate action, carbon capture and sequestration, housing, and community courts. So, Mr. Sarkar, I want to thank you for your partnership, the economic and cultural relationships between California and Canada. It is critical to us and we look forward for a continued work together.

So, colleagues, please join me in welcoming Mr. Sarkar back to our Senate chamber.

Okay, members returning, we certainly welcome the Consul General of Canada. Members, we're going to move on. Moving on. I'd like to recognize Senator Cortese for an introduction at his desk.

Thank you, Madam President. With me today, colleagues of the Senate is my godson, Mr. Ray Martinez, who is visiting the capitol today. He's been here all week celebrating his birthday week. He's a fourth-grade student at Will Glenn Elementary School. And I'm very proud to have him with me. I don't have any grandchildren, but I do have this wonderful godson. So stand up, Ray, please.

We welcome Ray to the state capitol. Senator Cortese has a second introduction he'll make at his desk.

Thank you again, Madam President. This morning I'd also like to introduce and recognize Mrs. Baraza's fourth-grade class, who is here with us in the gallery. That class is here from the East Valley Christian School in San Jose in my district Senate District 15. And I want to welcome them and would ask you to do the same as they join us here in the state capitol.

East valley Christian school has been serving students and families for four decades and has successfully provided students with a comprehensive education that provides them for success in all aspects of life. So again, thank you.

Big Senate welcome. Fourth grade students.

And to Ray. Fourth grade, I know is when we do California history. So people are here getting their education as the people do their work. Okay, moving on, we have Senator Wahab has an introduction that she will make from the majority leader's desk.

Thank you. Madam President and senators, it's an honor to present Shrav Sundaram, a talented photographer out of Santa Clara County and the recipient of the 2022 California Department of Fish and Wildlife picture of the year award. Shrov's award is actually a winning entry that captures the quiet moment of one of nature's quickest creatures, a hummingbird. Captured at the UC Davis Arbitrarium, this Allen's hummingbird is perched atop a delicate branch. Please join me in welcoming Shrav to the California State Senate.

Thank you very much and welcome and congratulations on that beautiful picture. We all know the quickness of the hummingbird. Impressive to catch it. Okay. Messages from the Governor will be deemed red. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed red. Reports of committee will be read, deemed read and adopted motions, resolutions and notices. Any members seeing none? Consideration of the daily file. We have Governor appointments. Senator Grove. Item number two.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, item number two is a confirmation of Dr. Gail Willis for the appointment of State Personnel Board. Dr. Willis is an educator and mathematics prevention intervention specialist in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she served since 1996. She's also a State Personnel Board's representative on the California Public Employees Retirement System Board of Administration. She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 15 on a 5-0 vote, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Any discussion on this item seeing none? Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

Becker. Portantino.

That item is 38-0. That appointment is confirmed. Senator Grove, you are recognized for your second item, item number three.

Thank you, Madam President. The colleagues' confirmation of Julie Lee to the Delta Stewardship Council. Ms. Lee is previously served as the undersecretary of government Operations Agency. I can tell you that when I interviewed Ms.. Lee, I can tell you that she is somebody who is really just a process person and she believes in making sure that we have a lean process and agencies.

And I think she's going to do very well on the Stewardship Council to make sure that the rules are followed and that the intent of the legislature is taken up. And I think she'll do a very good job. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. She was confirmed by the Rules Committee on the 15th and again, respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Any discussion on this item seeing none, secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

That is 38-0. That appointment is confirmed. Senator Grove, you are recognized for your third item. Item number four.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues the confirmation of Shashikala Deb and Andrew Houston to the board of directors for University of California College of Law, San Francisco and Leland Adams for his appointment to the Commission on State Mandates. All these individuals were unanimously concerned on the Rules Committee on February 15, respectfully asked for your aye vote. Excuse me, Madam President

Any discussion on this motion? Seeing none. Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

That has received 38 votes. That appointment is confirmed. We're going to return to motions and resolutions, and this is the time for adjourn in memories. I'd ask members to please be respectful as we move to our adjournments. Senator Caballero. You are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President, this morning I rise on behalf of the community of Selma, Reedley and other Central Valley communities that mourn the loss of one of our own, Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr., who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, while serving and protecting the citizens of Selma. Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. Was born on June 24, 1998 to Gonzalo Carrasco and Veronica Duenes in Reedley, California.

He was a devoted and loving son, brother, friend and expectant father who fulfilled his dream of becoming a police officer. A lifelong resident of Reedley, Officer Carrasco attended Reedley High School, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and volleyball. He also played club soccer for many years. Officer Carrasco served as a police explorer for his hometown of Reedley, California. His application to participate in the Explorers expressed his commitment to helping and to serving his community.

