Assembly Floor

Good afternoon. The Rules Committee is called to order. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

We have a quorum. We have a consent agenda. Please note that AB 2571 has been removed from today's referral list. Is there a motion? Is there a second? Is there a second? Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The motion is passed. Rules Committee is now adjourned.

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

[Roll Call]

Members, a quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for the prayer and the flag salute. Today's prayer is offered by Assemblymember Jackson.

Today for our prayer we will conduct a simplified version of an afrocentric libation ceremony to honor our creator and ancestors which have been done for over 5000 years by African people throughout the diaspora. It is an African proverb that tells us that people who lack knowledge of their past are like a tree without roots. So in the spirit of remembrance we do this libation to honor the past so that we may learn from it. We do this libation to honor the importance of family.

We raise our cup to God to show our reverence for the original source of our lives. We use cool water to freshen the road our ancestors traveled to be with us here today. We use cool water as a symbol of the continuity of life, to purify and to nourish our souls, to celebrate us sharing this sacred space together. It is said that through others we are somebody. So through this ceremony we brought in our family remembering our heritage and recall those who gave us life.

We call upon our ancestors, our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers our fathers, grandfathers and our great grandfathers, uncles, aunts and cousins the foundations of our families that are immortalized in our thoughts. We call upon our elders whose wisdom we seek in all of our endeavors. Our friends whom we are blessed to have in our lives our parents who guided us along the road to adulthood. We call upon family who have passed over and could not be here today.

And we ask that they be with us in our thoughts. Therefore, we cast our libations to the north, to the south, to the east, and to the west. And at this time, we will give people an opportunity to call out their ancestors who have made significant strides in your own lives, someone who may have passed, someone who wish you would like to ensure that you call out their names today. And as we call out their names, we will respond with the African word Ashe.

Ashe, meaning, as I say it, let it be so for some of you, you have said throughout your life, amen. Others have said palabra. Others have said ahol. But today we will say Ashe. So I will start by calling out my younger brother, who just passed this past November. And so I will call out his name, Derek Jackson, and say, Ashe. So at this time, please call out one of someone whom you would like to recognize today.

Let us consider it a blessing that God has given us an opportunity to honor those who've made contributions to our lives. And may we act in such a way, not only in this chamber, but outside this chamber, on how we conduct our business and how we treat others. So when other future generations have an opportunity to call out one of their ancestors, that we may be blessed one day for them to call out our name, let us together say Ashe.

Thank you, Dr. Jackson. Today's pledge will be led by assemblymember Ting. Colleagues, please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic. Thanks. You may be seated. Reading of the previous day's Journal Assembly.

Chamber Sacramento Friday, January 12, 2024 the.

Assembly moves Mr. Flora seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions there are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor there are none. Messages from the Senate? There are none. Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving to procedural motions. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good morning. Good afternoon. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Vince Fong and Wood to speak on an enjoyment in memory today without objection.

Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend rule, Assembly Rule 118 A to allow Assembly Members Dixon and Wendy Carrillo to have guests on the floor and to allow Assembly Member Juan Carrillo to have guests seated as desk today with objection.

Such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 97. I request unanimous consent to re refer file item eight, AB 183. Jim Patterson to the Appropriations Committee.

Like, take an aye vote on that. Mr. Flora withholds unanimous consent and asks for a roll call. Vote. Members, this is a procedural vote. On the suspension of the rules, the Clerk will open the roll. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Why am I Members? This takes 41. It's on. But it's in. It's in. It's in.

Thank you. Clerk will close the roll. Ayes? 46. noes? 10. The rules are suspended. The Bill is re referred to Committee. Thank you, Members. Moving on to guest introductions and announcements. Members, let us wish a belated happy birthday to Assemblymember Zbur, who celebrated on Saturday. And a happy birthday to Assemblymember Rendon, who celebrates today. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I have the pleasure to introduce my mom, Alicia Carrillo, my sister, Norma Alicia Carillo. My son, Giovanni Carrillo, who is up in the gallery. My nephew, Jesus Julian, who is also my godson. I feel privileged today to be able to introduce to you my mom, who raised eight children. My father passed away about five years ago. I'm the oldest of eight, as some of you may recall.

I often talk about me being the oldest of eight, thanks to this beautiful woman who is here today. In our culture, we don't express our feelings very much, especially men. I don't recall how many times I've said, I love you, mom. La Quiro mucco. I'm very proud of you raising all of my siblings. Thank you, Members. Thank you for that warm welcome to my mom, my sister, one of my youngest sisters, Normalisia, and my son, Giovanni, and my godson, Jesus Julian Carillo. Thank you for that warm welcome. Appreciate you guys. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Carrillo. Thank you, Mr. Carrillo. And welcome to your guests. Assemblymember Hart, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my pleasure to introduce the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership class and their Professor. Because of their impressive backgrounds and academic accomplishments, these students were selected to participate in this leadership development program and to research significant issues impacting California's agriculture. This program includes an annual visit to the state capitol to witness the development of public policy firsthand. I'm pleased to report that several alums have been chosen over the years for internships in the state capitol.

