Assembly Floor

The Assembly is now in session. Assembly Members Zbur notices the absence of a quorum. The sergeant at arms will prepare the chamber bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the role.

[Roll Call]

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, Almighty God. Guide the hearts and minds of all the Assemblymembers gathered in this chamber of the California State Assembly. Bless them with unity, compassion and courage as they navigate the duties entrusted to them. Inspire their decisions to reflect justice, care for the vulnerable, and stewardship of the environment. May their work foster peace and prosperity for all Californians. Grant them the grace to act with compassion. And to seek common ground in their endeavors.

May this Assembly shine as a model of collaborative and benevolent governance. In your name we seek guidance and strength. Amin.

Thank you. Assemblymember Zbur will lead us in the pledge.

Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

You may be seated. Reading of the previous day's journal.

Assembly Chamber of Sacramento, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, the Assembly began at 07:00 a.m. The Honorable Sabrina Cervantes.

Ms. Aguiar-Curry moves. Mr. Gallagher seconds that the reading of the previous year journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions, there are none. Introduction and references of bills will be deferred. Members. 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. Just a note.

We are having some issues with the microphone, so there is a lag this morning. So that was not on Mr. Zbur. He does know the Pledge of Allegiance and was ready to go. So just bear with us on that as we work to get that worked out. So, moving to motions and resolutions. The absences for the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Today is a special day. Today is Washington's birthday. He would be 292 years old today, and he's never looked better.

But he's over in the Senate anyway. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Quirk-Silva, Gallagher, Alvarez, Calderon, Bryan and Ward to speak on an adjournment in memory today.

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 1118 (a) to allow Assemblymember Quirk-Silva to have guests on the floor today.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re-refer SB 551 Portantino from the Rules Committee to the Natural Resources Committee.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I'm giving a one day notice to remove item A-22, SB 427 Portantino from the inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Zbur.

Clerk will note. Moving on to guest introductions and announcements. Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer and Gipson, you are recognized for your guest introductions. Mr. Jones-Sawyer, you may begin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise today to proudly welcome my brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Sacramento chapter, in celebration of the chapter's 50th anniversary. The fraternity has over 160,000 members with undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state in America. We are also international with chapters in the UK, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Japan, the Virgin Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Kappa alumni's include Cedric the Entertainer, John Singleton, Tom Bradley, Mervyn Dymally, Johnnie Cochran, Wilt Chamberlain, Colin Kaepernick, Oscar Robertson and Arthur Ashe. It was a Kappa brother Bernard Harris, Jr. who was the first African American to walk in space. Since our founding as an anti-racist organization during the time of Jim Crow laws, Kappas have continuously supported the growth and development of extraordinary individuals. And I would like to take personal privilege to not only recognize my brothers, but also because I have my red jacket on.

As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi who crossed in spring 1976 at 05:55 a.m. in the morning at the Kappa Castle in Los Angeles. We welcome you. Please join us in welcoming my honored guests and my brothers, the men of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Sacramento chapter.

Mr. Gipson, you are recognized. Members, your respectful attention to Mr. Gipson.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members. I want to thank my colleague from South Los Angeles for one welcoming the Sacramento chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated. I crossed over fall 2016 as an LA alumni and I can't add anything else to my colleague, my brother, my fraternity brother from South Los Angeles, again welcoming this great chapter for being here, this chapter for someone who has never had any brothers. I have three amazing sisters.

And to join this great noble clan, this fraternity, it has actually changed my life tremendously. And I'm very, very grateful that one, that we do everything that we can in our community to be mentors and also to be role models and examples. And certainly we embrace the Sacramento chapter and we thank them for being here. This is a people house, so welcome to your house. So again, Members, can you please help me welcome the fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated, Sacramento chapter. One more time. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Gaston, and welcome to your guests. Moving to business on the daily file. Governor's vetoes. Pass and retain on File Item 1. Reconsideration. All items shall be continued. Moving to Assembly, third reading. File Item number 5, ACR 127 by Assemblymember Irwin. The Clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 127 by Assemblymember Irwin. Relative to Engineers Week.

