Assembly Floor
- Jim Wood
Person
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 Chaplain, Imam Yasir Khan. Imam Yasser.
- Imam Khan
Person
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, Almighty God, grant us wisdom and compassion in serving California. May this Assembly embody unity and respect for diverse viewpoints, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Imam Khan
Person
Empower us to tackle challenges for a future of justice and equality, protect us and guide our actions with empathy. Bless this Assembly in all contributing to California's prosperity. Amin.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Imam. Mr. Gipson will lead us in the pledge. Please.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
Thank you very much. Please put your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you. You may be seated. Reading of the previous day's journal.
- Committee Moderator
Person
Assembly Chamber Sacramento Wednesday, June 28, 2023 the Assembly.
- Jim Wood
Person
Ms. Aguiar-Curry moves, 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 absences for the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assemblymembers Muratsuchi and Pellerin to speak on an adjournment in memory today.
- Jim Wood
Person
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
I am giving a one-day notice to remove the following items from the inactive file. File item A-6 AB 742 Jackson at the request of the author, file item A-14, ACR 85, Villapudua at the request of the author, and file item A-31, SB 400 Wahab at the request of Assemblymember Ortega.
- Jim Wood
Person
Clerk will note, let's wish a happy birthday to Assemblymember Joan Sawyer. I know he's here, but members, a friendly reminder that session on Tuesday, January 16 will start earlier. We're starting at 11:30 a.m. Again, that is 11:30 a.m. session on Tuesday, January 16. Moving on to business on the daily file Clerk will read. I'm sorry, second reading. Excuse me. The Clerk will read.
- Committee Moderator
Person
Assembly Bill 734, 1588 with amendments, 801 with amendments, 960 with amendments, 1299 with amendments, 148 with amendments, and Assembly Bill 1333.
- Jim Wood
Person
All bills will be deemed read. All amendments will be deemed adopted, pass and retain on file. Governor's vetoes pass and retain on vial items eight through 110. Under reconsideration, all items will be continued. File item 114. ACR 116. Assemblymember Wilson, you are recognized.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Jim Wood
Person
Clerk will read, my apologies.
- Committee Moderator
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 116 by Assemblymember Wilson and others relative to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Jim Wood
Person
Assemblymember Wilson, you are recognized.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Members. As chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I present to you ACR 116, which would honor the late civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. And commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday. While we all have the luxury of observing his sacrifices and mourning America's loss with a day off, we must always recognize the true meaning of this holiday and the lasting legacy of service he left us.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
The fight that ensued for our nation to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day resembles the struggles for acknowledgement that African Americans have endured since arrival to this country. Today, we all in this country benefit from the works of this great man who made it his life's goal to serve and advocate on behalf of those without a voice, representing those who historically are marginalized and have lacked adequate representation.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Dr. King's courage and determination remain an inspiration and motivation for many people who grew up during the civil rights movement. Dr. King led the modern civil rights movement for almost 13 years, from his election as a spokesman for the Montgomery Improvement Association in December of 1995, sorry, 1955, until his assassination. Under Dr. King's leadership, he helped amend and abolish discriminatory public policies throughout the nation.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
He aided in the repeal of Jim Crow laws in southern states, helped shepherd the Voting Rights Act, and brought national attention to the discriminatory banking and housing policies and practices known as redlining. Dr. King also became one of the most notable nonviolent leaders in the world's history, stating that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time. He understood that those in opposition to the civil rights movement would resist, often violently.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Nonetheless, Dr. King responded to acts of violence by creating a dialogue that would heal racial wounds and encourage understanding, unifying the masses. Finally, and most importantly, Dr. King was a truth teller. No matter how convenient or inconvenient those truths were, Dr. King was always willing to speak openly and candidly. In 1968, in his other America speech, Dr. King said, I still believe that freedom is the bonus you receive for telling the truth. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
