Senate Floor

A quorum is present. Members, if we can return to our desk, we are going to get started. We have a long session today. Would you please rise? And the guests behind the railing, please rise. Today we'll be led in prayer by Sister Michelle Gorman. After which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sister, today we pray in gratitude for the California Women of the Year. The women of today are the thoughts of their mothers and grandmothers, embodied and made alive. They are active, capable, determined. They have 1,000 generations back of them. Millions of women, dead and gone, are speaking through us today.

And these are the words of Matilda Jocelyn Gage from the 1800s. So loving God, our Father, our mother, we give thanks for the women of today. This day, as in this chamber, we honor diverse women for their lives of passionate and dedicated service, for the flourishing of their communities.

By their determination, patience and inclusive creativity, they have modeled how to live lives of integrity and devotion.

May all of us be in solidarity with them and with those who continue to live with courage, compassion and truth as we live out the desires and longings of our mothers, grandmothers and all our ancestors, those who struggled for dignity and equality throughout the ages. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance. Without objection, Members, Senate Rule 55 is suspended to allow guests on the floor today and tomorrow, including a videographer. Moving straight into privileges of the floor, we have two presentations. Senator Niello has the first one from the majority leader's desk.

Senator, Madam President. And first of all, if you are all grumpy and tired, I told you so.

But more importantly, I rise to join my colleague from Sacramento in recognizing VSP vision for 70 years of growth through constant innovation and expansion, with their eyes towards service to their patients, whether of means or not, and their network of practitioners, which you will see in my remarks.

It was founded in 1995 in Oakland by nine optometrists as a not for profit California Vision Services. It moved here to Sacramento in 1968, changed its name to Vision Service Plan, or VSP as we all know them so well. In 1976, when it expanded services outside of California and settled in Rancho Cordova in 1993.

In 1997, VSP founded its first charitable vision program site for students. Now VSP Vision, Eyes of Hope, providing free services to children. In 2000, it launched iFinity get it? Ifinity. To offer services to its network of doctors.

In 2005, in response to the hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it developed its Eyes of Hope mobile clinic to serve first responders and those impacted by natural disasters. In 2008, VSP Vision partnered with Marshawn Eyewear to become an international company serving over 100 countries. And in 2011, launched its online optical store, Iconic. Get it.

In 2019, it founded VSP Ventures, further serving the needs of the doctors in its network. In 2022, the company officially became VSP Vision and the following year opened 15 new stores in California.

Now VSP Vision has a network of 42,000 doctors serving the needs of its customers, including over 4 million people in need, through its Eyes of Hope program.

As I said, and you can tell now this is a company of constant innovation and expansion with their eye toward service to their patients, whether of means or not, and their network of practitioners. So please join Senator Ashby, my colleague from Sacramento, and me in congratulating VSP Vision for 70 years of success in service.

Senator Sordon, we're going to have Senator Ashby speak on this item first.

Thank you so much. Thank you to my colleague, who I like to describe as having joint custody of Sacramento county with me. And on a day where we will celebrate women, extraordinary women from across the state. Let me. Let me quote one, Ms. Margaret Reed.

To never underestimate the power of a small group of people, people to change the world. It is, in fact, the only thing that ever has worked, and you are a perfect example of that.

A group of optometrists who came together, a very small group, and wanted to change how vision was provided in this community, in this state, and really in this world. And you have achieved that goal.

And 70 years later, there are millions of people all across the nation that have access to vision care that would not have it but for that small group of optometrists in Sacramento who believed in something bigger and something more.

So on a day like this, where we're celebrating so many incredible women, you have to know how incredibly special VSP is to us to include you on such a wonderful day. But it is our honor and privilege, and we wish you at least 70 more, Senator Niello.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to reiterate, this is a quality Member of the Sacramento community and as you can tell frankly, of the world. And we are proud to present this resolution to them.

Happy Anniversary. VSP it now, colleagues, it's my turn and honor to recognize and welcome a special group to the State's chamber. A group that I used to be a part of, long, long time ago.

Joining us in the gallery are EMTs, paramedics and ambulance support staff who are in Sacramento this week to be honored and celebrated by the California Ambulance Association.

