Assembly Floor

The Assembly is now in session. My very favorite Member. Assemblymember Dixon notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant in arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent Members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members Quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for our prayer. Today's prayer will be offered by our Assembly chaplain, Reverend Bob Oshita. Reverend Oshita.

Please join me in a moment of reflection. It was in 1975 that I received my first assignment as a minister. I was assigned to the large Los Angeles temple just outside of Little Tokyo. I still recall the first time someone said to me before service, you know I'm not Buddhist.

I remember smiling as I responded, saying, neither am I. I felt even then that labels can separate us rather than bring us together. Especially with religion and politics. The labels we give ourselves and to others too often divide us rather than bring us together.

In 2001, still reeling from the shock of 911 I was invited to participate in a truly diverse interfaith forum. With 16 clergy participating. We were asked to present the essence of our traditions in five minutes. After one hour, we were not even halfway done. After two hours, I sensed the audience growing weary.

When the microphone finally came to me, I promised to be brief, then shared one sentence. If there is a religious tradition that would say if we could get beyond all religious labels and start over again and just be good and kind and decent to each other, but Buddhism would be delighted.

I handed the microphone off and was surprised by the applause. It seems I was not alone in wanting to move away from the labels that divide us and simply feel the caring and kindness of our shared humanity. We are living in times where we need each other perhaps more than ever.

We know this and admired spiritual leaders through time have noticed this too. Dr. Martin Luther King said we argue endlessly over creeds, ritual and denominations. We must see that we have a unity of purpose that transcends our differences. If only we could get beyond our differences and just be good and kind and decent to each other.

If only. Namu AMI Davut. With kindness and gratitude beyond words.

We ask our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assembly Member Avila Farias will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members, please raise your right hand over your heart. I pledge to the flag of the. United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,

May be seated for guests and visitors today. State law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative proceedings or disrupting the orderly conduct of a official business. Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest or other appropriate legal remedies. Reading of the previous day's Journal Assembly.

Chamber Sacramento Tuesday, February 11, 2025 the Assembly met at 7:00am The Honorable Tri Ta Assembly Member 70th District Presiding Chief.

Moves and Mr. Gallagher seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with previous presentations and petitions. There are none. Introductions and references of bills will be deferred, reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor? There are none. Messages from the Senate? There are none.

Moving on to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day. Assemblymember Flora, Haney, Ortega and Schiavo Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Aguiar Curry, Caloza and Soria to speak on adjournment of memory today.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 118A to allow Assembly Members Aguiar Curry, Caloza, Macedo, Muratsuchi, Papan, Sharp Collins and Zbur to have guests in the rear of the chamber today.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Local Government Committee to notice AB 253 Ward for their hearing on Wednesday, March 12, pending re referral from the Housing and Community Development Committee.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB 480 Quirk-Silva from the Revenue and Taxation Committee to the Housing and Community Development Committee, then back to the Revenue Tax Committee.

Without objection. Such shall be the order. Members, very happy to invite all of you to welcome our newest colleague, Assemblymember Stan Ellis, to our House. Assembly Member Ellis, we look forward to working with you. Welcome to the People's House, Mr. Ellis. We'll now move on to guest introductions.

Thank you. Members summary. Member Sharp Collins, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today it is my pleasure to welcome guests from my high school Alma mater, the Hive. Lincoln High School's football team. They won the Division 1 AACIF State Championships for 2024. On the floor we have team captains Aiden Jackson, Eugene Rice, King David Dunn, Ramon Davis and Indigo Northermere.

And also head coach David Dunn, who is a former NFL player as well. Also joining in the gallery up here on the left side are Principal Brian Hester and coach Jason Carter. Members, we often talk about resilience and also fighting back. Against all odds.

This team defies all odds on the road to victory, beating De La Salle High School 33 to 28 for Lincoln's second championship win in the last three years.