Assemblymember Irwin, you are recognized.

All right. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members, I am pleased to present ACR 127 today. ACR 127 declares the week of February 18 through February 24 as Engineers Week. Engineers Week is celebrating its 73rd anniversary with the theme "welcome to the future," celebrating the inclusive future of engineering. California leads the world in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and California's engineers apply their unique knowledge and skills to help our communities grow, thrive, and remain safe.

There are over 96,000 active engineers in California, and as an engineer myself, I recognize the incredible contributions that engineers make to our society. Thank you, Members. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for. Hang on. A second strike that. Would you like the first roll open for co-authors?

Yes.

Okay. All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 58 co-authors added. Without objection, we will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Irwin, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you. And I would like to welcome to the Assembly the following Californians. On behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies in California, Jean Bodonis and Aaron McPherson. If you could stand up, please. And on behalf of the California Geotechnical Engineering Association, Lindsey Angell, Manaal Chowdhury. And they're right up there. And if we can give them a round of applause.

Thank you, Assemblymember Irwin. Moving on to file item number six, ACR 130 by Assembly Member Luz Rivas. Clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 130 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, relative to Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

Assemblymember Rivas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I'm excited to present ACR 130, which recognizes today as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. Despite recent progress and the significant contributions women have made in the engineering field, women continue to be severely underrepresented in engineering. Women account for only one fifth of bachelor's degrees in engineering and one fourth of master's degrees. As a woman engineer, I have experienced this underrepresentation firsthand.

After I graduated from MIT and went on to be an electrical engineer, I was often the only woman in the room and almost always the only woman of color. Throughout my career, I have heard that these disparities exist because young women are not interested in STEM. But that's not true, and I know it for a fact.

As a founder of DIY Girls, a nonprofit with the mission to spark and foster interest in technology and engineering among young girls, I can tell you that young women are just as interested in STEM as young men. We simply need to give them continuous exposure, encouragement, and the tools that they need to be successful and tap into their passion for STEM.

As a leader in technology and engineering and as a champion of gender equality, California can continue to lead the way in empowering young women to pursue careers in engineering. Please join me in celebrating Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. I respectfully ask for your aye vote and ask that the first role be open for co authors. Thank you.

Thank you. Assemblymember Rivas seeing and hearing no further debate, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those who would like to vote, please vote. Vote who would desire to vote? All those vote who desire to vote for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 61 co authors added without objection. We'll take a voice vote on this resolution. All those in favor say aye. Opposed say no. Ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Luz Rivas, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, please join me in giving a warm welcome to a group of women engineers who have been an inspiration to girls in their communities. First, Natalie King, Senior Civil Engineer, on behalf of the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. Christina Laba, Director of the Professional Engineers in California Government, Kate Worcester, on behalf of the Structural Engineers Association of California and Sue Hida, on behalf of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Rivas, and welcome to your guests. Moving on to Senate third reading. Pass and retain on Senate third reading. Moving to a vote on the 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.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 56 by Senator Niello relative to Chiari Malformation Awareness Month.

The Clerk will open the roll on the consent calendar. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll and tally the vote. Ayes 64. No zero. The consent calendar is adopted. The Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.

The Senate Concurrent resolution 71.

Ayes 64. No zero.

The Senate Concurrent Resolution 75.

Ayes 64. No zero.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 88.

Ayes 64. No zero.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 89.

Ayes 64. No zero.

And Senate Concurrent Resolution 90.

Ayes 64. No zero. Okay Members, the quorum call is still in place. I ask that you give your respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on an adjournment in memory. Assemblymember Bryan, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Members, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Margaret Richards Bowers. Margaret was a pillar of our community in every single way. She led with kindness, with care, compassion, and a strong sense of justice and fairness. Margaret was a passionate advocate for public education. She led the Inglewood School District as President and held other leadership roles such as copresident of the Frank D. Parent school PTA and helped secure $90 million for school facility improvements.