These first responders are being honored for their exemplary service to our communities, for saving lives, and some are even here for the heroic efforts in the recovery and response process in the recent LA area fires. On behalf of the California State Senate, thank you for all your work to keep California safe.

Colleagues, please join me in welcoming these heroes who work tirelessly to protect the lives of all our constituents. Without objection, we're going to move into Senate third reading and we have one file item today that's going to be file item 25 for SR25 by our own Senator Limon, who is prepared.

Secretary, please read Senate Resolution 25 by Senator Limon relative to Women's History Month.

Senator Limon, please proceed.

Thank you. Members, today I rise to present SR25 recognizing March 2025 as women's history Month. Origins of women's history can be traced to 1977, when California's own Sonoma County Commission on the State Status of Women launched a Women's History Week for the very first time.

By 1987, Congress officially declared March as Women's History Month to recognize the accomplishments of women who have launched innovations in every sector and made significant advancements to every field of American life, but whose stories haven't always been told.

That year, Assembly Members Bev Hanson and Sally Tanner organized the first Women of the Year ceremonies here in our Capitol. Since then, the Senate has honored nearly 2,000 women in our state whose accomplishments sustain our communities through their work and activism. They are artists, athletes, attorneys, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, business owners. They run community based organizations.

They are faith leaders, labor leaders, philanthropists, mayors, council Members, judges. Former Women of the Year honorees have also gone from being a Woman of the Year honoree to serving right here, including our colleagues from central Los Angeles and Sacramento who have been former Women of the Year honorees.

Today's 40 honorees, some who join this body, some who may join this body in the future, are dedicated to serving our cities, our counties, but most importantly, our constituents. For example, today we are honoring women in agriculture who are dedicated to supporting and mentoring future Ranchers, agriculture leaders and future queens of vegetables.

Women in education who lead our schools during the most challenging situation. Women in public safety who are in the field building and fostering safer communities. Women in advocacy who time and time again find themselves at the forefront as trusted messengers and implementers of the change that we seek for our communities.

Women in health care who are providing critical and life saving care to youth, to women, to mothers and our community. Women in public service who are leading on the front line to address challenges and advance our communities forward, including leading our communities through devastating natural disasters.

While we have so much to celebrate today, this month and year long, we also recognize that there is more to do.

Women still experience inequity in many policy areas reflected in the Legislative Women's Caucus Priority areas including workplace and economic equity, health care and health equity, child care and education equity addressing poverty and affordability addressing gender violence and public safety addressing the issues that our vulnerable communities experience.

This is why the Legislative Women's Caucus exists and why today is important. By recognizing the historical contributions of women in our state and in our country, we mutually also recognize the responsibility we have as leaders to address the challenges that we still have yet to overcome.

Thank you to the Women's Caucus, to the incredible Members for being advocates for women all across our state. And thank you to our allies, to our partners who help us advance legislation that supports women, children, families and all of California. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Rubio, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, Today I rise on behalf of the California Latino Caucus as well as the Jewish Caucus in support of SR25 as a proud co author. Women's History Month is more than a celebration.

It is a call to remember, recognize the progress, and to continue to raise funds or voices to ensure that women have a seat at the table. Women have been the backbone of our families and of our communities. They are leaders who refuse to accept no for an answer, often without fanfare, but Never without impact.

31 million Latinas live in the United States, shaping our nation in every single role from mothers to the boardroom. They contribute over 1.3 trillion to our economy, and that is trillion with a T. Not because it's easy, but because they refuse to be left behind.

We are fortunate to walk in the footsteps of many Latinas who shatter glass ceilings and blaze trails for all of us to be here today.

Women like Dolores Huerta, who taught us that si se puede is isn't just a slogan, but it's a promise Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who rose to become the first Latina on the US Supreme Court, and that now so many little girls around the world can see what is possible.

And singer Joan Bayes, whose boys became the anthem for justice. Jewish Latinas have also long stood in the forefront of progress, raising their voices for equality and justice. Women like Anna Maria Shua, Alicia Partnoy and Alexandra Pizarnik, whose words have inspired generations. And today, Claudia Champam is making history as Mexico's first Jewish Latina President. That's incredible.

