Assembly Floor
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
The Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Mia Bonta from Oakland notices the absence of a quorum. The sergeants at arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent. Members of the Clerk will call the roll.
- 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.
- Robert Rivas
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 our flag salute. The day's prayer will be offered by our Assembly chaplain, Imam Yasser Khan. Mr. Yassir.
- Imam Khan
Person
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, Almighty God, for this new day with its promise and potential, we thank you. May our part in this day be full of meaning and hope for others. May our efforts and our words be characterized by kindness and give expression to the good will and truth that is within us. May they also be the key which unlocks the good and truth in others. Amin.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
At this time, Assemblymember Mr. David Alvarez will lead us in the pledge. Mr. Alvarez.
- David Alvarez
Legislator
please place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic of which it stands, one nation under God. Indivisible
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Reading of the previous the day's journal.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Chamber, Sacramento, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The Assembly met at 07:00 A.m. The Honorable Juan Carrillo, Assembly Member, 39th District, presiding chief Clerk of Sue Park. At the desk. Reading Clerk, David E. Bowman. Reading roll call. The following placed upon the morning roll call.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Reyes Moves and Mr. Mathis seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with presentations and petitions. There are none. Introduction and 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 from the Senate? There are none. Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day will be deemed read and printed in the Journal. Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized for your procedural motions.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Bonta, Bauer-Kahan and Grayson to speak on an adjournment in memory today.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 A to allow Assembly Members Meinschein, Arambula and Ortega to have guests seated at their desks today.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the Order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
At the request of the authors, please remove file item 80 SB 280 Laird file item 81 SB 412 Archuleta and file item 88 SB 479 Padilla from the consent calendar. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Education Committee to notice SB 88 Skinner for their hearing on Wednesday, July 12th pending rereferral from the Public Safety Committee.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Without objection. Such shall be the order.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Moving on to guest introductions and announcements. Assemblymember Ortega, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Liz Ortega
Legislator
Thank you, speaker, Members, it is an honor today as we get ready to celebrate the 4 July to introduce the man that brought me to this country in the search of that American dream. I've often talked about my mom and her courage, but I also want to introduce the man in my life who's taught me about hard work.
- Liz Ortega
Legislator
Remember him working two jobs as a dishwasher for over 25 years and us thinking we hit the lotto when he became a janitor and an SEIU Member when I was 15 years old. It is my honor to introduce my father, Prospero Ortega, to today's Floor.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Assembly Member Maienschein, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Brian Maienschein
Person
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members. It gives me great pleasure today to introduce and bring to session my mother in law, Tedny Garner. It's a great honor to introduce her to all my friends and also show that I do in fact have a job. So thank you all very much for helping me welcome her today.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Well, a welcome to our Assembly Floor to all our guests and Members. Towards the end of session, after we take up the content calendar, I will make some important announcements and respect fully ask you all remain on the Assembly Floor. Until then, I will hand over the gavel to our Speaker Pro Tem Chris Ward, to ensure that we continue with this session. Mr. Ward.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All right. Members will be moving on to business with the daily file. Second reading. The Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bills 593, 494 and 69 with amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All bills deemed read. All amendments are deemed adopted. Moving on to third reading. You'll pass and retain on file item four bringing us to Ms.. Waldron. This is file item five, AB 1325 for concurrence. Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1325 by Assembly Member Waldron and others an act relating to food retail food facilities declare the urgency to take effect immediately.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Ms.. Waldron, you may open on concurrence.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, AB 1325 is back on concurrence. The amendments taken in the Senate were technical in nature and added an urgency clause. It enjoys no opposition and has bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms.. Waldron. Seeing no Members wishing to speak on this measure, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally votes I 62, no, zero concurrent or the urgency I 62, no measure on the measure. Send amendments are concurred in. Next by Ms.. Boerner . This is file item six, AB 72 for concurrence. Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Bill 72 by Assembly Member Boerner and others an act relating to Natural Resources
- Chris Ward
Legislator
You may open for concurrence.
