Senate Floor

[Roll Call]

Very good. A quorum is present with the members and guests beyond the rail and in the gallery. Please rise, we will be led in prayer this afternoon by Senator Bradford. After which, please remain standing, we will be led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Senator Bradford.

Gracious and loving God, as we work through our challenges each day, may we remember and act on the words of civil rights leader Howard Thurman. His words state, look well to the growing edge. All around us, worlds are dying, and new worlds are being born.

The first rippants of a tree. The roots are silently at work in the darkness of the Earth. Against a time when there shall be new leaves, fresh blossoms, green fruit, such as a growing edge.

This is the basis of hope in moments of despair. The incentive to carry on when times are out of joint and people have lost their reason. The source of confidence when worlds crash and dreams whiten to ash, look well into the growing edge. Loving God, may we not close our eyes to the growing edges in our own way of life.

May we actively engage in dismantling the systems of injustice that prevent all of us from living in truth and integrity. Amen.

Colleagues, on black History Month, let us pledge allegiance to the flag that drapes and covers us all. I pledge allegiance.

Thank you, Senator Bradford and Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. We're going to next move to privileges of the floor. Privileges of the floor. And for that, I'm going to recognize Senator Bradford and Smallwood-Cuevas at the majority leader's desk.

Good afternoon, Members. In celebrating Black History Month, a tradition that we have started in the legislature over a number of years, is also recognizing unsung heroes in our community, individuals who make daily contributions, but sometimes go unrecognized or unnoticed.

Today, it's my honor, Mr. President, to recognize Black History Month. And in its honor stated the privilege to introduce Beverly White as an unsung hero in the 35th Senate district.

Ms. White recently retired from 41 year career in broadcast journalism, the last 30 years of which she served the Los Angeles market at KNBC. Anyone who lives and around LA, she's a familiar face. She dedicated herself to providing vital news and information to viewers in her community and beyond.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Beverly has worked as a television news anchor in four states and reported on many consequential events.

Her career highlights includes reporting on the political uprising in Haiti, earthquakes in Northridge and Mexicali, California and mass shootings in Colleen, Texas, Aurora, Colorado and Thousand Oaks, California.

She also reported on the deaths of entertainers Michael Jackson and Prince. And was a watchful eye when she reported on the George Floyd tragedy and numerous Black Lives Matter protests throughout Southern California. Ms. White has been honored with many awards, including the 2012 Distinguished Journalist of the year from the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Society of Professional Journalists.

She is the recipient of the Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award for National Association of Black Journalists in 2008, and she received the Peabody Award, one of journalism's highest honors, for her coverage, of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Miss White joined the Broadcast Union of Screen Actress Gill in 1985 and served on the National Broadcast Steering Committee.

She also has been a dedicated Member of the National Association of Black Journalists since 1986 and spent time supporting budding journalists as a guest lecturer, motivational speaker, as well as mentor. She's a proud army brat, a wife, a mother and a grandmother.

She is married to her fellow journalist Xavier Higgs. For her unwavering commitment to reporting the truth and promoting awareness in her community while supporting future journalism, please join me in congratulating Ms. Beverly White as the 2023 unsung Hero of District 35.

Congratulations to all that you've done. She is a voice and trusted face that will be missed but never forgotten. She is retiring and moving to Florida, but she'll always have a home in our hearts here in California. Thank you Ms. White.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to present a resolution to recognize Michelle Reed, a grassroots leader who is a longtime resident of Leimert Park community here in South Los Angeles, the 28th district. Michelle is an organizer and executive board member for SCIU Local 2015.

Michelle is an institution. As an organizer for SCIU, she continues to stand on the front lines to address such labor issues as income inequity, fighting for criminal justice reform, and protecting the working class, through organizing and her voice.

Michelle can be at a rally to ensure fairness for home care workers at 08:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. discussion on Black Lives Matter and Criminal Justice Reform. And at 02:00 p.m. registering folks to vote. She is that kind of leader in our community.

Her motto in the labor movement is standing side by side with others in the fight for income and economic justice.

Michelle's activism in the California labor movement was inspired by watching her grandmother, who worked as a low wage worker in the garment industry in downtown Los Angeles. Her grandmother would often tell her to be about change in the world.

While raising her three children as a single mother, Michelle worked as a licensed long term care provider, a job that she has held for three decades.

When she joined SCIU Local 2015, early in her career, she became interested in labor activism, in fighting for the workers in her field to have voice. Particularly fighting for low wage workers who far too often have to struggle and make tough choices simply because their work has not been valued.

She soon began to impact others, sharing her story and bringing other women, particularly women of color, to come and be part of the boots on the ground, to organize in the home care field for better opportunities in that sector, but also for the strength of their communities, where many of these largely women workers live.

She understood that in order for there to be change, people need to stand together. And when we say people, we mean full community.

That workers who want a better future stand with youth who want a better future, who stand with women who want a better future, who stand with black workers who want a better future, who stand with immigrants who want a better future. That is the value that Michelle Reed lives every day and inspires so many of us.

And I want to say, I have been on the ride caravans with Michelle when we stood together to ensure that the killing of Mike Brown would be a moment of change for the country in Ferguson.

And she brought dozens of home care workers who drove across the state in a van to ensure that labor stood with the protesters to demand justice, but most importantly, dignity for our community.

Michelle is involved in so many things, and I can't forget the time that I saw Michelle Facebook the community from a young black Los Angeles democratic club. And Michelle is an intergenerational leader and has the respect of the youth and particularly leaders who want to see change in her communities.

And she was giving them a red carpet on Facebook, so us other gen Xers who are on Facebook could be part of that beautiful occasion. That's the kind of leader and voice that Michelle has.

She is supporting the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats. She's a member. She is a member of the Women's Democratic Club. She is a member of Community Coalition. She is a member and activist in the Culver City Democratic Club, Hearts of LA, the LA County Federation of Labor Delegation.

She is one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Black Workers Center, a member of the New Frontier Democratic Club, and we talked about her leadership in the home care workers union.

Michelle has served as a California Democratic Party delegate for districts 54 and 57. She has also received a long list of awards for her work in the labor movement. Today, as a grandmother of four and a great grandmother of one, Michelle vows to serve as a lifelong advocate in the labor movement, in the justice for all of us.