I also want to recognize Professor Anastasia Telcetsky for her dedication to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Members, please join me in welcoming them to the Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Hart, and welcome to your guests. Assembly Member Dixon, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Today I have the honor of introducing Robert Bobby Mcdonald, President and Executive Director of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Bobby is a notable community and business leader, a devoted veterans advocate, and a highly respected businessman. He is an outstanding public servant with numerous accomplishments through his time at the chamber.

He is the current President of the Greater Los Angeles area of the Buffalo Soldiers, and he developed the Black Chamber Education Fund to support the chamber's educational outreach programs, established the Chamber's Veterans Business Network programs, cofounded the Orange County Diverse Business Leaders Coalition, and he was appointed in 2015 by President Obama to the Advisory Council on Undersecretary of Veterans affairs by President Obama continues to serve as a Member of the Veterans Advisory Council, and he's also a Member of the Valor Committee, which is working to establish a veterans cemetery in Orange County.

And that's just a short list. There's a lot more there that I couldn't say in 1 minute, but please join me in welcoming Bobby Robert Mcdonald to the Assembly floor. And congratulations and welcome. Thank you, Bobby.

Thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Dixon. Assemblymember, one moment. Assembly Member Carrillo, you are recognized from Ms. Wicks. Okay, just a moment. Okay. Members, give Assembly Member Carrillo your attention, please. Members.

Yes. Thank you, Assemblymember Carrillo. Our Members, give Assembly Member Carriloo your undivided attention as she introduced her guest from Ms. Wick's desk. Assembly Member, Carrillo thank you,

Mr. Speaker. And Members, please join me in welcoming Dr. Robert Ross to our Assembly floor. Dr. Ross is President and CEO of the California Endowment, a statewide health foundation established in 99 to address the health, wellness, and overall needs of all Californians. We honor Dr. Ross today to thank him for his dedication as he steps down from this role after 23 years. His work is reflective of his outstanding record of personal and civic leadership.

Appointed in September of 2000, he has led the endowment's advocacy and funding efforts towards straightening diversity in the healthcare workforce base, uplifting young people of color, and expanding healthcare coverage for undocumented residents of all ages, farm workers, and dreamers.

In 2022, I had the distinct privilege of collaborating with Dr. Ross, the endowment, the County of Los Angeles and this very body to secure $5 million in state investments for the Hope Village, none of which would have been possible without the support of our speaker emeritus, Assemblymember Anthony Rendon. The Hope Village Project is a cohesive, intersectional development funded jointly by public and philanthropic sources and centering on alternative routes to incarceration.

For this reason and so many others, I am honored to extend my greatest gratitude on behalf of my community, the great City of Los Angeles, and wish Dr. Ross well wishes on his new adventures and much deserved retirement. There is no one more deserving of the special recognition and honor, and please, Members, help me welcome and congratulate Dr. Ross.

Assembly Member Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I, too, want to welcome Dr. Bob Ross to our floor today. For decades, he has led the largest public health foundation in California to do innovative, groundbreaking, transformative work in communities of color, expanding health access, expanding equity. He's one of those funders who didn't need evidence based to be the guiding light. He needed what was right, and he needed the communities who were most impacted to be at the table.

There is a lot of systemic change all across the country that has happened because of Dr. Ross's leadership. I most fondly reflect on the work we did in the ATI space when you chaired that work in La County. Your service is a beacon for many young people in our state to model after and to follow after, myself included. So with your retirement from the endowment and with my colleague from Los Angeles, just want to welcome you.

Thank you, Mr. Brian. Dr. Weber, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll be brief. I also want to stand up and recognize and congratulate Robert Ross. And before he went to LA with California endowment, he was in San Diego first, and he was the Director of our county's health and human services. And he was very forward thinking at that point. He worked very closely with a lot of other community organizations.

He worked very closely with my mother when she was on the school board, implementing things to make sure that our students within the San Diego Unified School District were healthy and had everything that they need. And on a personal note, when he found out that I was interested in medical school, he spent hours talking with me about my path, my journey, and what I should and should not be doing. So I have known and respected this man for a very, very long time.

And so he has done amazing things throughout his entire life, even before he went to the California Endowment Foundation. So congratulations and job well done.

Thank you, Dr. Weber. Mr. Zbur, you are recognized.

I want to join my colleagues in welcoming Dr. Ross. Dr. Ross was one of the. Was actually, the California Endowment was the largest funder of a quality California Institute during my tenure there.

