Assembly Floor
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
The Assembly session is now in session. Assembly Member Flora notices the absence of a quorum. The Sergeant of arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the role.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula Bains, Bauer-Khan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Karla, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Shiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Mr. Speaker.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Members, a quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for the prayer and the flag salute. The day's prayer will be offered by our Assembly chaplain, imam Yassir Khan. Imam.
- Imam Khan
Person
In the name of God, the most Gracious, the most merciful Almighty God, we pray this day for wisdom, humility, and courage. We pray that you endow the distinguished Members of the California State Assembly with the wisdom to develop legislation that advances the noble aims of our state. O Lord, we pray this day that your blessings of safety, success and serenity rest on each Member, staff and security officer of this house. And we also pray that we might make continued room for your presence in our hearts. Amen.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you. Assemblymember Haney will lead us in the pledge.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Ready? Begin. 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, liberty and justice for all.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Reading of the previous day's Journal .
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Chamber of Sacramento, Wednesday. June 7, 2023 the Assembly met at 07:00 A.m. The Honorable Jim Patterson, Assembly Member, 8th. District presiding Chief Clerk Sue Parker at the desk reading Clerk David reading.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
And Mr. Gallagher seconds that the reading of the previous day journal is dispensed with that should be excuse me. Assembly Member Flora presentations and petitions, there are none. Introduction in reference of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor, there are none. Messages of the Senate? There are none. Moving to motions and resolutions, the absence is up for the day. For legislative business Assemblymember Alvarez for personal business Assembly Member Rendon and for illness. Assembly Member Gabriel. Majority Leader Bryan, you are recognized for your procedural motions.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Wood, Quirk Silva, Ramos to speak on a adjourn in memory today without objection.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Such shall be the order.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 A to allow Assembly Member Lee to have guests and photographers on the floor today and Assembly Member Schiavo to have an incredibly special guest seat at her desk today.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
At the request of the authors, please remove the following items from the consent calendar file item 80 ACR 85 Villpudua, file item 83 ACR 93 Dixon, and file item 84 ACR 98 Lackey. I request unanimous consent to return the following bills to the Senate for further action. Item 13 AB 971 Lee and item 25 AB 1043, Alanis.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer the following bills to Committee SB 55 Umberg, from the Public Safety Committee to the Appropriations Committee and SB 362 Becker from the Judiciary Committee, also to the Appropriations Committee.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Without objection, such will be the order. Okay.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All right. Assemblymember Joe Patterson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Joe Patterson
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, I'd like to welcome and recognize very special guests of mine, Audrey Wonders, who's up here in the gallery. She's going into 7th grade from Acton Academy in my district and she'll be shadowing me today to complete some school project. You know, so hopefully we can keep it good in the chambers today on these controversial resolutions we have. And please welcome Audrey to the chambers.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assemblymember Lee, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I proudly rise introduce His Holiness Achara, Acharya Lokesh Muni, who has dedicated his life to spreading the message of peace, harmony and human values. He is a social reformer, versatile thinker, writer and poet for the past 30 years and he has actively worked towards establishing communal harmony, nonviolence peace and mutual cooperation in society. Muni has gained immense love, fame and respect both in India and internationally due to his unwavering commitment, knowledge, energy and perseverance. One of his notable contributions is in the field of peace education, where he combines age-old meditation and yoga practices with contemporary scientific research. His teachings aim to eliminate the animalistic instincts in human beings and awaken human and spiritual values. To give practical shape to these values. He founded Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, an organization that strives to integrate religion with social service, to eradicate social evils from society. Muni has extensively traveled and addressed international conferences on topics such as global unity, Jainism and vegetarianism. He has been honored with several national and international awards, including the National Communal Harmony Award 2010 by the Government of India, the Gulzarilai Nanda Natik Saman presented by Her Excellency President of India and the key to the City of Milpitas, my hometown in Assembly District Four, honored by the Mayor Milpitas. Additionally, he has received recognition from numerous members of Congress and mayors across cities in the United States, including New York, New Jersey and Chicago. He is also joined by the leadership and Members from the Jane Center of Northern California, which is located in Milpitas and opt in the gallery with us today. After floor session, he will be in room 317 until 3 p.m. If any of my colleagues like to meet with him after, please join me in giving a warm California State Assembly welcome to His Holiness Acharya Lokesh Muni.