As she self-proclaims, I'm for the people, by the people, with the people. And that is why we love Michelle Reed and honor her today.

Congratulations to the two honorees. We'd like to invite Members of the Senate to join both of them for a group photo at your wish.

It's congratulations to the honorees. Thank you, Members. Next, under privileges of the floor, we're going to turn to Senator Jones from the majority leader's desk. Senator Jones.

Senator Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon, Members. I would like to commemorate a very important event in California history. We are joined this afternoon by the Rincon Band of Luciano Indians.

Chairman Mazetti is here. Council Members Gonzalez, Linton and Costentino are here to commemorate a very important day for tribal nations in California. Since 1905, the Rincon Band Dragonfly Basket has been part of the UC Berkeley collection for anthropology.

In 2022, with an agreement between the Rincon Band and the chancellor that we're also joined by the chancellor from UC Berkeley. Chancellor Christ is also here under the direction and the guidance of this Rincon council.

They worked an agreement with UC Berkeley to have some of their elements returned to their tribal lands in Southern California. One of those elements that is very important to them is the Dragonfly Basket. The basket has been with UC Berkeley since 1905 and returned to the tribal lands in 2022.

This basket is so important to the tribe that the dragonfly that is portrayed on the basket is actually part of the tribal seal of their official government.

And so I'm presenting a resolution on behalf of our prior colleague, Senator Hueso, who at the end of session just didn't have time to present the resolution, and also our Assembly colleague, Eduardo Garcia. Members, I'd ask that you welcome the Rincon tribe and Chancellor Chris for this momentous day in California history.

Members, you're invited to join in a larger photo if you wish.

Thank you. Thank you, Senator Jones. Congratulations, Chair Mazetti and the other members of the tribal council.

All right. Members, we're going to proceed with our order of business. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committee will be deemed read, and amendments adopted.

Under motions and resolutions and notices, without objection the senate journals for February 21, 2023, through February 23, 2023, will be approved as corrected by the Minute Clerk. All right, we're going to move on to consideration of the daily file. First up, item number one. Governor's appointment. And with that, we're going to go to Senator Grove.

Mr. President, colleagues, file item number one is a confirmation of Chief Joseph Tyler for the Director of Department of Forestry and per fire protection. Prior to this role, he served in the Department Deputy Director of Fire Protection and programs.

He started his career at CAL FIRE over 30 years ago, previously serving as a firefighter and a paramedic. He was unanimously approved by the Rules Committee on a 50 vote on February 15th. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator Grove. Discussion. I see the microphone for Senator Dodd. You're recognized.

Yes, Mr. President. Just briefly, I've had an opportunity to get to know Chief Tyler, exemplary public servant. I just really believe that his goals and missions are aligned totally with the California State Senate in terms of what we're doing with wildfire throughout the State of California. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Any further comments or discussions? Seeing none. Senator Grove, you may close.

Thank you. Just align my comments with my colleague from Napa and request an aye vote.

Terrific. All discussion having ceased with the secretary, call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The secretary call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

On a vote of 36 to zero, the nominee is confirmed. We're going to move to file item number two. The nomination of Brenda Lewis and with that, we'll go to Senator Larid.

Thank you, Mr. President. File item number two is the confirmation of Dr. Brenda Lewis to the State Board of Education. Prior to this role, she served in various capacities for many years at the Kern High School District.

She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 22nd on a unanimous five - 0 vote. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Are there any discussions or debate? Seeing none. Secretary, call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

On a vote of 36 to zero, the nominee is confirmed. We'll move on to file item number three. The nomination of Sharon Oakland. With that, we'll turn to Senator Laird.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. File item number three is the confirmation of Sharon Olkin to the State Board of Education. She is currently the Executive Director of Gateway Public Schools in San Francisco. She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 22nd on a unanimous five to 0 vote. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Any discussion or debate? Any discussion or debate? Seeing none. If the secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The secretary, call the absent members, please.

[Roll Call]

On a vote of 36 to zero, the nominee is confirmed. We'll move on to file item number four. And with that, Senator Laird.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. File item number four is the confirmation of Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education. She is currently a teacher for the Montebello Unified School District.

She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 22nd on a unanimous five to 0 vote. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Any discussion or debate on the nominee? Seeing none, if the secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The secretary, please call the absent members.

Alan Dahle, artado Portantino. Say arto.

On a vote of 35 to zero, the nominee is confirmed. We're going to move on to file item number 10. Senator Cortese, are you ready? Seems to be ready. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 41 by Senator Cortese, an act relating to employment and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.

Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise to present Senate Bill 41. SB 41 reflects months of negotiations and an agreement between commercial airlines and cabin crew labor representatives and has no opposition. The Bill exempts certain flight crew employees from California's Labor Code Provisions regarding meal and rest breaks.

Compliance with the California Meal and Rest Break Statute for in-flight cabin crews is impossible for commercial airline flights longer than two and a half to 3 hours because the FAA requires these same employees to remain on duty at all times during a flight, including during meal and rest periods. Under California's Meal and Rest Break Law, employees must be off duty during meal and rest breaks.

Further, the statute requires an employee must be able to leave the premises, which, of course, is not possible for employees who are in flight. The Bill requires a course correction for what is really incompatible state law and federal regulations. This Bill, SB 41, would exempt California-based cabin crews from the meal and rest breaks only if there is a collective barring agreement that provides for breaks or appropriate compensation.

The Bill does have unanimous bipartisan support as it was passed out of all committees without a single No vote. And if I may, a special thanks to not only the Labor Committee staff, but Judiciary Committee and Appropriations Committee for getting this Bill on an expedited basis here to the floor today. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you, Senator Cortese. Any discussion? Senator Wilk?

Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, stand in favor of SB 41. I heard it in the Judiciary Committee as well as in Labor and Pensions. And I got to tell you, this is a fine piece of legislating. This is really what we are here to do. And the author was able to bring together employers and labor together for a win-win situation that benefits everybody.

So again, I want to commend the author for all of his work, and I encourage everybody to cast an Aye vote today.

Thank you, Senator Wilk. Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cortese, you may close.

I respectfully ask for your Ayw vote.

Thank you, Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll call].

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll call].

That's 37-0 on the urgency. 37-0 on the Bill. We're going to move now to file item number 11, SCR 22. Looks like Senator Newman is ready. The secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 22 by Senator Newman relative to the Republic of Latvia.