- Tasha Boerner
Legislator
Mr. Chair and Members. Or Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 72 would extend the sunset date for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to conduct research on coastal cliff landslides and erosion in the County of San Diego by one year. Scripps needs the deadline extension due to significant permitting delays at the local level. The Senate amendments add San and Leo State Beach in the Cardiff Area of the City of Infinitas as one of the sites on which the research must be conducted and adds co authors. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms.. Boerner. Seeing no Members wishing to address this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 63, no, zero. Senate amendments are concurred in. We will pass and retain on file items seven through 11 bringing us to Mr. Grayson. File item 12, AB 968. Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Bill 968 by Assembly Member Grayson and others an act relating to real property.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Grayson, you may open on the Bill.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 968 back on concurrence. The Senate amendments were technical in nature. The Bill is supported by contractor. State license board has no opposition and passed through the Senate unanimously. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Grayson. Seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally votes Ayes 62, no, zero Senate amendments are concurred in. We will pass and retain all file items 13 through 25 looking for you, Miss Soria. Brings us to file item 26, HR. 42. The Clerk will read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
House resolution 42 by Assembly Member Soria relative to the 4 July Assemblyman.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Soria. You may open on the resolution.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, thank you for the opportunity to present HR 42 commemorating July 4 as Independence Day. 247 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed, bringing forth a new nation, the United States of America. This day is a representation of freedom, liberty and Independence. A day where our forebears enshrine that all men are created equal. Later, our country came to understand that this applied to more than landowning men.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
That women, people of color and other minority groups also deserve the rights they described as self evident and unalienable. Like our country today, our Founding Fathers were filled with contradictions. A man who enslaved other human beings wrote the soaring rhetoric of the Declaration that continues to inspire those in search of freedom. Others profited off of an economic system wholly dependent on enslaved people.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
Therefore, while we strongly condemn those actions, we also recognize the bravery of those who risked or gave their lives to establish our country and honor the brilliance found in the system of government that they designed. They created a government that ruled not by the so called divine right of a king or a queen, but by the consent of the governed. Those Founders did not know if their grand experiment in self governance would work. But here we are, 247 years later.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
We stand here together as a testament to those ideas and beacon of hope to so many across the world. In supporting this resolution, I ask that we all, as Californians and Americans, recommit ourselves to those values found in our founding document and work to protect the rights of all of us to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
I also just want to say that I hope that as we go back to our districts this tomorrow to celebrate July 4, we continue to work hard to ensure that we recommit ourselves to those values. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on HR 42.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblywoman Soria and Assemblyman Essayli, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Bill Essayli
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise with great humility and gratitude in celebration of the birth of our nation. Amongst all the noise, division and politics, we have forgotten who we are as a people and what the United States is really about. America is not some plot of land or an ethnic group. America is an idea, a revolutionary idea that our Founding Fathers captured in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
- Bill Essayli
Legislator
That all men and women are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights. That to secure these rights, government are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Such a simple but profound concept. Our rights come from God, and those rights are loaned by the people, to the government. Some government leaders seem to have forgotten this. They believe they own us and our money, acting more akin to public masters than public servants.
- Bill Essayli
Legislator
As elected officials, we took an oath to defend the Constitution. And we must reject as elected leaders the urge to amass more power and the seduction of tyranny. Because our Founding Fathers were not just worried about the tyranny of a king, they were also worried about the tyranny of a majority. And that's why they created a republic with checks and balances, not a democracy. The creation of the United States of America has been a tremendous success in its short life of our nation.
- Bill Essayli
Legislator
We have been home to the greatest advances in science, technology, artistic creativity, and human rights. Some of the best scientists and artists in history will tell you they came to America to pursue dreams that seem far too big or exotic for their small and humble homes. America is where people come to change the world, because what America promises is opportunity. The opportunity to work hard and achieve tremendous success. In America, individuals hold the keys to their own success.
