Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Senators, if we could return to our desks, we're gonna get started with our prayer and then a pledge of allegiance. Would the members and the guests behind the railing please rise. We'll be led this morning in prayer by Senator Laird, after which, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.

O God, who weeps at fractured lives, inspire us to heal the hurting. Help us to seal the cracks created by our complicity and failing to love. May our words and actions speak love and not complacency.

May we choose love when faced with mindless hate, love when faced with retaliation, love when tempted by deception, love when addressing poverty and other issues of our time. May we choose love when speaking with our neighbors. Love when lured by bad choices, love when electing leaders. May we choose love when facing racism, sexism, heterosexualism, homophobia or transphobia.

In all the things we do, in all the words we say. May we always choose love and demonstrate our love with action. Amen.

Everyone, please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance. As you can tell, we will be competing with our friends in construction. I ask that if we have any conversations, we could take them off the floor as we have about 21 resolutions today and we want to give our utmost attention to each presenter.

At this time, we will take up the following senate third reading items out of order file item 37, SR 106. After adoption of this resolution, we will move to privileges to the floor for the Senator to introduce their guest from the majority leader's desk. Senator Newman will kick us off. He is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 106 by Senator Newman, relative to Intellectual Property Awareness Month.

Senator Newman?

Thank you, Madam President. I am pleased to present SR 106, which designates the month of October as Intellectual Property Awareness Month in the State of California. As innocuous as the term may sound, intellectual property rights actually play a pivotal role in fueling the innovation based economy that has powered California in the digital age.

Intellectual property rights encompass a wide range of intangible assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other protected trade secrets, and provide creators with the legal protection, and just as importantly, the market incentives that combine to foster a healthy economy.

Studies have shown that creating an accessible and rigorously enforced intellectual property system creates jobs, attracts foreign direct investment, and drives the research and development investments that yield new products, services, and technologies. Nowhere has this been more in evidence than in the great State of California.

From the tech startups of Silicon Valley to the content creator houses of the Los Angeles Hills to the biomedical research hubs in my own district of Orange County, California's creative technology and life science industries have thrived on the constant push for new artistic and technological frontiers facilitated by a robust IP framework.

By rising awareness through this resolution about the nature and value of intellectual property rights, and by facilitating access to legal support and resources, this Legislature is reaffirming the value of intellectual property, especially its value in enabling creators from under resourced and historically disadvantaged communities to leverage the economic opportunities that come with ownership and control of the next great ideas.

Colleagues, please join me in celebrating California's continued and committed leadership in IP education and protection by designating October as intellectual property awareness month. I respectfully ask for your aye vote this morning.

Thank you, Senator. Any discussion on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 37, noes zero. The resolution passes. Senator Newman, with your under privileges of the floor.

Thank you. With us on the floor this morning to celebrate are Vince Wong and other representatives from the Michelson Center for Public Policy and the California Intellectual Property Alliance, two organizations dedicated to promoting IP education in our communities of color as a way of improving social justice outcomes.

Also joining us in the gallery this morning are members of the next generation of creators and innovators.

Colleagues, please join me in welcoming the bright students, students from Calistoga Joint Unified District in Napa County and Senator Dodds District, students from LA Grande Union Elementary School District in Merced county and Senator Caballero's district and Mira Loma High School located right here in Sacramento in Senator Neillo's district to the California State Senate.

Please give them a warm California State welcome.

Welcome to the California State Senate.

Yes, I am.

Moving right along under privileges of the floor. We're going to begin with some remarks from our pro tem as he's going to pay tribute to our CCST policy fellows.

Thank you so much, Madam President, and good morning, members. Today, this body, the Senate, rises to recognize our tremendous 2024 cohort of California Council on Science and technology policy fellows. This is such a valuable partnership that the Legislature and the CCST have.

Together, they embed 15 incredibly talented PhD scientists and engineers here in the capitol, and they become directly involved in shaping public policy for the greater good of all Californians.

The legislative science fellows have provided tremendous contributions this year by analyzing and staffing numerous bills, engaging with residents in every corner of this state, and working with members to help tackle some of the toughest issues that the Golden State faces.

Simply put, they provide a level of knowledge and expertise that we would never truly understand, even when we Google. The program is a tremendous pipeline for fellows to jumpstart their careers in public service.

And with many former science fellows now serving in various forms of government, at all levels of government, locally, here in the state, and the feds, on behalf of the California State Senate, we want to say thank you. Thank you for making California stronger. Thank you for making us smarter and more strategic.

And now it is my great honor to be able to turn it over to the senator from Santa Monica, as well as Ezra, to be able to recognize his science fellow.

From the majority leader's desk. We're going to have three senators recognizing their fellows, kicking us off as Senator Allen.

Well, colleagues, it's such a great honor to recognize our science fellow for the Environmental Quality Committee this year, Doctor Hollie Rudolph. I got to say, the science fellowship program is so fantastic. It brings such top quality people into this building from all over the world, and they come in with such credentials and such passion, such expertise.

The caliber of the people who come through the program is consistently high, and Doctor Rudolph is no exception to that rule. Holly has been fantastic with our EQ team this past year. She comes to us as a PhD from Yale, and she worked on green chemistry and water quality there.

She defended her dissertation on designing new sustainable materials for drinking water treatment and then joined the Senate fellowship program immediately after and has been working with us ever since. She's applied her world class knowledge to some very consequential legislation. We've had a real expert in the field of green chemistry as those bills have come through our committee.

Also, water quality. She's analyzed some of the nation's most significant bills addressing household product safety policies on bisphenols, pesticides, anticoagulant rodenticides, paraquat. These are all things I couldn't pronounce before I became chair. Plastic bags, microplastics, rare earth minerals. We really couldn't have made it through some of these difficult scientific questions without Hollie.

She's also a really great person to work with. She's got cheerful optimism. She's got a lot of just positivity, great energy to match her talent and her intellect. So we're going to miss her a great deal. I think she's moving down to the Bay Area soon, but it's going to be your gain in the Bay Area.

For those of you who represent the area, it's been a real invaluable asset for EQ, and we know you're going to continue to contribute where you go next. So congratulations to you. And I just want to ask my colleagues to express and join me in expressing our deep appreciation for Doctor Hollie Rudolph.

Before we do that, we have a Senator who would like to also speak on this item. Senator Dahle, the Vice Chair.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I also, too, just want to say thank you for all the information for me. Was very wonderful. Your expertise and your friendship. I look forward to seeing what you're going to do in the future. But thanks for adding to the EQ Committee. It's been very valuable over the last session.

Senators, now if you can join me in celebrating Doctor Rudolph. Senator Cortese continues our fellows presentation from the joy leaders.

Thank you, Madam President and Senators, I want to recognize Doctor Benjamin O'Brien Hokusen, who served as a science fellow in the Senate Transportation Committee this year. Ben, as we know him, is a native of Wisconsin.

He received a Bachelor of arts in biology from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a doctorate from the Medical College of Wisconsin in cellular Biology. Pretty smart guy. During his career as a scientist, he conducted research in areas ranging from drug treatments for breast cancer to stem cell models for neurological birth defects.

Ben became interested in contributing his scientific expertise to policy development and engaged in work that more directly benefited people to become a 2024 CCST science fellow. He began the year pivoting from working on brain infections to working on train directions as he helped organize an informational hearing on high speed rail.

He learned even more about rail by having virtual coffee every Friday with our Lausanne Rail Quarter resiliency Subcommitee. To stay up to date on this important issue and provide support as needed.

When it came time to analyze bills, he showed up and he showed his team player attitude by stepping up to help cover a temporary absence on the committee staff and take on a heavy bill load.

Working on over 30 bills and the committee omnibus, Ben worked on a diverse range of critical transportation issues, including fueling infrastructure, passenger, freight and high speed rail, zero emission vehicles, driver's license and autonomous vehicle data reporting.

Ben spent many hours researching issues, meeting with stakeholders, and working with staff in order to keep the committee informed and to negotiate well crafted policy to ensure California transportation is safe, comfortable, convenient, and accessible.

He's a quick learner, a hard worker, and has a calm and engaging presence that contrasts with all the clamor and ruckus of the Transportation Committee. He's been an asset to California transportation policy and a wonderful addition to our team. And Ben's time with the Senate has been much more than just a career change.

He's also gotten married during this time, become a dog. Dad and I saw him dutifully walking his dog just a couple days ago and moved twice. It's been a busy and eventful time for him. We're very glad Ben decided to trade in Wisconsin Winters for California summers. I should say California dreaming.

I look forward to his continued career, hopefully in the building and forming good policy for California. Thank you from all of us. Ben, please join me. Amen.

Thank you, Doctor O'Brien. Closing out this fellow presentation is going to be Senator Skinner. You may begin when you're ready.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, pleased to have you join me in recognizing Max Lato, who was the fellow science fellow for the Senate Committee on Housing. Max was originally from New York. He received his PhD at UC San Francisco in neuroscience, studying emotions and memory. He was completely enthusiastic.

I mean, jumping from neuroscience to housing, willing to tackle thorny issues, always smiling with a great attitude, and the first to volunteer to take on more work or find an answer to a question. He's an excellent chef and Baker and brought in treats to share. He staffed the committees omnibus bill.

He also analyzed the bills on homelessness planning and funding land use, mobile homes, building standards, home ownership, housing elements, impact fees, and CEQA. And he also staffed my very challenging reducing uv radiation in vehicles, which was the purpose to protect drivers from skin cancer. And he committed many hours of work with very colorful personalities.

Mack's eagerness to learn and his team player spirit was a lifesaver during a very busy year for the Housing Committee. Thank him.

Thank you so much for your contributions. Now recognizing the Republican leader on some closing remarks with this presentation.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senators, for sharing your science fellows with us this morning and properly giving them accolades for their hard work with the Senate this year. I'm always amazed to see people go through all the schooling it takes to become a PhD and then come here and work in the capital.