From the Majority Leader's desk. Senator Newman.

Thank you, Mr. President. I am pleased to present SCR 22, which urges the Governor to establish a formal, interjurisdictional, cooperative relationship between the State of California and the Republic of Latvia. As you may be aware, in 2022, the United States and California commemorated the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Latvia. SCR 22 endeavors to strengthen and expand this important international relationship.

Some very brief history on Latvia. In 1918, in the aftermath of World War I, Latvia declared its Independence as a sovereign nation when it broke away from the German Empire, only to later be forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in the aftermath of the Second World War. Latvia's peaceful singing revolution, which began in 1987, ended with the fall of the Soviet Union and the restoration of Latvia's Independence in August of 1991. Since then, Latvia has been a democratic, unitary parliamentary republic.

In 2004, Latvia became a Member of the European Union with its strategic location on the Baltic, located in eastern Europe, just west of Russia, and to the north of Belarus and Lithuania. And coupled with its well-developed port, rail, and other transport infrastructure, Latvia serves as a natural economic gateway between the United States, the E.U., and Asia. U.S. Latvian economic relations are dynamic, and our countries have signed treaties on investment, trade, intellectual property protection, and avoidance of double taxation.

As of 2020, U.S. bilateral trade with Latvia totaled more than 826 million per year, and the United States and Latvia are coordinating on energy security and clean energy deployment through the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation. One of the keys to California's tremendous economic success and growth has been its international partnerships built upon people-to-people, connections, and common goals.

California is home to a large Latvian community in both the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. And California and Latvian partnerships currently generate nearly $80 million in annual trade, with ample room for additional growth. Some of the industries these partnerships support include the technology sector, the development of virtual reality and gaming, and the film industry, including location, filming, production, and post-production. Of equal significance, some of California's largest and most prominent companies have established operations in Latvia, including Cisco, Google, Meta, and Medtronic.

Both the State of California and the Republic of Latvia have benefited immensely from the resulting increases in trade, investment in tourism, as well as cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges. SCR 22 envisions the fostering of ever greater levels of coordination and cooperation between California and Latvia, opening additional doors and creating new opportunities for thousands of small to medium-sized California companies to do business in Latvia and the EU.

Please join me in helping to celebrate this relationship built on mutual commitments to freedom, democracy, security, prosperity, and the rule of law. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote this afternoon.

Thank you. Senator Newman, any discussion on this resolution? Any discussion? Seeing none. If there's no objection, we'll substitute our unanimous roll call. Seeing no objection, that's 37-0. The resolution is adopted. Members, we're going to move now to privileges of the floor, and with that, we'll recognize Senator Newman at the Majority Leader's desk.

Thank you, Mr. President. In recognition, in celebration of the historical ties and future cooperation between California, the Republican Latvia, I am very pleased to be able to welcome today to the Senate Floor of Latvia's two distinguished honorary consuls in California, who lead the coordination of diplomatic services in their respective areas to support, strengthen relations and economic cooperation between California and Latvia.

With us this afternoon are Dr. Jris Bunkis, Latvia's Honorary Consul in Los Angeles, and Laura Ramanis, Latvia's honorary consul in San Francisco, we should be grateful for both their presence here today as well as their service to their communities. Please join me in giving them both a warm California Senate welcome.

Welcome to the Senate, Members. You're all invited to join a group photo, if you wish, at the back of the chambers. We're going to move back to Senate third reading, and with that, we're going to go to file item number 15, SCR 30. Looks like the Senator is ready. If the Clerk would please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, relative to Black History Month.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, floor is yours.

Thank you.

I rise to present resolution SCR 30 that recognizes February 2023 as Black History Month and the momentous impact that Black Americans have made and continue to make in this country. And I present this on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus and my colleague, Senator Bradford and so many of the unsung heroes who were awarded today.

It's really special for me to present this resolution in this chamber in my 8th week now in the State Senate, because the more I'm in this space, I feel that this is where we can build the bridge to the future. This is where we can right the wrongs. This is where we recognize failed policies and make commitments to course correct. And I think that Black History Month, and particularly this theme of resistance, helps inspire and encourage all of us to do that.

So the origins of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That year, Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian, believed that history not only omitted Black presence, but distorted it, especially in that year. In February of 1915, the release of the film The Birth of a Nation reinforced his beliefs.

The hideous and enormously successful movie that painted a white supremacist vision of the American past and inspired the resurgence of the Klu Klutz Klan after the Reconstruction Era, a resurgence that we too often see play out in our government and in our communities today. That September, Woodson founded the Association of the Study of Negro Life and History, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

He's known as the father of Black history, and he urged educators at that time to set aside a week in February in 1926 for the purpose of emphasizing the history and the contributions of the negro. Now in the 21st century, we celebrate this month to mark Black survival, accomplishments, rebellion, and resistance as the ultimate weapon against white supremacy.

Our history has taught us that white supremacy is a democracy killing force that has operated in plain sight for Black people everywhere and is now just beginning to be understood as a threat to American liberty everywhere. This is what makes Black history American history, for those who don't know their history, are doomed to repeat it. In 1619, after Africans first arrived on these shores, brought to America in slave ships. It was the backs of the enslaved Black people that helped this nation create a globally competitive economy.

The labor of slavery paid for the substantial share of the capital and iron and manufactured goods that laid the stage for America's early years of unprecedented and unmatched economic growth. Prior to the Civil War, the exports of slavery-grown cotton constituted up to 60% of the value of the nation's total exports. Black Americans built this country both materially and financially.

Additionally, the freedom of the enslaved created the Freedmen's Bureau, which formed in 1865 and provided the first schooling to slaves and poor Whites, and was the early, early examples of our public education system, education for all. At the turn of the 20th century, Black Americans, who had little access to formal education and training, were responsible for a high number of inventions during the Second Industrial Revolution, with patents that helped to again propel this country to greatness.

Since the slave slowdowns of the cotton fields in the south, Black people have been involved in the labor movement. In fact, Labor Day holiday was established in response to the Sleeping Car Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters national movement, which was founded in 1925. It was the first national organizing led by Black railroad workers.

Then the civil rights movement through the civil rights movement, Black people, through nonviolent protests and mass movement and marches, demanded that America live up to the ideals of democracy, liberty, and justice for all in this country, a model that is used today by so many groups that seek change and freedom and opportunity.

