Assembly Floor

The Assembly is now in session. Assemblymember Flora notices the absence of a quarantine. The Sergeants at Arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

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. Today's prayer will be offered by our Assembly. Chapman. Imam Yasir Khan. Imam Yasir.

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, almighty God. As we gather today, we ask for your guidance and wisdom to illuminate our hearts and minds. Grant us the strength to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and compassion. As we deliberate and make decisions that impact the lives of the people of this great state. Help us set aside our differences to listen with open hearts. And to work together towards common good. May our discussions be filled with respect, understanding, and a commitment to serve the diverse needs of all Californians. Amen.

Thank you very much. Our Assembly Member Ta will lead us in the pledge

Members, please put your right hand over your heart and repeat after me. Ready? Begin. For which it stands, one nation of your God...

You may be seated. Thank you very much. Reading of the previous day's journal.

Assembly Chamber Sacramento Thursday, September 142023 the assemblymen at 01:00 p.m.

Aguiar Curry moves Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Flora 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 absence for the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Ms. Aguiar Curry, Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good morning. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Friedman, Ward, Boerner, Maienschein and Holden to speak on adjournment in memory today.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 118 a to allow Assembly Member Baines to have a guest seated in the rear of the chamber today.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I'm also giving a one day notice to remove file item a 11 AB 1550 Bennett from the inactive file at the request of the author.

Clerk will note.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Judiciary Committee to notice AB 82 Weber for their hearing on Thursday, January 11 at 01:30 p.m. Pending re referral from the Health Committee.

Without objection, such shall be the order. Assembly Member Wicks, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome Girl Scout troop number 3134 which are some of our young, bright future children of Peralta Elementary School in Oakland, California. Kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade, including my own daughter, Jojo, but like to welcome them to the Assembly. Stand up.

Welcome to the Assembly. Assembly Member Bains, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Good afternoon, Members. As the first Sikh American elected to this Legislature, it is my extreme, extreme honor and pleasure and deep admiration that I welcome a remarkable individual to the Assembly today. Dr. Swaim Singh and his guests are joining us from the gallery and I will be presenting a member's resolution to Dr. Singh upon adjournment. Today's recognition is an opportunity for us to reflect on the culmination of a lifetime of achievements and service by Dr. Swaiman Singh.

Born in Amritsar, Punjab, India, Dr. Singh's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience and an unwavering commitment to help our fellow man. Immigrating to United States at the age of 10, Dr. Singh completed his medical residency in cardiology and founded the five Rivers Heart Association, where he has pioneered innovative methods to deliver cost effective medicine to underserved areas globally.

Inspired by his family's farming background, Dr. Singh took his mission further, uprooting his life in the United States and traveling to Punjab, India, as a volunteer providing medical care during the farmers'protests in Punjab. Just as the San Joaquin valley is known as a breadbasket of the United States, Punjab is a breadbasket of India, providing nearly all of the nation's domestic produce.

Punjab is also home to the largest concentration of Sikhs in the world, where farming is a tradition and the only way of life most sikh families have ever known. That is why so many in the sikh diaspora outside of India have settled in agricultural communities like the San Joaquin valley. An attack on agriculture in Punjab is an attack on sikh families, and that is why the entire region erupted in protest against reforms put forward by a hindu nationalist government.

The protesters spent months away from their homes and families without access to sufficient food, water and medical care. Were not for the incredible contributions of Dr. Singh and others like him, the protests would have very likely failed, placing an incredible and disproportionate economic burden on the heartland of the sikh faith. Dr. Singh's journey is a testament to the impact one individual can make in serving others, embodying the spirit of selflessness that defines the best among us.

On behalf of the entire California State Assembly, I extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Swiman Singh, and others are here representing the Indo American Heritage Forum, Goddard Heritage foundation of California, Indian Cultural and educational organizations, Tinsa Haita World Sikh Federation, Sikh Sangat of Riverside and the cities of Yuba, Los Angeles, Fresno, Bakersfield, San Jose, Fairfield, Stockton, and Sacramento, all in the house today. Thank you so much.