And I do not see how we will ever solve the turbulent problem of race confronting our nation until there is an honest confrontation with it and a willingness search for the truth and willingness to admit the truth when we discover it. We must look to Dr. King's example as a moral and ethical compass to help confront the persistence and justices that plague our nation.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
I believe Dr. King would want us to make a determined effort to endure any and all challenges if it meant creating a more equal and just society for our future generations as lawmakers and citizens of this nation.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Yesterday, the Black Caucus hosted its annual MLK celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King, and I was heartened by the comments of our guest, Kwame Yanku, CEO of Blackstar Fund, after he reflected on the words of Dr. King's I have a dream speech where he noted that American had given us a bad check, marked insufficient funds to color people, and how on that day, they had come to Washington to cast this check because they refused to believe the bank of justice was bankrupt.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Kwame encouraged us of our progress, that the landscape of economic justice from Dr. King's time had evolved to where we are the ones signing the check. Let us individually and as Members of this state Assembly embody the spirit and commitment to Dr. King's justice and celebrate the progress we have made. I respectfully ask for our I vote at ACR 161, and I will request the role be open for co authors.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Mckinnor, you are recognized.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
Mr. Speaker and Members, on behalf of the California Legislative Women's Caucus, I rise in support of ACR 116. Dr. King was a force that moved mountains, that inspired generations to dream, and that challenged a broken world to find common ground, common purpose in our work to create a more just, fair and equitable society. But Dr. King did not do this on his own.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
While the history books often cite the men who advised him, it is important to note that the incredible women who also helped to realize Dr. King's dream and who worked just as nobly and was just as much honored to bring justice to an unjust world. Women like Ella Baker known as the mother of the civil rights movement, Ella Baker, sorry, was a grassroots activist even before the movement.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
She served as the Director for the multiple offices of the NAACP, eventually becoming the highest ranking woman in the organization. Baker later helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where she worked alongside Martin Luther King. Women like Diane Nash in 1960, Diane Nash was selected to lead a group of Nashville, Tennessee college students who were fighting against segregation. After the extension planning extensive planning, Nash organized the first set of sit ins targeting six lunch counters in the segregated south.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
Women like Mahalia Jackson, well renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson performed at the Lincoln Memorial the day of Dr. King's I have a dream speech and was sitting behind King as he spoke. It was noted that while King was reading from his text of the speech, there was a shout from Mahalia Jackson, who shouted, tell him about the dream, Martin. Tell him about the dream. Jones said. King looked at Jackson briefly and then moved his prepared notes to the side and grabbed a lectern.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
What followed was a spontaneous outpour of inspiration that helped transform the nation. Women like Marion Wright elderman after graduating from Yale Law School in 1963, Marion Wright elderman became the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi State bar. She worked as a civil rights attorney with the Legal Defense Fund of the NAACP and became an advisor to Martin Luther King.
- Tina McKinnor
Legislator
As we celebrate Dr. King's legacy today, let us also celebrate the many women who help lift the cause of justice across our nation and around the world. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 116. Thank you.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Ms. Mckinnor. Mr. Ramos, you are recognized.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise as chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus to join in today's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday. Dr. King's courageous and historic leadership by example continues to serve as the angle, as the angel on our shoulder, reminding us that change cannot come through violence. He continued to remind us that equity and social justice are the foundation for a thriving country and nation.
- James Ramos
Legislator
In 1963, in his book why we can't wait, he wrote, our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. We are perhaps the only nation which tried, as a matter of national policy, to wipe out its indigenous population. Moreover, we elevated that tragic experience into a noble crusade. Indeed, even Today, we have not permitted ourselves to reject or feel remorse for this shameful episode. Our literature, our films, our drama, our folklore, folklore, all exalted.