The enduring legacy of U.S. racism combined with public policy, social norms, and unconscious bias, institutional practices have collided into a perfect storm of growing disparities that now the new generation, through Black Lives Matter and other movements, are standing up and challenging and saying that the rights to equity, to the defend economic opportunity for Black men and women, and the sanctity of life is about protecting our democracy as a whole. No matter what the modern era, I'm sorry, the modern crises we're facing.

We can trace it back to the original sins of slave eras and the continued resistance and rebellion and struggle of Black Americans in partnerships with allies. By teaching our next generation about the entire history of Black people in America, perhaps we can grow closer to realizing the true ideals of democracy. This year's theme, Black resistance. This Black History Month explores how Black people have resisted historic and ongoing oppression have continued to triumph throughout history in the face of racism and institutionalized barriers.

I am proud to come from this generation, this tradition of resistance, to build the fundamental reality of our legacy, from the abolition movement, to the civil rights movement, to the anti-apartheid movement, to Black Lives movement. And my role here as the 6th Black woman elected to this house and the history of the Senate is a testament to that.

I strongly urge you to support this resolution to recognize the contribution to building this nation and the contribution to continue collective resistance to build a California that we all deserve. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. We have a number of microphones up. We'll begin first with Senator Gonzalez.

Thank you, Mr. President. As Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, it's my honor today to rise in strong support of SCR 30, in unison with my good colleague from Los Angeles and seatmate.

Black History Month, as we know, is an important time for us to celebrate Black excellence. But not just do it today, do it every single day. Not just in this month. Every single month to reflect on the extraordinary talents, achievements, and contributions of our African American friends. For instance, Thurgood Marshall's legal work leading up to including his time on the Supreme Court, established civil and political rights that continued to empower minorities, even Latinos and people of color.

While he may best be remembered for arguing against separate but equal, the doctrine in the Brown vs. Board of Education case, that case laid the foundation for countless legal advancements that would occur over the next 50 years.

And as Chair of Transportation, I think of so many incredible African American leaders, including Stephanie Wiggins, current CEO of L.A. Metro, Toks Omishakin, our very own Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, and Amanda Ray, who came to the Senate Floor just this January, who was the first Black woman ever to be the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. While many more can be acknowledged and recognized, rest assured that the Latino community is grateful for such leadership and partnership, inspiration, and support.

And we will continue standing next to our Black brothers and sisters. Members, please join me in supporting this incredible resolution, SCR 30, and ensure that we support our colleagues every single day outside of Black History Month. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. We're going to turn next to Senator Padilla, followed by Senator Min, Senator Wiener, Senator Skinner, Senator Bradford. Senator Padilla.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's a real honor to rise for the first time in the Senate on behalf of the LGBTQ-plus Legislative caucus in support of SCR 30. Today, we honor the lives, the voices, and the contributions of the Black community in our nation's past, present, and future.

As we honor the unique courage of the Black community and the sacrifices that they have made, we must also remember and recognize that their tenacity was in the face of terrible oppression and systemic racism, which persists sadly to this day. Too often, Black activism has been born out of necessity so that Black people could live and thrive in the nation built by their ancestors. We seek to honor Black leaders whose excellence and drive have changed the trajectory of our nation and our world for the better.

Leaders like Marsha P. Johnson, who organized and led the Stonewall Riot. Leaders like Bayard Rustin, whose voice was key in the push for national civil and voting rights. Leaders like Alicia Garza, co-founder and architect of the Black Lives Matter movement, and leaders like Phil Wilson, one of the most prominent figures in the global fight against HIV AIDS.

These are but just a few examples, Mr. President, of some of the prominent figures who have contributed tremendously to our society and who continue to make a lasting, positive impact also in the LGBTQ-plus community. The LGBTQ-plus community is eternally grateful to the black community for helping lead the way for a better tomorrow, and we respectfully urge your Aye vote on SCR 30. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator Padilla. We'll turn next to Senator Min.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I'm honored to rise in support of SCR 30, recognizing February as Black History Month. I want to thank my colleague from Los Angeles for introducing this resolution and for her eloquent remarks on the importance of recognizing this month. Of course, one month is not nearly enough to fully celebrate the rich, diverse history and contributions of African Americans in this country.

And I appreciate the efforts and hard work of the Black Caucus to make these contributions a year-round educational opportunity because education is unfortunately still so important and so necessary. We still see too much racism against Black Americans, against Black people in this country. We just saw a shocking example of this earlier this week with a prominent cartoonist, Scott Adams, who called Black Americans a hate group and said that White people should get the hell away from them.

Racism, of course, exists, and it rears its ugly head far too often. We have too many Americans today who are ignorant of the history and richness of Black America. The AAPI community and the African American community have a long history of working together, especially when it comes to the fight against hatred and bigotry. And we again join the Black Caucus in celebrating the inspiration and leadership of African Americans this month, and we pledge that we'll continue to stand side by side with you in our struggles.

So thank you, and I respectfully ask for your support for SCR.

Thank you, Senator Min, Senator Wiener.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I rise today as co-chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus in support of SCR 30. Black History Month is a special celebration of Black history, and it's an important reminder that Black history is American history, as you've heard. Across this nation, we are watching growing and continuing attacks on the just and noble and critically important goal of teaching a full and accurate history of our country and its people, and not cherry-picking or whitewashing.

It's of the utmost importance that California reaffirm this state's commitment to teaching an accurate and complete history of our state and of our country. Too often, the richness of Black history is reduced to talking points, and we don't fully engage with the beauty and pain tied to the Black experience. Black history, of course, is not a monolith. No people's history ever is. And we should be suspicious of anyone who tries to tell us otherwise.

This Black History Month, I'd also like to celebrate some Black Jews who make both of our cultures far richer. Michael Twitty, who's made waves in the culinary world, fusing the food traditions of our communities. His book Kosher Soul was named Jewish Book of the Year in 2022. Doja Cat, who makes music that unites all people. Lewis Gordon, a philosopher who made contributions to a number of fields, including existentialism, post-colonial thought, and others. He also founded the Center for Afro-Jewish Studies.

Actors of bad faith have attempted and continue to attempt to strain the relations between the Black community and the Jewish community, two communities that always must lock arms to move forward. Less than a year ago, the Buffalo Top shooting served as a painful reminder of why we cannot allow such attempts to go unchallenged. Black history is American history and is Jewish history.