- Bill Essayli
Legislator
Your destiny is determined by your self determination, not by any outside force or some government agency. So when people seek to divide us and demoralize us, I say to the American people, remember who we are. We are not victims. We are free. Free to decide how to live our lives and what to make of ourselves. Don't let anyone define you or limit your capabilities. This 4 July, let's remember we are one nation United behind one flag. Be proud to be an American. Be grateful for the sacrifices those have made for our country. Go out and celebrate. And most importantly, let freedom ring. Happy 4 July. And may God bless the United States. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Essayli and Assembly Member Jim Patterson, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to rise and in strong support. In the mid to late 18th century, while Shoguns ruled in Japan, kings ruled in Europe, emperors ruled in China, the Tsars ruled in Russia, our founders were thinking of a new and radical way to govern themselves.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And so, at the risk of their lives and their property, they came together and first of all, created what I call the poetry of our liberty, which is the Declaration of Independence, those beautiful and powerful and meaningful words that created the foundation upon which our Constitution was drafted and ratified. That Constitution being the contract that made sure that the poetry of the Declaration was lasting and real and created a nation of, by and for the people.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Think about the radical notion that you would grant sovereignty of a nation to the people. The people back then under the Shoguns or under the Emperors or under the Tsars or under the kings. We were nothing more than serfs those there for the purposes of aggrandizing and enriching others. And here was this group of individuals who drafted that wonderful piece of promise that we are all created equal and we're endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.
- Jim Patterson
Person
They cannot be taken away, they cannot be separated from our personhood, that those rights life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and that government is organized in order to safeguard those liberties and freedoms. And from the poetry and the contract came the United States of America, which has become the beacon and hope and light of people not only born here, but people who have looked at us and said, I want to be a part of the American dream. And so we now have a country.
- Jim Patterson
Person
We have a country where the sovereignty is vested in you and I. Let 's not ever forget the importance being reminded who's in charge in America. It's we the people.
- Jim Patterson
Person
It's. We the people. Isn't that an accomplishment? Worth joyous celebration on July 4. Happy 4 July, everybody. God bless America. And we should all be grateful that we live in a wonderful place where we are in charge. We're the sovereigns, and we place in hands like ours delegated authority to act on behalf of the people. So happy 4 July.
- Jim Patterson
Person
A little history lesson to remind ourselves that what they did back then that we can take for granted so often was radical, dangerous, but it was beautiful and powerful. That's worth celebrating tomorrow. God bless America.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Senator Patterson. Seeing no other Members wishing to address the resolution, Miss Soria, anything further to close?
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
I respectfully ask for your support and vote aye.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Would you like the first roll open for co authors?
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
Yes, please.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Very well. Clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors on HR 42. All those vote who desire to vote, this is for co authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 69 co authors. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those posts say nay. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted. Next file. Item 27. This is ACR 86.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 86 by Assemblymember Kalra an act related to animals.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblymember Kalra you may open on the resolution.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. ACR 86 would encourage state, local, nonprofit and private partners to work together to implement solutions that address the state's animal Shelter Overpopulation Problem California's animal shelters are overcrowded and overwhelmed. Fortunately, spay and neuter surgeries are an effective means of limiting the unchecked pet population. However, unsubsidized surgeries are expensive, costing hundreds of dollars per animal, and the supply of low and no cost services cannot meet demand, leading to months long waitlists for many procedures.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
This issue is further exacerbated by a chronic veterinarian shortage that leaves critical spay and neuter facilities without proper staffing. ACR 86 recognizes the many compounding causes of animal shelter overpopulation and encourages the creation, funding and staffing of high volume spay and neuter services. By promoting an effective multipronged solution to this crisis, this resolution aims to alleviate the pressure felt by our animal shelters and ensure that they're able to give vulnerable animals the care they need. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Kalra. Seeing no Members wishing to speak on this resolution, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close roll. The votes. Ayes 66 Noes zero. The resolution is adopted. We will pass and retain on file items 28 through 66, bringing us to file item 67 before we take up the Bill, I understand we have amendments at the desk on SB 149.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 149 with amendments by Assembly Member Davies.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Ms.. Davies, you're recognized on the amendments.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Today, a day before our nation's birthday celebration, we remember freedom and American Dream. For many, part of the American dream is the dream of owning a home. But here in California, that dream is slipping away for many families as we are in the housing affordability crisis. This amendment will make sequa exemptions for building new houses in our state. Only 20% of California households are able to afford a median priced home.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