As I've shared several times on this floor. I barely graduated from San Diego State, so. And in my family, I have several cousins that have PhDs and mds and some of them both. And that gene skipped my brother and I. So we've just been grinding out life ever since graduating from both of us from college.

So I've seen the work that it takes to become a PhD, the discipline, the late nights, the hard work. And so I am very impressed with that. We are blessed that they shared their brilliance with us this year and their scientific experience to make California policy more data based.

I'm encouraged to see the success of this program, and I know the fellow's input has bettered the lives of all Californians, and especially those of us here in the Senate. Thank you all very much. And I pray blessings on your life as you move on forward from here. And I'm sure I speak for all 40 Senators.

If there's anything we can do to help your future be brighter and better, please let us know. Thank you very much.

And to add a fun fact to your trivia knowledge, it was Senator Portantino who authored the legislation that created the science fellows programs here in the legislature. Thank you, Senator Portantino. Continuing under privileges of the floor, I'd like to now recognize Senator Atkins from the majority leader's desk.

Thank you very much. Madam President, colleagues, I am really thrilled to welcome to this floor a wonderful civic leader in San Diego and to honor him. And that is Doctor Bob Bauer with him this morning, you'll see shortly is his incredible spouse wife, Linda.

Doctor Bauer is retiring from Point Loma Nazarene University after serving as President for 27 years. In fact, today is his last day, so it is appropriate that we honor him today after 27 years. Despite spending most of his career in academia, Bob's path to college was not guaranteed.

He grew up in rural western Pennsylvania with his two siblings. They lived next door to his maternal grandparents in a small house with a shared outhouse. I'm sure you didn't really want me to tell them that, but it speaks to his humility and. And his dedication in the life he chose to lead.

But it wasn't until his family moved to Florida in his teens that he was introduced to anyone who'd gone to college, and that got him thinking that perhaps he, too, could get a degree.

Bob went on to earn a bachelor's in speech in English from Triveca Nazarene University, a master's in communication from the University of Cincinnati, and a PhD in organizational and interpersonal communication from the University of Kansas.

Prior to being elected the 14th President of Point Loma Nazarene University in 1997, he was President of a publishing company and held faculty and administrative positions at two other universities.

As President at Point Loma, he was dedicated to ensuring the first generation students like himself had the resources and opportunities to achieve success, a cause close to my heart.

Of course, as a first generation college student myself, he's deeply invested not just in Point Loma Nazarene University, but the entire San Diego region, which is why he's been honored there. He served as a board Member and Executive Committee Member to the San Diego Economic Development Corporation and a Director of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

He serves on the General Board and the International Board of Education for the International Church of the Nazarene. And I just want to add that part of the work at the University, Point Loma Nazarene, has been the convener for folks in the county, our District Attorney, nonprofits, law enforcement, to really combat sexual trafficking and survivors.

And they have a pretty regular conference that convenes all of those in the county. And so that commitment and that dedication I appreciate. We should all appreciate so much. San Diego is a border community, so we know that this issue is a big issue for our community in San Diego. County.

Bob, I want to thank you, or Doctor Brouwer, I want to thank you for your passion for education, for your decades of service to point Loma Nazarene University. So, colleagues, will you please join me in honoring Doctor Bob Brower?

We'll take a group photo right now if anyone's interested.

We're moving right along.

Our next presentation is by Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Madam President and members. I'd like to welcome the Riverside County Office of Education staff and their 13 college interns who are in Sacramento to wrap up their internship by participating in a legislative day.

The Riverside County Office of Education offers comprehensive internship programs designed to provide real world experience and academic credit to college students in various fields of study. Today's interns come from cities all over the county, including Riverside, Corona, Hemet, Paris, Marietta, Temecula, Palm Springs, Indio, Coachella, as well as Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County.

These students represent Riverside City College, College of the Desert, CSU San Bernardino, CSU San Marcos, CSU Fullerton, California Baptist University, Loyola Marymount, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and UC Irvine. Please help me welcome them with a very, very loud applause. Thank you for joining us.

Senator Glazer is here to introduce his twin. Senator, please proceed, Madam President.

Thank you. And members, I have a great honor today. As many of you may know, my family and I grew up here in Sacramento. And just last night we had the privilege of going to our childhood home for some of us seeing it for the first time in 50 years.

But I am joined today by my older sister. She reminds me of that Deborah Lynn Glazer and my twin brother. No, no, he's not my twin. He's my younger brother. He's got to always remember that. Gordon Scott Glazer. Members, please join me in welcoming them to the stand.

Welcome to the Glazer family.

We'll be going back to business in about 15 seconds.

At this time, members, we will take up the following Senate third reading item out of order, file item 41, SR 107. After adoption of the resolution, we will move back to privileges of the floor for the author to introduce their guests. Senator Min is ready from the majority leader's desk.

Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 107 by Senator Min, relative to Korean American Senior Day.

Senator Minh.

Thank you, Madam President and members. In Korean culture, we have a profound respect for our elders, for seniors.

So it's a privilege for me, as the only Korean American in the Legislature, to present SR 107, which would designate October 1, 2024 as Korean American Senior Day, and serve as a reminder about the importance of respecting elders within our culture. According to the US Census, Korean Americans represent over 1.5 million residents in the United States.

This is the largest Korean diaspora outside of Korea. 17.4% of the Korean American population in the United States is seniors. And here in California, we have the largest Korean community with over 450,000 individuals.

It is important we recognize the role that Korean American seniors have played in the development of California, including my parents, celebrate their contributions and acknowledge how they educate and support the Korean community. I ask that you join me in celebrating Korean American Seniors Day by voting aye on SR 107. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Colleagues, any discussion on this item? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 40, noes zero. The resolution passes. Now turning back to the sushi-eating champion for the introduction of his guests.

Thank you, Madam President. Today we're joined on the floor to help celebrate Kamerian American Senior Day by Brian Ka Kim, President of the Korean American Seniors Association of Orange County, as well as Mayor of Fullerton, Fred Jung, and Irvine City Council Member Tammy Kim. Please join me. They've been instrumental in uplifting Korean American seniors in California.

I want to thank them each for their work and support in our community. Please join me in welcoming our guests.

Welcome to the special guests.

Now is the time to join in the group photo. Senator Min eagerly awaits his colleagues for the group photo.

15 seconds, Senators. We're going to go back to business. I'd like to now recognize Senator Allen for a special guest introduction. Senator Allen.

Well Members, it's with great pleasure that I introduce to you a young man who many of you already know. My son Ezra, who's here 5 and 3 quarters, had a wonderful year at TK last year, thanks to the work of the state. And he's going to be starting kindergarten next week on Thursday.

So he's here with us designing his own flag. And I just want to personally thank all the Members for coming up and spending time with him, saying hi to him. Having children on the floor is a wonderful thing and just appreciate your hospitality and welcoming. So, come on. Big welcome to Ezra.

It's great to have you here, Ezra. Senator Grove, you are recognized.

Ezra, where is your baby sister?

She's with mommy.

Ok. Through the Chair, of course.

All right, Senators. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read and messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read and amendments adopted. We're moving on now to motions, resolutions, and notices. Now is the time for any Member who'd like to rise under this item. Floor amendment motion.

There are floor amendments at the desk. They will be deemed adopted. Senator Ashby, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the. I'm sorry. Thank you, Madam President. Sorry. At the request of the author, please pull file item. I actually don't know the file item. It is AB 2991 Valencia from the consent calendar.

The desk has noted. Senator Nguyen. Senator Hurtado.

Madam President, at the request of the author, please remove file Item A11 AB 892 Baines from the inactive file.

The desk has noted. Senator Becker.

Thank you, Madam President. Please remove file item number 352, AB 3013 from consent at the request of the author for the purpose of amendments.

The desk has noted. Senator Wiener, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. There's a resolution at the desk requesting permission to suspend joint rule 61 for the purpose of allowing the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to meet and report the bills listed in the Senate daily file for August 26, 2024. These requests have been approved by the Rules Committee.

Senator Niello, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the voters of California, who required that we adopt a budget two months ago, I object.

Senator Wiener is asking for an aye vote. Senator Niello is asking for a no-vote. Secretary, please read.

Resolve that joint rule 61 be dispensed with as requested.

Secretary, please call the... Secretary, Please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 30, Nines, no. The motion carries. Pursuant to Senate rule 29 point 10C, the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules File item 318 AB 1038.

Members without objection, measures reported from the Appropriations Committee with the recommendation do pass as amended, will be giving their second reading amendments adopted and return to the second reading upon being reported. Seeing nothing further under motions, resolutions and notices, we are now moving on to the consideration of the daily file.

We have items one through 15 under second reading file. Secretary, please read.

[Second Reading]

Second reading file will be deemed read.

We are now on 2nd, 3rd reading, where we're going to be doing a marathon of resolutions. We have items 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52 through 55. If you are authoring a resolution, please be prepared. We're starting off with file item 35. Senator Allen is prepared.

Secretary, please read Senate Concurrent Resolution 161 by Senator Allen Relative to the first Continental Congress.

Thank you, Members. Looking over our wonderful chamber is our first President, George Washington, and it's a reminder of the dramatic events that led to the founding of the nation back in the 1770s. We're about to approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in 2026.

There are, of course, some really important events that led up to that. And this resolution celebrates one particularly important event in the history of American democracy.

And that was the convening of the very first continental Congress on September 51774 which set in motion the deliberative democratic processes, the republic that we have today, that we embody here in our state Legislature.