The team's field was unusable and deemed unsafe this year, and as a result, to practice, the team had to take buses across the city, often losing an hour of practice time due to transit. But also, home games were not held at Lincoln High School.

Instead, they were held at Southwestern Community College, located all the way in Chula Vista. Despite it all, they persevered and were rewarded with the state championship. They truly lived up to their mantra this year. If you see their sweatshirts. Against all odds. Members, please help me welcome the state championships for Division 1 AA Lincoln High School.

Thank you, Members. Happy Monday, everybody. We have a. We have more guest introductions to do here. Members presenting from the majority leader's desk, Assemblymember Papan. You are recognized for your guest introduction.

Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. It's an absolute honor for me to stand here today as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of the College of San Mateo Bulldogs football team, who are the 2024 Community College Athletic Association State champions. Let's give them a round of applause. All right, let me tell you about them.

You guys are great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. On December 14, 2024 the Bulldogs demonstrated resilience, determination and sheer excellence as they defeated Mount San Antonio College 43 to 11 to capture their second state championship in three years. This victory was not just about a game.

It was a testament to the unwavering dedication, talent and hard work of an extraordinary group of young men and an exceptional coaching staff. Under the leadership of head coach Tim Tullock and his outstanding staff, the Bulldogs have built more than just a championship winning program. They have built a culture of excellence that extends far beyond the field.

A culture rooted in academic achievement, personal development and community engagement. The Bulldogs football team is about more than just winning games.

It's a holistic development program that transforms young men into future leaders through initiatives like the Built for Life curriculum, where they learn professional development, financial literacy and goal setting, ensuring that they are prepared not only for success on the field, but in life beyond football. The team GPA is 3.43.

The team is committed to excellence on and off the field. And let's not forget that they're dedicated to their community subject that's near and dear to me. Be the match. Cancer donor drives and supporting our Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as Literacy week. And of course, none of this wouldn't be possible without Coach Tillock.

His mentorship and the rest of the coaching staff's guidance have shaped this program into a powerhouse, producing not just champions, but scholars, leaders and young men. And to the players, all of you up there and all of you down here, you have made history.

You have shown what it means to never give up, to rise above challenges, and to play for something greater than yourselves. I thank you on behalf of the State of California and the community that belongs to you, San Mateo. Way to go, Bulldogs. Thank you for building. Thank you for being here. And always remember, you are Built for life. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I rise to recognize and honor Kira Bixler, the current Miss California teen. Driven by a desire to increase the state's literacy rate, Kira created the Imagine with Kira project where she raised over $70,000.

She used this money to distribute 10,000 copies of her book called Imagine with Kira, which is printed in both Spanish and English to expand literacy efforts across the Central Valley. She has also collected over 25,000 children's books to continuously spark kids interest in reading in our home county, Tulare County.

Kira is a freshman at UC Berkeley and is double majoring in Economics and Media Studies. But she finds time to come home to Visalia to serve her community. The Miss America Organization has four points of the crown. Style, Scholarship, service and success. There is also an honorary fifth point which is sisterhood.

These principles create opportunities for young women to become future leaders. My years in the Miss America Organization taught me many life lessons and skills, as well as blessing me with an opportunity to meet and mentor young women like Kira. During my reign as Miss Central Valley, Kira served as my princess and we shared so many wonderful memories.

What she may not know is how much she taught me. When you assume a position of leadership, you inherit two accessories, a spotlight and a target. Kira taught me how to use that spotlight to courageously work to make this world a better place and inspire others to do the same.

I had the honor of teaching her how to handle the other accessory, the target. We as women should always work to build each other up and cheer for each other's success. Find those that applaud your wins and ignore those who await your failure.

Let them keep busy watching you as you achieve the incredible success you are destined for. Throughout your life, there will be people in positions of power who will try to strip you down and silence you. This is out of their own weakness and insecurity. Experience like this will only make you stronger and shine brighter.

I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. You represented the Central Valley and our state with grace, strength and brilliance. I can't wait to see all you accomplish. Please join me in giving a warm Assembly welcome to Ms. Kira Bixler.