This month and every month, we should celebrate the contributions of our Black siblings to the multicultural world in which we live while honoring the pain that they have been forced to endure. I'm honored to vote Aye on SCR 30 and urge you to do the same. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Wiener, Senator Skinner, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I rise as chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus in support of this resolution and also in support of the California Legislative Black Caucus' ceremony today honoring unsung heroes. And this year is the Legislative Black Caucus' 56th year. Congratulations, Black Caucus. The mission of the Caucus and the mission of Black History Month, as was communicated so clearly by our colleague from Los Angeles, is to highlight and amplify the voices and interests of Black Californians.

And this is one that the Legislative Women's Caucus stands with. We know that the contributions of Black Californians and Americans have been ignored, diminished, and lost because of systemic discrimination and racism. And the California women, who have a history of overcoming poverty, racism, and misogyny to not only overcome, but to turn around and lift up other women, include the unsung heroes we're honored today.

Beverly White and Michelle Reed, as well as our own State Secretary, Shirley Weber, our first Black woman, State Senator Diane Watson, broadcast journalist Belva Davis, scholars and feminists, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Alice Walker, our oldest national park service ranger, Betty Reid Soskin, and our retired CHP Commissioner, Amanda Ray, and so so many more. We share the values and vision and a legacy of fighting for equality and equity.

The legacy of the Legislative Black Caucus to addressed injustice through legislation that fights for health care and education equity, reparations, criminal justice reform, and programs like the Fellows program and the Unsung Heroes are models. And those are some of the key reasons we stand with you today.

Thank you, Senator Skinner. Senator Bradford, floor is yours, followed by Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Mr. President. And as Vice Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, I stand in great pride and honor to present and join in strong support of SCR 30. And I thank my colleague from Los Angeles for introducing this and recognizing Black History Month. It's often said that there are stories that made America, and then there are stories that America has made up. Black history is the stories that made America.

We would not be the great nation that we are today if it wasn't for the contributions of Black Americans. But let me reflect on some of the stories that America has made up. That Christopher Columbus discovered America, that George Washington never told a lie, or that Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. Those are just a few stories that America has made up. As I stated, our great country would not be what it is today if it wasn't for the contributions of the African American.

And when I think about Blacks in this country, there's a word that's been used recently, resilience. It's been associated resiliency with renewable energy and climate. But when I think of resilience, I think of Black Americans. For individuals and families and generations to have survived in this country for 400 years, despite all the challenges, the hatred, and the racism, and to still be here today and to thrive and to have two African Americans on this Senate Floor, it took resilience.

Our contributions are far more than just entertainment and in sports, but in science, business, education, medicine, and many fields. When I think about soil conservation, I think of George Washington Carver. He's the first one who introduced rotation of crops to put nutrients back in the field. But very rarely do you hear him talked about.

It is stated that from the time you get up to the time you go to work, your life has been impacted by dozens of inventions that African Americans invented, such as the iron and ironing board, the shoelacing machine. So when you put on your shoes, they stay together. To get in the elevator, to go to your office. A black man. The automatic transmission that you enjoy in your car. A black man. And on and on and on.

But despite these important and noteworthy contributions, Black Americans rarely and seldom receive the recognition that they deserve. Black history is an opportunity to give them this recognition that they so rightfully deserve. Black history is often and largely incomplete and often whitewashed. Even today, southern states like Florida are forcing changes in the classroom to prevent students from learning complete versions of Black history. Are really trying to eliminate Black history. But maybe they're really trying to eliminate their history.

Eliminate the fact that St. Augustine was the last city in the country to desegregate, to maybe rewrite a history that we celebrate 100 years, just last month of the Rosewood massacre, of a town that was founded by African Americans in Florida, but was destroyed by a white angry mob a hundred years ago. Or just maybe, the fact that the number of lynchings that took place in Florida, maybe that's why DeSantis doesn't want real history taught.

This shortchanges our students and deprives Americans in general from understanding our nation's history. Dr. Martin Luther King often stated, we're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all of us indirectly. Understanding our connectedness and our shared destiny is critical as we near the end of the month, and I was a little dismayed that we waited to two days before the end of the month to celebrate history.

But as stated by my colleague in Long Beach, Black history is more than a day. It's more than a week. It's more than a month. It's every day in America. So I'm happy to recognize it. But I hope we don't take tomorrow off or the day after tomorrow and stop thinking about the contributions that has been made. I've seen encouraging signs in California that recognizes the importance of this month. This includes being willing to hear the painful stories told.

As we embrace Black history, we must commit to ensuring that discrimination and lingering impacts of slavery come to an end. Everyone deserves to have the same opportunity that America offers. I'm reminded of the words of Dr. Reverend James Lawson, a constituent in my colleague's district, Dr. Martin Luther King's right-hand man during the civil rights movement, and one of the most noted scholars and civil rights leaders of our time. And he stated, the greatest threat to this planet and mankind is not climate change.

It's Racism and hatred. Racism and hatred that was initially directed toward our Native Americans, then to our African Americans, into our Black and brown communities. That's what's going to destroy this planet. So as we stand here today, I want to thank my colleague again for introducing this resolution. But I asked us all to learn something new.

Learn the names of Mary Church Terrell, a name that many probably don't know on this floor, but a woman who is at the forefront of the woman's suffrage movement and voting rights. A right hand to. I just forgot her name. Susan B. Anthony. Many people credit Susan B. Anthony for the suffrage movement, which she led. Ida B. Wales, but it was Mary Church Terrell considered maybe the first or second African American woman to receive a college degree. A four-year college degree.

Up until then, women were only allowed to get two-year degrees. She was one of the first to ever get a four-year college degree from Oberlin College, a college that was founded by abolitionists. But she says she faced racism while in discrimination while attending and teaching at that college. So please learn her name. She has an amazing story, and I'm pretty sure many of us who are old enough to remember the term the real McCoy. Anybody know where that comes from? The real McCoy?

When you're buying something, is that the real McCoy? Is that the authentic thing? It's because of an individual by the name of Elijah McCoy. Mr. McCoy invented the oil lubricating cups for the railroads, for trains. Prior to that, trains had to stop almost every hour to relubricate and delay trips. Cost them money. Mr. McCoy invented this. So when people were going to buy it, they often said, is this the real McCoy? But we don't know that. He invented that.