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assemblymember Schiavo, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. I have a very important introduction today. As many of you know, my daughter is often with me everywhere and here. But today I wanted to do an introduction because she just had a birthday yesterday. And is now 11. And I just wanted to recognize how much she has sacrificed for me to do this job. A lot of folks know that I couldn't find a school for her. She ended up going to Zoom School in the corner in my office all semester. So she was with me pretty much every day. And I was very happy that we could celebrate her birthday and she is in a school for next year, but just appreciate the sacrifices that she's made, all she's done, and happy to celebrate her and the amazing young woman she's becoming. So please help me wish her a happy birthday.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Well, happy birthday to Sophia. Members, let's recognize two upcoming birthdays. Happy early birthday to Assemblymember Lee, who celebrates tomorrow on July 11. And let's also wish another early birthday to Assemblymember Addis, who celebrates on Wednesday, July 12. Moving to business on the daily file second reading, the clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Senate Bill 77 with amendments, 720 with amendments, 806 with amendments, 549 with amendments, 54 with amendments, 43 with amendments, 553 with amendments, 235 with amendments, 271 with amendments, 558 with amendments, Senate Bill 455 and Senate Bill 699.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All bills will be deemed read and all amendments will be deemed adopted. Concurrence in senate amendments. Pass and retain on items 13 through 27. Assembly third reading file item 36, ACRA 101 by Assemblymember Wallis. The clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly concurrent resolution 101 by Assemblymember Wallis relative to outdoor workers.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assemblymember Wallis, you are recognized.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
Good afternoon, Madam Speaker and Members. Today I rise to present Assembly concurrent Resolution 101, which will designate the week of July 17 through the 23rd as outdoor worker appreciation week. ACR 101 is a good number for this resolution because as I stand here, I have no doubt it is at least 101 degrees in the shade in my district. Yet even though it is hot, we have workers outside providing essential services to us while we enjoy our air conditioning.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
Last summer, the City of Palm Desert, Renova Energy and Burrtec Waste Management came together and created an outdoor worker day, and it was a great success. They brought the idea forward to make it a statewide celebration.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
ACR 101 celebrates outdoor workers who often go unnoticed while working in our fields, building our energy future, and providing public safety and emergency services, among other things, in the summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor workers face high risks of heat-related illnesses and even death while on the job. ACR 101 recognizes and honors our outdoor workers who work tirelessly during the hottest months and the coldest months, too, to provide our services and utilities.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
ACR 101 also encourages all Californians to show appreciation for outdoor workers and take actions to ensure their safety and well-being. And colleagues, I encourage you to thank outdoor workers in your district next week when you are home, I ask for your aye vote. But first, Madam Speaker, I would like to open the roll for co-authors.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Wallis. Like to recognize Assemblymember Carrillo.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members, I rise today in a support of ACR 101. I want to thank my colleague from Palm Springs for bringing this resolution forward. I have a deep sense of admiration, respect for the hardworking men and women who brave the elements day in and day out. Picture, if you will, the blazing sun overhead, casting and scorching rays upon the construction sites where our cities rise.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Imagine the fields where agricultural workers leverage toil tending to the crops that nourish us envision the road workers diligently repairing the very pathways that connect our communities. These are the individuals who embody the true spirit of perseverance, braving the hardest conditions to ensure our comfort, safety, and progress. They shape the world around us, often without receiving the recognition they truly deserve. That is why we must take a moment to pursue, reflect, and express our heartfelt gratitude.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Author Workers Appreciation Week serves as a reminder, a reminder that contributes to these workers should never go unnoticed. It is a time for us to come together as a community, to honor their sacrifices and to show our deep appreciation for the impact they have in our daily lives. This week also serves as an opportunity for us to evaluate their working conditions, safety measures, and access to resources.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
It is a call to action, a call to ensure that we create an environment that prioritizes the wellbeing of these dedicated individuals. By advocating for the rights, we can inspire positive change and improve their lives. In closing, I ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you. Assemblymember Carrillo. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Wallis, would you like to close?