Colleagues and I had the honor and privilege of sitting down to speak with her. And I think she's always going to represent us well. And that is proof that barriers we break today will become the bridges for women tomorrow. Senators, let's be clear today. Women's History Month is not about looking back. It's about moving forward.

It's about making sure that every woman, no matter where she comes from, has a chance to rise, to lead, to inspire, and have a chance to change the world. I'm proud to stand in support of SR25, not just for the women who came before us, but for those who will come next. And it is up to us.

It's our responsibility to hold their hand and lead them forward. If history has taught us anything at all, it's that women will lead the way. And there's no better testament to to that in this chamber than to see that we have finally reached parity with 21 Senator.

Female Senators, I thank the Senator from Santa Barbara for authoring this resolution and respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

I'd like to now turn to Senator Durazo. Thank you, Madam President. Women's History Month should be every day. We all know what it takes to lead a family, a household, a community, and at the same time strive for excellence in our work, in our careers, in our education. As women, we wear many hats throughout our lives.

Thank you.

We learn from our older generations to care for our children and families. We work a full time mom is often considered equivalent to having two and a half full time jobs. I honor the work of a hotel housekeeper as much as I do the work of an engineer. Today, more women than ever are in the labor force.

Together we have been working towards closing the gender pay gap. One way to close the pay gap is to uplift people into high paying jobs with health care, with retirement. As a Senator, I work alongside of you for equal rights, quality pay, justice and political empowerment.

As a mom and as a grandma, I teach my grandchildren, Sydney, Seneca and Camila. To stand up for themselves and their communities. We have a long way to go, but I know women will continue to lead the way. Thank you, Senator Perez.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise in support of SR25, by the good Senator from Santa Barbara. This is a month to uncover and shine a light on the women that have been hidden in history for far too long.

It is a time to recognize the contributions of women, both seen and unseen, that have made up the very fabric of this state, this nation, and the world.

Colleagues, I implore you to use this month as a call to action to continue to discover the work and accomplishments of women from the past that have been forgotten or overlooked and helping advance the achievements of women into the future.

Colleagues, today I rise in strong support of this resolution and the amazing women of the past, present and future. Thank you, Senator.

Dr. Weber Pierson.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to celebrate Women's History Month on behalf of the California Legislative Black caucus, in which nine of the 12 Members are dynamic women legislators. Women History Month is a time to honor the trailblazers, the pioneers and the unsung heroes that have shaped our world.

As chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I am especially proud to recognize the black women who have stood at the forefront of change, breaking barriers, challenging injustices, and rewriting history, not just for themselves, but for all of us. Black women have always been the pillars for progress. When the world told us to wait, we pushed forward.

When we were told to be silent, we spoke louder. And when doors were closed, we knocked them down. Harriet Tubman did not just escape slavery. She risked her life to free hundreds more, proving that freedom is not just given to you. It is something that you must fight for.

Shirley Chisholm did not just become the first black woman elected to Congress. She ran for President of the United States, unapologetically demanding a seat at the highest table of power. She reminded us all, quote, if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. End quote. Dr.

Mae Jemison looked at the stars and didn't just dream. She became the first black woman to travel in space, proving the sky is not the limit.

And our own Kamala Harris not only made history as the first black woman to serve as San Francisco District Attorney, she also became the first woman, the first black woman to be elected as a Vice President of the United States of America.

And today, we see countless women of every background standing on the shoulders of these giants, pushing the boundaries even farther. But let me be clear. For women, especially black women, Progress has never been handed to us. Every right we have, every opportunity we seize has come through struggle, resilience and an unwavering belief of our worth.

Women have always been the backbone of movements for justice. From civil rights to reproductive rights, from the fight for equal pay to the demand for quality health care, women have always been on the forefront, demanding what we deserve.

Let us continue lifting other women as we climb, mentoring young girls, supporting working mothers, and ensuring that every woman, no matter her background, has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and to change the world. Because when women rise, we all rise. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR25. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Valedares.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I rise in support of SR25 on behalf of the Hispanic Caucus. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the extraordinary contributions of Latina women who have made history and continue to break barriers.

Today, these women have not only paved the way in government and in public service, but also in the business world, across the globe and in the fight for individual freedoms. Today we honor these trailblazers, but we also recognize that the true power of leadership is how we support and lift up one another.