And it was because Dr. Ross understood that LGBTQ people face huge disparities in measures of health and well being compared to the General population, and helped us build up a program there that focused on the most marginalized Members of the LGBTQ community, who happened to be Members of our community, who were also immigrants, who are also people of color, who are also people that were formerly incarcerated.

And really, the endowments, really, recognition of that intersectional strategy was one that was really transformational to Equality California, and a big part of, I think, the leadership in the LGBTQ movement. So I just want to thank you for your commitment to all the communities that we represent here in this body and the important work that the endowment did under your really important and impressive leadership. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zbur, Mr. Jones Sawyer. You are recognized.

And I couldn't not pull up my mic without thanking Dr. Ross. When I first got here and I started talking about the Select Committee on Boys and men of color, Dr. Ross was one that not only understood what it means not only to provide education and other things that are really helpful to ensure that we could close that school to prison pipeline, he was one of the first to understand about the medical aspects of it, the mental health aspects of it.

And when I started advocating for $60 million for funds to go out into the community to stop these young men out of criminality and into school so they could graduate and move on, Dr. Ross not only understood, but he helped Fund things that we were able to do so that we were able to do. I think something that was never even thought of when it was first done was actually get to the minds of these young folk to make sure that we could reverse that.

And so I want to thank you for that. You're going to be sorely missed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Jones Sawyer. Dr. Jackson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's truly an honor to be able to also speak up from my perspective. Before I came here, I was a founder of a nonprofit organization who had an opportunity to work with the California endowment. And no one will truly understand the transformational leadership that Dr. Ross has provided to the State of California from the time that he helped to raise the my brother's keeper initiative not only throughout this state, but throughout the nation. Taking.

The lead on how nonprofits should be funded to help uplift the most community based organizations, to be able to do the systems change type of work that needed to be done in various fronts, but also to uplift the most marginalized communities throughout the state to ensure that they were not overlooked.

Truly, his work in the California endowment will continue to send ripples through this state and make it really quite a national leader in terms of what a foundation can do to truly change the landscape and help to build power within our communities to make sure that they have the agency to take care of their most pressing issues. So the State of California certainly has.

We are indebted to you for your work and for the love in which you went about your work to show what the power of love can do through action, through our institutions. It's truly an honor to be able to be able to honor.

Thank you, Dr. Jackson. Thank you, Ms. Correo. And congratulations to Dr. Ross. Thank you, Assembly Member Alanis. You are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. It is my honor to introduce my friend and a constituent, Aaron Aguiano. If you could please stand him and his family up here in the gallery. He's joined by his children, David, Adrian, and Becky. He is a lawyer with a solo practice law firm in Modesto. He was raised in Colima, Mexico, and came to California in his teenage years. While working in the agricultural fields, he learned English.

And in the same spirit that led him to the United States, he pursued a brighter future through education. After graduating with a bachelor's in science degree at UOP, he went on to earn his master's in business Administration at UC Davis. A few years later, he was sworn into the state bar after graduating law school. He has been practicing law for 27 years and has been a community advocate as a Member and as a President of several nonprofit organizations.

He is now primarily focused on improving the public education system for underserved children. Thank you for making the trip up here, buddy. And please, if I get a round applause for them. Thank you, guys.

Thank you. Mr. Alanis, welcome to your guests. Moving to business on the daily file concurrence in Senate amendments passed and retained on file item one, a notice of intention to remove from an inactive file. Item number two is a notice under reconsideration. All items shall be considered continued. Excuse me. So moving to file item number six, ACR 145 by Mr. Patterson.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 145 by Assembly Member Jim Patterson. Relative to Coexist with Wildlife California.

Mr. Patterson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise with ACR 145 to recognize Coexist with Wildlife California. We'll introduce them in just a moment. 2024 does mark the 100th year since the loss of the California grizzly bear. The grizzly bear has always been a significant symbol in our state. In 1911, the state Legislature approved the first state flag, which proudly bore it. We all know that California is the most populous and most biodiverse state in the country.

We have more than 39 million people and over 27,000 plants and animal species. And with this, ACR and the organization coexist with wildlife. We celebrate the incredible biodiversity from the Sierras to the sea, as humans and animals learn to coexist and thrive. And in California's immaculate Zoos and aquariums, play such an essential and important role in helping humans and animals coexist. You know, I have stood here on this floor in times past to brag on the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. It is a destination.

The care for the animals is absolutely exquisite. The setting is wonderful, and the experience for those who come to the zoo is absolutely first class. The Fresno Chappie zoo is an example of so many of the other zoos and aquariums that provide us the opportunity to get up close and have an opportunity to cherish the plants, animals, and wildlife that's all around us.

And what this ACR 145 does, it recognizes that all that this organization is doing to educate all of us about our local plants and wildlife. And, you know, I have invited everybody on this floor whenever you want to get to Fresno to take a tour of the Chaffee zoo, and you will see that I have raised my mic in one of the few instances in which I am not exaggerating. Thank you for the noted Mr. Patterson. No.