- James Ramos
Legislator
We have come a long way since he wrote that passage 61 years ago. Thanks to his efforts and sacrifices of Dr. King, his eloquence and spirit continued to inspire us to establish America that we could all live in and be proud of. This is a place for us here in the State of California and the nation, and I ask for your. I vote on ACR 16.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. Dr. Jackson, you are recognized.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ caucus in support of ACR 116, commemorating the contributions of civil rights hero, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, we honor a giant in the fight for civil rights. He sparked a revolution, and his legacy is one of action in the name of justice.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Due to his leadership, allies, including leaders of the LGBTQ human rights movement, have been able to utilize the successful tools to advance justice and equity for their communities. Let us always remember that we must recognize our inseparable intersectionality and strongly affirm that the fight for freedom and civil rights by one community is a fight for us all. Dr. King inspired us to stand tall in the face of hateful rhetoric and challenge those who oppose equity and equality at every turn.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
He told us to be brave, even when the goals may not seem achievable. My dear colleagues, this year will certainly be a test of our humanity as hate engulfs this country and throughout the world. In John Ansbro's book Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonprofit strategies and tactics for social change, he makes the following observation in the philosophy of Dr. King. It reads, king consistently condemned violence as both immoral and impractical. It is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
It wants to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding. It seeks to injure rather than redeem the other. Violence is opposed to creativity and wholeness, aims to destroy community, and renders brotherhood or sisterhood impossible. Violence is immoral also because it deepens the brutality of the perpetrator of violence. He, too, in this case, is a victim.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
King is effective, reaffirmed the insight of Socrates that one who injures another injures himself spiritually since he disrupts the harmony within his own soul, whereas the soul of the victim may remain intact like an unchecked cancer. Hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. King identified the book with Booker T. Washington's warning, let no man pull you so Low as to make you hate him. King contends that when another makes you hate him, he leads you to work against community and to defy creation.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Through his hate. The hater becomes depersonalized because the designed of creations demand that personality can be fulfilled only in community. Hate is rooted in fear, and the only cure for hate is love. Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear. Only love can do that. Hatred paralyzes love. Love releases it. Hatred confuses life. Love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life. Love illuminates it.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
So, dear colleagues, Dr. King's wisdom is urgently needed today as our humanity is being challenged, as we invoke his name and try to fulfill his dream of equity and equality and justice for all. Let us be vigilant and bring the best out of one another and not the worst. So, Mr. Speaker, whether you're on the right or on the left, hate will destroy your soul. The LGBTQ caucus respectfully asks for an Ivo.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Dr. Jackson. Mr. Lowenthal, you are recognized.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I enthusiastically rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Jewish caucus is so proud to stand with so many other communities in recognizing Dr. King as one of the greatest Americans of any generation. Dr. King has always occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of American Jews.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
For many in our community, Dr. King was the living embodiment of the quest for freedom, human dignity, and justice that are the central focus of Jewish tradition. Indeed, if you look at the Jewish caucus's twitter feed, you will see we proudly display a photo of Jewish leaders with Dr. King.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
Indeed, few images inspire as much pride in the Jewish community as the iconic image of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, the most revered rabbi of his generation, marching arm in arm with Dr. King across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in March 1965. Afterwards, Rabbi Heschel reflected that when marching with Dr. King, he felt that his legs were actually praying.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
That same year, the American Jewish Committee honored Dr. King with its prestigious American Liberties medallion in recognition of his efforts to advance civil rights and social justice for all Americans. Dr. King was also a great friend and ally to the Jewish community in our own struggles, he spoke out powerfully against anti Semitism in defense of the State of Israel, and for human rights of persecuted Jews in the Soviet Union.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
In spite of the tremendous societal divisions that Dr. King confronted as a civil rights leader, he was renowned for his ability to bring communities together, not tear them apart when confronting differences.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
And we can learn so much from Dr. King's example today, as the Arab Israeli conflict continues, we should reflect on Dr. King's careful and thoughtful approach to the very early stages of the conflict, such as the Six Day War in 1967, Dr. King took the time to gain a deep understanding of both sides, and recognizing his influence over millions, he refrained from inserting his opinion or taking a position as he sought to actually resolve conflict, not fan the flames of war.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