The cost of buying, building or owning a home here has prevented many from realizing the American Dream and pushed them to take their dreams somewhere else. It also makes exemptions for wildfire mitigation, which will help homeowners in high fire areas who are struggling to obtain fire insurance. California is ranked 32 in the nation for housing growth. It's time to get serious about building housing in California.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
Making these exemptions is one way to start encouraging builders to speed up the process of adding reasonable pricing house units to our cities and county. This is one amendment that we can all come together for the good of the state and actually achieve real results. Colleagues, you've got nothing to lose, and California has everything to gain. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Ms. Davies and Majority Leader Reyes.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the amendments on the table.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Okay, there's a motion to lay on the table. Ms. Bauer-Kahan has seconded. It's not debatable. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. Majority Leader is asking for an aye vote. Ms. Davies is asking for a no vote. Clerk will close roll. Talia votes. Ayes 54. noes 13. Motion passes. Moving back to the Bill, we will open with Ms. Bauer-Kahan on file item 67, SB 149. The Clerk will read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 149 by Senator Caballero and others an act relating to environmental quality making appropriation for declaring the urgency of the act to take effect immediately.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Senator Bauer-Kahan. You may open.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise on behalf of our colleague, Senator Caballero, to present SB 149. SB 149 provides unique streamlining benefits under sequa to advance clean energy, water, transportation, and semiconductor or microelectronics projects without reducing the environmental governmental transparency benefits of the review process. So, to be clear, this Bill requires full CEQA review, but allows for a 270 day streamline for those projects that are eligible.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
California expects to make historic investments in infrastructure as a result of federal funds that are available in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. We want to maximize those dollars coming to California and ensure we can build these projects to bring the jobs and the benefits that all of us are seeking, whether it be in transportation, in water, or elsewhere. I want to thank our colleague for bringing up housing.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
The Legislature worked hard to ensure there were housing benefits in this Bill. As a result, there's an extension of prior legislation to ensure streamlining of housing projects. And lastly, I want to mention a really important piece of this. There's been concerns about environmentally complex projects. Obviously, as the Chair of Water, I understand firsthand how complex some of these projects could be. The sequel streamlining in this Bill is subject, to an extent feasible clause.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
So if a court were to find that a project were not feasible to be subject to the 270 day streamlining, then it would not have to do so. With that. I think we have the protections we need for the environmentally sensitive projects, but we're allowing, where necessary and where possible, to move projects forward that all of us can see the benefit of.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
For example, floodplain expansion, which is good for our environment and our communities, ensuring that our waterways are lined and that we aren't seeing the subsidence we see in the Central Valley right now. Hopefully, we can move faster and more swiftly on projects that will protect our communities that saw such huge flooding with dam safety and other levee projects. And with that, I will respectfully ask for your vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Bauer-Kahan. Senator Connolly, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today to speak on my concerns with where this Bill is taking California and the risk of removing protections for our marginalized communities and ecosystems. I've historically been opposed to CEQA judicial streamlining going back to my days as a local official and Member of Metropolitan Transportation Commission opposing CEQA exemptions for new stadiums.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
California is a global leader in environmental protection and CEQA has been instrumental in protecting California's natural treasures and preventing environmental disasters that were all too common in the past. However, I know that this Bill is better today because of the hard work and long nights of our great leaders and advocates here in the Assembly. And it's not lost to me that this is part of a larger budget process that has been the subject of lengthy negotiations.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
I want to thank leadership and Speaker Rivas for ensuring that more protections were added into the Bill and that complex projects, as my colleague just noted, will still receive the rigorous scrutiny and public transparency that they require. I will be voting for the Bill today while maintaining a close eye on the real world implementation that follows. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Connolly. Assemblymember Villapudua you're recognized on the Bill.