As a nurse for over 30 years, she cared for her patients and her fellow healthcare workers. Margaret took her civic responsibilities seriously. As a naturalized citizen, she was deeply engaged in the rights and responsibilities of the electoral process and of political engagement. She was especially a fan of the late President Obama and campaigned deeply for him all over Los Angeles and all over the State of California.

Born on April 15, 1953 in an island nation on the eastern Caribbean, Margaret Richards was the eldest of seven children. Margaret graduated from the prestigious St. Vincent Girls High School, where she served as class President in her senior year. As a young leader, she had the honor of having tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. She was very proud of that. In 1972, Margaret moved to Los Angeles.

She worked part time while studying for an associates of arts degree in health service management from the University of Laverne. Margaret chose to become a registered nurse and later become a nurse manager at PICO Psychiatric Medical clinic. She later joined Memorial Hospital in Inglewood, serving in various roles including staff, registered nurse in the oncology unit and charged nurse in the coronary care unit. In 1990, she joined Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles as a nurse and she served as the chairperson of the Employee Congress Committee.

She authored the Committee's mission statement and initiated the culture of courtesy. Her interests and skills were both wide and deep. She helped with the formation of the Pan African Film Festival. She served as a Member of the Los Angeles County Community Engagement Response Team, the Sheriff Community Advisory Committee and a volunteer deputy at the Ladera Heights Sheriff Community Service Center.

Margaret was a Director and Vice President of the Ladera Heights Civil Association and was a Member of the Tuskegee Airmen incorporated in the National Council of Negro Women. She was busy. She testified before the Los Angeles Planning Commission on the Inglewood Oilfield Community Standards district. Richard Bowers became a Us citizen in 1996. Again, she took her civic responsibilities very deeply. In 2008, she served in varioUs roles for President Obama, including as precinct captain.

She was elected as a district delegate for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, where she had served in conventions for President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. Margaret passed on my birthday, January 16, following a prolonged illness. She was 70 years old. She lived a life of purpose, of commitment, of dedication, and uplifting all of those around her. Please join me in sending our condolences to her mourning family.

Her husband of nearly 40 years, Joe William Bowers Jr. Is with us here today in the back of chambers. Her eldest son, Shockey and her son Jason and his wife, Roslyn and grandchildren Wolfgang and Sachiko and her sisters Carmen, Marilyn, Bernadette, and Jacqueline, and brothers Robert, Leon, Bernard, and Claudon rest in power to Margaret and blessings to the family. And I ask that today we adjourn in her memory.

Thank you, Assembly Member Bryan. Assembly Member Calderon, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to adjourn in memory of Miguel on Hill Camacho, a southeast Los Angeles community leader who passed away in Whittier on December 3, 2023. Miguel on Hill was born in Los Angeles on April 131981 the youngest of four siblings, he grew up in Boyle Heights but lived in the cities of La Puente and Whittier. He worked in the logistics industry for nearly two decades and specialized in moving containers of goods from ports in Southern California to their final destination.

Proud of his Mexican heritage and culture, Miguel angel loved traveling to Mexico, especially to visit his parents'hometown of St. Martin. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed rooting for the Dodgers, Lakers and raiders with his friends and family. His family played a big role in his life and led to his interest in community service. To his community and friends, especially during the pandemic, he was someone who was always there to lend a helping hand and inspired others with his strong work ethic.

He poured all his love into his niece and nephew. To Alicio and Carolina, he was known as Nino. Miguel Angel had a big, caring heart and he always saw the good in others. His family and friends will always remember him as a gentle giant. I respectfully request that we adjourn in the memory of Miguel Angel Camacho. Thank you.

Thank you. Assembly Member Calderon, Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Jerry Dilno, who passed away sadly last week on February 14. Jerry was a trailblazer, and to say that is actually an understatement. She has been a leader for the San Diego LGBTQ community, known as her work for a journalist, an editor, and a political activist.