He later served as a non-paid reserve officer for the Selma Police Department. As a proud son of Farmworkers, Officer Carrasco took the initiative to continue his education and attend the Police Academy, and he was hired to work as a police officer for the Selma Police Department. Officer Carrasco was well-loved and respected by his Selma Police Department family and community, as is evident by the outpouring of support shown by many across the Central Valley.

His memorial service was attended by thousands survived by his mother Veronica, father Gonzalo Sr., Sisters Alma and Paola, brother Christopher and girlfriend, and soon to be born son, Gonzalo Maximus Carrasco, his paternal grandfather, Anicleto Carrasco Morphin, and a host of extended family and friends. Officer Carrasco was deeply loved and will be missed. Our community lost a beloved officer who bravely gave his life in the line of duty responding to a call for service. He will be remembered for his smile, laughter, loyalty and incredible sense of humor.

The city of Selma is safer because of his service and sacrifice, and we will never forget him. I offer my deepest condolences to Officer Carrasco's family, friends, colleagues and community, may he have a special place in heaven reserved for those who serve, and may he rest in eternal peace.

Please bring his name forward so he can be properly memorialized by the Senate. Moving on, Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I rise today to adjourn in memory of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell. Bishop O'Connell was a great man who dedicated his life to God and the hardworking people of Los Angeles County. As we gather here today, right this minute, billboards are going up across the county of Los Angeles. 30. Can you imagine 30 billboards all over LA County with this picture in its notation? Bishop O'Connor may rest in peace. 1953 to 2023.

My family and I are heartbroken about the tragic murder of Bishop O'Connell and join the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in our community in mourning his loss. Long respected for his work as a peacemaker and faith leader during his 45 years of public service to Los Angeles County, he will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by the people he faithfully served.

Born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1953, Bishop O'Connell studied for the priesthood at All Hollows College in Dublin, and was ordained to serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979. Since his ordination to the priesthood, he served as Archdiocese pastor at St. Raymond in the city of Downey, St. Maria Gordy in Long Beach, St. Hilary's in my town and hometown of Pico Rivera, and then as pastor of St. Francis in Los Angeles, the Ascension Catholic Church, St. Eugene and St. Michael parishes in Los Angeles County.

He continued to serve Los Angeles County all through his years as a priest. Bishop O'Connell ministered to communities affected by gang violence, poverty and tension between locals and members of gang, and between law enforcement as well. He intervened time and time again. Bishop O'Connell did great work to restore trust between residents and law enforcement. During his time as Auxiliary Bishop in Los Angeles, care for immigrants and ensuring the future of the region's Catholic schools were top priorities for Bishop O'Connell.

He believed that parishes and schools are powerful instruments of transformation of people's lives in the neighborhoods. Bishop O'Connell also saw firsthand the effects of broken families and communities, inspiring him to organize retreats for men, focusing on how to be good fathers and good husbands, which he saw as the key to health in healthy communities.

Bishop O'Connell was the chairman of the Southern California Immigration Task Force, helping coordinate the local church's response to the influx of migrants in recent years, and navigating the challenges presented by changing immigration policies and laws and those poor, poor people who needed help. His best quality as a priest was his ability to walk the streets. Everywhere he went, he brought people together, including other priests, families and even gang members. He was truly a man of the cloth.

The senseless violence act that took Bishop O'Connor's life must compel us all to prevent further gang violence and gun violence. He will be missed. It was my honor to receive communion from him and to share stories of my time at Salesian High School where he loved to visit. He enjoyed visiting our Catholic schools. I ask that we adjourn the memory of this great man who had great faith in God, charity, and service to the community. May he rest in peace. Thank you.

Senator Durazo.

Thank you. And I want to thank Senator for raising the name of Bishop O'Connell. I met Bishop O'Connell and we were on many, many picket lines and marches and protests together. He was an extraordinary man. I believe that part of his commitment and his compassion was because he himself was an immigrant and he knew the difficulties of being an immigrant in this country. One particular time, he read the story of David and Goliath while we were having a big struggle at USC.

But he stood by the 25 protesters who got arrested. So that's how I remember him. I worked side by side with him. He loved being in the trenches with poor workers, with migrant workers, and workers who just were fighting for dignity in their lives. So I also ask all to adjourn in his memory.

Thank you. And please bring his name forward so it can properly be memorialized by the Senate if there's no other business. Senator Atkins, the desk is clear.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, have a great weekend. Our next floor session is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023, at 02:00 p.m..

The Senate will be in recess until 03:30 p.m., at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, February 27, at 02:00 p.m.