So the ideals, the grit, the determination of our founding fathers and mothers is something that we celebrate here with this resolution that commemorates the 250th anniversary of the very first continental Congress in Philadelphia, September 51774. And with that, I respectfully asked for my vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no discussion, Secretary, please call the roll/

[Roll call]

[Roll call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll call]

Ayes, 38. Nos, zero. The resolution passes. File item 36. Senator Padilla is prepared.

Secretary, please read Senate resolution 104 by Senator Padilla relative to California Mexico Advocacy Day. Senator Padilla

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues who rise to present Sr 104 to acknowledge the 15th anniversary of California Mexico Advocacy Day. Our state, as you know, shares over 140 miles with Mexico. Our close proximity and shared values have resulted in one of the strongest economic, social and cultural regions in the world.

As an acknowledgement of the importance of this relationship, the Senate of the State of California, through the Senate Select Committee on California Mexico Cooperation and Dialogue, the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento and the California Chamber of Commerce has annually organized California Mexico Advocacy Day.

Last week, on August 6 and 7th, we had the opportunity to convene stakeholders to celebrate and acknowledge the critical importance of this relationship, and in particular the historic election of Doctor Claudia Scheinbaum, who was elected as the first woman President of Mexico and also in all of North America.

To honor this moment, our discussion centered on building an agenda with agenda perspective through bilateral cooperation between the two countries. We had an opportunity to hear subject matter experts, including the first Mexican migrant to hold a seat in the Mexican Senate, Senator elect Karina Ruiz, who provided recommendations about potential areas of collaboration to pursue.

This agenda centered around the unique experiences of women. As chair of the Select Committee on the California New Mexico Cooperation and Dialogue, and the only Member of the Legislature representing the entirety of the California Mexico border, it's my honor to foster an even stronger California Mexico relationship for the betterment of both our nations alike.

Members, please join me in acknowledging 15 years of California Mexico Advocacy Day. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no discussion or debate, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? See none. Eyes 38. No. Zero resolution passes. File item 38. Senator Nguyen is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 108 way by Senator Nguyen, relative to California Pickle Day.

Senator Nguyen.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Before I start, I want to ask permission to request for unanimous consent to use a prop. Thank you. Colleagues, today I rise to today to present SR 108, which formally declares August 8 as California Pickle Day. Pickle. Pickleball. Um. Pickleball Day. Did I say pickle?

Both equally important. Agree.

Okay, we'll start over. Okay. Pickleball. Okay, I'm gonna start over. Madam President, today I rise today to present SR 108, which formally declares August 8 as California Pickleball Day.

Pickleball is a fun, social, and simple game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one and can be played at any age from beginner to to professional level.

Pickleball combines elements of well-known games such as tennis and badminton and adapts a style of play and some of the rules into a game that has taken California and the country by storm.

Enjoyed by the young and the young at heart, Pickleball fulfills the intention of the inventors by creating a game that the whole family can come together and enjoy, regardless of age or ability.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Washington by Joe Pitchard, a congressman from Washington, and Bill Bell, a successful businessman who sought to play badminton on an old badminton court, but could not find the proper equipment.

Since then, pickleball has been exploding in growth and popularity, with tournaments played by millions ranging from young to old all around the world. The US Pickleball Association has more than 40,000 members, and it is estimated that Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, as participants reach over 3.3 million people.

With that colleague, this is what I call a serious pickleball player. So my staff, Jenny is a serious pickleball player and I wouldn't compete with her, you know. Please go out and enjoy. And again, I ask for your support.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics raised. Senators, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? I see none. Ayes 38, noes zero. Resolution passes. We are now on file item 40. Senator Portantino. He is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 103 by Senator Portantino, relative to Italian American Heritage Month.

Senator Portantino.

Thank you, Madam President and Members, I proudly rise to present SR 103, which designates the month of October and every October 2023 and thereafter every October as Italian American Heritage Month. It also encourages public schools to include Italian American in ethnic studies courses, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the culture of California.

SR 103 encourages taking steps to promote the inclusion of Italian Americans' role and contributions to our culture, history in California and in the US. As you know or you may not know, that there are 1.5 million Italian Americans residing in California, and we're among the first to arrive in California during the Gold Rush.

We're the fifth largest ethnic minority in the United States. Italian Americans have been instrumental in shaping California's history. Culture pioneers like Andrea Sbarboro, who founded Italian Swiss Wine Company in Sonoma County in 1881, were instrumental in establishing our wine industry. Amadeo Pietro Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in 1904, which revolutionized banking in the United States.

Of course, we all know famous Italian American actors like Al Pacino and Danny DeVito and others who have been proud artists in our state. And we are proud that the first woman to be speaker of the House is an Italian American, Nancy Pelosi from California.

So despite these significant contributions... And also, people don't know that Italian Americans were actually treated very harshly during World War 2, and some were interned. And many people, and as it came up in our Assembly Senate Education Committee, some of the Members didn't know that.

So Italian Americans have been proud contributors to our culture, and many Italian Americans have served in this August body, including three who are serving today. And also, we should give props to Senator Cortese's, dad, who is a proud Italian American Legislator as well, who pioneered much of our state's efforts to recognize Italian Americans. So I'm proud to rise to support this and hope you all do as well.

Senator Cortese, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. And the colleagues. I'm very grateful for the leadership of our colleague from Burbank, not only authoring, being the primary author of this resolution, but for his leadership, his steadfast leadership in the Legislature, making sure that the story, the story almost said in Italian. In Italian we call it Storia Segreta, the story of Italian Americans, the internment of Italian Americans during World War 2, and the hardships over the decades that Italian Americans faced here and overcame.

He's made sure that that's been front and center when necessary. The Senator from Burbank did that in Committee. And I appreciated just earlier this week, the Chair of the Senate Ed Committee allowing some conversation and background about those topics and all the topics that you just heard. Yes, my father, former Assemblyman Dominic Cortese, would be very, very proud to hear all of this today, and he will because he turns 92 next month, and he will get a chance to review the clip from Senate Ed and this.

But back in the day, the origination of the first Italian American Task Force in California, which still exists to this day, came about as a cooperation between the Governor and my father when he was a Legislator. So again, thank you to our colleague from Burbank. Hopefully, I will be able to carry the torch in following your footsteps going forward, but we appreciate all you've done as well for the Italian American community. Thank you.

Senator Niello, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. The story of Italian Americans in our country is a classic American story, from immigrant to assimilated citizens. My grandfather came here as a baby. And in the early times, in the late 19th century and early 20th century and at the Gold Rush time, as my colleague from Burbank attested, Italians were not exactly welcomed with open arms in this country. And I've always suspected that is why my grandfather either allowed or caused our name to be mispronounced. It is not Niello.

It is Niello, as many here do pronounce it, but I think that's why he allowed it to be mispronounced. But many Italian Americans have still maintained connection to their native culture, their native country, and yet fully assimilated into American culture. The classic...

The classic experience of Americans coming here as immigrants and contributing significantly to the fabric of our country. And I am a co-author of this and proud to be so. And I thank my colleague from Burbank for allowing me to do so and introducing the bill.

Thank you, Senator Niello. Senator Portantino, you may close.

Yeah, real briefly, I mentioned that there have been many Italian Americans who have proudly served as legislators. There's also many Italian Americans who proudly serve as staff in this building as well. And so I want to make sure that they're appreciated for their commitment to our great state. And then also to point out one last thing.

Italian Americans were the largest ethnic group to serve in World War 2. And so when we think about the greatest generation, more Italian Americans served in the US Armed Forces than any other ethnic minority in our country, including my late father. And so I want to give props to all of those Italian Americans who have served in our military as well, and respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. And thank you to everyone who provided comments. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Do we have... No objection. Ayes 38, noes zero. Resolution passes. Senator Grove is ready for her item. File item 42.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 109 by Senator Grove relative to Gold Star Mothers and Families Day.

Senator Grove. Thank you, Madam President. Today, colleagues, I'd like to recognize September 29 as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day. Gold Star Mothers and Families Day honors the practice of military families.

Hang in a service floor flag displaying a blue star for every Member of their family currently serving our country and a gold star, colleagues, for every Member of their family who has lost their lives during military service.

Commemorating the last Sunday of September has become further demonstration of the support of our nation's commitment to the families and our service members, especially those that gave their all. The strength of the United States Armed Forces is built upon these men and women who serve in uniform, as well as the families that support them.

It's essential that our state supports these families, not only in the days of their loss, but many years to come. Sr 109 commemorates September 29, 2024 as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day in California and recognizes the immense long-term impact of losing a loved one to the service of our country.

Loved ones like Jonathan Diaz's family, the Rojas family, the Figueroa and Jones family, the Barrow family, the Breeden family, the Mendoza family, the Cody Prosser family, the Clay Patrick Farr family, and the Lange family.

These are just a small number of individuals from my district that hang a gold star on their door every September to remember those individuals that lost their life. I think of each of us in our districts.

If we stood up and named every gold star family that represents us in the State of California, we would be here for hours. So in honor of this resolution, I respectfully ask for an aye vote for those gold star families and moms that are dealing with this loss and to recognize their sacrifice for our country.

Please respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 109.

Thank you, Senator Grove. I see no mics up. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Senator Blakesbury, you objection objecting? See no objection. Ayes 38. Noes zero. Resolution passes. Moving on to file item 43. Senator Blakespear is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate resolution 111 by Senator Blakespear, relative to California Life Sciences Month.

Senator Blakespear.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to introduce SR 111, recognizing August as Life Sciences Month in California. This is particularly appropriate recognition today following the honoring of our science and technology fellows.

Our state has long been a global leader in the life sciences industry, and it's time we recognize the immense contributions this sector makes to our economy, healthcare system, and scientific advancement. The life sciences industry in California is nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the last few decades, this industry has made groundbreaking discoveries.