Members, our next guest introduction will be by Mr. Zbur. But prior to doing that, will you please join me in wishing Mr. Zbur a happy birthday. He celebrated yesterday. Happy birthday, sir. We love you. Mr. Zbur. You are recognized for your guest introduction.

Mr. Speaker. Members, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Two leaders who represent parts of my district to the Assembly floor today. The Mayor of Santa Monica, the Honorable Lionel Negretti, and the Los Angeles City Council Member for the 11th district, the Honorable Tracy Park. Great.

These two women have demonstrated incredible leadership in the face of the Palisades fire. Council Member park represents the Palisades neighborhood, and in her leadership, Los Angeles residents have found a true advocate.

Council Member park has demonstrated a tenacity and energy that has inspired many in our city and renewed hope that a bright future in Los Angeles is possible. In Santa Monica, which borders the Palisades, thousands of residents were under either mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. Residents looked to their elected leaders for guidance.

And in the face of fear and potential catastrophe, Mayor Negretti emerged as a leader who was at once both unifying and decisive, calming and inspiring. Fortunately, the fires did not burn homes in Santa Monica. Yet as we began to take stock of the situation, it was clear that the fires would have had.

Would have had a profound impact on Santa Monica. And they still do today. From supporting displaced residents, businesses and children to advocating for the policies and funding needed to bring back our communities mature, Negretti and Council Member park have both been working around the clock. I'm honored to call both of these amazing women my friends.

And the 51st Assembly District is blessed to have their leadership Members. Please join me in welcoming the honorable Tracy park and the honorable Lana Negretti to the Assembly today.

Assemblymember Addis, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I am so excited. It is my honor and my privilege to welcome Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Agricultural Leadership class. Joining us in the gallery are 21 fantastic students, students and representatives of this program.

Cal Poly SLO's Agricultural Leadership Program is the longest running of its kind and provides hands on experience in key fields like veterinary science, agricultural mechanics, horticulture, agronomy, livestock and ranching. Additionally, Cal Poly SLO's Agricultural Leadership Class equips students with the skills to become effective leaders, educators and communicators.

Students are empowered to overcome complex challenges and advocate for the future of the agricultural industry. Agriculture has long been a part of the compelling story of the Central coast, and this industry has served us as a vital economic driver, contributing billions of dollars to our state's economy each year.

The Central coast is not only core to sustaining this industry, but also serves as the home for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Today, the next generation joins us in Sacramento to immerse themselves in our state's government. Learning firsthand how policy is shaped, how the legislative process works, and what is possible for them in the future.

I am proud to welcome this wonderful group of students from San Luis Obispo and thrilled to have them here with us today. So, colleagues, please join me with a hearty applause to welcome and appreciate these amazing students and their leaders.

Majority leader Aguiar Curry, you were recognized.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'd like to recognize the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Society, the gallery, with everyone else. I am honored that they're here today. My brother, my father, my brothers all went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, participate in leadership.

But the young man on the very left, that's my nephew. And I am so honored that he's participating in this kind of project. And all of you that are up there, you don't understand how lucky you are and that leadership is so important. So remember, as I tell my children and Joseph, be a leader, not a follower. Thanks for coming today.

Thank you, madam Majority Leader. Assemblymember Avila Farias, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise to recognize the distinguished. Guests joining us here in the gallery to my left. For more than four decades, the Bay Area Community Resources has delivered a wide range of services to schools and communities. Throughout the Bay Area.

During this time, the organization has remained steadfast to their mission, promoting healthy development of individuals and families throughout the Bay Area. Each year, their dedicated staff and volunteers provide direct services to tens of thousands of people. Members, please join me in congratulating the Bay Area Community Resources and their outstanding. Students on their dedication to academic excellence. And their commitment to our community.