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
I respectfully ask for an aye vote and ask that the first roll be open for co-authors. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All debate having been ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co-authors. There are 69 co-authors. Without objection, we will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed saying no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Wallis, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Joining me today in the gallery is one of my constituents, Vincent Vitale, founder and CEO of Renova Energy and Microgrid, both based in my district. Vincent is a visionary. He's a passionate advocate for energy choice and dedicated to educating the public about energy Independence and what it will mean to them in the environment. Renova is one of the largest residential solar companies in California, and has been listed on Inc magazine's list of fastest-growing, privately held companies three years in a row.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
His company is employee-centric. He hires local workers and retrains them for a career in renewable energy. His care for his workforce is why he is here today. He was one of the creators of Outdoor Worker Appreciation Day in Palm Desert, and he brought the idea to me for ACR 101. Please join me and give a warm welcome to my friend and constituent, Mr. Vincent Vitale.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Walise. File item 37. ACR 102 by Assemblymember Cervantes. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 102 by Assembly Representative Cervantes and others relative to California Lowrider Day.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Assemblymember Cervantes, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members, today I rise to present ACR 102 as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus to celebrate the history and culture of Low riding and cruising and declare the first Sunday of summer to be observed as California Lowrider Day. Lowriders are classic cars equipped with hydraulic and visual modifications that originated in California in the mid-1940s in Los Angeles and grew alongside the Chicano movement.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
In the 1960s, car clubs which were forming then offered community services such as fundraising for the United Farm Worker Labor Union and hosting health initiatives to provide resources to our communities. Lowriding in our Latino community is woven into our identity. It's a culture that challenged and stood strongly in their sense of self when faced with targeting, policing, and legalized oppression.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
In fact, Ron Aguirre from San Bernardino created the first version of the system to be raised and lowered the cars manually, which later evolved to cars doing so automatically, better known as hydraulics. Forever creating a culture icon, lowriders have always taken on the political statement. In fact, during the Chicano art movement, many Chicanos expressed their cultural values, their history, their stories, and religious beliefs through art embellished on their vehicles.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Cruising allows for low and slow drive with the purpose of showing others the work that has gone into the lowrider vehicle. But this also led to legalized discrimination. Where cruising ordinances were first enacted in the 1980s by several cities that unjustly correlated lowriders with street gangs. Yet the lowrider community successfully achieved the repeal of cruising bans in cities of San Jose, Sacramento, Salinas and San Diego. Lowriders continue to challenge erasure segregation and social immobility to emphasize the politics of our presence.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
In fact, to be noticeable allows low riders to have the power to reach communities outside of our barrios and show how our identities and culture have formed as a result of discriminatory segregation. Women have always had a prominent role in the Chicano movement that has also led to lowrider car scenes. Despite not always being acknowledged, women have challenged men who predetermined their place to be in the passenger seat, leading to more woman car clubs.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Today, it is beautiful to see the legacy of our Latino communities who fought to preserve our identities, resisting Anglo assimilation and white dominance during punitive landscape of racism. The lowrider story is tied to the identity of Latinos in our country. The cars and the people are armors and vessels, preserving a vital history, legacy and most importantly, unity unity in our black and brown communities. For these reasons, colleagues, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 102 and ask that the first roll be open for co-authors.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Cervantes. I'd like to recognize Assemblymember Luz Rivas. You are recognized.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the Latino Caucus, I'm proud to speak in support of ACR 102. Declaring the first Sunday of the summer as California Lowrider Day, California is taking strides to recognize a culture ingrained in California and reverse the injustices that have been inflicted upon cruisers. Last year, our state took a step in recognizing the cultural significance of cruising by passing ACR 176.