- Carlos Villapudua
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, I rise in support of SB 149, and I just wanted to commend everyone involved in these negotiations for their tiresome efforts. While I wish we had more than just a few weeks to flesh out such a substantial proposal, this final product shows that what we can accomplish when we all come together. When this proposal first came out, it alarmed my community very much. So I'm pleased to say that those alarms have since quiet down.
- Carlos Villapudua
Person
The fragile Delta ecosystem remains protected, and we're able to help advance important projects around California. At the same time, I want to thank the author for her help, and thank you all of you for taking part of this were very lengthy meetings. There's not always a right answer, and I know sometimes we don't please everyone.
- Carlos Villapudua
Person
But I can tell you that a lot of efforts, a lot of folks that took the time, their expertise, and to give us our expertise on making these decisions is why we're here. So I want to thank the author and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Villapudua and Member Valencia. You're recognized on the Bill.
- Avelino Valencia
Legislator
Thank you. And when I start as Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in support of SB 149, which will position California to build the infrastructure of the future. SB 149 expedites judicial review for certain infrastructure projects that are critical to help meet our ambitious climate goals and prepare for climate change impacts. We must act now in order to prepare for potential blackouts, long droughts, and massive floods. To ensure reliability, our state needs more renewable energy sources and storage to come online.
- Avelino Valencia
Legislator
The same can be said for water and transportation projects. This Bill will help expedite the development of these resources by ensuring that if a project is challenged under CEQA, a timely response is provided. It is possible to thread the needle. We can build infrastructure projects efficiently while maintaining a strong judicial review process. I believe that this Bill strikes that appropriate balance. I respectfully ask for a yes vote. Glaciers.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Valencia. Assembly Member Jim Patterson. You're recognized on the Bill.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, I rise too, in strong support, particularly and especially for the enumerated projects in the Bill. Obviously, water, the implication to agriculture in Central California is so important. Also the importance of flood protection, the floodplain maintenance, all of those kinds of things. It is especially noted that the Bill pays attention to some of the chronic concerns we have raised in Central California for a long, long time.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And I'm delighted to rise in strong support for being included and appreciated in this kind of infrastructure streamlining. It is going to make a lot of difference in the places and the people where I represent. I urge for a very strong vote and grateful for the opportunity to rise this time and say Central California has been included and not ignored. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Seeing no other Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Ms. Bauer-Kahan, you may close.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I do want to give a special gratitude to our colleague from Stockton and our colleague from the San Fernando Valley, who worked tirelessly to make sure that this Bill struck the right balance. And when last week we learned that there was no opposition to the deal we struck, I think we felt incredibly good about the work that we did to get this to where it is.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And especially, I just want to acknowledge something that was raised by our colleague from Marin, which is that this House took a real hard look at what we thought was critical in this. And what we as a House fought for was our disadvantaged communities, those communities who every single day deal with water that is not as clean, with air that gives their kids asthma, with soil that they have to be questioned if they should be building on.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And so we ensured that those communities were at the table through our voices, that we stood strong in ensuring that they are not further hurt by any CEQA streamlining, but allowing projects to move forward that would help all communities, including those communities, and not further harm them. And I'm proud of that work as a House. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms.. Bauer-Kahan. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll tally votes. Ayes 66 no, zero on the urgency. Ayes 66 no zero on the measure. Bill passes. Next, Members, we're going to move to a vote on our consent calendar. There are no resolutions on the consent calendar today, so does any Member wish to pull an item from the consent calendar, seeing and hearing none. Clerk will read the second day consent calendar.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 428, by Senator Blakespear an act related civil actions.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will open the roll on the consent calendar. All those vote who desire to vote on consent all those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. ayes 65, no, zero. Consent calendar is adopted. Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Vote Results]