She was born and raised in San Diego, and she attended the Point Loma High School and later San Diego State College before signing up to serve her country in the United States Air Force. During her time in service, Jerry was discharged for being a lesbian. And in a foreshadowing of events to occur, Jerry was the only person discharged out of eight that were interviewed because she dared to speak up because she requested a hearing.

But after her discharge from the Air Force, she moved to Philadelphia and dedicated her life to fighting for others in Philadelphia. Jerry organized the city's first Pride march in 1972, bringing hundreds together in a celebration of love and joy. And soon after, Jerry brought her experience home and served as our first Executive Director of the San Diego LGBTQ Community center from 1975 to 1977, working tirelessly to bring equality to our community.

In 1975, she helped to organize the first official San Diego Pride march, drawing an estimated 400 people, many of whom had to wear bags over their heads for fear of their identity, who marched in support and making it the largest pride San Diego had ever experienced. At the time, Jerry led a life committed to the advancement of community, serving on 10 boards, committees, and directorships.

For her contributions, she was honored as part of San Diego Women's hall of Fame and received a lifetime achievement award from San Diego Pride in 1999. During my time as a Council Member in San Diego, I had the distinct privilege of honoring Jerry with a street naming in my district, the Jerry Dillno Way on the corner of Texas street and Howard Avenue. Because of her lasting influence, determination, bravery, and example, San Diego is the prideful place that it is today.

An avid storyteller, we continue to honor her memory by sharing stories of her influence in our beautiful city. Please join me in keeping Jerry Dilno, her family, the San Diego LGBTQ community, and others in our thoughts as we adjourn her memory today.

Thank you, Assembly Member, Ward Assembly Member Quirk Silva. You are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of the vibrant life of Josefina Josie Ramirez Nazana, a beloved Member of the Capitol community whose light continues to shine brightly in our hearts. Josie was born December 301980 in Los Angeles. She brought warmth and love to all who were fortunate to know her. Her passing far too soon on October 272023 left a profound void in our community, but her spirit lives on through the countless lives she's touched.

Growing up as the third of four sisters, Josie cherished the strong bonds of family and the cherished memories they created together. As a first generation Mexican American, Josie's commitment to education was not just a personal pursuit, but a testament to the values instilled within her. Her journey through the Puente program and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership program set the stage for her remarkable career, one marked by passion, dedication, and unwavering resolve.

Graduating from Magnolia High in Anaheim in 1999, Josie pursued a double major in chicano studies and political science at the University of California, Riverside, where she also was actively involved in student government. Josie's career in public policy and community leadership began with the Capitol Assembly Fellowship program in Sacramento in 2003 in the office of Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg. Her tireless dedication to education, advocacy, and policy reform earned her the recognition and respect of the entire Capitol community throughout her career.

Beyond her professional achievements, Josie's warmth and compassion endeared her to all who knew her. She was a steadfast supporter of her family and friends, a mentor to many, and a beacon of positivity in her community. Josie's greatest joy and priority were her children, Olivia and Mateo, whom she shared with her partner, Curtis Natsuma. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith lives on through them as they continue to carry forward her values and spirit.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Josie found joy in traveling, spending time with loved ones over coffee, nurturing her godson, and serving her community through various organizations and volunteer efforts. As we adjourn in the memory of Josie's life, let us remember her infectious smile, her unwavering compassion, and her profound impact on those around her. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

We are honored today to have with us and the chambers Members of Josie's family, her husband, Curtis Natsmana her children Olivia and Matteo Nazana her parents Romero and Josefina Ramirez her sisters Letitia and Linda Ramirez. In honor of Josie's years of service to the people of California, we have presented her family with a flag that has flown over the Capitol. A small token of the passion, dedication, and commitment Josie brought to this building every day for so long.

Our deepest condolences go out to Josie's partner, children's parents, siblings, and all who were touched by her light. To Josie's family and friends and all who mourn her loss. May you find solace in the memories you have shared and the profound impact she had on us all. Please join me in honoring the life and the legacy of Josefina Josie Ramirez Nazana. Thank you.