Dr. King collaborated, consulted, and partnered with the Jewish community and all communities for that matter. It is for that reason that the global Jewish community has such tremendous affection for Dr. King. This is perhaps best evident in Jerusalem, where each day thousands walk down a boulevard named in his honor in his city, where the streets are named for the great prophets of ancient Israel, the Jewish people chose to honor America's great prophet of freedom, equality and justice.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
This weekend, Jewish communities across California will hold special services to honor Dr. King. We will teach our children about his enormous bravery, his moral clarity, and his unfinished struggle for justice. We will reflect on his tremendous accomplishments and upon how much work remains to fulfill his dream. We seek to honor his memory by joining hands with communities of all faiths and all backgrounds to advance justice and to help fulfill his remarkable vision. In that spirit and on behalf of the Jewish caucus, I respectfully urge support of ACR 116.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Lowenthal. Ms. Bonta, you are recognized.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Today I rise in support of ACR 116 as a Member of the Black Caucus and on behalf of the Latino Caucus in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The importance this day gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue his legacy to bend the moral arc towards justice. As a proud black Latina and a daughter of the civil rights movement, I'm inspired by the civil action and the collective action of our communities to fight for justice.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
When planning the iconic march on Washington, culminating in his historic I have a dream speech, Dr. King pushed for greater visibility of the Latinos in the march, and they were counted in the thousands. He asked Hilberto Jerena Valentin, the Puerto Rican Day parade President, to organize the Latino community to attend the march on Washington.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Herna Valentin also spoke at the march about the discrimination faced by Latinos and the shared struggle of the black and Latino community, imploring us to use our collective authority and power and might to advance justice for our communities. Juntos and Housticia indeed, Dr. King's commitment to the Latino community did not end there. He also supported and encouraged Cesar Chavez's 1966 hunger strike to shine a light on the farm worker oppression.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
During the strike, Dr. King sent a telegram to Chavez that read, your courage deeply moves me in fasting as your personal sacrifice for justice through nonviolence. As Dr. King once said, our separate struggles are really a struggle for freedom, dignity and humanity. Dr. King did not advocate for conformity or compliance. He fought for the notion that not all laws are inherently just and that every citizen must help bend the arc of moral universe towards the justice we all seek.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Now more than ever, in times of political and social turmoil here in the state and the country, we must continue the struggle for dignity and equality to achieve freedom and justice for all. For these reasons, colleagues, I respectfully join Assembly Member from Citizen City in asking for our I vote on ACR 116.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Ms. Bonta, Ms. Waldron, you are recognized.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in support of recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Dr. King once said, life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? He was a forward thinking leader who dreamed of a nation where individuals are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. He devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Dr. King's emphasis on love and his belief in unity as a means to overcome division and hatred resonate strongly today. I encourage everyone to think about the incredible contributions Dr. King made to society and the foundation he built for generations to come. Thank you to the author for bringing this resolution forward, and I urge an aye vote on ACR 116. Thank you.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Ms. Waldron. Dr. Baines, you are recognized.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
I rise in support of ACR 116. On behalf of the API caucus, it is an honor and privilege to join you all today in recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An iconic and visionary leader who changed our country and history for the better. Today, we reflect on and honor Dr. King's work and the inspirational life that he led.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
I am reminded of his words, there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor political nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right. Those words resonate with me when I am representing my own community. We reap the benefits of his presence, working towards our dreams and aspirations, giving us hope within the atmosphere of this divided country and the strength to persevere and continue to hope for a better America where everyone is treated with equity.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Dr. King has inspired people of different generations and communities of different backgrounds to organize and move towards a better world. We have leaders like Dr. King to thank, as he was among those who ignited a fire that inspired civil rights. When I think of Dr. King, I'm reminded of his courage.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
When I am bullied, threatened, or intimidated by those who live in fear of communities that are not their own, I'm inspired to put aside my fear and to fight for the rights of all people living in my community and district or anywhere else where there is injustice or bigotry. I am honored to stand with my community in continuing the hope, courage and inspiration that Dr. King represented.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Dr. Bains. Mr. Jones, Sawyer, you are recognized.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is my last Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on behalf of my uncle, whose pictures here today and all that they survived to make sure that we had a more just community. I speak on his behalf, but most important, on someone who would be 95 years old or 95 years young, just like Dolores Welter was one years younger than him, and you see how vital she is. But think if Martin was still alive, what would Martin say?