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Okay, Members, thank you. Ask that you be seated. And as you all know, as speaker, I have the duty to appoint a leadership team, a team that will help run the business here on our Assembly floor. And appointing a Speaker Pro Tem and a Majority Leader is a task that I have taken very seriously. I know the appointees will take it as serious as I have. And I'm appointing two individuals who have a great respect for this institution.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Two individuals that I trust and who I know will work with both caucuses with every single Member in these chambers to manage our Assembly floor in an efficient, in a fair, and in a dignified manner. It's about the institution valuing the work we do and all the Members we serve with. And so, for the office of Speaker Pro Tem, I will be appointing the Assembly Member from Winters, Cecilia Aguiar Curry. I asked the Assemblywoman from Winters to please join me up here's. Okay, if you could raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
I, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, do solemnly swear do.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Solemnly swear that I will support and.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Defend that I will support and defend.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
The Constitution of the United States the.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Constitution of the United States and the.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Constitution of the State of California and.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
The Constitution of the State of California.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
That I will bear true faith and allegiance I will.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
That I will bear true faith and allegiance I will.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
To the Constitution of the United States.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
To the constitution of the United States.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
And the constitution of the State of California.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
And the constitution of the State of California.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
That I take this obligation freely I.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Take this obligation freely without any mental.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Reservation without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. Or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully and I will.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Well and faithfully discharge the duties discharge.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
The duties upon which I'm about to enter.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Upon which I'm about to enter.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
Congratulations, Madam. So again, congratulations, Madam Speaker Pro Tem Aguiar Curry. And at this time, Members, for the office of Majority Leader, I am appointing our friend and colleague, Assembly Member from Los Angeles, Isaac Bryan. Thank. Mr. Bryan, you be so kind to join us up here on this dias. You. Raise your right hand please. Repeat after me. I, state your name Isaac Bryan. Do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and defend that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of California and the constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic against all enemies, foreign and domestic that I will bear true faith and allegiance that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of the United States the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of California and the constitution of the State of California.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
That I take this obligation freely that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties discharge the duties about which I'm about to enter. Upon which I'm about to enter. Congratulations. Enjoy.
- Robert Rivas
Legislator
I also would like to take this moment to thank both Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes and Speaker and also our colleague from San Diego, Speaker Pro Tem, Chris Ward. I want to thank them both for their service to our House and I look forward to their continued service here in the State Assembly. So please join me in giving them both a round of applause one last time. And Members. Now it is my honor to hand the gavel over to Madam Speaker Pro Tem Cecilia Aguiar Curry.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Members, a quorum call is still in place. Please remain seated. We will now be moving to adjournments in memory. Please give your respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on the adjournment of memory. Assembly Member Bonta.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. Today I rise and respectfully request that we honor and adjourn in memory of Warren Henry Bonta of West Sacramento, California. After living a life of 79 years, Warren passed away on July 3, 2022 last year.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
On this day, he will be remembered for his keen intellect, thirst for learning, and commitments to social justice and public health. Warren was born on November 28, 1942, right here in California in Moorpark to Robert S and Mary Elizabeth Bonta. After graduating as valedictorian of Moorpark High School, Warren attended Ventura Community College and then transferred to UC Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of science degree in physics. He was the first in his family to attend a four year college.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