- Luz Rivas
Person
This year, my colleague from San Diego is working to remove a decades-old law that allowed cities to discriminate against lowriders. Today, before us, we have ACR 102. Lowriding is a form of self-expression and has historical significance in the Chicano movement. Throughout history, lowriding unified car enthusiasts from various walks of life for common reasons. In my district, we have the San Fernando Valley Car and Truck Club Council, and they have participated in many charity events in the district.
- Luz Rivas
Person
I know many of my colleagues in the past have shared their enthusiasm for lowriding, many of members that have lowriders themselves. And this is such a passion project for so many. That's why I'm requesting an aye vote on ACR 102. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you very much, Assembly Member. Assemblymember Haney, you are recognized.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members, I rise today in support of ACR 102, and I want to thank my colleagues from Riverside in the San Fernando Valley for authoring this resolution. Cruising and lowriders have been a pivotal, powerful part of San Francisco's history, just as they have throughout California, especially in LA Mission or the Mission District of San Francisco.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
This has been something that if you for decades would come to the Mission District, you would see the beauty and the power and the community that are embodied in the lowriders. The San Francisco Lowrider Council was formed in 1981 by Roberto Hernandez to unite rival clubs and organize against police brutality. It united the Chicano and Latino communities and became a vehicle for local organizing to build community and celebrate culture.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
San Francisco's Lowrider culture has deep roots in the Chicano community and represents a fusion of Mexican American traditions, automotive, craftsmanship. These cars serve as a powerful symbol of heritage and culture and are more than just vehicles. They're art on wheels that represent the countless amount of hours owners will spend to customize their car. Every detail, from the chrome accents to the hydraulics that make these cars dance, is a testament of the owner's artistic vision and craftsmanship.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
These cars show that art can be found in more places than just galleries and museums in our city, in San Fernando Valley and Riverside, and throughout our state, they can also be found on the street. I proudly rise in support of this resolution and ask for your aye vote on ACR 102.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Haney. Assemblymember Carrillo.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Buenas tardes, Madam Speaker and Members, I rise today in support of ACR 102 and I want to thank my colleague from Riverside for bringing this resolution forward. I stand before you with a sense of nostalgia and deep appreciation for the vibrant and rich culture that has become synonymous with the art of lowriding and cruising. I can personally attest to the impact of lowriders in my own life.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Back in the late 1980s, as a student enrolled in the ESL program at Garfield High School, I vividly remember the awe inspiring side of lowriders gracefully gliding down the street as I made my way to class along with a boulevard in East LA. Low riding and cruising are more than just a form of transportation or a hobby. They are a testament to the resiliency, creativity, and culture heritage of our diverse communities.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Lowriders represent an art from that form that blends automotive craftsmanship with cultural expression, showcasing the pride, passion, and ingenuity of those who pour their hearts and souls into these vehicles. Furthermore, this resolution also emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between local officials, law enforcement agencies and local car clubs. By working together, we can ensure that the safe cruising events are conducted, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts and community members to come together in a secure and controlled environment.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
This collaboration not only promotes community engagement, but also builds trust and understanding between law enforcement and the lowriding community. As we celebrate California Lowrider Day, let us embrace the cultural diversity and historical significance that these vehicles represent. I ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you. Assemblymember. Karia. Assemblymember Kalra, you are recognized.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of ACR 102. San Jose also has a long tradition of lowriders. That whether it's from Storying King down East Santa Clara Street and Santa Clara Street into downtown Alum Rock Avenue, and the reality is, over many decades, lowriders and lowrider culture were over-policed and under scrutiny that was unjustified for celebrating culture. And that's why it was of such great note last year when the no Cruising signs came down in San Jose.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
And it was quite a sight to see last week at our July 4 parade to have lowriders help lead the parade. And I think it's a culture that should be celebrated. And I'm very grateful to our colleague from Riverside and all the colleagues that are standing in support and voting in support of an important part of California culture. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Kalra. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Cervantes, would you like to close?
