Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Will the Members and the guests beyond the rail please rise? Will be led in prayer by Sister Michelle Gorman, after which, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.

So let us remember that we are always in God's presence. Holy mysteries surrounding us, pouring out your prodigal energies with profligate innovation. Receive our prayer of awe and gratitude. We contribute our personal minds to this elegant universe, creating harmonies this day with all that exists and the music of your alluring presence everywhere.

We join our hearts and our imaginations and all our physical and spiritual resources with this magnificent, evolving reality. Rejoicing in your presence always. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance. Full house. Today, Members without objection, Senate Rule 55 will be suspended to allow guests on the floor. Today we're going to start off with privileges of the floor. We have four presentations today. We're going to give our undivided attention to the Members. We're going to have Senator Bradford kick us out from the majority leader's desk with his introduction of his special guest, Senator Bradford.

Thank you, Madam President. And it's truly a great honor to be here to introduce some amazing young men from El Camino College, the men's soccer team, better known as the warriors. And we're going to welcome them to the Senate Florida Day.

El Camino College is located in the City of Torrance, and these young men have brought immense pride to the 35th Senate district and to the South Bay community as a whole. This remarkable team led a historic season in 2023. They scored 111 goals, beating their previous Association record of 89 goals.

This team earned nine perfect records of 24 perfect record of 24 wins and only one loss. The Warriors won their fifth state championship in the history of the men's soccer program and their first since 1992. And finally, this team was recognized as the 2023 national champions by the United Soccer's coaches junior college division three rankings.

It is only the second time that any team in the college's history has earned the title of national champions since the college football championships in 1987. The people of the South Bay can be proud of these incredible competitors who admirably represent our region throughout California and the nation.

I want to congratulate these young men who have joined us here today. On the floor, Giovanni Mejia, Marvin Gamas, Donovan Palomares, Franco Deluna Aldahir, Rua Bogart Rocca, Diego Garcia, Charlie Cazares and Nicholas Baltazar. I would also like to congratulate and thank their head coach, Michael Jacobson, the athletic Director, Jeff Mayera, on this historic accomplishment. Let's give them a round of applause.

We welcome soccer stars to the state.

Senate, but we are also, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize their amazing public information and government relationship officer, Miss Kerry Webb. And last but certainly not least, my seatmate this morning on the flight here to Sacramento, El Camino College President Doctor Brenda Tames. Please welcome our guests to the California State Senate.

The first photo would be with Senator Bradford and his guest. If any other Member wishes to participate in a group photo, now is the time. We'll come back in 30 seconds, Members. And we're back. We're going to continue our presentations with Senator Ashby.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to recognize students from the UC Davis Medical School who are joining us in the gallery today. These students are part of the summer selective program which focuses on health policy and advocacy.

Throughout the month of June, these students shadow legislators, attend stakeholder meetings, watch community Committee hearings, and better come to an understanding of the legislative process. The summer selective program provides an intimate look into how legislation is created and teaches the students about the state's most pressing health issues, encouraging them to be a voice for their future patients. Excuse me, Members. Please join me in recognizing our UC Davis medical students as they embark on their journey to become physicians.

Congratulations and welcome. We're moving on. Senator Umberg has her third introduction from the majority leader's desk. Senator?

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. I'm pleased and privileged and proud to introduce a very talented young person from my district, a native son of Santa Ana. I wanted to say a few words about Diego Sarmiento, who's here with us today with his panel, very proud parents.

He's completing his third year at UCLA and was recently selected as a Truman scholar. That's a very cool thing for folks that don't know about Truman scholars. This summer he's going to go back to Washington, DC and learn sort of firsthand about government and participate. It's a premier fellowship for college juniors.

He has been active in leadership throughout Orange County, but in particular in Santa Ana. For example, leading the Santanero Voter initiative, seeking to encourage Santa Ana young people, to increase their engagement in civic affairs, he's joined today with his mother and his father, very proud parents, Vicente Sarmiento and Eva Sarmiento.

And so, colleagues, I ask that we recognize the accomplishments. zero, by the way, zero, by the way, I just heard today, too that for those of you who are lawyers, you'll be able to appreciate this. He just got his LSAT score back. He did? Perfect. He got a perfect score as LSAT. So I'm going to keep track of him.