In California, Senator Rosalicia Ochoa Bogue is the first Latina Republican elected to the State Senate. She set the stage for more Latina women like myself to lead with strength and vision. Charlene Gonzalez Zettle, the first Latina Republican in the State Assembly, showed us that the perseverance and dedication can overcome any obstacle.

We celebrate my friend Rosario Marin, the first Latina treasurer of the United States of America, whose journey is a powerful reminder that hard work, determination and faith create pathways to success.

And as a boricua myself, Governor Jennifer Gonzalez Colon of Puerto Rico, the first female Governor of the island, exemplifies leadership grounded in the values of faith, family and freedom. I also want to recognize that today our Republican caucus is made up of one third, Latinas. Beyond politics, Latinas are reshaping industries, building businesses and promoting economic growth.

Nelly Galan, a powerful Latina entrepreneur, broke barriers in the entertainment industry as President of Entertainment to Telemundo and continues to inspire through her work empowering women. Elaine Fernandez, a trailblazer in finance and business, is leading the charge for Latina women in corporate spaces.

Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication exemplify what happens when we embrace conservative values and in innovation, self reliance and economic freedom. Across the globe, Latinas are leading in business and in politics, advocating for democracy, human rights and the values of free society.

Jeanine Inez the former interim President of Bolivia, proved that strong leadership transcends borders, standing firm for democracy even when it's under attack. Carla Martinez I do think I get that one right. The first Latina to serve as host of Desprecita America Morning show has demonstrated the power of women supporting one another in the media industry.

These women have shown that when Latina women step up, they don't just make a mark, they build legacies, creating opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps.

The reality is that women are leading the way in nearly every sector, but we need to ensure that they have the tools, the resources and the policies that enable them to continue their success.

We must support economic freedom, lower taxes and policies that remove bureaucratic barriers so that Latina entrepreneurs can continue to create jobs, strengthen their communities and build lasting legacies. If we are to continue the tradition of empowering women, we we must invest in the next generation.

Girls should have access to the best possible education, and that means school choice, vocational training and academic excellence.

We must continue to create spaces where we can champion one another's successes, where we all unite around the values that make our communities stronger, and where we work together to ensure that every woman can succeed regardless of the challenges she may face. Members, I urge an aye vote on SCR 25. Senator Wahab, thank you.

I rise on behalf of the API Caucus and the only female Senator from the Bay Area, as well as the first Afghan American and Muslim American to hold this seat in the Legislature.

Women of every culture, class and ethnic background have made historic and substantial contributions to the founding, growth and strength of our nation, as well as its many innovations and many of their contributions in science, technology, commerce, arts and culture. Despite the significant contributions made by women, these achievements have been largely overlooked and unacknowledged.

The fact that we have an International Women's Day is to highlight their contributions. The concept of Women's History recognition began in California in 1977.

By 1987, the United States Congress proclaimed March to be Women's History Month across the nation in perpetuity, to ensure that the significant contributions women have made and are making every single day in every field of American life would be recognized. But I want to highlight even last week introducing something.

You know, I stated that I really appreciate our allies, but I want to say how far we still need to go. In particular, we do need to do better. Even in California, when we have 20 female Senators and 20 male Senators, we still need to work to end child marriages here in California.

We must increase home ownership amongst women. We must protect and expand reproductive rights for all. We must do better and do more here in California before even commenting on other places of the world, because we still have a long way to go. I also ask that our allies do better.

And next year, I'm hoping to hear more from our allies. Speaking up, standing up, and highlighting the women that they would like to honor, but also all the contributions that have made their lives even better. I still do not see that. Thank you, Senator Medjufar.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today as the Vice Chair of the LGBTQ caucus in support of SR25.

Today, as you've heard, we are honoring the lives, contributions, and voices of women in our nation's past, present, and future, many of them lesbians, bisexual, queer, queer, and Trans, who are the reason the LGBTQ community have the rights we enjoy today. Queer women have been at the forefront of social justice movements since the inception of our country.

It was Trans women who threw the first bricks during the Stonewall riot, women who pioneered gender affirming care in the United States, queer women who cared for Members of our community at the height of the AIDS crisis.