Thank you and welcome Dr. Singh and guests as well. A note of welcome to Assemblymember Garcia, former Assembly Member Garcia in the House, and we have one more introduction. Assembly Member Juan Carrillo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the distinguished Members of the Association of Professionals and Students as they join us here at the State Assembly for their Inaugural APS Civic engagement summit. Today, we are gathered to celebrate APS's unwavering commitment to their inspiring motto, my profession at the service of my community.

Reflecting a commitment to leveraging professional expertise for the betterment of society, APS stands for promoting higher education, particularly for those facing disadvantages throughout the dedicated efforts of professionals and students who generously volunteer in our communities. Their core belief in empowering the next generation of leaders is evident in their tireless work ensuring that young minds have access to their knowledge essential for pursuing higher education. Simultaneously, APA strives to instill in these future leaders the social values of service, justice, and Fidelity.

In recognition of their commendable efforts, let us collectively express our appreciation with a round of applause for the Association of Professionals and Students. Thank you for your valuable contribution to post education and community service. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Carrillo, and thank you to your guests for being here with us today. Moving to business on the daily file governor's vetoes file items one through 103, pass and retain on file items one through 103. File items 104 to 105 shall be continued. File items 106 to 107. Pass and retain file item 108. Pass and retain file item no. I'm sorry, excuse me. File item 108, SB 339 by Assembly Member Low. For the purpose of amendments. My apologies. The Clerk will read

Senate Bill 339 with amendments by Assembly Member Low.

Assembly Member Low, you are recognized for your amendments.

Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Clerk will call the roll. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll ayes. 51, no, zero. The amendments are adopted and they will go out. The amendments are adopted. The Bill out to print back on file. Moving to adjournments in memory. Members, the quorum call is still in place. Please give your respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on an adjournment memory. Members, your respectful attention to those Members who have been granted permission to speak on an adjournment memory. Assembly Member Friedman, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Edik Agahani, a truly remarkable man. Edik Agahani was born to Sarsal and Sadanik Agahanian on April 41941 in the City of Asna in Iran's Arak region. Eddik was the eldest son in a family of nine siblings. From a young age, he showed remarkable academic promise and a thirst for knowledge.

He graduated from Turan's Khushesh Armenian School in 1960, and then went on to earn an accounting degree from Turan's accounting Institute, becoming the first in his family to earn a degree in higher education. In 1963, he met and married his wife, Hayuki Keshinian. They had two children together, daughter Nora and son Arman. After graduating from Turin's University, he moved with his family to the City of Kormashur and worked as the chief financial officer at their Coca Cola factory.

He lived there for eight years, becoming an active participant in the Armenian community and playing a key role in the establishment of the Armenian school. He was also a big supporter of Abdan Armenian School and the Armenian church. As the Iran Iraq War began, Edik moved his family to Tehran. Facing the realities of war and wanting the best for his family, Edik decided to move to Germany as a refugee, joining his wife and son Armin and leaving everything he had worked so hard for.

In 1987, Eddie Hayuhi and Armand moved to the United States and reunited with Nora in Glendale. One of the remarkable traits of Eddiek was his encyclopedic knowledge. It wasn't just about facts and figures. It reflected his deep love for understanding the world. Whether it was science, literature, history, or any other subject. Etiquette approached each topic with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore its nuances.

His intellectual pursuits enriched not only his life, but also the lives of those fortunate enough to engage in discussions with him. His love extended well beyond his immediate family. His large circle of friends was a testament to his warm and welcoming personality. He had a unique ability to forge strong, lifelong bonds with people from all walks of life. He was also a true outdoorsman.

His love for fishing and hunting became evident as he spent countless hours with his family and friends sharing the art of patience, appreciation for nature, and the thrill of the chase. Throughout his life, he exhibited a passion for camaraderie and the simple joys of life, particularly through his love of playing gin rummy and back Ammon. For Eddie, the moments spent these games were not just about the games themselves, but a reflection of character.