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
I look to a day when people will be judged by the color of their skin, but not by the content of the character. I believe Martin would be appalled if he knew that people who believe they're making America great again is putting your foot on individuals to keep them down so that they can prosper and be more prosperous than ever before. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
Whatever affects one directly affects all. Just a letter from the Birmingham jail in Alabama in 1963. The use of the criminal justice system. I believe that Martin would tell you that the use of the criminal justice system to imprison African Americans, poor people and Latinos in the modern day prison plantation is wrong as slavery was wrong before the civil war. It is wrong now, and we have much to do, a much better job than we doing right now.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
Martin Luther King and his strength to love in 1963, wrote, the measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. Fear of the new KKK. These night writers who surface on your Twitter feeds, don't be afraid. Stand up to them. Don't be afraid. Don't let them decide what goes on this floor.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
At the end of the day, as I look at these pictures with my uncle, with hundreds of white racists yelling at him, but he stood tall and he stood for right. And we know now he was doing the right thing. We shall overcome, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. Washington, DC. Do not reverse all of the things that we've worked on, all the tenets of justice, to be able to do things in the right way.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
So when you look at Proposition 47 and 57 to try to eliminate it, those are gains. When you looked at affirmative action, how we eviscerated and got rid of it, what has it done to people of color, to women, to people who are trying to come up through this society? Do not let the moral justice that we've worked so hard to get done, do not let things move forward.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
In a sense, we've come to our nation's capital, cast a check when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on his promissory note far as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
The negro people, on the promissory note, insofar as citizens of color are concerned, instead of honoring the sacred obligation, has given the negro people a bad check which has come back marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation of California.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
And so we've come to cast this check, a check that will give us, upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security reparations is something that we need to take up on this floor, and we need not to push back on it because we believe that we're bankrupt. We're not bankrupt when it comes to justice, especially on this floor. And then finally, yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was damned that I was a drum major for justice.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was drum major for righteousness. All and all the other shallow things will not matter. This quote was removed from the memorial in 2013, paraphrased from the February 4, 1968 sermon in Alabama. Yes, we must all be drum majors in the Assembly. Every last one of us should be a jump drum major for justice. In a sense, we've come to our nations.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
In a sense, we've come here, and we've not done all the work that we need to do to move this state, this country forward. As this is my last time here speaking before you. I remember when I first got here and I gave my speech, I'm choking up, because it's not only my last one, but I can feel what my uncle went through, and I got pictures here. I can feel what the Little Rock Nine went through.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
I can feel every day when you're being attacked for doing the right thing and standing up for justice, how difficult it is.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
But I will tell you, it is the most rewarding thing you can do if you want to really celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, if you really want to be a drum major for justice and do the right thing, not only do you need to support ACR 1116 Wilson, not only today, but as we move forward for my last year here in the Assembly, I thank you.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Jones-Sawyer. Mr. Jim Patterson. You are recognized.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Speaker, members. I also rise to join in the remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King and also the comments on this floor. Dr. King has been an influence in my own life because he was a man of God, he was a man of faith. And the eloquence of his speech, I think, was developed in part because he would stand in the pulpit, and he would preach, and he stood in many other pulpits, I think, as we consider how do we honor and celebrate him.
- Jim Patterson
Person
I am also brought to the attention of Dr. Francis Schaefer, who is also a renowned theologian, one I have studied and learned from, I might add. And he has a very significant treatise titled "How Then Shall We Live?" And the premise is, given the cloud of witnesses around us, who we revere and who we honor, he asks us, and I ask us, in the spirit of Dr. King, how should we then live?
- Jim Patterson
Person
And I think that is with the same humility, the same commitment to love one another. The Bible says so. Dr. King lived it out. We all want to ask ourselves that fundamental question. And I think what Dr. King and what these other clouds of witnesses around us have led us toward is to be like those that have made a big difference and to do it in the spirit of our faith, in the spirit of Dr. King, the challenges that we face.