Senator, before we do, we have some other Member who would like to speak on this topic. Senator Umberg. Senator Umberg. Senator Umberg, we have one other Member who would like to speak on your introduction. Senator Min, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I'll keep it quick. I had the privilege of meeting this young gentleman earlier as well. While I don't have the privilege of representing him, I'll just say he's an outstanding young man. I, too, look forward to seeing what he's going to do. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree with two parents like that. They should be proud. But hopefully he follows in their path. Congratulations.

Thank you. Congratulations. Senator mberg, go ahead.

Thank you. I'd like to present this Senate resolution to Diego and his parents. So thank you, Members.

I'll invite other Members for the group photos to now step in it. We'll resume in 30 seconds. Up next, we have a pro tem with an introduction, Members. Then we'll have another colleague of ours say some remarks before we congratulate the special guest, Mister Pro Tem.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Colleagues, we are with San Francisco Giants royalty today. I'm honored to be able to join with Senator Wiener and Assembly Members of the California State Senate on this very special resolution this afternoon.

Democrats and Republicans, Dodger and Giants fans, we can put our differences aside to be able to honor a major League Baseball legend, one who's not known for hits, runs or a batting average. But for her unforgettable voice behind the mic, Renel Brooks Moon is a trailblazer.

She served as the beloved public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants for a quarter century. She is one of the first black women to be a PA announcer and the major in Major League Baseball.

And she is the first female to announce a championship game in any professional sport in any corner of the United States of America. Her enthusiastic voice echoed throughout Oracle park for nearly 2000 games, including three World Series championships. Brunell is a Bay Area kid.

She was born in Oakland and she is tailor made, tailor made for the job that she did for so many years. Her parents were baseball fans. They loved the Giants. They used to take Renel and her siblings the games to teach them about the game and its history. She is an iconic radio broadcaster in the Bay Area. I grew up listening to her on Kmela, and she woke the berry up on Kiss 981 for years with her top-rated Rennel and the morning show.

Over the decades, her voice became an iconic part of baseball, and she has rightfully been showered with accolades throughout her career, including being inducted in the Bay Area Radio hall of Fame. Rennel is committed to the Bay.

She's done incredible work in the ballpark and outside of the stadium, supporting charities, acting as a community advocate, and helping women, girls and people of color to help them achieve their dreams.

And whether you are a Giants fan or not, you've got to admit this woman who is standing here on the Senate Floor is an inspiration to all and someone who has enriched the lives of many of us here in the Golden State.

Joining her today for this well deserved honor is her husband Tommy, her mother in law Odessa, her daughter Maisha, her granddaughter Carla, and so many of her friends and families. Colleagues would like to be able to ask you to be able to recognize Renel Brooks Moon, wishing her success in all of her future endeavors.

And of course, we need to do a little San Francisco Giants hum, baby in her honor today. And, Madam President, I'd like to turn it over to my colleague, Senator Wiener to better say a few words.

Senator Wiener, thank you very much, Madam President. And thank you to the pro tem for honoring Renel.

So I won't repeat what the pro tem said about Renel's just incredible run over the last quarter century in advance, not just in being there for our giants, but in really just helping to elevate the role of women in sports, which has just been such a huge need.

And you inspired generation, particularly of young women, to know that there are no, there's nothing that is off limits to women. So thank you for everything that you have done. But what people don't always know, because people know Renel's beautiful voice and her role and her incredible history, Renel is also deeply ingrained in the San Francisco community.

She is everywhere. I hope she never runs against me. She is truly just so deep in the community. A founding Member of Friends of the Faith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to Bay Area breast cancer patients who don't have adequate support or insurance, she has served on the board of the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, a longtime supporter of Glide church, and she was there for when we celebrated the life of Cecil Williams and Jan Mirucatani before him serving on.

She's involved with the Glide foundation. She's involved with Buster and Kristin Posey's work around pediatric cancer research, and she's on the advisory board of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. She doesn't just do a great job as an announcer, she is there for the community on the ground. So, Renell, we love you, and thank you for everything you do.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Skinner. Thank you so much, Madam President of Members. And thank you, pro tem for bringing this honor to, for us to honor Renell, who deserves it. And thank you to my colleague from San Francisco for relaying those particular how community minded Renel is. And I last saw Renelle.

Of course, I heard her more than frequently at the Giants Games, but I last saw her just a couple weeks ago at the 50th anniversary of equal rights advocates, where she was the emcee for that incredible event.

And I've seen her at many such events where she volunteers her time to help those organizations that are doing so much for others. And that is truly, truly Rennell. And of course, as an Oakland hometowner, I very proudly call her still one of my district.