His love for togetherness, his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, and his ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for everything he held know. I think a lot of us who are parents think about the measure of our lives and our success in terms of the impact we have on his children. And Eddick's son Armand, is a school board Member in Glendale, former President of the school board and a very, very active Member in civic life. Sorry, not in Glendale. He lives in Burbank.

Not just in civic life in Burbank, but in political life in Burbank. And he's been a longtime friend of mine and a longtime friend of the community. And I feel very close to Eddick just knowing the quality of his son, of the life he lives and how much he gives back to the Burbank community each and every single day. And that's really a testament to Eddie and to his wife.

So today I would like all of us to extend our deepest condolences to Hayuhi, Nora, Armand, and the grandchildren Manta and arme. May his memory be a blessing to us all and may we continue his work towards a greater understanding and towards building a better community and a better world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Friedman. Members, please limit your conversations. Please respectful attention to those who have given adjournment in memory. Please. Senator Member Ward, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great sadness but reverence that I rise to adjourn the memory of former Assembly Member Howard Wayne, who represented the 78th Assembly District. Howard served on this floor from 1996 through 2002.

Regrettably constrained by the old six year term limits, he came into the job very well qualified, a deputy Attorney General since 1973, focusing on consumer protection and child support, a Professor at the University of San Diego who taught about creating a ladder of opportunity, and a leader with the American Constitution Society. And he returned to those roles and more in public service in San Diego.

Assembly Member Wayne was born in Fresno and moved to San Diego at the age of three, whereas the son of a shopkeeper, he graduated early from high school and enrolled at SDSU at the age of 15. He soon became the club President of the college Democrats, and this was at a time that Governor Reagan was beginning his terms and San Diego was about to be dubbed Nixon's lucky city.

He went to USD law, where he served as editor of the Law Review, and found a core group of friends which lasted his lifetime. As a young lawyer, Howard struggled with a stutter, but joined toastmasters to help improve his speech. And through grit and hard work, he did not let any impediment stand in his way. After serving, Howard told his students that one of his proudest accomplishments in this Legislature was seeing one of his first bills signed into law, AB 411.

He was so proud of it, he turned it into his permanent license plate. That landmark legislation created a coastal water quality testing program designed to alert surfers and beachgoers about potential contaminants. He and his wife were on vacation when he got that call from the governor's office that it was about to become law, and it was late, and the only place that was open to be able to get something was at a hotel vending machine.

So to celebrate, he bought a candy bar, split it in two, and shared it with his wife. He believed that government should do more to help people and that civil civic engagement mattered. Above all, he believed that the worst offense was to not care to vote. So he went door to door to register and encourage and educate neighbors. He continued that tradition as an elected official, spending his weekends knocking on doors, introducing himself.

Hi, I'm your state Assembly Member, Howard Wayne, being invited in for coffee and conversation, and rare that that is. He believed in living the model of what it meant to be in a representative. He always encouraged youth to listen to some of these principles. We talked about his students, but also young volunteers, and I was one of those in the early 2000 s at the time. He gave me a copy of his pocket constitution, and I still have that with me today.

It was never beneath him to volunteer for someone else's campaign. And as he returned to post Legislature life, he continued to be active in his rotary, in his community planning group, and knocking on doors to register people to vote. This year, he was selected to San Diego County grand jury and was spending up to 40 hours a week on government oversight. Just like his days in the Legislature. He came to all discussions having done his homework, sometimes with binders tabbed and highlighted.

And I recall several times when I was on City Council when Howard would show up in the front row to present on a contentious item. And I would think, zero, boy, there's Howard. And he's probably right. Sadly, Howard Wayne left us last fall on his 75th birthday.