Welcome to the California Assembly. Members, I'm going to ask for your attention, please. We are going to be moving on to the business on the daily file. File item 1, ACR 28 by Assembly Member Ortega, presented today at the Majority Leader's desk by Assemblymember Bonta. Clerk will read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 28. By Assembly Member Ortega relative to women in Construction Week.

Assemblymember Bonta, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Members, today I rise on behalf of Assemblymember Ortega to introduce ACR 28, officially designating March 2 through March 8, 2025 as Women in Construction Week in our great State of California. Each year the celebration brings awareness to women's contributions to the construction industry.

We still have a long way to go toward gender parity in the trades. Nationally, women account for 10.9% of the building trades workforce. Women and predominantly women of color have been Marginalized in all sectors excluded from participating in these secure family supporting jobs. At the same time, poverty and wage disparities are on the rise.

We have seen our poverty rate double in the last few years while the price of groceries is up nearly 30%. The incredible relentless advocacy and bravery of our union workers has been instrumental in advancing the status of women in trades by ensuring fair wages, equitable pay and benefits, safe working conditions and equal opportunities for all.

In California, 90% of women apprentices who graduate into trade jobs come through the Joint Labor Management building trades apprenticeships that are run by our unions. I met many of them today, women leaders who are actually running those apprenticeship programs as well. These roles are more than jobs.

They are pathways to economic security, offering valuable skills and a stable way to support one's family. Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the work of unions and supporting workers and bringing parity to the construction industry.

Now more than ever, we must reaffirm that the strength of our state lies in our people, in our diverse and tenacious workforce. As we celebrate the strides of our tradeswomen that our trades women have made, let's also renew our commitment to empowering women in construction and and empowering all working people in California. Colleagues, I respectfully ask for your aye votes on ACR 28.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bonta. Assemblymember Davies, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of ACR 28. As a strong supporter of our tradesmen and women, I have been a strong advocate to try and increase the number of women in our construction fields here in California. According to the latest Data from the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statutes, the number of women in the construction industry has been increasing for the past 10 consecutive years. Between 2015 and 2024, the number has risen to almost 1.3 million women in the field, resulting in an overall percentage increase of 44.56.

In addition to the women currently in the field, 39% hold some type of leadership position. Our state has been a leader in breaking glass ceilings, whether it's with a. Hammer or a drill. Ladies and I just want to say that our state has been a leader in breaking these. But we know that there's more that.

Can be done for you. I want to applaud the companies who have made target efforts to recruit women into this field, but that is just half the battle. Women in construction need a seat at the table so that they may bring their knowledge and expertise to a project or a site. Again, I want to thank our colleagues from San Leandro introducing this and I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Davies. Assemblymember Dixon, you are recognized.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I today too support I stand in support of ACR 28. As University costs and enrollment continues to rise, prospective attendees are finding it more difficult to justify the significant cost of obtaining a college degree.

This highlights the need for renewed commitment to career technical education in order to keep alternative pathways open for interested students to pur pursue careers in the construction trades. It should be a priority in California to continue to make access and training to the trades easy for students.

Cost for materials in order to provide hands on learning presents a significant challenge for increasing accessibility to these programs. However, we have the opportunity to support these programs and make funding available wherever we can and encourage men and women, boys and girls to participate in these programs.

Other states such as Wisconsin have seen success in encouraging these programs with significant increases by women and boys women especially in manufacturing courses. In California, our very own Kern High School District in Bakersfield spent 100 million of voter approved bond measures to and state grants to construct a new vocational center and expand its regional occupation center.

As a result, additional classes are available for older students for College Credit. About 70% of students who take courses at either of the two centers continue their education after high school, the vast majority of them ending up in trade schools or community college and careers in construction management.

In fact, I refer you to today's issue of the Wall Street Journal with a front page story about women in construction and the and re reintroduction to our high school curriculums all across the country. For the shop formerly known as shop classes is rising because of the reasons I just said.