But I think mostly, as I am a native of San Francisco, I will love her for being that voice of the Giants. And I will say, while our pro tem was much more diplomatic, I'll say, beat the bums. Senator Dodd.

Yes. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to get up today. I've been a Giants season ticket holder for longer than Renel was calling the games back in 2000 when she came to, what is today, Oracle park, and grace us with her great presence.

And I'm not sure I'm trying to just hit on some things that haven't been said, but she has called four National League championship series, and she's called three World Series championships for the San Francisco Giants. So she'll go down in history just on those things all by herself. I'm just so delighted that I am here today to be able to be with my colleagues, to be able to recognize you and your outstanding work. Thank you.

Thank you, Mister Pro Tem. I'd like to turn it back to you.

Thank you so much, Madam President. I told Miss Brooks Moon earlier today that she is not only an icon, but I get emotional thinking about it. I feel like I've known her forever, because when you hear somebody on the radio growing up and you trust them. They become part of your life.

And I told my mom yesterday and my wife how excited I was that she is going to be here, because she has always been part of our family's life. And so, without further ado, if we could please give a warm Senate welcome and a thank you to Renel Brooks Moon.

Thank you so much. I'd like to do a Bay Area caucus photo first. After the individual photos. We'll do a Bay caucus photo now for the Dodger fans. You can participate in the photo. This is your moment. We're going to take one group photo here. Group photo. Group photo. We'll come back in about 30 seconds. 15 seconds centers, 15 seconds about to start.

And we are back. I'd like to recognize three executives from Mattel who have joined us here from in the gallery. If Senators, if we can give him a warm welcome to the State Senate. We have representatives from Mattel. And the final introduction, under privileges of the floor, is that today is Senator Dodd's birthday.

So, happy birthday, Senator Dodd. Moving on to messages from the Governor. They will be deemed read and messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read. Amendments adopted under motions, resolutions and notices. Motion, resolutions and notices. Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. At the request of the author, I would like to remove file item A-28, AP 366. It's Petri Norris. Just remove it. From the Senate enacted file. The desk is noted. Second request by may request to remove item 75 AB 1880 from Alanis to be removed from consent file.

The desk is noted, Senator Becker.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to pull from the consent calendar file item number 77 AB 2484. Brian.

The desk has noted. Without objection, the Senate journals for June 3, 2024 through June 6, 2024 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk. We are now moving on to consideration of the daily file. We have 10 items under second reading file. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 103. Senate Resolution 44, Assembly Bill 9-96, 11-86.

2nd reading will be deemed read. We have two items under governor's appointments. We're going to start off with file item 11. Senator Laird is prepared. Please proceed.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Final item 11 is the confirmation of Nancy Lee and Doctor Gregory Serres to the University of California Board of Regents. Miss Lee is an attorney, currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company.

Doctor Serres is a retired UC Professor of humanities and serves as Chairman of the Federated Indians of of Great Rancheria. They were both approved unanimously by the Rules Committee on May 29. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Dodd recognized.

I'm sure both of these candidates are very worthy of this position. But I'd like to speak on behalf of Chairman Sarris. He's in my district. Really appreciate what he brings to the table for the UC system to be able to be there and impart his wisdom.

I also believe that he has done such a great job in the communities that I serve. I just appreciate the opportunity to stand here today in support of Chairman Serris for this great position. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Dodd. Senator Laird, you may close.

I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll. [Roll Call] Please call the absent Members.

Allen, Hurtado, Smallwood-Cuevas.

Aye, 37. No, 0. The appointment is confirmed. File item 13. Senator Laird is once again prepared. Please proceed.

Thank you very much, madam President. Final item 13 is the confirmation of petition Patricia Barehona for appointment to the state Bar Board of trustees. They are the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Leadership Institute and serve on the board as a public Member and were approved by the Rules Committee on May 29.

I respectfully ask for an aye vote any discussion debate.

Secretary, please call the roll. [Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members. Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call].

Ayes, 30. No's 1. The appointment is confirmed. Ayes 29, No's, 2. The appointment is confirmed. Under Senate third reading. We have three items. I file item 27, 29 and 30. Senator Dodd is prepared for file item 27. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 153 by Senator Dodd relative to elder independent Adult Use Awareness Month.

Senator Dodd.

Madam President and Members, I'm proud to present SCR 153, which recognizes June 2024 and every year thereafter as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in California. Unfortunately, elder and dependent adult abuse remains a serious and growing crisis in California, targeting people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life.