The late 60 s and early 70s represented a transformational time in Warren's life. During this time, he started a family and grew and flexed his social justice muscle. After graduating from UC Berkeley, he attended the Pacific School of Religion and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree at PSR. He met Cynthia Arnaldo, with whom he married in 1967, and raised three children Lisa Lagaya, Robert Andres, and Jonathan Marcelo. Also during this time, Warren was active in the Civil Rights movement and United Farm Workers movement.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
He spent time in the south, marching in Selma, Alabama, demonstrating at churches and fighting for the rights of Black Americans. In January 2022, Warren was featured in a news story recounting his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement and his encounters with Martin Luther King, Jr. His lifelong commitment to public health was evident. In the news clip as he wore his mask and requested that the news reporter join him in the solidarity with the most vulnerable.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
From 1968 to 1971, Warren and Cynthia worked and lived as missionaries in the Philippines, serving vulnerable communities where both Lisa and two years later, Rob joined them. In 1971, Warren became part of the National Farm Workers Ministry, participating in the United Farm Workers Movement, led his boycott in Los Angeles, and later moving to the UFW headquarters of La Paz in the Tahatchapi Mountains near Bakersfield, California. His third child, Marcelo, was born.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
At this time, at Cesar Chavez's request, Warren led the National Farm Workers Health Group, which included clinics in three California locations. Warren helped establish a new clinic in Fresno and Coachella and health presence among the Orange Workers in Central Florida. In 1975, Warren moved to Sacramento and spent 33 years right here, a stone's throwaway working at the California Department of Health Services, where he established health clinics throughout California for vulnerable communities, including refugee and rural communities, and promoted health efforts to address asthma.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
As a father, Warren was very committed to his children's education. He introduced his kids to new experiences and surrounded them with opportunities to learn. He had bookshelves full of encyclopedias, the classics, a ratty dictionary. If they disagreed with him on a fact, he would tell them, I'm sorry, Marcelo, look it up. And it was always right. Warren was also excellent at teaching his children how to be good losers, as he always convincingly beat them at Trivial Pursuit, even when they teamed up on him.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Warren coached his three children in soccer. He can boast that he was the early influence of two time high school sectional champ, A-U-S. Junior National Team player and a professional player, and now the grandfather of another professional player. What Warren loved most was attending his children's sporting events. It seemed he never missed a game, always taking time off work or waking up at 05:00 a.m.. On the weekend to drive them hours to games.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Warren supported Sacramento State students as a lifelong learner, raising funds for scholarships in the food pantry and through mentoring. Warren was a community Member of the Sacramento State Diversity Council with whom he worked on strategies to counter white nationalism on campus with Friendship Force. In his later years, Warren was a board Member, global Coordinator and a participant in international journeys that took him around the world.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Warren collected modern first edition books, many written by authors of color and about racial justice, equality, equity and inclusion issues and artwork with resonant themes. Prior to 2020 election, Warren commissioned a 10 piece collection entitled Gaming the Vote a Contemporary fine art exhibition by Milton 510 Bowens, a constituent of mine, a collection made possible by the Warren H. Bonta Family Trust and is a commentary on the impacts of voter suppression and the importance of securing voting rights, particularly for African Americans. Warren was a lifelong learner.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
He filled our Thanksgivings with stories and tales of where he'd been in the world with Queries. He was an avid constituent of my colleague from Sacramento. I found news clips of all of the doings and goings on of many of our colleagues here. He followed and loved and talked to his son every day about when his son would listen, about the things that he wanted to see changed here in the State of California.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
He survived by his ex wife Cynthia and three children Lisa, Rob and Marcelo and their partners Erin, Me and Misha his partner Terrace McCann Grimes sister Marianne Haney and seven grandchildren reina, Ileana, Andres, Kyra, Sage, Malaya and Jackson. Today we have with us on the floor your former colleague from Oakland, my spouse, my partner in life and service, a wonderful son, Robanta.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