It's how we know what the structure of DNA is. The life sciences industry is responsible for the human genome project, successfully fighting COVID-19, life-saving vaccines, medicines, therapies, and so much more. The best thing is that California is the leader. Companies across California are leading in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, oncology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and cutting-edge therapies.

In 2023 alone, this sector paid an estimated 57 billion in wages to employees. Across our state, we're home to over 18,000 life sciences establishments that provide high-quality jobs and drive innovation that benefits not just California, but the entire world. The life sciences industry directly employs almost half a million Californians.

These aren't just jobs, they're important careers with significant earning potential. In 2023, our state's biotechs raised 5 billion through 157 venture capital deals, up from 4 billion just one year ago in 2022. This increase in investment, even during challenging economic times, speaks volumes about the strength and potential of our life sciences sector.

Our state's life sciences ecosystem is diverse and robust, with several regions contributing significantly. In addition to San Diego, County, Orange County, the Bay Area and Los Angeles also contribute significantly to our life sciences leadership. And I know my colleagues from those regions are proud of their industries and their districts as well.

By recognizing August as Life Sciences Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of this industry to our state's economy, healthcare system, and global scientific leadership. We thank the researchers, entrepreneurs and workers who drive innovation and improve lives every day. I encourage you all to support this resolution and join me in celebrating life Sciences Month this August. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no discussion or debate. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. I see no objection. Ayes 38, noes zero. The resolution passes. Moving on to file item 44. Senator Rubio is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 113 by Senator Rubio, relative to Latina Equal Pay Day.

Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to proudly present a Women's Caucus resolution, SR 113, which proclaims October 3, 2024 as Latina Equal Pay Day. California has a high, the largest Hispanic population and the highest concentration of Latinas of any state.

In 2022, Latinas comprised 20% of total population, almost 7.8 million, and 40% of all women. Yet, according to the 2024 economic Status of Latinas in California's report, Latinas with any earnings in California in 2022 were only paid $0.42 for every dollar compared to their male counterparts.

More than 50 years ago, the Federal Government passed the Equal Pay Act in order to address gender wage discrimination. Nevertheless, women, especially women of color, continue to suffer the inequities of pay. According to the National Women's Law Center, California's Latina wage gap is ranked the highest at number 50 in the country, and that is unacceptable.

These inequities affect future opportunities to save for retirement and obtain financial security for their families. In addition, their opportunity for generational wealth is suppressed and may not be achieved. Let's work to eliminate this wage gap and start giving Latina women the respect and compensation they earned and deserve. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Senator Rubio. I see no mics up for discussion. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Also seeing none. Ayes 38, noes zero. Resolution passes. We are now moving on to file item 45. Mister Pro Tem is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 114 by Senator McGuire relative to President Joseph Biden.

Mr. Pro Tem. Thank you so much Madam President and Members, today I rise with great respect and immense gratitude in honor of our nation's 46th President, President Joe Biden.

President Biden I has served the American public with grace, grit and determination for generations, which is why we advanced this resolution today with his decision to be able to seek retirement, and we celebrate his accomplishments.

For the greater part of a half-century, he was a force to be reckoned with in the United States Senate, a voice for working families, the most vulnerable, and he authored landmark legislation like the Violence Against Women Act. As Vice President, he fought to strengthen the middle class, help America recover and bounce back from the worst recession since the Great Depression.

He led efforts to better prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. After taking office as President during the height of Covid-19 President Biden accomplished more legislatively, more legislatively in his first two years in office than Lyndon B. Johnson, rescuing the economy and changing the course of the pandemic.

He signed the American Rescue plan to be able to provide relief to hardworking Americans feeling the impacts, the deep impacts of the pandemic. He signed the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce greenhouse gases and support renewable energy. Let's not forget the CHIPS Act, stand up to China and bring American manufacturing jobs back home.

And through the bipartisan infrastructure law, every day is infrastructure week. President Biden made the largest investment in our nation's infrastructure in nearly a century, injecting over $1.0 trillion in public works project, fixing bridges and roads and highways, $41 billion alone.

Coming into the State of California to help modernize our infrastructure in big communities and small, in every corner of this great state. He's lowered prescription drug prices.

He's provided debt relief to 40 million students, and with his leadership and support for Ukraine, he has stood up to Putin, safeguarding democracy worldwide and bolstering our allies in our NATO membership. It's a bit of an emotional moment, I think, for all of us.

For five decades, President Biden has dedicated his life to public service, uplifting Americans, no matter what your party affiliation may be, in every corner of the United States. And look, we live in hyper-partisan times. And I know not every person in this room may feel the same the way I do about our President.

But I got to say this, President Biden's lifetime track record is proof. When we all work together, America is stronger. President Biden has fought like hell and built a better America because of it. His impact and legacy of service is weaved into every fabric of our nation.

And I'm tremendously grateful and I know so many of us are, for everything that he has contributed and respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 114.

Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. Any discussion or debate? Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29. One no, resolution passes. Moving on to file item 46, Senator Grove, back up. She is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate resolution 115 by Senator Grove, relative to food and agriculture.

Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today I rise to present SR 115, which designates October as California Intermediate Crop Month. An intermediate crop is a non-food crop that is planted in farmland between their main crop rotations.

Some crops, like calena sativa, it's used for renewable biomass and provides an important opportunity for farmers to generate additional income without displacing their original food crops. Besides creating a potential for biomass energy, intermediate crops also provide an advantage of reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss.

By increasing the planted acreage of intermediate crops, California can further strengthen domestic energy production while bolstering rural communities and economies. Please join me in supporting SR 115 and supporting the production of these important crops. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Any mics up for discussion or debate? I see none. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? See none as well. Ayes 38, noes zero. Resolution passes. File item 47. Senator Cortese is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Senate resolution 116 by Senator Cortese, relative to Taiwan.

Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Madam President and members. SR 116 celebrates the 40th anniversary of the California-Taiwan Sister Statehood relationship. The purpose of a sister statehood is to form greater connection, friendship and understanding between nations. Since our sister statehood bond was established with Taiwan in 1984, Taiwan itself has enjoyed extensive close and friendly relations with the State of California.

The relationship between California and Taiwan and the areas of trade, science, technology, education, tourism and culture have strengthened considerably over that time. Over the years, Taiwanese communities have made significant contributions to California's economic growth and development, including in my own district in the Bay Area. Taiwan is now California's third-largest trading partner. Third largest.

I want to repeat that with a bilateral trade volume of $38 billion and contributing more than 120,000 jobs in California. The people of Taiwan, like the people of California, United States, have overcome great adversity and have built a successful, prosperous and free economy.

Taiwan and the United States share common ideals for a healthy, peaceful and democratic 21st century. And both countries contribute meaningfully. Excuse me, both entities contribute meaningfully on an international level to foster these ideals. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SR 116 to celebrate 40 years of California Taiwan, sister statehood. Thank you. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Min, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President and members. I rise on behalf of the API Legislative Caucus in support of this resolution. Taiwan is an example of what freedom and democracy can bring to a vibrant economy. We should stand strong with our allies over there, and I urge and aye vote.

Senator Allen, you're recognized.

Yeah, I just want to associate myself with the comments of my colleagues and thank Senator Cortese for bringing this forward. Taiwan, California and our nation, the United States have long maintained shared values of a strong democracy, free and fair society built on human rights, honest elections, rule of law that serves people.

And I also want to just take a moment to give a special shout out to the Taiwanese American community that lives throughout our beautiful State of California, many of them living in all of our districts, and they've contributed so immensely to local communities.

So this is an opportunity for us to celebrate the vibrant culture, the achievements, and the shared values that we have with Taiwan and our wonderful Taiwanese American community here in California.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Cortese, you may close.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? We are not going to use the unanimous roll call. We are going to call the roll. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, noes zero. The resolution passes. File item 48. Senator Skinner, she is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 117 by Senator Skinner, relative to the East Bay Regional Park District's 90th anniversary.

Senator Skinner.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I'm pleased to present this Senate Resolution honoring the East Bay Regional Park District's 90th anniversary. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest urban park district in the United States. It covers over 125,000 acres in two counties, Alameda County and Contra Costa County.

And those of you who are either familiar with it or who live in either of those counties know that that's one of the best aspects of living there is, having that access to, whether it is our shoreline, parks along the bay, the hills, the delta. It's just unbelievable, the diversity of those parks from Tilden Park, which was the first of the East Bay Regional Park Districts. And when I say it's 90th anniversary, the East Bay Regional Park District was founded during the deep, deep depression, when the voters even with... I mean, that was the worst depression we've yet had.

And the voters of the East Bay decided to tax themselves in order to preserve the hillsides as open space. And so it's been in existence all those years and funded by all the residents of both counties. So for those reasons, I invite you to celebrate the 90 years of that land preservation, environmental conservation, and recreation access by supporting this resolution.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Glazer, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. The Senator from Berkeley and I share these great lands protected by the East Bay Regional Park District, and I certainly join in urging support for the resolution honoring them on their 90th anniversary.

Seeing no other mics up. Senator Skinner, you may close.

I ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 36, noes zero. The resolution passes. We are now on item 52. Senator Rubio is prepared.

Secretary, please read Senate Resolution 121 by Senator Rubio relative to Veteran Housing Insecurity Awareness Month. Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to present Sr 121, which proclaims November 2024 as Veteran Housing and Security Awareness Month. Senators, according to the 2022 Housing Assistance Council report, the percentage of California veterans with a VA determined service connected disability was 24.7%.

Way too many of our veterans are sacrificing their health and their quality of life for us, and we must do better. This resolution shines a light on these veteran housing insecurity issues, which can be detrimental to the livelihood of our service Members when they come home.

Veterans have given so much of their life and time for us to be here, and we have to ensure that when they return, they have the very basic necessities, which is housing. We must continue to push state and federal policies to ensure we provide sufficient housing and resources to those that are most vulnerable.