This resolution aligns with the national and international recognition during the month of June and helps to raise awareness and encourage action from legislators, advocates, and stakeholders. It's critical that Californians of all ages work together to combat crime and abuse against our elder and dependent adult populations. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Discussion, debate? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

We are holding, Senators. Give us a few. Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 37, noes zero. The resolution passes. Moving on to file item 29. The Majority Leader is prepared. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 155 by Senator Gonzalez, relative to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Senator Gonzalez.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. I rise today to present SCR 155, which proclaims October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and men in the United States, and the second leading cause of death from cancer in women specifically.

Breast cancer impacts everybody. However, as men are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and have lower survival rates than women due to the lack of awareness and limited knowledge about the effective treatments, it is important to recognize that there are disproportionate health outcomes among those diagnosed, especially women of color, who have the highest mortality rate, specifically Black women.

Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month will recognize the need for informative conversations that increase awareness and normalize self-examinations that lead to early detection. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 155.

Thank you, Senator. Any discussion or debate? Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call].

Call the absent members. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call].

Ayes: 36; no: zero. The resolution passes. Our final item under Third Reading is File Item 30. Senator Rubio is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 156 by Senator Rubio, relative to International Day of Play in California.

Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President and Senators. I rise today to present SCR 156, on behalf of the great Senator from Santa Monica and our colleague. As we all know, our colleague is currently on paternity leave, so today's resolution could not be more relevant to him and his family.

As we know, he just had a little baby and has an older son. For some of us, it means so many different things. As a classroom teacher for so many years, I can attest to the fact that our children are losing touch with reality sometimes and spending way too much time on computers, iPhones, and iPads.

And for some of us growing up with toys, you know, it just really sparked our creativity, and so I'm really happy today to present this because play is really important to our children's growth. A number of studies have shown and demonstrated the power of play, how they provide a nurturing way for young learners to foster their imagination and develop necessary life and social skills.

As mentioned, our kids are growing up with computers and technology, and sometimes they have really difficult time just keeping eye contact with others, and so again, it would be really nice to encourage our young individuals to continue to play, go back to toys. More playtime and less screen time is absolutely necessary today.

This resolution proclaims June 11th as International Day of Play in California, which is part of a global movement recognized by the United Nations. California has a leading role when it comes to the world of play. California's creative industries are valued at over 500 billion and employ over 1.8 million Californians.

Our state has given root to numerous toy companies of all sizes, including Mattel, one of the world's largest and most iconic toy companies. Mattel is headquartered in the district of our colleague in Santa Monica, and they have been instrumental in supporting the International Day of Play.

As part of today's resolution, Mattel has donated hundreds of toy kits to charities in Los Angeles, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Carson, Save the Children, and LA's BEST. For me personally, two weeks ago, we had a grand opening for an autism center, and they were gracious enough to donate toys to the Easterseals, which I'm very thankful for. Every Legislator here today will also receive a toy kit to donate to an organization or children in need in your district. You'll be receiving them.

They look like these right here. So if you have any questions, please reach out to the Senator from Santa Monica for more information. In recognition of California's role as a global center of creativity and as elected officials that care deeply about the well-being of our children and our youth, it is fitting that we play a leadership role in this international movement, recognizing the value that toys bring to our youth. So I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. I see no discussion or debate, so I'm going to have the secretary call the roll.

[Roll Call].

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call].

Ayes 36, noes zero. The resolution is adopted. Now onto consent calendar. We have items 72 through 77. Does any Member wish to remove something from the consent calendar? I am seeing none. Secretary, please read all the items.

Assembly Joint Resolution 14, Assembly Bill 661, 1852, 2397.

Secretary, please call the roll on the first item.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36, noes zero. The consent calendar is approved. Returning to motions and resolutions. It's time for our adjournment in memories, and we have one today. Senator Blakespear, please proceed.

Thank you. Colleagues, I rise today to adjourn in memory of a San Diego hometown hero and national treasurer, Bill Walton, who was a legendary basketball champion, dynamic announcer, and caring humanitarian. Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer on May 27, 2024 in San Diego.

Walton was born and raised in La Mesa, California, with three siblings, including Cathy, Andy, and Bruce, who at 6'6 and 250 pounds played side by side with his younger 6'7 little brother, Bill, at Helix High School. Bruce went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys.

Bruce and Bill are the only brother brother combination in history to ever play in the Super Bowl and to win the NBA Championship. Bill Walton became synonymous with athleticism and was talented at everything he did. Achieving so much success came with injury. While still in high school, At Helix High School, he broke an ankle, a leg, and several bones in his feet, as well as underwent knee surgery.