I appreciate the author bringing this resolution forward and hope we continue to highlight the importance of the trades for our students and to pursue high paying jobs that can be obtained in the construction industry. Colleagues, I respectfully ask your I vote request your I vote for ACR 28. Thank you.

Thank you. Assemblymember Dixon. Just a moment. Assemblymember Bonta Members. Members, this is your time. Please show decorum. Assemblymember Bonta, Hearing, seeing and hearing. No further debate. You may close.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I respectfully ask for the roll to be open for co authors if possible. With that I close.

Thank you Assemblymember Bonta. The Clerk will open the roll for co authors. Members, this is for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 72 CO authors added without Objection.

We will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say Aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Banta, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. On behalf of Assembly Member Ortega and in honor of this resolution, we acknowledge the amazing women workers in the construction industry joining us here today to support ACR 28.

In the gallery we have people who are just starting out in their careers and folks who have been with us and in their field raising up other women construction workers and workers for 25 or more years. In the gallery of visitors from IBEW, IUOE, Smart, UA, Construction Traders, Workforce Initiative, Tri Counties, Building Trades Council and the Teamsters. But most importantly, we have a group of badass women representing us. Please welcome them.

We shall continue on with file item 2. House Resolution 2 by Assembly Member Muratsuchi the the Clerk will read

House Resolution 13 by Assembly Member Muratsuchi relative to Read Across America Day

Assembly Member Muratsuchi , you are recognized.

Thank you very much. Colleagues, please join me in celebrating Read Across America Day. Read Across America Day is the nation's largest celebration of reading, encouraging every child in every community to celebrate reading. Launched by the National Education Association and guided by educators throughout the country, this day is recognized as a celebration of reading. Members, please join me and educators across the State of California in recognizing today as Read Across America Day.

Thank you. Assemblymember Muratsuchi . Assemblymember Quirk-Silva, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and Members. Reading is the foundation of learning. A child who develops strong literacy skills is more likely to succeed in school, in their career, and in life. That's why I rise today in support of HR 13, recognizing reading across America Week and celebrating reading.

As a teacher for over 30 years, I've seen firsthand how reading opens doors for students. I've watched students light up when they read their very first book. I've seen the confidence that grows when a child learns new words, explores new ideas, and discovers the power of storytelling.

We must ensure that every child, no matter if their background, has the skills they need to read. This week is also a time to recognize our teachers, librarians and families who work every day to instill a love of reading in our students.

They are the ones who bring stories to life, who encourage curiosity and a love for reading. Members, think back to your childhood. Remember your favorite stories. Remember those characters you love so much. Who could forget the stories of Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte's Web, Harry Potter? Characters like Wilbur from Charlotte's Web? He just wanted a friend.

We learn so many values through reading. Reading takes us on adventures. We learn about other cultures and stories. We learn about compassion and empathy. And we cry and we laugh as we read. To all the students out there celebrating Read Across America, keep reading. I respectfully ask for your I vote and support of HR13.

Thank you, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva. Assemblymember Bonta, you are recognized.

Thank you, Members. I also rise in support of HR 13 and want to thank our colleague for bringing across this measure that honors and celebrates Read Across America Day. I spent the better part of my time before coming to the Legislature focused on early literacy. I learned a few things during that time.

I learned that most Low income children have fewer than 10 books in their home. I learned that when you just do a simple thing, talk, read and sing to your child and your baby, it sets them up for a lifetime of success.

I learned that when a parent and a caregiver has the good fortune of being able to take that quiet moment to read to their child, it creates a bond that is unbreakable between that parent, that caregiver and their child.

And I learned, most importantly, that if we actually remembered that teaching our children to love to read would give them a pathway to be able to do simple things like engage in dialogue and discourse, big things like protect our democracy, wonderful things like open their eyes to the world before them, that we would have an amazing time for each and every one of our children.

And so I join my colleague in celebrating Read Across America Day and go home and read to your friend.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bonta. Seeing and hearing no further debate, would you like to close? Mr. Muratsuchi ?