I was pleased to see the recent announcement last week from the Biden Harris Administration regarding the new set of changes to help more veterans receive assistance under the HUD VA program. These actions will improve access to supportive housing development for veterans.

Our veterans who have sacrificed against so much must have the very basic necessities to live in dignity and receive at least the very minimum which is housing and our appreciation for their service. Thank you. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote thank you, Senator.

See no mics up. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? I'm seeing none. Eyes 36. No. Zero. Resolution passes.

Up next is file item 53 by Senator Roth. He is prepared. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 122 by Senator Roth, relative to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Senator Roth.

Thank you, Madam President. This resolution recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in California and in the United States.

The resolution seeks to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the impact that it has not only on the child afflicted, but on the family caring for them as well.

These families, while dealing with the emotional toll of a diagnosis and caring for their sick child, are then burdened with the challenges of navigating a confusing healthcare system, trying to figure out how much time they can take off from work, and worrying if their family can financially handle the impact of the disease, when what they should be focusing on is their son or daughter fighting for their life.

I've met with mothers in my district who have a child with cancer, and I can tell you these are some of the most resilient folks that I've ever had the privilege of meeting. The issues are real, and they are the true fighters and the true advocates in this arena.

Our state has clearly led the way in cancer treatment and is home to many of the world's finest cancer treatment facilities. Although California has set the benchmark for cancer treatment, we still have a long way to go in expanding awareness and in providing workplace and financial support for these families of cancer patients in their time of need.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Members, is there any further discussion on this resolution? Any further discussion? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Roth moves the call. Members, we have some special guests on our floor. I want to recognize Senator Stern and his family. Wife, Alexandra, daughter Ava, and son, Leonard. We welcome all of you to the Senate.

Oh, good. Waving and a flag.

What a treat to have you all here.

Henry, thank you. Good to see your family. Thank you, guys. Hey, can she say one thing? Point of order.

Senator Stern, for what purposes do you rise

Point of order.

Please state your point, sir.

The, my most important constituents have something to say.

Exactly.

One of them loves his mom too much. And by the way, this is where I fell in love with my wife on this floor, standing here when you honored her father, and we stood on this floor. So I want to thank the Senate for being part of this love affair that has given us life.

And, Ava, did you want to say anything into the microphone real quick through the Chair? Yeah. And then what else? I love California. I think she said, I love California. Thank you, Mister President, for the indulgence. Thank you all for supporting me and this family. It's such an honor to grow with you all.

Stern, you, point of order is ruled out of order.

I know. Sorry, Bernie. Sorry, Bernie.

We're going to call that privilege to the floor in hindsight. And we so recognize and thank your lovely wife for marrying you and for your family being here on the floor. All right.

Okay, members, we're going to move next to file item 54. This is SR 123 by Senator Menjivar. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 123 by Senator Menjivar, relative to Salvadoran American Day.

Senator Menjivar, do you want to do it from the majority leader's desk? All right. We recognize Senator Menjavar from the majority leader's desk, ma'am.

Thank you, Mister President and colleagues. Today I rise for SR 123 as a proud daughter of Salvadoran immigrants. I'm honored to bring forth the resolution recognizing September 1 as Salvadorian American Day.

As the Latino community continues to grow in this great state, it is important to recognize the diversity within that umbrella and the contributions to the great State of California. The history of El Salvador in California is rich, an enduring tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable lives, cultures and events.

In fact, I had the opportunity to share in that country last October, where a delegation of Senators went to my parents' homeland and got to witness everything that El Salvador has to offer and change. So I thank the Senators from LA, from Menlo Park, from Santa Monica, who joined me on that trip.

Salvadorian Americans constitute one of the largest Latino communities nationwide, totaling 2.5 million. The largest diaspora here in California. 32% of Salvadorian immigrants reside in California across the United States. Many of these admirable individuals actively participate in the state educational system, further promoting their sense of American pride within the California community.

In 1994, the State Senate welcomed their first ever Salvadorian American Senator, Senator Liz Figueroa, who then retired in 2006. Fast forward to 2022. You all welcomed me as the second Salvadorian American to be elected to the State Senate. And I welcome, and I'm joined by 25%, a quarter Salvadorian, Mexican American majority leader over there.

I stand firm alongside my ancestors and the Salvadorian Legislature before me in bringing this resolution forward so that the strengths of the American, the Salvadorian American culture can be preserved and passed on to future generations. Respectfully asking for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator Menjivar. On the resolution, Senator Becker.

Hi, just want to say briefly, as someone who spent a lot of time in the wonderful country of El Salvador and joined in on the delegation, want to commend the author and support this resolution and honor the contributions of the Salvadoran community to our state and country. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Becker. Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise today to thank Senator Menjivar for bringing this measure forward, this resolution celebrating the Salvadorian heritage in our country.

I want to highlight that I am a recipient of an amazing field representative, an immigrant from El Salvador who is one of the hardest working, passionate, all patriot American, who really embodies the American dream as an immigrant from Salvador who has accomplished so much since arriving to this country.

And I'm grateful, grateful for that heritage and that work ethic and that heart for our country. So grateful that you brought this measure forward. Want to highlight my fellow representative, Armando Martinez, with this amazing and beautiful heritage behind him.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Durazo.

Thank you. I want to thank the author for bringing this forward. We're very, very proud to have you representing the Salvadorian community in California, and also a big shout out to the Salvadorian community in my district, which is a very, very vibrant, involved, civically involved community, and I'm very proud to represent them. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Durazo. Any further discussion or debate on this resolution? Members, further discussion or debate? Seeing none, Senator Menjivar, you may close.

Thank you, Mister President and colleagues. Thank you so much for joining in asking for an aye vote on this resolution. I appreciate your comments. Respectfully asking for an aye vote.

All debate having ceased, this is eligible for unanimous roll call. Seeing no objections. Eyes 36, noes zero. The resolution is adopted. We're going to move next to file item 55. This is SR 124 by Senator Caballero.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 124 by Senator Caballero relative to recognizing the United Mexican States' first woman president, Dr. Claudia Scheinbaum.

Senator Caballero, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and Members. I rise to present SR 124, which recognizes and congratulates the United Mexican States for the historic achievement in electing its first female President, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum. In its 203-year history, the United Mexican States has achieved a significant milestone through a democratic process with the election of Doctor Sheinbaum.

Her election represents a major advancement in gender equity and a notable shift in the global political landscape. This major achievement is highlighted by the fact that Dr. Claudia Scheinbaum is the first female to be elected President among the three largest North American Canada and the United States. Dr. Scheinbaum is a woman of first.

She will also be the first Mexican President with a predominantly Jewish background. She earned her PhD in energy engineering from the UNAM, National Autonomous University of Mexico and conducted research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Has an impressive background in both science and public service.

Her previous roles include serving as secretary of the Environment for the United Mexican States and as mayor of Mexico City, a City of over 22 million inhabitants in the metropolitan region. Her contributions extend beyond politics.

She was part of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, and her work in climate science and urban development underscores her commitment to progress and sustainability. Historically, Mexico maintained strong cultural, historical, social, and economic ties with California through its history, border, and people.

As the world's 10 most populous country, Mexico is the second largest export partner and the largest source of imports from the United States of America. The election of Dr. Scheinbaum represents a significant step forward in advancing gender equity by breaking long-standing barriers and setting a power powerful precedent for women's leadership.

Her presidency will inspire young girls and women, particularly women of color, across California and the world, encouraging greater involvement in politics, stem fields, and climate change. Furthermore, her excellence in various fields will inspire pride among Mexicans worldwide and encourage a commitment to learning and excellence in all endeavors.

The State of California looks forward to working with President Elect Sheinbaum and her Administration to strengthen our relationship and strengthen the partnerships and opportunities to collaborate. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Skinner, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I want to appreciate our colleague for bringing this resolution. I had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Scheimbaum, President Scheimbaum a number of times while she was the secretary of environment and also mayor of Mexico City.

When I was doing the work with cities for running cities for climate protection and we had an office in Mexico City. And while she was secretary of environment, she spoke at many of our events and gave imparted her scientific knowledge about the climate crisis.

As our colleague mentioned, she was one of the Nobel Prize winners for being part of the international panel on the scientist panel around the climate crisis. And she would impart that knowledge. And then in her political role as mayor, she would present at the various conference of parties of the United Nations where they negotiated issues around climate.

But in addition to that, when she won, she, in her inaugural address, I was very struck by this comment that she made. And as Chair of the Women's Caucus of permission to read, she said in her inaugural statement, I do not arrive alone.

We all arrived with our heroines, our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters. She is another proof, and I hope to see more proof of that. This is the year of women.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I also rise today in strong support of SR 124, and it gives me great pride to honor Dr. Claudia Scheinbaum as the first female Mexican President. I also have the privilege of visiting Mexico and spending time with her.

And anyone that has spent time with her can see how intelligent she is prepared and more important, cares very much about community and climate issues. I wanted to just share that there's so much we can learn from the expertise that she brings to the table as shared by the great Senator from Berkeley and the Senator from Merced.

You know, she's really focused on climate issues, and I was so impressed with the advances that they've made in Mexico, and she was so willing to share, talk about that work. And I think that we have a great partner in Mexico, and I look forward to working with her.

And again, as a Mexican-born Senator, it is really incredibly a proud moment for me that Mexico is now uplifting women in such a great way. And I hope that we follow suit because it's time that we recognize the value that women bring to the table.

And with that, I'm proud to be a principal co-author on this resolution. And I urge and aye vote. Thank you.

Senator Durazo, you're recognized.

Thank you. [Foreign Language]

Thank you, Senator. Senator Grove, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I, too, rise in support of this resolution, and I appreciate President Scheinbaum's extraordinary confidence in domestic energy production. We actually import roughly 13 million barrels of oil from Mexico every single year.