Before his sophomore season, Walton underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage on his left knee. These early injuries took a toll on Bill throughout his college and professional careers, and he would frequently complain about it. Throughout his life... He would frequently complain about it to me when I spoke to him later in life, not early in his life.

Throughout his life, Walton carried a positive attitude and at one point said, I've had 36 orthopedic operations with two fused ankles. My knees, hands, and wrists don't work. I now have a fused spine. Other than that, everything is great. Walton went on to become a larger than life figure, only partly due to his nearly seven foot frame.

Walton's unique all around skills made him a dominant player at UCLA under coach John Wooden from 1971 to 1974. He led the unbeatable Bruins to two NCAA championships and remained lifelong friends with Wooden. Walton then led two NBA teams to championships.

In 1977, he led the Portland Trail Blazers to victory against the heavily favored Philadelphia 76ers and was named MVP following the series. The 76ers coach said, Bill Walton is the best player for a big man who has ever played the game of basketball.

After a short lived stint with the San Diego Clippers, Walton joined the Boston Celtics, where he led his team to an NBA championship in 1986, almost 10 years later. He became the only player to have won an NBA Finals MVP, Sixth Man Award, and regular season MVP. In 1993, he was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Nobody would have guessed that Walton had been a shy young man and overcame a lifelong stutter when he embarked on his next successful career as a sports broadcaster. For over 20 years, he worked for national networks and NBA teams.

He entertained audiences with his colorful commentary that included references from the classics and poetry to pop culture and philosophy. In 2001, Walton received an Emmy Award for Best Live Sports Television Broadcast. In 2018, he won the College Sports Information Directors of America Dick Enberg Award.

Aside from being a national champion and award winning sportscaster, for years, Bill Walton was an enthusiastic City of San Diego booster, a true evangelist for the great City and County of San Diego. In his final years, he focused the majority of his attention on the city's growing homelessness problem, challenging leaders to be more effective.

Bill Walton was also the father of four sons who carry his son's genes, of being very talented and very tall. His son Luke was an NBA player, winning both the 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals with the Lakers. He was head coach of the Sacramento Kings from 2019 to 2021, during the heart of the COVID pandemic.

My own life intersected with Bill Walton's son Adam, where we both attended the same high school at the same time. When I was MVP of the Torrey Pines High School basketball girls team, Adam was a towering star on the Torrey Pines High School boys team.

Nathan and Adam and Chris all played for various colleges and universities and went on to successful careers. Bill Walton is survived by his sons and their families, as well as his wife, Lori Matsuoka. One little known but cherished aspect of Walton's personal life that gives us a window into his soul was his love for music.

One band in particular was very dear to him. As he put it, the Grateful Dead, they are my best friends. Their message of hope, peace, love, teamwork, creativity, imagination, celebration, dance, vision, purpose, the passion, all of the things that I believe in, makes me the luckiest Deadhead in the world.

Walton will always be remembered for his extraordinary career, towering height, and larger than life personality. In San Diego, will also be remembered as a beloved and generous native son. And with that, I ask that we adjourn the Senate in his memory. Thank you.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, colleagues, Madam President, and thank you to my colleague from Encinitas for bringing this adjournment forward. Bill Walton was a legend, not just at UCLA, but all over California, all over the world, in fact. And I know, despite my youthful appearance, it doesn't seem possible that I could have been at UCLA during the seventies.

But indeed I was during the Wooden and Walton era. Bill Walton, I got a chance to know him through various UCLA activities, and he was truly one of a kind. Besides his athletic prowess, his engagement in the community was fantastic in every issue, from homelessness to the environment. He was a tremendous environmentalist.

He also knew more useless stuff than any other human being I've ever encountered and was quite proud of all the useless information he could provide to you. There's a recent documentary on ESPN called the Luckiest Guy in the World. And I encourage all of you to see it because it is really inspirational.

We join with his family, with Lori and Adam and Nathan, Luke and Chris, and his three grandchildren, Olivia, Avery Rose, and Chase in mourning is loss. A loss for all of us. And I ask that we join my colleague from Encinitas to adjourn in his memory.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Blakespear, please bring the Hall of Famer's name forward so that he may be properly memorialized in the journal. If there's no other business, Senator Grove, the desk is clear.

Thank you, Madam President. I believe that we will be in recess until 3:30, at which time a motion will be made for adjournment. We reconvene, colleagues, on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

The Senate will be in recess until 3:30 PM, at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Thursday, June 13, at 9:00 AM.