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Respectfully ask for an aye vote and ask for the first roll be open for co-authors.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the role for co authors. All Members who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co authors. There are 73 excuse me. The Clerk will close the roll.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
There are 73-74 co-authors. Excuse me. Added without objection. We will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Cervantes, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Thank you. Madam Speaker. Members I would like to introduce in the Gallery Members from the Cruising for Community Coalition. If you can please rise. Marcos Herrera, President of the Impalas Car Club, representing Northern California.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Art Torales, founder of Old Illusions Car Club, from Corcoran in Kings County, along with Rosa Miguel Arroyo from Sangre Car Club, representing Stockton, collectively representing the Central Valley, and Sandy Avila and Vanessa Prieto, founders of Lady Lowriders from Los Angeles, representing Southern California. And lastly, Kimberly Goodino from Brown Issues. Please help me once again by giving them a warm welcome to our Assembly Floor. Thank you. Thank you very much. We're going to go back and we have additional guest introductions.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assembly member Bauer-Khan, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Thank you. Madam Speaker and Members. I am so excited to introduce you all to my interns who have traveled up to Sacramento from the district today. They all originate in my district did my district growing up Livermore, Orinda, San Ramon, and Pleasanton, and are at schools across the country. But a lot of UC representation. We have Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego, and Santa Barbara all represented amongst our interns. So great work to our UC system and bringing our students home. They're doing amazing work. I am so grateful that they are with us, and I hope that we, as the body, inspire them to continue their journey in public policy.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you. Assembly Member all right, we are on resolutions file item 38 HR 45 by Assemblymember Nguyen.
- Reading Clerk
Person
House Resolution 45 by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen relative to probation.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assembly Member, you are recognized.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, I rise today to present HR. 45 relative to Probation Services Week. Our Probation Services Week is recognized annually to honor probation professionals who work to keep our communities safe and at the same time support the rehabilitative process for individuals under their care. Members, probation officers play a critical role in the rehabilitative process of ensuring individuals on probation become healthy contributors to society. Healthy contributors to society. Think about that for a second.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
We would like everybody to become healthy contributors to our society. But our probation officers and those in probation services wake up every morning. Every morning. And as they get up every morning, they focus on tackling the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism. HR. 45 recognizes probation officers, those in probation services for the week. It is important that we recognize the many contributions that probation officers make in our community since their success. Their success nurtures a safer environment for all Californians. I respectfully ask for your aye vote today. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Nguyen. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Nguyen, would you like to close?
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors?
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Yes, please.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All Members who vote desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co-authors. The Clerk will close the roll. There are 68 co-authors added without objection. We will now take a voice vote to the resolution. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Thank you. Mrs. Nguyen filed item number 40 ACR 71 by Assemblymember Ta. The Clerk will read.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly concurrent resolution 71 by Assemblymember Ta and others relative to the Little Saigon Freeway.