California needs that oil production, and we get it from foreign sources and she also knows that domestic security and domestic energy on this side of the continent is most valuable and most important. She also knows that it's a higher concentration of carbon emissions to import oil from Saudi Arabia, Ecuador and other places.

And she has taken a stand that provides environmentally friendly oil, the most restrictive oil, and the most environmentally friendly oil on this side of the continent, where California produces, where we're not producing anymore, but we are relying on other foreign sources of oil.

But she is an ally in this industry because she realizes that producing it here is the safest way possible to make sure that we meet the needs that we have, and again, creating a domestic security source, as well as making sure that we have oil produced here in our state and on this side of the continent.

So I appreciate her stance. I appreciate her environmental policy, which includes domestic oil and energy production and the risk that we have bringing oil from foreign sources. And I support this resolution.

Seeing no further discussion or debate. Senator Caballero, you may close

Respectfully ask for your aye vote on this.

Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, no zero. The resolution passes. Colleagues, that is it for this legislative session on resolutions. Unless something else comes up, that should be it for the Senate. Third reading. Third reading. Just kidding. Just for our resolutions, we are now moving into Assembly third reading for more resolutions, we have five items. Items 99, o you're ready. 303, 327, 335 and 345. For item file 99. Senator Wiener is prepared.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Joint Resolution 9 by Assembly Member McKinnor, relative to housing.

Senator Wiener.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise to present Assembly Joint Resolution 9 by Assembly Member McKinnor, which urges the United States Congress to pass and for the President to sign three important housing bills that will help address our housing shortage, improve rental assistance, and provide financial assistance for first time homebuyers.

HR 4233 would invest more than $150 billion in affordable and supportive housing, housing vouchers, housing preservation, and other housing investments, creating 1.4 million affordable homes. HR 4232 would reduce poverty in America by transforming the Housing Choice Voucher Program into a federal entitlement, allowing every household that qualifies for assistance to receive it.

It would also ban housing discrimination based on income and veteran status. HR 4231 would provide $100 billion in direct assistance to help first time, first generation homebuyers purchase their first home. We're in the midst of a housing crisis driven by a nationwide shortage of millions of homes. Federal investment is critical for the construction of affordable homes, and the legislation supported by this resolution would provide that critical investment. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Wiener moves a call. Moving on to file item 303. Senator Jones is ready. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 182 by Assembly Member Dixon, relative to ocean pollution.

Thank you, Madam President and Senators, I rise to present ACR 182 by our colleague in the Assembly, Assemblywoman Dixon. This important resolution was introduced to bring awareness to the massive amounts of marine garbage that is impacting our oceans, wildlife, ecosystem health and access opportunity to recreation in the ocean.

Senator Jones

Whether a surfer, an angler, or just an admirer of the ocean, most Californians are invested conservationists. It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that ocean resources are managed for the benefit of all stakeholders, both now and for future generations.

This resolution rightfully directs attention to some of the more meaningful and difficult challenges to solve, including reducing plastic waste. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch encompasses 618,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Senators, that's twice the size of Texas. ACR 182 provides the opportunity to have this conservation and bring to light these issues.

You may remember while we were debating SB 54 a couple years ago that I mentioned a story of being down in Oaxaca, Mexico, with our colleague Senator Ben Hueso and doing a tour on the ocean and the ocean stream that was polluted with ice chests, lawn chairs, styrofoam plastic bottles, and I think there was even a bowling ball floating through, but that's how bad it was.

And that we actually had to time and the little fishing boat that we had to time our crossing of that stream in the ocean to get to the other side to continue our fishing trip. So ACR 182 provides the opportunity to have this conservation and bring to light these issues.

It seeks to promote and encourage solutions to ensuring our oceans and coastlines are clean and healthy, and seeks to find ways to eliminate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Please join Assembly Member Dixon and myself in voting aye on ACR 182.

Thank you. I rise in support of this. We need to eliminate the largest plastic accumulation zone in the world, and I would like to thank the author for bringing it and urge your support.

Senator Blakespear

Secretary, please call the roll.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Jones, you may close. Senator Jones, you may close.

Please vote aye.

Roll Call

Senator Jones moves a call. Moving on to File Item 327. Senator Blakespear, the Senator is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Joint Resolution 18 by Assembly Member Davies, relative to nuclear fuel.

Senator Blakespear.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today I'm here to present AJR 18 on behalf of Assemblywoman Davies. The essence is to ask the federal government to advance its own Nuclear Commission's recommendations and finally get spent nuclear fuel out of our state and into consent based sites approved by the federal Department of Energy.

Senators, back in 1998, the federal government was legally obligated to work with states who had nuclear facilities in their states to find safe and secure places to store excess nuclear fuel. California, as you know, has and had facilities in Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, and Humboldt Counties. After more than 25 years, we are still waiting.

Nothing has been done, and our communities are suffering for it. As noted by the supporters of AJR 18, since 2000, US taxpayers have had to pay $10.6 billion in damages to cover costs associated with on site nuclear storage that hasn't been moved yet. This is a position US Energy Secretary Granholm has endorsed, but needs Congress to authorize the move. This resolution is not here to debate the merits of nuclear energy.

It is simply a tool to show the federal government that the world's fifth largest economy is ready for them to start acting and to move forward expeditiously to remove spent nuclear waste. This resolution passed the Assembly with no no votes and passed Senate Utilities and Energy with bipartisan support as well.

This resolution is supported by multiple Chambers of Commerce, our State Parks Foundation, UC San Diego, a local Native American tribe, and many other organizations. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on AJR 18 on behalf of Assemblywoman Davies.

Thank you, Senator. See no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Blakespear moves the call. Moving on to file item 335. Senator Cortese is prepared.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 211 by Assembly Member Kalra, relative to Cricket.

Senator Cortese

Thank you, madam President and Senators, I rise on behalf of Assembly Member Kalra to present ACR 211, a resolution that encourages the California Interscholastic Federation to recognize cricket as an official high school sport.

Cricket is a game that originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century and quickly spread to many of its former colonies in neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, and Australia. Since then, it has achieved immense popularity here in the United States, cultivating thriving player and fan communities here and across the world.

This includes the United States as a whole, where over 200,000 people play the game. California's position itself as one of the hubs of the American cricket, hosting two of the six major league cricket teams and preparing to reintroduce cricket as an official Olympic sport at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Cricket also holds a particular importance for many members of our state's South Asian diaspora, who consider it integral to their historical and cultural heritage. Despite this, it has not yet been recognized as an official high school sport in the State of California, depriving students of the opportunity to participate in interscholastic play.

In response, ACR 211 urges the California Interscholastic Federation to take steps toward officially recognizing cricket if one of its member schools brings it before them for application and consideration. It also emphasizes that the establishment of high school cricket should support continued cricket play at the collegiate level.

ACR 211 not only celebrates cricket's rich history, but it encourages us to ensure that it has an even brighter future. Senators, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator C. No mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Moving on to file item 345. Last item under Assembly Third reading, change of presenter here. Senator Durazo will be doing this item. She is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly concurrent Resolution 227 by Assemblymember Wallace relative to women in animation.

Senator Durazo.

Thank you, Madam President. Rise to present ACR 227, which honors and acknowledges the contributions of women in the animation industry and the organization that supports and promotes their work. Women in animation, or WEA, California is the birthplace of the most beloved animated icons known throughout the world and home to many prominent animation studios.

However, while many of the iconic animated characters we've grown up watching, our women, women historically have been underrepresented in the creative production space. Three decades ago, a group of women, frustrated with this systemic underrepresentation and mistaken beliefs that women could only be painters and inkers, founded WEA.

We established a goal that 50% of animators be women by 2025. To achieve this, WEA works with all levels of professionals within the global animation communities to empower and advocate for people of underrepresented gender identities in the art, technology, production, and business of animation.

However, the animation industry faces new challenges with the emergence of AI technology as a key part of California's culture and economy. The industry must navigate the evolving landscape where AI's rapid advancement is beginning to influence traditional roles and artistic practices.

ACR 227 raises awareness and calls for the preservation of the creative and cultural significance of our animation industry, and particularly the important contribution of women in an era of technological advancement. Thank you and I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 227.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics up for discussion or debate. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? See none. Ayes 37. Noes 0. Resolution is adopted. We're going to lift the calls on those five resolutions we went through, and we're going to start with file item 53. We're opening the calls. File 53.

SR 122. Secretary, please call the roll. Absent Members

Roll Call

Aye's 37 no's 0, the resolution passes. Now moving on to File Item 99. Opening on the roll call, file number 99. AJR 9. Secretary, please call the absent members.

Roll Call

Aye's 28 no's 8, resolution is adopted. File Item 303 is on deck for ACR 182. Secretary, please call the absent members.

Roll Call

Aye's 37 no's 0, the resolution is adopted. File Item 327 is on deck AJR 18. Secretary, please call the absent members.

Roll Call

Aye's 35, no's 0 the resolution is adopted. Now, on to File Item 335. ACR 211. Secretary, please call the absent members.

Roll Call

Aye's 37, no's, 0. The resolution is adopted. Last item to call the roll on again is File Item 345, ACR 220. We shut that down and then we are. Great. Moving on to consent calendar items 349 through 353 and special consent calendar items 354 through 365.

Any Member wish to pull an item from the consent calendars? Great. I see none. Secretary, please read all items

Consent Calender

Secretary, please call the roll on the first item.

Roll Call

Aye's 37, no's 0. The consent calendar is adopted. We're going to be moving to motions and resolutions under motions and resolutions like to recognize Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, there's a resolution at the desk requesting permission to suspend joint rule 61 for the purpose of allowing the Transportation Committee and the Appropriations Committee to meet and hear Assembly Bill 1038. These requests have been approved by the Rules Committee.