Thank you very much. I want to thank all of my colleagues for rising to join all of us in celebrating Read Across America Day. I ask for the first roll to be open for co authors. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. This is for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 71 CO authors added without objection.

We will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Muratsuchi are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you. Members, please join me in welcoming a special guest to the Assembly floor. With us is the California Teachers Association Vice President Leslie Littman and their Communications Manager, Rachel Warino. Please join me in welcoming our educators, representing the State of California. Educators, thank you.

Welcome. We love our teachers.

Members, the quorum call is still in place. Please give your respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment. In memory. I'd like to ask you to take all your conversations off the floor, please. We are blessed to have family Members present for these adjournments In memory, please take your conversations off the floor. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Stephen Suchelt, a dear friend, dedicated public servant and respected Member of our capital community. Steve passed away on June 20th of last year just as he was preparing to begin treatment for cancer.

His loss leaves a deep void in the lives of those who knew him. For over 36 years. Steve was a steadfast presence in the Capitol. He dedicated his career to public service with a primary focus on insurance policy, particularly workers compensation.

His contributions were significant, serving as principal consultant to the Assembly Finance Insurance Committee and to former Senator Deborah Ortiz. Beyond the Legislature, his expertise was sought after by governors and trade associations. Always within the realms of insurance and finance, Steve was a proud veteran of the U.S. air Force.

He earned his law degree from UC Davis School of Law in 1980. His professional achievements were matched by his personal integrity. Those who knew Steve remember his kindness, his generosity and his unwavering moral support. Even his sharp wit and sarcasm was delivered with a warmth and good humor and that takes an art to do that.

Even if he lived by the simple but powerful credo to be effective, your world has to be your bond. Outside of his work, Steve was passionate about music. He was a talented guitarist and bassist and played an important role of the Davis music scene in the 1980s as a Member of the band Suspects.

He later co founded the band based Sacramento based band Remedy 7 which continues to bring together Members of the capital community through music. He recently he taught himself. Most recently, he taught himself the intricate art of Hawaiian slack key guitar, a testament to his lifelong love of learning. He was also committed to giving back to the community.

Later in his life he served on the board of Project Amigo, a non profit organization in Coloma, Mexico where he found joy in supporting students and their educational goals. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Jan Owen and his son Rudy Owen.

So Jan and Rudy extend their heartfelt gratitude to the capital community for their kindness and support they've received. So today we honor Steve's memory, his legacy of service and the countless lives he's touched. His wife, Jan, another dear friend and love Member of the Cavalck community, is with us today in the back of the chambers.

Jan, thank you for sharing our friend Steve with us for all these years. Colleagues, please join me in adjourning in Steve's memory.

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of Stephen Suchill. Assembly Member Caloza, you are recognized from our Majority Leader's desk for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of a longtime leader, public servant and beloved resident of Eagle Rock, Greg Meredith. He passed away on September 112024 and he was 60 years old.

Greg was born in Bronx, New York and settled in Los Angeles in 1965, making his roots firm in Eagle Rock 10 years later.

Dedicated to public service, Greg had nearly four decades working for the City of Los Angeles where he worked in the Planning Department as the Secretary of of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Manager of Information Technology for the Bureau of Contract Administration.

This is also where I had an opportunity and the privilege to work with Greg when I served as a Public Works Commissioner.

He was kind, he was generous with his knowledge and it was clear that he had a heart of gold and that he cared deeply for his friends, he loved his family and that his mission and his purpose was clear and that he wanted to serve the community, every single person in the community.

In 2012, Greg joined the Eagle Rock Association Board of Directors where he was a staunch advocate for the community and small businesses of Eagle Rock. His skills in fostering productive conversations on local issues, using perspectives to guide thoughtful decision making, led him to be elected as a President of the Board.