And his patent was used on almost everything that had movement mechanically still to this day. And Sally Hemings. Many know her as been described as the concubine of Thomas Jefferson. But she was way more than that. If history told its truth, Ithink Thomas Jefferson had jungle fever. He was in love with Sally Hemings. He had six kids by this woman, and she's the great-grandmother of the first African American ever to serve in this Legislature, Frederick Roberts. We need to know that history.

So I stand here today in strong support of SCR 30, but more importantly, in strong support of America, telling the story correctly of the contributions that African Americans have made and will continue to make to this country and to this world.

Thank you, Senator Bradford. Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Mr. President. So prior to coming to the Senate, I had never had the opportunity to, I don't recall, in any case, having to speak up on my thoughts on Black History Month. Sorry. But I've been listening very carefully these past two years to the comments made on the floor, and it was interesting. Sorry. As Republicans, we hadn't spoken on it.

And hearing my colleague from L.A., very closely from Gardenia on what he said, you know, silence about silence. I thought, you know what? I'm going to prepare myself and try to learn more about the Black communities, both here in California and in this country. And I've been trying to read books, watch movies, try to really inform myself, to try to understand the plight of Black Americans.

And I have to tell you, as someone who's very much identifies as an empath, my heart goes out to our Black Americans and what they have struggled through. But there's something that I've learned also as a woman of faith that really grounds me in my perspective, and that is that we're never given more than what we can handle.

And what I've also learned is that our challenges, the adversity that we fail, built that grit within us, built that resiliency within us, and we can choose different paths of viewing that resiliency. And as I speak to my Black constituents in my district and I ask them for their opinions, their life experiences, what has made the difference in their lives and who they are, why they are who they are in their communities as leaders.

It's been interesting to say it's been just enlightening to learn from them. So today I wanted to take an opportunity and rise in honor of Black history and SCR 30. Inspired by the words of Dr. Carol M. Swain in her book, Be The People. Permission to read, Mr. President?

Without objection.

America's future increasingly depends upon our ability to speak the truth to one another across the racial, ethnic, and cultural lines that divide us.

Moreover, we must be able to forge bonds across conservative and liberal ideologies, ideological lines, at a time in history when America needs leadership with a fixed vision in changing the world. For those unfamiliar with Dr. Carol M. Swain, she's an award-winning political scientist and former tenured Professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt universities. She's also a distinguished senior fellow for constitutional studies with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

From a high school dropout to teenage wife and mother to highly accomplished University Professor and public intellectual, Dr. Swain is passionate about confidently empowering others to raise their voices in the public square. She attributes her success to working hard. Most importantly, she believes her ultimate path to success was made possible because she was born in America, a true land of opportunity for anyone of any color or background.

And if I fail to say she is a Black American, by the way, she believes that in this country, where you start your life does not determine where you end up. I challenge us all today to overcome diverse perspectives on issues amongst each other and acknowledge there is more we can do. I believe we can tackle the problems associated with current policies if we stand together throughout our differences to find balanced solutions, honest solutions.

Only then will we be able to achieve new strategies to help every Californian in our state. With that, I wanted to state that the Republican Party has had a long history of electing Black leaders and empowering Black Americans. As I stand here today, the first Latina Republican elected to the California State Senate. I want to acknowledge our Republican pioneers. In 1870, Republican Hiram Revels of Mississippi became the first Black American to serve as a U.S. Senator in Congress.

The same year, Republican Joseph H. Rainey, Republican of South Carolina, became the first Black American Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1879, Republican Blanche Bruce from Mississippi became the first Black American to preside over the U.S. Senate. In 1918, Republican Frederick Roberts became California's first known Black American State Legislator. In 2003, Republican Jenette Bradley became the first black female to serve as Lieutenant Governor of any U.S. state.

In 2013, Tim Scott, Republican from South Carolina, became the first Black American to serve in both chambers of Congress and one of my personal favorites. In 2020, Republican Mark Robinson became the first Black American elected Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. In 2022, Republican Mark Robinson became the first Black American elected Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. And finally, did I read this one? I'm not sure if I did. In 2022, Republican Winsome Sears became the first Black female to serve as Virginia's lieutenant Governor.

Now, more locally, I wanted to recognize Mr. McArthur Wright, current mayor of 29 Palms, California, in the Inland Empire, whose own dad was the first Black sitting judge in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. In his words, he stated that being elected to sit on the council was not because he was a Black American, but because he held himself as a man of faith, a retired marine, a family man, and an upstanding citizen in the local community with a genuine concern for the well-being of his fellow citizens who he humbly serves.

He stated that his political career had never been a platform of race. It had been about the content of his character and service to others. He went on to say that as a man, regardless of his color or race, he strove to live his life in the service of his God, his family, his country, and his constituents.

In addition, in celebrating the history, Black history, which we're doing today, there are some names that should be honored that we seldom hear about but have made because of their contributions, made an impact in their lives. Charles Baker, 1859 through 1926. Self-taught mechanical engineer that at the end of the Civil War marked the end of Baker's enslavement at the age of 15. Was credited with building the first radiator system using friction heat, self-taught. Thomas Jennings, 1791 through 1856.

Freeborn African American and New Yorker who became a leader of the abolitionist movement. Made his fortune as an inventor of a dry cleaning process and became the first of African American inventor to own the rights of his invention. George Washington Carver 1861 through 1943. Agricultural chemist, agronomist, and an experimenter whose development of new products derived from peanuts helped revolutionize the agricultural economy of the South. Born into slavery. Garrett Morgan 1877 through 1963.

Businessmen who invented the gas mask, traffic signal lights, zigzag stitching, attachment for the manually operated sewing machine, made personal grooming products for such as hair dyeing ointments. This is why I wanted to highlight him because I'm really grateful for that> And the curved tooth-pressing comb. The son of a formerly enslaved man and woman, Benjamin Banneker 1731-1806 a naturalist, mathematician, astronomer, almanac author, writer, surveyor. Identified the boundaries for Washington D.C.. Scientist and humanitarian.

Constructed one of the first entirely wooden clocks that kept precise time. Born to a free mother and a father who had been formally enslaved. Had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. One of the most recent ones I just learned about and was so impressed with her. Madam C. J. Walker 1867-1919. Entrepreneur, philanthropist and political and social activist. First self-made female millionaire in the U.S..