- Tri Ta
Legislator
I rise today to present ACR 71, a resolution that is significant for me and my community. ACR 71 would designate a portion of Interstate Highway 45 as the Little Saigon Freeway. I-45 runs to Little Saigon community in Orange County. Little Saigon Community is best known for its vagrant business district, but that is not all. It includes park of Westminster Garden Grove, Fun Valley and Santa Ana, and is home to the largest Vietnamese population outside Vietnam. It is a major cultural, social and commercial Center for the Vietnamese-American community in California. This year marked the 35th anniversary of governor's recognition of litter Sagon business district in Orton County. ACR 71 not only recognized this important event, but also to celebrate the acceptance, role and importance of the Vietnamese community. After the fourth Saigon, more than 2.5 million Vietnamese refugee and immigrants became permanent resident and US Citizens, including myself. I fled communism for the California dream. When I was 19 years old. I'm proud to work with our local elected official, community leader and all stakeholders to ensure that Little Saigon reached its full potential as a cultural hope for the Vietnamese community and the world-class destination for visitor and Orange County community. Thank you so much. And humbly ask for your aye vote.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember. Assemblymember Kalra, you are recognized.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank our colleague from Orange County for bringing this resolution forward. We also in San Jose have a very vibrant Little Saigon that's very much connected to the Orange County Little Saigon. Ours was officially named over 16 years ago. And a few years later, when I was on the City Council, my predecessor in the State Assembly pushed to have freeway signs put up on 101 adjacent to our Little Saigon. And the significance of naming a section of freeway after Little Saigon goes far beyond a name. It really is an idea, it's a concept, a fight for freedom that the community, the Vietnamese community in particular, looks to and understands that this is not just something that is reminiscent of the past, but quite significantly of the continued fight for freedom and moving forward, knowing that they have a place that they can call home. In many regions in this state, but of Orange County significance. Orange County's significance is a particular note given how Orange County welcomed so many of our brothers and sisters that came as refugees into the community. And now the Vietnamese community in Little Saigon, in Orange County, is of such great significance that it represents not just assimilation, but more importantly, integration in a way that makes us all proud of our Vietnamese-American community here in California. And for that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 71.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Kalra. Assemblymember Nguyen, you are recognized.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank my colleague from Westminster for bringing this forward, but also my colleague from San Jose for what he said. What most of us don't know is that in Vietnam you cannot say the word Saigon. And that name got taken away from us. And so to be able to say that here name, freeways, streets, district, after Little Saigon is not just a name. It is something that means more to us as Vietnamese-American, as Vietnamese-Americans that fought to come here, as Vietnamese-American that did everything they can to get here and to contribute to this world, this state, this country. And so as I look to my colleague and Westminster, I want to say this is a start. This is a start for something. Because I know my Vietnamese community will look to this and say, we need to continue to teach our young ones how important it is that we continue to say Little Saigon, Little Saigon, Saigon, over and over again. Because that name, that itself means freedom to us. It means freedom to us. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 71.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you very much, Assemblymember Nguyen. Assemblymember Fong, you are recognized.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support of ACR 71. Five decades ago, Vietnamese fled from their country to America in search of a better life for themselves and their children. The American dream first arriving to Camp Pendleton, many settled in Westminster and the surrounding areas of Orange County. Today, the little Saigon community in Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam and is an international tourism destination. A community that I have been very fortunate to visit personally. Having a sign recognizing their community along interstate 405 to direct travelers to one of California's crown jewels will attract more tourists and economic activity to the region. More importantly, it will bring a sense of pride to everyone in the community. The older generation who sacrificed so much will see the signage as an emblem that they made it and they are living the American dream. To the youth, it will be a symbol of home to future generations. It will be testament to the rich cultural history of the area. I want to thank the leadership of our colleague from Westminster for this resolution. And I ask for your aye vote.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Fong. Assemblymember McCarty, you're recognized.