- Jim Patterson
Person
But I really do think that as we leave this place today, that I hope the theme of Dr. Schaefer's book, "How Should We Then Live?", is a reminder to take a lesson from the lives of those who have mattered and who have changed so dramatically. And so it's one of the things that I try to do in living my own life, to live it as Jesus would live it, to live it, seeing humankind as created in the image of God, no separation, but a common humanity.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And then to go out into that world that is often cold and cruel to others and be a light that shines in the darkness. Dr. King did that. Dr. Schaeffer asks us to think about how we should choose to live because of the witnesses that surround us.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And so I think the choice is one that says I must mold my own heart and soul to the scriptures, to the Ministry of the Spirit of God in all of us, and to try to figure out ways to take in all that goodness and then do something with it in the place that the Lord has brought me to serve. How shall we then live, given such a witness as Dr. King?
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Ms. Bauer-Kahan, you are recognized.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in support of ACR 116. The first person who taught me about Dr. Martin Luther King, or one of the first that I remember, was my rabbi, my childhood rabbi, Rabbi Axel Rod. And he had in his study a picture of him marching in Selma.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And I remember sitting in his office, little Rebecca, pigtails and all, looking up and him teaching me about what it meant to listen to listen to people who were different than us, who came from somewhere different, who had different experiences, to hear them, to not just listen, but to hear what they had to say, and then to march, to act, to stand with them, to learn how to peacefully be part of their movement in their seeking justice. And I've been here. I'm going on six years.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Gosh, it goes fast. And in my six years or five years, the thing that has been most incredible to me about this experience has been working with every single one of you. The 80 of us are incredibly different. We come from different places, we've lived different lives. And hearing you has taught me so much.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And then the privilege, through the years of standing in the fights for justice, that we have been able to stand together, from ensuring that every Californian, no matter where they come from, has access to health care, to standing with our Trans children as they're attacked across this country, as standing with women, as our rights are taken away, standing with people of color through the Black Lives movement, Black Lives Matter movement, standing with the API community through the coronavirus, we've heard each other, we've stood together, and we fought for justice.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And as I listen today to the messages of Martin Luther King, those messages that were put in my head as a little girl, it reminds me the work is so far from done. And that that is the lesson I hope we take with us as we move forward, is to hear each other, to stand together, and to bend that arc. Because, as I heard our colleagues say, it arcs towards justice. I sure hope that's still true.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
But what I know is that we can make it true as long as we do the work together. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 160.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Ms. Bauer-Kahan. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Wilson, you may close.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues and those caucus representatives who spoke on this resolution today. As you can see from the diverse voices that hail from all corners of California as well as all walks of life, this truly is the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote and ask that the first roll be open for co-authors.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Assemblymember Wilson. All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
- Jim Wood
Person
All members who desire to vote, vote who desire to vote. All Members, vote, who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- Jim Wood
Person
Members, this is for co-authors. The Clerk will close the roll. There are 70 co-authors added. Without objection, we will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All in favor say aye, opposed say no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Moving back to Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry has announcement of motion.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
At the request of the author, please move AB 742 Jackson back to the inactive file.
- Jim Wood
Person
Clerk will note Senate third reading pass and retain on file item 118. Moving to a vote on the second day consent calendar. Does any Member wish to remove an item from the consent calendar? Seeing and hearing none, the Clerk will read the second day consent calendar.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Bill 375 by Assembly Member Davies and accolading, the business.
- Jim Wood
Person
Clerk will open the roll on the consent calendar. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote.