Senator Jones, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I ask for a roll call vote on this and no vote, please.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Cortese is asking for an I vote. Senator Jones is asking for a no vote. Secretary, please call the roll. Read the resolution.

Resolve that joint Rule 61 be dispensed with as requested.

Secretary, please call the roll

Roll Call

Please call the absent members.

Roll Call

Aye's, 28, no's 0. Motion carries. 28. Aye's, 28 no's 0. Ayes, 28 no's 9. Motion carries. Moving on to Committee Announcements. We have one announcement. Senator Caballero.

Appropriations will meet in 2200 at 01:00 p.m.

Godspeed.Thank you, Senator. Returning to motions and resolutions, this is a time to do our adjourn in memories. Senators, if you have a conversation and respectfully asking that you take your conversations off the floor. We have five aims. We're going to be starting off with Senator Wahab.

Thank you, colleagues. I rise to adjourn in memory of former district 10 state Senator Ellen Corbett. She was the second woman in California's history to serve as Senate majority leader. Some of you have even actually served with her. Senator Corbett shattered glass ceilings and opened so many doors for other women.

In fact, she broke up the good old boys club in the Bay Area. She began her political career in 1990 when she was elected to the San Leandro City Council. In 1994, she became the first ever directly elected woman mayor of San Leandro. Her political career would go on to span three decades.

San Leandro mayor, state assembly senate majority leader, President of the East Bay Regional Parks Board of directors. Ellen actually never stopped working for the people. She was a true representative of the East Bay, having attended Chabot College in Cal State East Bay.

She visited me in my senate office just in my first few weeks on the job, and she told me that it was very nostalgic to actually be in this building again. And at the time, obviously, it was the swing space, and she was here in this capitol building.

And I reminded her that nearly 10 years prior, I actually shadowed her when she was the senate majority leader, and she insisted that I sit in her chair and look up and spin. And she chuckled and she said that, yeah, it was a long time ago, but 12 years goes by really fast.

She goes in a blink of an eye. And she always tried to provide insight, any type of support, and much more. She was always very supportive of myself and many other women who followed her footsteps.

And, in fact, when we would have lunch at her favorite spot, she was always willing to be very open, honest, and listen and try to understand what you wanted to achieve and how you wanted to move and support the community and how she could be of help to what your goal is.

And I really just want to highlight her effort and her work, because even till her last breath, she was serving the Bay Area. And I'm very honored to be able to follow in her footsteps and represent the district that she once represented. I do want to say, may she rest in peace, and I thank you all.

Thank you, senator. Senator Wahab, Senator Skinner.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I also rise to adjourn in Ellen's memory. We overlapped in our service. I've known her for years. Obviously, we were in local government together. She was my next door. Well, when I was in the Assembly, she was my next door neighbor. Senator.

And interestingly enough, as our colleague talked about her civic life in San Leandro, she was born in Oakland, and Oakland always held a very special place to her. And she always was proud that there was a piece of Oakland in her district. Her political instincts were honed early in life by her father. Her father was an attorney.

He was active in democratic party politics. He worked on RFK's campaign for President. And he would tell a funny story, which, of course, Ellen would tell. This was her funny story about her father, that when her father ran for Oakland school board, he was in a race with two women, two men and one woman.

The men split the vote and the woman won. The woman who won was March Fong Wu Yu. And Ellen said, her dad always said he was responsible for March Fong Yew's political career. Ellen, as our colleague mentioned in winning Senate District 10, was David to Goliath because she had.

She was no longer in the assembly, so was out of office when she ran. And she defeated two sitting Assembly Johann Claes and John Dutra.

Her district staff wanted me to convey that she was especially proud of keeping San Leandro Hospital open, kept it from closing, that her first job was tour guide here in the capital, and that she was very proud that even with her daunting work in the Capitol, she drove home from Sacramento every day during the school year to be with her son Ryan.

The other thing is, it's no surprise that she went on to be on the board of the East Bay Regional Park District, a board I also served on because when she was senator and assembly member, she would hold legislative walks, the parks district. So she would talk to her constituents.

She would have a meet her there and go on walks through the parks. Her park board members were very, very proud of her, loved working with her. They let. They told me to make sure to convey that her deepest concern was to ensure that there was access for all of our residents to those parks.

And she made sure that the park district collected data to make sure who was, to identify who was being left out and why, so they could do something about it. And as a master gardener, she herself was a huge advocate for the environment, loved the park district, and she will be greatly missed.

Senator Laird, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I, too, rise in the memory of Ellen Corbett. We met when we both served in local government. But when I was elected to the Assembly in 2002, there was this unique fact, and that was in the class of 25 Democrats elected that year, there was not a single attorney.

As a result, three of us that were not attorneys were appointed to the Judiciary Committee, and the chair of the Judiciary Committee was Ellen Corbett. And she took us all in. We all had major tasks. She mentored us. She made sure we felt part of the full family.

And when there were very contentious issues, it helped that we were really standing side by side. Additionally, she represented my mother when she was in the senate, and she'd always make a point when she went to the senior center in Pleasanton of seeking out my mother and calling her by name and saying hi, which I always appreciated.

And she took on in 2006, this major bill to deal with the ability of consumers to get money back with leftover money below a certain level on gift cards.

I am this year updating that bill to try to get it to where inflation, inflation would be, but I wouldn't be able to do it if she didn't fight a really pitched battle in 2006 against all odds to enact that bill, because she knew that that was a right consumer should have that there's $20 billion of unused gift cards in a way that if there's a small amount left, consumers should be able to access it.

And even though it was thankless, she took on that task until she landed it on the governor's desk and it was signed. She was a longtime friend. She was a great colleague. She was a true public servant. She was a glass ceiling breaker. And we will truly miss her.

Thank you, Senator Wahab. Please bring the majority leader's name forward so that she may be properly memorialized in the journal. Our next aim is going to be led by our majority leader and Senator Durazo. Majority leader. Thank you, Madam Senator Gonzalez. Yeah, I said by the majority leader and Senator Durazo.

Thank you, Madam President. It is with much sadness that I rise as Vice Chair of the Latino caucus as well, to adjourn in the memory of Richard J. A La Torre, who passed away this week at the age of 81.

Often referred to as the godfather of Latino politics in California, Richard left a lasting legacy of Latino empowerment through historic legislation, community investments, and increased representation. He was the son of a Mexican American mother and Mexican immigrant father. Richard grew up on the east side of Los Angeles.

He attended Cal State LA and earned a master's degree from USC. Soon after the chicano moratorium in 1970, he made his first run for office, narrowly losing a seat for the Assembly. But he won that seat during the next cycle and served from 1973 to 1985.

While there, he authored landmark legislation establishing bilingual education in the Agricultural Labor Relations Act. He co founded the Chicano Caucus, which later become, as we know now, the Latino Caucus, and chaired the Assembly Elections Committee, where he used the redistricting process to expand electoral opportunities for Latinos and many other minority candidates.

His efforts also opened the door for new generations and candidates that began to diversify the legislature and expand Latino and Latina representation. He gained a reputation as a blunt and effective deal maker, passionate advocate for the underserved and under accountant, and a mentor to many growing and aspiring politicians in Los Angeles.

In 1985, he handedly won a seat on the Los Angeles City Council, the first Latino to win a seat on the council in over 20 years. As Edward Roybal, the first Latino elected, left in 1962. And while on the council, Richard got to work again, expanding minority representation through the redistricting process.

This helped usher in a new generation of politicians, including Gloria Molina. Over his 14 years on the council, he fought for greater investments in the most underserved communities on the east side of Los Angeles and the growth of the east side political machine. Richard's keen political acumen and strategic vision helped change California's political landscape for the better.

He will forever be remembered as one of the key architects of Latino empowerment in our state. For an amazing account of his life's work, I recommend reading Richard's book, change from the my life, the Chicano Movement, and the story of an era.

He is survived by his wife Angie, their daughter Melinda, two sons Derek and Darrell, and granddaughters Gabriela, Mariela, Daniela and Casey. And they are all in our thoughts as we grieve Richard's passing and honor his life's work. I thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to the Senator from Long Beach. Richard A la Torre was a champion, champion for our community. He was a champion because he fought for representation by engaging in trailblazing on reapportionment. He included the count of noncitizens in the Census bureau to make sure that our whole community was counted.

As was said, he was author of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. We still are the only state in the United States that recognizes collective bargaining for farmworkers. He was the second Latino to serve in LA City Council and to me he was a personal mentor.

When I became active and won the President, as President of my local union, hotel and restaurant workers, poor working people, we wanted to make change in the city and the County of Los Angeles. And he stood up and said, I will help. But more importantly, he would tell through stories.

He would teach me what was the better way of doing things without, you know, really preaching at me. And that's what I loved the most about him. He really, he was incredibly smart. He was very simple about getting things done.

He was a good friend of my late husband Miguel because of the farmworker movement and passed on that friendship to me, and I'm very, very grateful. He had an extraordinary commitment to justice, especially to working people. So I would say that Latino lawmakers have a great debt to Richard A La Torre for his landmark redistricting plan in 1981.

Farmworkers owe a great debt to Richard A La Torre because Cesar Chavez said the historic farmworker law would not have been done without him. Latinos and other people of color in the state and Local Government civil service O Richard A La Torre for his precedent setting bilingual Services act that he got Ronald Reagan to sign in 1973.

These are only a few examples of one of the most consequential political leaders of our time. I send our love and condolences to his wife Angie, daughter Melinda, sons Derek, Darrell and the rest of the family rest in power. Brother Hermano Richard A La Torre. Y si se puede.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Rubio, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I also want to add my voice and express my deep sadness at the loss of Mr. A La Torre, who is also a personal friend of mine, as he was to so many in our community. He definitely said the bar high as it pertains to his leadership.