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Westminster Assemblymember, for bringing this up. I represent the part of Sacramento that doesn't have the Little Saigon district, but my prior district and my council district had that. And why I mentioned you is 15 years ago, your predecessor, a gentleman named Van Tran, recommended that I create a Little Saigon district here in Sacramento. It was 2008, 2009. I thought it was just some little thing I was doing as a council member. I had no idea it was one of the most monumental things I've done in my public service career. I've never seen a council chamber so full of people. I went around the community for over a year and they said, just like our colleague from Elk Grove just said what the name Saigon means to them and how the act what we were doing designated this area of Sacramento along Stockton Boulevard, the Little Saigon District. What that means to recognize the contributions of their families who fled on that dark day in April of 1975. What we are doing to remember them today. So I applaud you for doing this. To focusing on a piece of the freeway in central Orange County. And again, we should do these in all of the Little Saigon areas throughout California and remember how much this means to the people of California with Vietnamese-American descent. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember McCarty. Assemblymember, let's see, Patterson, you are recognized.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Well, thank you, Madam Speaker. Members you knew it was inevitable that I would stand on behalf of my little remembrance of Little Saigon. Although he's 50 years old, and a plumbing contractor. But I want you to know that it really means a lot to stand here and thank the member from Westminster and to hear the impassioned call, to call it Little Saigon. And that means a lot, because when my little guy was picked up on the side of the road by two GIs, it was Saigon then. And for so many of you, it's still Saigon. And so I rise to say thank you to the member from Westminster and also to let him know how much it means to me to serve with him. Because when I see him shake his hands, look him in the eye, I see a lot of my little BJ. Thank you for being here and representing the people that really gave us our son. And by the way, we're going to go back to Vietnam. There's an association of these adopted kids. And when I get on my passport, I'm hoping I can figure out a way to put a stamp on there that says Saigon. Congratulations for the ACR, and also a big congratulations for those who fled, who came, who persevered, and who now are leading in their communities and in their state. Thank you for the ACR.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Patterson. Assemblymember Bonta, you are recognized.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Thank you. I rise today in support of ACR 71. I thank my colleague for bringing this forward. I, in my district of Oakland, have a very powerful, thriving Saigon community, Little Saigon community. I've spent so much time with people in our community, talking to them about their dreams, their hopes for their children, the hopes that they have for being able to have thriving businesses and being able to contribute in such incredibly meaningful ways as they have for decades in our district of Oakland. So I want to thank the Assemblymember for bringing this forward and say hello to my Little Saigon community in the heart of Oakland.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Bonta. Assemblymember... are there any other... seeing no and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Ta, would you like to close?
- Tri Ta
Legislator
I humbly ask for your aye vote. And the first row to be open for co-authors.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors. All members who vote who desire to vote. The Clerk will close the roll. There are 74 co-authors added. Without objection. We will now take the... clerk Will you open the roll? All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, close the roll. Tally the votes. 73 ayes, nos none. And the ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Okay, what else do we have here? Okay, third reading. We pass and retain on items 41 through 79. Members, the quorum call is still in place. Please remain seated. We will now be moving to adjournments in memory. Assemblymember Wood, you may speak in your adjournment in memory.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Today I rise to ask that we adjourn in the memory of Derrell Kelch, the husband of Deborah Kelch, who served as chief consultant for the California Assembly Health Committee. Darrel dedicated more than 45 years advocating for and improving the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and people living with disabilities.
- Jim Wood
Person
He was the first Executive Director of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging and served for 23 years as a fierce advocate of funding for senior nutrition programs and services to enhance the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens. Prior to joining C4A, Derrell spent 22 years as vice president of public policy for the California Association of Homes for the Aging. We know them as Leading Age Today, an organization that represents nonprofit senior living facilities and care.