- Jim Wood
Person
The Clerk will close the roll and tally the vote. 65 I 15 no, the consent calendar is adopted. I'm sorry, excuse me, my bad. 65 I zero no. The consent calendar is adopted. The Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Consent Calendar]
- Jim Wood
Person
Please give your respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission for an adjournment memory. Thank you very much. So Muratsuchi, thank you. Recognize your adjournment memory.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
Thank you very much. Colleagues, I ask that we adjourn today in memory of my good friend Ray Waters of Hermosa Beach. I first met Ray right around the time that I ran for the State Assembly more than 10 years ago. Ray was a kind, warm hearted, understated gentleman with a passion to change the world. He was one of those people that would always show up and always be there when you needed him. Some of you know that I ran targeted elections.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
I ran and targeted elections for four consecutive elections from 2012 to 2018. And Ray was one of those hardcore volunteers that you can always count on to be there. When I had a Geotv operation to walk, he would always show up and he would always work hard. He would always host our beach cities, Democrats, parties and events at his beautiful home in Hermosa Beach. And no task was above him.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
He was one of those hardcore volunteers that when it came to tabling the Beach Cities table at the Hermosa Beach farmers market or at Fiesta Hermosa or many countless other community events, Ray was always there. Ray was a South Bay native with degrees from both UCLA and USC, a lifetime teacher teaching subjects ranging from U. S. History to special education. He served on the Hermosa Beach School board, served a number of terms as President of the Beach City Democrats.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
He survived by his wife Carolyn, his sons Jeff and David, and grandchildren Robin, Caitlin, Lily, Zane, and Jennifer. I ask that the Assembly adjourn in the memory of Ray waters.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you Assembly Member Muratsuchi, Assembly Member Pellerin, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Glenn Schaller, a Santa Cruz County and Central Coast community organizer and labor leader. Glenn passed away unexpectedly at his home in Santa Cruz on October 30, just three days shy of his 67th birthday. Glenn had recently retired after a 14 year career as a political coordinator of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, where he fought for the rights and dignity of working people throughout the area.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Schaller is survived by his son Devin, former wife Bonnie Holly, sister Mary, brothers Tim and Jonathan, and extended family. Glenn was born in Huntington, Long island, and got a taste for public service early from his parents, who were the Deputy Director of the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Preparedness and the deputy town Clerk of Huntington, New York. After graduating high school, he hitchhiked all over the United States, eventually settling in Santa Cruz. A quest for justice drove Glenn.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
He served as the coordinator of the Santa Cruz Action Network, working on campaigns against apartheid and nuclear power and in support of affordable housing. He was often an ally to marginalized communities when it was unpopular to do so, especially to the LGBTQ plus community in Santa Cruz, Glenn organized local campaigns and coalitions for equal marriage rights and against Proposition eight.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
I was fortunate to get to work with Glenn during this time when our same sex couples could finally say I do in January of 2008 and then again in 2013 in June because of that Proposition eight. In 1987, he was chosen as ally of the year by the LGBTQ community and was grand marshal of the 2009 LGBTQ Pride march in Santa Cruz.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
He was even arrested for his activism, including twice in the span of two days during a Queer nation Santa Cruz demonstration at the Capitola Mall. Schaller also channeled his passion back into the broader community by working as an adult as an early childhood education teacher for 26 years after receiving his training at Cabrillo College's early childhood education program. Schaller went on to work at numerous local childcare centers and nurseries and specialized in working with children that had behavioral difficulties. Voting and democracy were important to Glenn.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
He was a longtime Member of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee and other democratic clubs. He was campaign manager, strategist and volunteer for hundreds of campaigns for ballot measures and candidates at the local, state and national level, even traveling to Texas to assist Barack Obama's presidential campaign. My favorite memory of Glenn was seeing him waiting outside my office on the very first day of early voting because he wanted to be sure he was the first person in Santa Cruz County to cast his vote.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Glenn's impact on Santa Cruz County politics and progressive politics will continue to reverberate for years from his work on labor issues, affordable housing, marriage equality, economic justice, care for local youth, and so much more. Please join me in a resounding union clap in memory of Glenn. Thank you very much.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you very much. Assemblymember Pellerin 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 a session schedule is as follows. Monday, January 15 Martin Luther King Day observed Tuesday, January 16, floor session at 11:30 a.m. All other items will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued. Seeing, hearing and hearing no further business. I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.
- Jim Wood
Person
Ms. Aguiar Curry moves Mr. Hart seconds that this house remains adjourned until Tuesday, January 16, at 11:30 a.m.