She made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair products for Black women. Let me repeat the years of her life 1867-1919. Dr. Jane Cook Wright 1919-2013. Pioneering cancer researcher and surgeon noted for her contributions to chemotherapy. In particular, developed the technique of using human tissue culture rather than laboratory mice to test effects of potential drugs on cancer cells. Thomas Elkins 1818 to 1900. Dentist, abolitionist, surgeon, pharmacist. Patented improvements to the chamber commode and the refrigeration apparatus.

I thought you all might appreciate that one. Eugene Russel 1948 to present. His innovations in wireless communication systems, architecture, and technology related to radio access networks and user devices and in building wireless communication systems have fundamentally changed the wireless communication industry. Patented the digital cellular base station and holds patents and pioneered the field of digital cellular communication. He basically modernized the cell phone. Thought you folks might appreciate this. I just have a couple of more that need to be recognized. Paul R. Williams, 1894 to 1980.

Architect credited with designing most of Los Angeles' most significant buildings. He also built homes for celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz. Lon Chaney, Barbara Stanwyck, and Charles Correll. And this is the one that I thought I'd mention because my son would really appreciate his inventions. Lonnie Johnson, 1949 to present. NASA scientist and engineer responsible for over 100 patents. Invented the super soaker. Do you all know the super soaker? Little pump machine with water. My son loves it. My children love that.

But especially my son. And helped develop the stealth bomber and the Galileo mission to juniper. And these two last ladies that I would like to mention, a couple of ladies. NASA human computers. Catherine Johnson, 1918 to 2020. Calculated the trajectory's launch windows, emergency backup, and return paths for early NASA missions. Dorothy Vaughn, 1910 to 2008. Worked as a computer programmer for NASA's space program. Mary Jackson1920-2005. NASA's first Black female engineer. Influenced hiring and promotion of women in NASA science, engineering, and mathematics careers.

And lastly, Dr. Gladys West, 1930 and we still have her. Mathematician who contributed to modeling the shape of the Earth. Her work on the development of the satellite geodesy models were eventually incorporated into the global position systems, GPS. There were so many more that deserve to be recognized during Black history. As I continue to learn, I am moved by their stories, their resiliency, and their willingness to not make any excuses, but to actually be successful and reach those dreams.

The United States is not unique to the atrocities that we have seen in the past. Not unique, but we are unique in the sense that it's one of the very first countries that opened the path for opportunity. We are imperfectly perfect. We still have a lot of work to do. But I am grateful.

Grateful as many of my constituents, my Black constituents in my district, who have shared their personal stories for their examples, their resiliency, and the inspiration that they give to all of our youth that we have in this state, in our nation. And for this, I'm grateful to recognize our Black History Month. And I'm grateful to live in this country and look forward to continued partnership with my fellow colleagues to make California a better place for every single Californian. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, you may close.

Well, I just want to thank all of my colleagues for their moving words and information. And the one thing I appreciate when we think about the Jewish Caucus and the Women's Caucus, the LGBTQI-plus Caucus, the Black Caucus, the Republicans, if we can turn those sentiments into action and ensure that as we adopt this resolution, we're also adopting the commitment to ensure a strong black futures for all of California. So with that, I ask for everyone's aye vote.

Thank you very much. This resolution is eligible for unanimous consent without objection, 30. Excuse me. Excuse me. Unanimous roll call. Without objection. The resolution passes 35-0. Thank you. Moving on to file item number 17. Senator Dodd, are you prepared? He is. If the secretary would please read.

Senate Resolution 16 by Senator Dodd, relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Senator Dodd?

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, as chair of the Senate GO Committee, I'm proud to present State Resolution 70, which recognizes March 2023 as problem gambling Awareness Month in the State of California. Although most people are able to gamble responsibly, for some it becomes a devastating addiction that affects not only the individual, but their loved ones. Fortunately, gambling addiction is treatable.

That is why during the month of March, organizations throughout the state come together to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling. This resolution will raise awareness about the help that is available, both locally and nationally for problem gamblers and their families. I want to thank the Members of the Senate GO Committee for coauthoring this resolution and respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Dodd, is there any discussion on this item? Seeing none. This is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Without objection. The measure passes 35 to zero. Members, we're going to move back to motions and resolutions. I want to recognize. Senator Ochoa Bogh. Thank. It's.

I'd like to move file item 12 to the inactive fire, please.

So noted. Members, we're going to move now to Committee announcements. I know that at least two of them. First one we're going to turn to Senator Roth.

Thank you, Mr. President. The business, professions and economic development Committee will meet in the O Street building, room 2100, 15 minutes after close of session.

Thank you, Senator Roth. Let's turn to Senator Gonzalez.

Yes. Senate transportation will meet at three. Well, right now, right after session, room 1100 in O Street at the Assembly, Member at the Assembly, room 1100.

Thank you, Senator Gonzalez. Members, we're going to turn now to motions and resolutions. This is the time that we're going to do adjourn in memory. Let me note before we begin there that we lost a dear friend of one of our Members. More than a dear friend, a family Member, one of our Members over the weekend. I'm sorry to report that Senator Allen's father, Michael Allen has passed away. May his memory always be a sweet and lasting blessing to all who knew him and loved him.

May our community surround the Allen family with love and care as they walk the path of mourning towards a time of healing. I'd like to recognize Senator Becker for purposes of an adjourn in memory.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I asked this body to adjourn in memory of Melissa Bait and Caswell, a dedicated and caring public servant who passed away February 6 at the age of 58. Melissa served for 13 years on the Palto school board, including two years as board President. And I met her just about 13 years ago when I was running for the Assembly and we became friends.

And I always enjoyed seeing her because if you knew her, she always had this big smile on her face whenever you saw her. She'd have this big infectious smile on the board. She took great pride in advocating for underserved students to be more involved in research projects, AP classes, and for leadership and mentorship opportunities. As longtime equity advocate, Melissa worked to elevate the voices of parents of color in Palo Alto and push for policies and programs to better recruit and retain teachers of color.

She pushed for graduation requirements to increase eligibility to the California public University system. And as a founding board Member of Youth Community service. She brought students together across the economic, social and race divide in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and East Menlo park to address social and community service issues.