- Jim Wood
Person
Derrell spearheaded multiple reform efforts of Medi-Cal funding and state oversight of nursing facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, continuing care retirement communities, and senior housing. In retirement, he continued his leadership as an active board member of the Sacramento Meals on Wheels program. Derrell Kelch's advocacy and compassionate heart created a memorable legacy of excellence that provides an inspiration for us all. Derrell is survived by his wife, Deborah, his daughter Leanne, and son-in-law Omar, who are here with us today up here. Thank you for being with us today. We honor Derrell Kelch and ask that we adjourn his memory today. Thank you.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Wood. Assemblymember Quirk-Silva.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Today I rise to adjourn in memory of Betty Jo Toccoli. Many of you remember Betty Jo as the face of the California Small Business Association. Betty Jo Toccoli was born on October 28, 1933, in Caldwell, Idaho, growing up on a dairy farm, the oldest of three siblings, where she embraced the values of hard work and determination from an early age. After completing high school, Betty Jo relocated to Twin Falls where she welcomed her only child, Galene, into the world.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
While working for the reservation, she met the lover of her life, Ray Toccoli, who she married in 1963. Their shared adventures took them to the East Coast residing in Maryland and New Jersey. During their time on the East Coast, Betty Jo became one of the first female vice presidents of sales for the Gillette Company. Her dedication and tenacity paved the way for future generations of women in the business world.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
In 1973, Betty Jo and Ray settled in Los Angeles where she not only started her own cosmetics company, Laura Lynn, but also ventured into financial planning. In 1985, after participating in the White House Conference on Small Business, Betty Jo helped to establish the California Small Business Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the voices of small businesses in Sacramento that they were heard.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Many of you legislators who have been around also know that she made her way into our offices and was unwavering in her support for small businesses. Her nonpartisan approach and determination earned her the trust of numerous state and local elected officials. For 38 years, she tirelessly fought for the rights of small business owners in California, forging deep bonds with them along the way. Among her many accomplishments, Betty Jo took immense pride in her collaboration with her dear friend and fellow small business champion, Gwen Moore.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Together, they successfully passed California Small Business Day in the Assembly, a special event dedicated to honoring the contributions of small business owners across the state in their local communities. And again, for some of you who were here in the past, that event was much like our nonprofit event, where we'd each invite a small business up to the Capitol and recognize them. In November 2021, Betty Jo moved to Eagle, Idaho, where she cherished the moments spent with their family.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Tragically, on June 15, 2023, she passed away after battle with cancer, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by her brother, Keith McGuire of Gig Harbor, Washington, and his wife, Donna, and daughter Laura, as well as her granddaughter Samantha Turnball great-granddaughter, Kaylee of Boise, Idaho. Members, please join me in wishing condolences to her family and friends for her loss.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva. Assemblymember Ramos, you can speak on your adjournment in memory.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is with great sadness that I rise to request that we adjourn in the memory of Rebecca Eiffert, who passed on June 27 at the age of 56 after battling an illness. Rebecca was a familiar face around the Capitol and swing space buildings. She began working with the Department of General Services on December 11, 2017 and loved the work and all the people with whom she worked with.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Rebecca's hard work exemplifies what happens behind the scenes to ensure our buildings are clean and functioning for members, staff, and the public. Her friendly smile, cheerful demeanor, and sense of humor will be missed by her co-workers and all of us at the Capitol and the Capitol community. Outside of work, Rebecca was active in her church community and enjoyed watching movies with her children. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends, who will always cherish and remember their memories with Rebecca. I ask that this House adjourns in her memory.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Ramos. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving to announcements on behalf of Assemblymember Lowenthal, members and staff are invited to participate in Pink Day by taking a group photo here on the floor today upon adjournment of session. We gather to honor, extend support and encouragement to our Assemblymember, Lori Wilson, and all who have been touched by breast cancer.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Members, we have committee hearings today. Emergency Management Committee meets upon adjournment today of session in room 127. Revenue and Taxation Committee meets at 2:30 or upon adjournment in room 437. Natural Resources Committee meets at 2:30 in room 447. Banking and Finance Committee meets at 3:30 in room 444. The session schedule is as follows, Tuesday, July 11, check-in session. Wednesday, July twelve, check-in session. Thursday, July 13, floor session at 9:00 a.m. All other items remaining will be passed and retained.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
All motions shall be continued. Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bryat moves and Mr. Flora seconds that the house stands adjourned until July 13 at 9:00 a.m. The quorum call is lifted and the House is adjourned.
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