Thank you. Assembly Member Quirk Silva. Assembly Member Gallagher, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to adjourn in the memory of Josefina Ramirez Natsana. We both came into this capital community at the same time in 2003, when we served as Assembly fellows together. And what I always remember about Josie is that she was quiet at first. I remember being in our group, she would be a little quiet. But when something needed to be said, she brought the right thing and always had the right thing to say. And something that came from the heart.

And I think that continued with her as she continued in this capital community, as she dedicated over two decades of her life to this public service that we are in and embodied that spirit of community and advocacy. Her commitment to education reform and policy innovation has left a permanent mark on the lives of countless individuals, particularly within historically underserved communities. Her work was not a job, it was a calling, and it's one that she pursued with great passion and dedication.

But Josie was also a very devoted mother, wife, daughter, and sister. Her love for her children, Olivia and Mateo, knew no bounds. Her life is a testament to the importance of family and a core value that resonates deeply within our community and tradition. And she nurtured not only her family, but also a broader community. Those that she represented, those that she advocated for, and also her involvement with St. Anthony's parish and the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist church communities.

Josie's legacy is one of kindness, respect, equality, and faith. These values were the cornerstone of her existence and are reflected in the way that she lived her life every day. In memory of Josie, I ask that we renew our commitment to the values that she held dear. Let us continue to advocate for those who don't have a voice, to support our local communities, and to cherish the time that we have with our loved ones. Members. I ask that we adjourn in the memory of Josefina Ramirez Nazina.

Thank you, Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Alvarez, you are recognized for your adjournment memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, like leader Gallagher. I am also a contemporary of Josie. I was a fellow the year that she started her career in public service, which was the same time that I began my public service over 20 years ago. And I had the opportunity to interact with her. And everything that's been shared about her is absolutely true. You've heard about her dedication to her family, to the community, to her friends.

That is exactly who Josie was. I always thought that one day someone like Josie, and Josie for sure, would be honored on this Assembly floor in this chamber, because this is where she started her career. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure or wouldn't have hoped that it would have happened at this young age. Last year, I was able to serve on the education Subcommitee as a Member of that Committee. And Josie was one of the faces that was in the audience talking about or present.

And I had a chance to always talk to her afterwards, just to connect on her ideas, on her thoughts. And it was always just so great to hear them because they were so real, because that's who Josie was. And over the course of about 20 years after my fellowship, when I finished my fellowship, I returned back home. Unlike her, she decided to stay here. She was a little bit more courageous than I was. I couldn't leave home. I only left home for that one year.

Prior to that, I was born and raised and did my college in San Diego. I couldn't do that. I needed to be back home with my family. But she was courageous. And so when I then later worked for a Member of the Legislature and then got elected to the City Council in San Diego, when I would make visits to Sacramento, it was one of the few things that I wanted to do was to connect with Josie, because she always kept Sacramento, like, very real for me.

For many years, I felt like Sacramento was a little bit removed from the realities of everyday people. And Josie was one that was here doing the work that reflected everyday people. So yesterday I got to chair the Subcommitee in education, and although she wasn't there physically, I couldn't help but think of Josie and the fact that I'm going to miss not seeing her in that Subcommitee to do the work that she did so well.

So if I may just, in Spanish, speak to her parents who are here in her family for a few minutes. Paralla familia semos quino dejaron Compartira Josie Portantosanos Sequesan son Muir Rios. To bemos conusteres torantes deficiency esperamosque Isavemos Kespiri. To the Josie Sigira Continora Qui conoso. I just wanted to thank the family for allowing Josie to be shared with us in all the work that she did. And I ask you once again to adjourn in her memory. Thank you.

Thank you, assemblymember Alvarez and to the family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving to announcements. The session schedule is as follows. Friday, February 23. No floor session, no check in session. Monday, February 26, floor session at 01:00 p.m. All other items will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued.

Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion. Ms. Aguiar. Curry moves Mr. Flora seconds that the house stands adjourned until Monday, February 26 at 01:00 p.m. The quorum call is lifted and the house is adjourned.