While running for Santa Clara Board of Education in 2020, Melissa learned of her pancreatic cancer, which she tenaciously and optimistically fought for over two years, pursuing innovative treatments, but also taking time to travel, to spend time with precious loved ones, and to continue to give back to her community. One of the last times I saw her was at a kickoff for one of our friends running for City Council. Melissa loves and was loved by the community she built and encountered.

Her legacy is intertwined with the people she fought to help and the connections she forged that will keep making a difference even long after she's gone. We send much love to Lee Lainey and Kaz and the Bayton and Kazwell families during this difficult time. We are a better community for having had Melissa in it. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator Becker. You could bring her name forward so she can be properly memorialized in the Senate Journal. Next up, we recognize Senator Newman.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask that the Senate adjourned today in the memory of Shirley Owens McClanahan, a resident of my City of Fullerton and a fierce advocate for students across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, who passed away on December 222022. Shirley Owens McClanahan was born in Orange, California on April 261955. She grew up in the City of Fullerton as the youngest of 13 children.

Two of her brothers, Brigg and Marvin, were local sports legends who would go on to play in the NFL. But it was Shirley who perhaps best represented the family's values of achievement, generosity, and connection to their community. Shirley Owens attended Maple Elementary School, Fulton High School, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Cal State University, Fullerton during a time when her presence as a black woman was a rarity to say the least.

Indeed, the Owens family were themselves pioneers as one of a very small number of black families living in Orange County at that time. Despite the times, every Member of this impressive family lived lives distinguished by an intense commitment to family and friendship, education, community involvement, and volunteerism. These are the values which serve as guiding principles throughout Shirley's very accomplished life. While attending college, Shirley also worked at the local Florida Savings and Loan bank.

Upon graduation, she became a contract analyst and rose to become a support manager for Wang Labs, where she managed key relationships with important entities such as IBM, digital, TRW, automotive holdings, and various us government agencies. While working at Wang Laboratory, she also met her future husband, John McCleanahan. Later in her career, Shirley would go on to become a guiding force for the Leon Owens foundation, which was founded in 1994 in memory of her older brother, Leon, who passed unexpectedly.

Leon Owens was an equally remarkable man who was dedicated to raising his three children and mentoring other neighborhood children, often encouraging them to pursue their dreams through higher education. In discussing how best to honor Leon's legacy, the family agreed that in light of Leon's commitment to his family and community, a focus on addressing community needs as well as financing students'educations would be the best way to honor Leon's memory.

The Leon Owens foundation leveraged Leon's community and family connections to collect donations and held the organization's first scholarship banquet, 1994, awarding four scholarships. Over the past three decades since, the foundation has awarded more than 300 scholarships, which have made higher education more accessible and affordable for talented families in disadvantaged communities throughout our region. None of these successes would have been possible without the intense dedication and immense energy that Shirley Owens brought to that effort.

As a founder and Executive Member of the foundation, Shirley helped bring family, friends, community Members and local businesses into the fold in support of the foundation's mission. The foundation has held picnics, gospel concerts, and has contributed funds and community service hours to many community causes. Shirley is survived by her husband and best friend of 39 years, John their three daughters, Shelby, Sydney and Skyler her sister Dorothy Whitehurst and brothers, Alfred Owens Jr. David Owens and Theodore Owens.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Shirley for her warmth, passion and enduring commitment to the Fulani community and the surrounding areas. Her memory and legacy will continue to shine brightly, and I respectfully ask that we adjourn in her memory today.

Thank you, Senator Newman. If you bring her name forward so she can be properly memorialized in the Senate Journal, we now turn to Senator Wahab.

Thank you, Mr. President and Senators. On February eigth, Alameda County Supervisor Richard Vaye passed away. His passing remains a tremendous loss to the communities he served, including Hayward, Union City, Newark and parts of Fremont. Richard served as an elected official in Alameda County for 26 years, and throughout his career he was consistently considered a pillar of his community. After returning from the Vietnam War, he pursued higher education at institutions across Senate District 10. Through his nonprofit recycling company, triced community recycling.

He employed foster youth, at risk youth and union Members. As an elected leader, he cared about many issues, including the environment, and worked to understand and improve his community. He was a role model to me and many others and was an embodiment of what it means to live one's values and be compassionate.

While supervisor Vaye had been ill for some time, I admired his commitment to his community over the past year, he continued to sincerely represent district two and championed the needs of others, all while his own health wavered. I don't romanticize his work ethic, but rather acknowledge how deeply he felt about using his position to support and advocate for our most vulnerable community Members. He was supportive of tenants and renters, mental health, investments, issues that plagued our seniors, immigrants, veterans and more.

He was wise and prudent in how he shepherded changes, was always on the side of workers and a friend to those seeking progressive policy advances. In Alameda County, I was honored to work in collaboration with Supervisor Vaye for nearly a decade in my role as an appointee to the Alameda County Human Relations Commission, to my time as a Hayward City Council Member, and then as a state Senator. Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter Monica, son Andrew, and three grandchildren.

I am saddened by his passing and send my heartfelt condolences to his friends, family, and all of his constituents. May he rest in peace.

Thank you on this item, Senator Skinner.

Thank you, Members. I also rise and ask. We adjourn in memory of Supervisor Richard Vaye. Actually, I knew Supervisor Vaye date ourselves over 40 years, and in addition to the excellent work and good qualities that my colleague from Hayward described, supervisor Vaye was. He founded a nonprofit recycling center. It was both a collection agency and a processing facility, Tri Valley Tri sed, and he was one of the first non profit recyclers in the State of California to unionize his workforce.

That nonprofit recycling operation is still going today, very viable. And when we look at how the markets have collapsed, that there's very little, it's very hard to sell the goods that you and I put in the bins every day. And yet, even with his incredible work on the board of soups and his other work, that operation still is flourishing and thriving. And for that and the many other good qualities, as our colleague described, we will miss Mr. Vayer very much.

Thank you. Senator Wahaven Skinner. If you could bring his name forward so he can be properly memorialized in our Senate journal. If there is no other business. Senator Grove, the desk is clear.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, the Senate will be adjourned, and we will reconvene Thursday, March 2, at 09:00 a.m.

Thank you. The Senate will reconvene on Thursday, March 2, at 09:00 a.m. Senate is adjourned.