Yeah, that's why my wife says, dim, don't ever tell jokes. But I do underscore our zoos and our aquariums. And I'm so proud that the Fresno Chaffee zoo is finding its place alongside the magnificent zoos up and down the State of California. Please join me in honoring the organization the coexist with Wildlife California Coalition and vote I for ACR 145. And Mr. Speaker, I'd like to open the first roll for co authors. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. First roll is open 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. We have 57 co authors noted. We can take a voice vote on this. All in favor say aye. Opposed say no. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Patterson, which you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Members, please welcome and join us in recognizing the. In the gallery are the Members of the coexist with Wildlife California coalition, and they are led by my friends and associates and people I've come to respect so much, the Fresno Chaffee zoo. Please stand and be recognized. And thank you for turning our zoo into the magnificent thing that it is. And by the way, this group represents and is made up of zoos and aquariums all across the State of California. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Welcome to your guests. Quorum call is still in place. Please give your respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on an adjournment in memory. Mr. Fong, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, Members, today I ask the Assembly to adjourn in the memory of Kern County Fire Captain Bruce Wells, who sadly passed away in January after his battle with cancer. The call to service comes to us in many ways. For Bruce, his dedication to his community was in the Kern County Fire Department, where he was widely respected as a resilient leader.

His bravery and commitment to the Wildland Firefighting Division exemplifies what it means to be a public servant, putting others before yourself to keep our community safe. Bruce served with the fire Department since 1994, and his colleagues are eternally grateful for the mentorship he offered to hundreds of others in the Department. But his true passion was with his family. He survived by his loving wife Lisa and their three sons. Please keep them in your prayers.

I ask that the California State Assembly honor the life, legacy and service of Kern County Fire Captain Bruce Wells. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Dr. Wood, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you. Madam Speaker. Edith Rose Ketcharelli led a full life, literally. She was 116 years old when she passed away on February 213 weeks after her lifelong community of Willard celebrated her birthday on February 5. Edie, as she was known, was the second oldest person in the world, living longer than any californian on record and second in the world only to Maria Branios Moreira of Spain, who turns 117 today.

She was born Edith Recogno on February 58 in Willets in Mendocino County, the eldest of seven children of Italian immigrants Augustino and Maria Recogno, who both lived there into their 90s. Her father was a lumber worker who sold groceries by horse and buggy before opening a store in 1916. Edie graduated from Willett's Union High School in 1927.

In 1933, she married Elmer Keenan, whom she met in high school and moved with him to Santa Rosa, where she worked as a typesetter for the Press Democrat newspaper. They adopted a daughter, Loreen, who preceded her in death in 2003. Edie returned to Willets in 1971 after having been wedded in 1984, and married Charles Ketcharelli in 1986. Until he passed in 1990, she was adored for her kindness, impeccable style, her love of children, and lifelong passion for dancing.

The age of 104 after her longtime local companion and dance partner died, she published an open letter in the paper looking for someone to waltz with her. She included her phone number so prospective dance partners could get in touch. She danced regularly, well into her old age and lived independently until she was 107, when she moved into a retirement home, she walked unassisted until she was 114.

She attributed her longevity to not smoking or drinking, except for a glass of red wine with dinner, staying out of squabbles, being honest, working hard and appreciating the little things. When asked at 108 about what allowed her to live so long, she said, you've got to work. You learn to live without a lot. For one thing, you can't have everything you like. You've got to sacrifice a little. Look what I have. I have everything. I'm happy the way I am.

And I'm so thankful that I have been as well as I am for my years. For as long as I can remember. There was a parade on her birthday of fire trucks, police cruisers, decorated cars and trucks driving by her care home to wish her a happy birthday. I and everyone in Willis will miss Edie waving to everyone at those parades. She outlived her six younger siblings, two husbands, daughter and three grandchildren. Today I ask that we adjourn in the memory of Edie Catcharelli.

Thank you, Dr. Wood. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn and memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Moving to announcements Committee hearings budget Subcommitee one on health will meet at health and Human services at 230 in the swing space. 1100. The informational hearing for budget Subcommitee six on public safety will be at 230 in Capital Room 447. Revenue and Taxation Committee will meet at 230 in Capital Room 126. Emergency Management Committee will meet at 230 in Capital Room 444. Session schedule is as follows. Tuesday, March 5 no floor session no check in session.

Wednesday, March 6 check in session Thursday, March 7 floor session at 09:00 a.m. All other items will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued. Seeing and hearing no further business, Ms. Aguiar Curry moves Mr. Lackey seconds that this house remain adjourned. Stand adjourned until Thursday, March 7, at 09:00 a.m. The house is adjourned. Welcome.