A memorial service that I and many other former legislators attended in a packed room with community was highlighted by his stories of earnest liberalism, pragmatic thoughtfulness, tenacity, and, fundamentally, his belief to inspire civic engagement and to be true to his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary Lundberg of Claremont, his brother, and an extended family of siblings in law and numerous nieces and nephews. A distinguished gentleman and a model Legislator. Please join me in keeping former Assembly Member Howard Wayne and his family in our thoughts as we adjourn in his memory today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward, you also have another adjournment in memory?

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Peter Seidler. Peter was a pillar of the San Diego community, known for his optimism, leadership and compassion for the less fortunate, along with his work as Chairman and owner of the San Diego Padres. Growing up in a baseball family, the grandson of Dodgers legendary owner Walter O'Malley, Peter had a passion for the game.

Now, San Diego has always been proud of their padres, but when Peter came to town in 2012, they were in a rut. He picked them up, and he played the long game to transform them into one of the most exciting teams in the country, energizing the city along with the team, he set a model for owners who want their teams to win. And when the lights went down on Petco Park, Peter didn't always head home.

He would often head out into the streets, see the number of those who were unhoused was rising all around. And Peter wanted to do something. He first wanted to understand what was happening to people so that he would just go out to meet them and to get to know them and have conversation and extend help where he could he found souls in a rut. He picked them up, and he forced us to transform ourselves to ourselves as well.

And when I came into local office in 2017, I met with Peter not to discuss the Padres, but to discuss new energy in our local efforts to focus on housing, shelter, care and systems. Peter took up the helm of local philanthropy, working in partnership with government to amplify efforts through his leadership in the Lucky Duck Foundation. Lucky Duck would pool resources together and said, city, if you do one thing, we will match it and make it two or three.

Peter created the Tuesday group, which held a weekly gathering of local civic, academic and business leaders to discuss solutions to end homelessness in San Diego, ones that I was regularly invited to present. Because of Peter, we made progress, and today people have ended their homelessness. But more importantly, we have new tools that work and need to expand. I think the spirit that he left most with our community is to stay focused, to cut through nonsense objections and just do something.

For his contributions, he earned the National Conflict Resolution Center's 30th annual Peacemaker Award, the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Award for regional collaboration, and the Rotary Club's annual Mr. San Diego award. And more people were reminded others that you can't take money with you. Being a cancer survivor himself, Peter contributed generously to the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic, as he had throughout many organizations in San Diego. Please join me in keeping Peter Seidler, his wife Shayl, and their three children in our thoughts as we adjourn in his memory today.

Thank you, Mr. Ward, Ms. Boerner, you are recognized for this adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleague from San Diego for this important adjournment in memory of Peter Seidler. Peter has made such a great impact to the San Diego community, and we see that every day in downtown San Diego and Petco park. He was determined to bring a world championship win to San Diego, and the Padres reached their first National League championship series in 1998, and the years that followed, his more than a ballpark mentality extended past the baseball diamond into the areas surrounding Petco Park.

Peter was incredibly invested in the improvement of downtown San Diego and focused much of his attention and energy towards addressing homelessness and helping our unhoused neighbors. He was committed to finding a solution to our homelessness crisis because he cared deeply about the well being of all San Diegans, housed or unhoused. Our San Diego community is better because of Peter Seidler, and his presence will be sorely missed in my district. Please help me honor his work and contributions to my community by adjourning in his memory today. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Boerner. Mr. Maienschein, you are also recognized for this adjournment in memory.

Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise to today in remembrance of Peter Seidler. A distinguished businessman, Peter strategically invested in various companies, ultimately leading to his acquisition of the San Diego Padres. Under his management, he revived Padres baseball. The Padres experienced a notable turnaround due to key acquisitions, enhanced team performance, and a renewed competitive edge in the league. Beyond his accomplishments in the world of sports, Peter demonstrated a profound commitment to the San Diego community.

During my tenure as the Commissioner of Homelessness for San Diego, Peter approached me and expressed his genuine desire to help San Diego's homeless population. And unlike my colleague, I did actually provide my thoughts and advice on the Padres, which he very graciously listened to with a nice smile and a pat on the shoulders. But he collaborated with me and other civic leaders to establish effective strategies for aiding the homeless.