And he made tremendous gains in the Latino community in the areas of education as already expressed in agriculture, farmworkers. And really, I looked up to him and I'm so incredibly sad to see that he will no longer be someone that I have around to just call and talk to. But I do want to offer my condolences to.

To Angie, his wife Melinda, who's also a personal friend, and Darryl, his son, who I know very well as well. And we're all going to miss him. And we want to just say thank you on behalf of all Latinos who never saw themselves in office because we often didn't see people like us in these positions.

We want to thank him for the positive mark he left and how much he encouraged the new generation to step up and want to lead. So thank you to him and condolences to his family. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Major lair. Please bring the Assembly member's name forward so that he may be properly memorialized in the journal. Up next, we have Senator Hurtado.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to adjourn in the memory of Aldo Javier Garcia, a remarkable young man dedicated to public service and a remarkable member of our legislative family. At just 25 years old, Aldo's journey was tragically cut short. Yet his contributions to our community will have a lasting impact.

Aldo was not only a constituent from my district, but he was also a frequent visitor to my office. He would always ask my team, so what are you guys doing for the Central Valley? This question was more than just a conversation starter. It was a reflection of Aldo's deep commitment to the region that raised him.

Aldo was born and raised in Corcoran, California, a place where the land and water are intertwined with the lives of its people. People. As a son of farmworkers, Aldo understood the significance of water not just as a resource, but as a lifeline for his community and countless others across the central valley.

From a young age, Aldo was driven by a desire to give back to the community that helped shaped him. His journey took him to UC Berkeley, where he earned a bachelor's of arts in political science. At Berkeley, Aldo was more than just a student.

He was a leader, a mentor and a voice for those who often go unheard. He was particularly passionate about environmental justice and the intersection of water policy and community well being. He knew that access to clean, safe and reliable water was not just an environmental issue, but a matter of social and economic justice.

After graduating from Berkeley, Aldo was selected as an assembly fellow, where he stood out among his peers for his dedication to public service. He served as a fellow for Assemblymember Laurie Wilson.

Aldo quickly became known for his expertise in water issues, his dedication to the people of the Central Valley, and his commitment to crafting policies that would make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

He continued his work as a legislative staffer for Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, who allowed him to bring his passion and advocacy for the Central Valley to other regions of California. But beyond his professional achievements, Aldo was a son. He was a brother, a friend and a light in the lives of those who knew him.

He was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel valued, who could find the good in any situation and who never lost sight of the bigger picture. His laughter, his kindness, and his unwavering optimism were a source of strength for all who knew him.

As we remember Aldo today, we also honor the dreams he held, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind. His story is a reminder of the incredible potential that exists within each of us, the potential to make a difference, to uplift others, and to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Aldo's loss is a profound one, not just for his family and friends, but for all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. Yet even in our grief, we find solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives on, in the work that we do, in the lives we touched, and in the communities we serve.

In honor of Aldo Javier Garcia, let us commit ourselves to continuing the work he started, to fighting for justice, to serving with integrity, and to never losing sight of the power of community. Aldo, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew you rest in power.

Aldo, may your memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to us all.

Thank you so much, Senator. Condolences from the senate to the family of Aldo that is here behind us and also in the gallery. Senator, please bring the young warrior's name forward so that he may forever be memorialized in our journal. Senator Skinner, you're recognized.

Members. I ask you to join me an adjourning in the memory of my brother, Robert Skinner, who died in early July. Rob was number seven of nine. He was not my youngest baby brother, but he was still the little brother that I took care of as a little kid. And then off and on again through the years.

He was beautiful. Blond, curly hair, blue eyes, Chubby cheeks. And in his teenage years and most of his adulthood, he was strikingly handsome, lean, muscular.

And if I were my sisters, any of us, wherever we were, with him at Home Depot, at a hardware store, at the grocery store, every woman, no matter what age, couldn't take their eyes off of him. He was a head turner, and he made himself known with a booming voice and a big presence.

In high school, he was a star football player, and being that star, he had a lot of injuries, and the result of those injuries is he couldn't play through college, which really was something he regretted greatly. He passionately loved sports, football and baseball in particular.

And unlike me, who was a native of San Francisco, he was born in L. A. Area. His team was the Dodgers. Anyway. He also loved the Raiders and Notre Dame. He had encyclopedic knowledge of movies. Ask him anything. He knew every line. He loved rock and roll, especially the who, the Stones, and Pink Floyd.

For most of his work life, he was a self employed contractor. But more than that, he was a skilled builder. He built custom designed houses and remodels with cabinetry tiling and more that he designed and built with his own hands. But his proudest accomplishment was his son, Kevin.

He was a loving father, and he made sure to be in touch with Kevin at least weekly. Kevin lives in Chicago, and Kevin recently became engaged, and it further increased my brother's pride for Kevin.

But my brother Rob like so many people that we love or who we know or who are in our family or our constituents, he had a lot of struggles. Addiction, mental health, likely bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, a number of addictions, some he was able to tackle. Other times they tackled him.

While Rob was never incarcerated, he had a long rap sheet, he told me, and I certainly observed that he believed that he got the benefit of the doubt because he was white, with the extra bonus of being blonde and blue eyed. Rob is one of the reasons that so much of my work has.

Has been focused on criminal justice reform and anti poverty, and especially in the area of housing, because in the last 12 or 15 years, he couldn't even afford to keep a roof over his head.

For many years, he lived in my property, or he lived with another sister, or he lived in different spots, couch surfed and such, thank God, never fully on the street. But whenever I or others realized that he was living in his car, we made sure to get him out of there.

But our safety net is not enough to make sure that people like him are not either in the car or the tent. His struggles could often get the best of him, and it made it increasingly difficult, as I mentioned, for him to keep a job or secure new ones.

He had many capabilities and so much to give, but he couldn't always function the way that we expect people to. He never gave up. He always kept trying.

He, in fact, in the last couple years, was diligently applying to all of the housing lists, and I think I mentioned that on the floor before he finally got in to a subsidized unit that he could afford and had moved into a studio just in June.

For the last few years, he was a volunteer football coach at Alameda High School, volunteering during a time when he couldn't even afford gas, so he'd ride his bike there, miles. Being with those kids, though, gave him joy and purpose. Purpose and joy that he so needed.

In the last four years, while he was struggling most with his addictions, his mental health issues, and his poverty, despite his challenges, my brother brought value to this world and to many people's lives. He gave much. I deeply loved him. I still can't believe I will never see him again. At only 62, Rob was taken too early.

May he rest in peace, and may we all know and trust that every person has value and much to give. We in the legislature have the opportunity to ensure that the policies that we adopt give every person the opportunity to demonstrate their value and to be recognized for what they can give us.

We need to commit ourselves to do that. Thank you for a journey in my brother's memory.

Senator Atkins, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to share in the comments of our colleague from Berkeley, mostly because many of us have lived this experience with her and we have learned from her.

She said a lot of what I wanted to highlight, which is, in her early years, she really was the mother to her brothers and sisters, and she took it seriously, even to this day. And in terms of the support and love that she gave her brother, Rob, I just want to say we commend you.

Much of the policy work, as you mentioned you have done has been on behalf of lived experiences of many in the community, but your family, and we have benefited from that.

It's right that we share and adjourn in his memory, because each of us, many of us, your colleagues, have been with you each step of the way, some of us, for the last 14 years. And so to my colleague from Berkeley, on behalf of our colleagues, we just want you to know that we support you.

We really understand the humaneness from which you have brought your policy work to light and the stories that you have shared. And we are grateful. And we know that we have benefited from this. And we want to join you in memory of an incredible individual who gave much to this world.

And you helped us recognize that very fact and the complexity of all of these issues. You have to look through and find what's most important, and you've allowed us to do that. And we thank you for making Rob part of our lives as well. Thank you, Madam President.

Senator Skinner, your Senate family wraps you up in love and support during this difficult time. Your brother will be forever memorialized in the Senate Journal. Senator Blakespear, you're recognized.

Thank you. I'm moved by the previous adjourn in memory. Thank you, Madam President. I rise today in honor of the life and memory of 19 year old Nicole Bartesh. Her father is part of the city staff in Anaheim, and Senator Unberg wished that he could be here today to memorialize Nicole.

Tragically, after battling a genetic disorder, Fanconi Anemia, Nicole passed away on June 7, 2024 at age 19. She grew up in Anaheim, California, and attended Nova Academy Charter High School in Santa Ana. She graduated last year, June 2023, as a student on the honor roll.

She achieved this recognition by maintaining her name on the honor roll for all four years of high school. In addition, she graduated with a community service recognition for recording over 120 hours of community service. Her extensive hospitalizations and medical challenges did not give her the chance to enroll in college.

She loved riding horses, listening to k pop, and taking care of her dog, Luna. In her short time, her small but mighty personality touched many lives. Nicole is survived by her parents, David and Nam, and her younger brothers, Joseph and Matthew. Senators, I ask that the California State Senate adjourn in her memory.

Thank you, Senator. Her young life will be forever embedded in the Senate Journal. If there is no other business. Senator McGuire, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Members we are looking to next week want to remind members, as I know we don't need any reminder, that we will be living in these chambers over the next two weeks. We'll be working, as we discussed earlier, to about 06:00 each night next week and then our final week of session.

We'll be working all hours of the morning, noon and night. And want to remind members that we'll be looking at August 31, which is a Saturday, as a session day as well.

With that and with this emotional adjournment, Senator Skinner, we hope you are able to spend time with your friends and family this weekend and rest up as we have a busy two weeks. The next floor session is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at 02:00 p.m.

Enjoy your weekend of freedom. Strap in for next week. The senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received at the desk. We will reconvene Monday, August 19 at 02:00 p.m.