Greg's passion for Eagle Rock was on full displays when he mobilized over 260 community Members to urge the City of Los Angeles to bring the VID Foundation, a video rental store and theater to Eagle Rock actually live right next to VID to ensure that small businesses continued to be frequented after the COVID pandemic he created and maintained happening in Eagle Rock, which was a social media account that provided promotion for all of the small businesses in Eagle Rock, especially in Northeast La.

Greg is survived by his beautiful family and also my neighbors Min Meredith and his sisters Sherry, Angie, his parents Gwen and Jim, and his niece Jalen and nephews Brooks and Blake. His family is present here at the rear of the chamber.

Thank you so much for making the trip to Sacramento today Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the important contributions of an incredible public servant and somebody who deserves to be recognized in our history books for all that he's done for our community. So with that, I adjourn in his memory today and thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity.

Thank you, Assemblymember Caloza. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of Greg Meredith. Assembly Member Soria, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I ask that we rise and adjourn in memory of a remarkable leader in the Hmong community and a pioneer for Hmong rights in my community of Mercedes and throughout the Central Valley. Cheng Zhu Zhong passed away after leading a life of purpose, service and dedication to family and community.

His passing is a profound loss to his family, friends and countless individuals whose lives he touched through his advocacy and Service. Born on August 4, 1947 Ching was one of 12 children in the Laos province of Vietnam.

At the age of 16, Chang volunteered and served in the United States Central Intelligence Agency secret army in Laos during the Vietnam War. Shortly into his service, he was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and continued to serve in the CIA admirably.

In 1965, he married his sweetheart Zhang Hur, and when they had the opportunity, they moved their family to the United States, first settling in Portland and then making way to Merced in 1982.

After settling into the Central Valley, Chang continued to commit himself to supporting the local Hmong community by joining the Merced Lau family, an organization that worked, that works to create opportunities for Hmong families who many arrived as refugees to the Central Valley in order for them to thrive here in our country.

Chang chose to serve as the organization's President from 1989 to 1992. After his retirement in 2010, Chang remained a valuable advisor to the Lao Family Organization and other Hmong rights groups throughout the Central Valley.

A proponent of progress in higher education in his golden years, he was sought to speak at Hmong events for wisdom, insight, storytelling and pure sense of community. His leadership, kindness and unwavering commitment to his community made a lasting impact.

I had the opportunity to actually personally connect with Zhang during my time not just as the Legislator for this area, but also previously as a candidate. And he was a dedicated community leader to not just the Hmong community, but in Merced County, making sure that he advocated for the needs of his community. Mr.

Zhang is survived by his wife, Zhang, their eight children, their 20 grandchildren and their one great grandchildren grandchild and his many extended family and friends. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. Members, if you all join me in turning your attention to the gallery.

Let us now honor and celebrate Chang's family who joins us this afternoon and remember a man who was dedicated to this country, community and to his family, whose spirit will endure forever. May his memory continue to inspire all of us in our community's work and this and service to others. Today, I respectfully ask that we adjourn today's session in his honor.

Thank you, Assembly Member Soria. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of Chang Zhu Zhong. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the Journal. All request to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the Journal. Moving to Announcements Members, one final reminder.

Today is the deadline to submit your annual Form 700 to the FPPC. Forms should be submitted electronically. Questions may be directed to Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald, Chief Counsel to the Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee. Committee Hearings Banking and Finance Committee meets today at 3:30pm Capital Room 444. Budget Subcommitee 1 meets at 2:30pm in Capitol Room 126.

Budget Subcommitee 6 meets at 2:30pmel. In Capitol Room 447. The Joint Hearing of Assembly and Senate Transportation committees meets at 2:30pm or upon adjournment of the Assembly and Senate Floor sessions. Swing space room 1100. Session schedule is as follows. Tuesday, March 4th is a check in session. Wednesday, March 5th is a check in session.

Thursday, March 6th is a floor session at 9:00am Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Ms. Aguiar Curry moves and Mr. Patterson seconds. The House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 6th. At 9am the quorum call is lifted and we are adjourned.