His initiative fostered the creation of groups that persistently work to alleviate the homeless across San Diego. county. His involvement with the San Diego community showcased his dedication to making a positive impact. As we bid farewell to Peter Seidler, we fondly remember his incredible generosity, his kind heart, and his willingness to always help those in need.

Thank you Mr. Maienschein. Mr. Holden, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise that we adjourn in the memory of my dear friend, Joe Carol Hopkins, who passed away on October 312023. I've known Joe for over 20 years and had the privilege of an honor honoring him and his wife, Ruthie May Hopkins as my 2018 CLBC Unsung Heroes, Joe was committed to promoting social justice and affirmative action.

He had an extensive career working with inner city program developers for the Girl Scouts, to managing at Hughes Aircraft Company, as well as becoming a purchasing officer for Xerox. In 1982, he established his own General law practice in Los Angeles, where he focused on criminal defense, workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. In addition to his fruitful legal career, Joe and Ruthie founded the Pasadena San Gabriel Valley Journal, the only black owned newspaper in the San Gabriel Valley.

The journal facilitated various community events and shined light to issues and civic affairs that other publications did not highlight during that time. In 2003, he continued to pursue his passion of writing and published his first book titled I will not apologize, uncompromising solutions to Black America's dilemma in the 21st century. Joe was a man of faith and excelled in his capacity to provide hope to everyone he encountered. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruthie May Hopkins, and sons Joseph, Omar and Jamal.

His passion for social justice and devotion to improving the quality of life for his community will always be remembered. Colleagues, I thank you for joining and recognizing Joe Carroll Hopkins. Thank you, Mr. Holden. You have an additional adjournment in memory. Just one more Members. I ask that we adjourn in the memory of my dear friend and colleague Terrence Glenn Williams, who passed away suddenly on December 14 of last year. He was 64 years old.

His passing was a shock to us all as I had just had the opportunity to see him the night before as he was first attendee to arrive and the last to leave for my annual shoe drive and holiday party. Terrence was a good friend and served his community with passion, loyalty and with heart. He was born in Dallas, Texas, moved to Arcadia in 1999 where he met his wife, Francis Bobby Leslie.

They married in 1991 and moved to Monrovia where they welcomed Jessica, Luke, Audrey and Samuel, creating a blended family with his eldest, Kelvin and Lindsay. From 2014 to 18, Terrence served as an elected trustee for the Monrovia Unified School District. During his tenure, Terrence dedicated himself to ensure there was equal representation to all Monrovia school district families, students and staff. He led the change to have all public Board Meetings available on multiple platforms to increase access to information and transparency.

Shortly after, Terrence served on the Monrovia Arcadia Duarte Town Council as Vice President, as well as a board Member of the volunteer center, San Gabriel Valley and Monrovia Rotary Club. Terrence's compassionate nature stemmed from his roots in the church. He faithfully served as a deacon at Second Baptist Church in Monrovia under Bishop Larue Dillard and currently served under senior pastor Christopher Bourne as his armor bearer. For him to serve was to wear a smile, shine his light and go where he was needed.

As I warmly reflect on his leadership and great heart, I know that Terrence's impact will continue to ripple through the generations. Again, I'd like to thank you for adjourning in Terrence's memory. Thank you, Mr. Holden. 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. Today is National Bubble Bath Day. We will have Committee hearings.

Natural resources will meet upon adjournment of session today in room 447 here in the Capitol, and transportation will meet at 230 in the swing space, room 1100. The session schedule is as follows. Tuesday, January 9. Check in session. Wednesday, January 10. Check in session. Thursday, January 10. Check in session. Friday, January 11, twelveth. Excuse me. Floor session at 09:00 a.m. All other items will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued. Seeing and hearing no further business. I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.

Ms. Aguiar. Curry moves. Mr. Lackey seconds. The house stands adjourned until Friday morning, January Twelfth, at 09:00 a.m. Quorum call is lifted, and the house is adjourned.