And in the gallery today, we have Cynthia, his son Marcelo, grandchildren Sage, Andres, and Ileana, and my mother, who spent many a night with him, Magali, I thank you and supporting me in honoring this moment for Warren Bonta, a year late, but it's when I could do it. And thank you for the adjourn in memory.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Assemblymember Bauer Kahan, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members, I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Dr. Carol Wyland Connor, an Assembly District 16 constituent who passed away on April 22. At the age of 80, she founded the nonprofit organization White Pony Express, and Following Francis on her walks through the neighborhood, dr. Connor was struck by how much fresh food was being thrown away every single day, while at the same time she saw how many people were going hungry. She decided to do something about it.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
In 2013, Dr. Connor founded White Pony Express, a volunteer powered organization which rescues fresh, surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants and delivers it to the underserved in Contra Costa County, a County of tremendous abundance, but also tremendous need. Dr. Connor believed there is a simple solution that can end the problems of hunger and marginalization for good a new paradigm voluntary, shared abundance.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
In this model of life, responsibility for helping the family of a man is assumed by everyone, or, in the phrase of White Pony Express, uses all of us, taking care of all of us. In 10 years, White Pony Express has rescued 24 million pounds of food, 20 million meals, and is now one of California's largest food rescue programs.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Dr. Connor also founded Following Francis, a volunteer program that helps foster self worth in children from underserved neighborhoods that have staged fairs and plays for 15,000 children nationwide, including Contra Costa County. They also have distributed new clothing, groceries, gifts, baskets, and cash to Contra Costa families in need.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
During the pandemic White Pony Express and Following Francis, volunteers distributed one $200 in cash gifts to the residents in dire financial need identified by many community organizations, hundreds of thousands of dollars were distributed in the county and approximately $1 million nationwide. Dr. Connor did what every single one of us should strive to do see a problem and be the solution. And she was the solution for so many in our county.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
I'd like to close by offering a quote from Dr. Connor human brotherhood is not something to aspire to. It is the central fact of our existence in this beautiful world we share. Love knows all, does all and is the most powerful force in the universe.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Colleagues, I ask you to remember this amazing human being who encouraged all of us in the county to live by her motto all of us, taking care of all of us and to aspire to live our lives in the spirit of selfless service. I ask that we adjourn in her memory.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Grayson. You are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I, too, with my colleague from Arenda, arise to adjourn in memory of Dr. Carol Connor and extend my condolences to all who knew her and loved her. Dr. Connor was a compassionate individual who made an immense impact to Contra Costa County through her tireless and her selfless service. Dr. Connor was a spiritual Director of Sufism Reoriented and lived her life in a loving service to all of life.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Animated, she truly believed that all of life are united and all people are part of one human family. An important part of her life's work has been to develop new models of community service founding both following Francis and White Pony Express which both support the underserved and marginalized in our community and even nationwide through her leadership. Following Francis and White Pony Express have both tremendously expanded since their founding. And following Francis provides programs, activities, necessary supplies to families and children.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
While White Pony Express serves 120,000 individuals annually in Contra Costa County alone, providing food, clothing, goods and most importantly, life saving hope. Throughout my career on Concord City Council and even in this Assembly, I have had the utmost privilege to work with White Pony Express through volunteering efforts. And this has allowed me the opportunity to see firsthand the help and hope that Dr. Connor was able to give back to her community for her tireless work.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
She received numerous civic awards and accolades including the esteemed Andrus award from AARP. And despite her enormous achievements, Dr. Connor never strayed from her underlying motive to undertake this work. And that is to help foster a world where inequities of poverty are dissolved and that we all share in a prosperity and happiness that flow from unity. Colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Dr. Carol Connor who has inspired so many of us through her remarkable legacy of loving service to our community.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you, Assemblymember Grayson. 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. The Senate session is as follows Tuesday, July 4, is the Independence Day holiday. Wednesday, July 5, check in session. Thursday, July 6 floor session is at 09:00 A.M. Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Majority Leader Bryan Moves and Assembly Member Mathis seconds that this house stands adjourned until Thursday, July 6, at 09:00 A.m.. The House is adjourned that pardon me. The quorum call is lifted.
Committee Action:Passed
Next bill discussion: March 18, 2024
Previous bill discussion: June 28, 2023
Speakers
Legislator