I and the Senator from Riverside, the Senator from Pasadena, stand on the shoulders of lesbians who put together and formed the LGBTQ Caucus are one of the reasons why we're here today.

I agree that we should form a society where every woman is successful, and that includes Trans women, that includes queer women, lesbians, and bisexual women so that they can thrive in every space of our society.

We in the LGBTQ community are internally grateful to all these women who are helping to lead the way to our better tomorrow. And with that, respectfully asking for an Eye on SR25, Senator Blakespear.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today because I think it's very important to recognize that Women's History Month is particularly important during a time when identity politics is getting a bad name. We have a lot of comments that you hear in the national media and in our culture that suggests that we should not be recognizing the differences.

And I think it's important to say out loud that women matter, that their experiences and their life experiences are different, and that they deserve to be in positions of power and positions of representation at all levels.

And to stand up and say that and recognize Women's History Month during this particularly difficult national time is something that's really important for us here in California to affirm and reaffirm.

To say that this is core to California's values and that we continue to fight for this and we will continue to fight for it, no matter what the rhetoric says on the other side. And I encourage all of you to support this today. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other. Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. We needed a male colleague to stand up. Mr. Pro Tem.

Thank you so much. Madam President. I rise alongside the Women's Caucus in support of SR20 with Women's History Month. And I want to say thank you to the Women's Caucus Members for their leadership.

And in particular, I would like to acknowledge the Senator from Santa Barbara and for bringing back this ceremony, which I know all of us love. Thank you so much, Madam Senator, Madam Vice Chair. You know, Women's History Month takes on a greater importance this year.

I think that we all need to stand strong, stand tall, and stand up against the forces that are coming for women's rights and reproductive freedom in states across this nation.

You know, there are some here in the United States of America that want to regress back to the time when folks actually believed, they believed that a woman's only place was the home. Here's what I think we know in the famous quote by Ann Richards, the former Texas Governor.

A woman's place is under the dome, the dome of state legislatures across America, under the dome of our nation's capitol, in the House and the Senate, in city halls and school board chambers and boardrooms and universities. Because what we know is that when women lead, families succeed in America thrives.

Now, this isn't a new concept here in the Golden State. We now have parity, thanks to the leadership of the Women's Caucus and the State Senate.

But California needs to continue to rise up in this time in history, just like we did two years ago when we became one of the first states in the United States of America to further enshrine in our Constitution the rights of women to access reproductive health care, safe abortion care, and unfettered access to contraception through Prop 1, just as so many did when we passed California's equal pay law, making it one of the strongest in the United States of America and making it illegal to pay a woman less than a man when it comes to equal work.

And just like so many women in this chamber have done with child care, adding 129,000 childcare slots, with additional 75,000 slots on the way in counties across this great state. And let us remember, women of the United States of America. American women contribute $7.6 trillion annually to our national GDP.

That is more than the entire nation of Japan. The state leads this nation in so many things. But in Particular women leaders, Democrats and Republicans, are leading the way to uplift the lives of millions in the Golden State.

And today, we celebrate their invaluable contributions, the path that they forged, and the reality that we know that we have much more further to go. Would respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR25. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. Senator Limon, you may close.

Members, I want to thank everyone who spoke up, but also everyone in this room for recognizing. Every single person in this room recognized someone from their district and our Lieutenant Governor also recognized someone from the state. So with that, I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

[Roll call]

[Roll call]

Reyes. Valaderas. Aye. Ayes. 38. No. 0. The resolution is adopted. We're gonna resist the regular session and move into our Woman of the Year floor ceremony. The Secretary is going to be reading a short bio for every woman. And it's going to be in numerical order. We're going to start with Senate District 1, of course.

Secretary or Senator Limon.

Thank you, President and colleagues. As Vice Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, it is my honor on behalf of the caucus, to rise to honor 40 women present with us today in the long history of this House, recognizing women who have made a lasting impact in our state.

This is the first time that we are holding a Women's History Month ceremony. While we also have achieved Senate parity. So we proudly also make history and celebrate this Diverse group of 40 women from very diverse reasons. Each one embodies their own combination of leadership, commitment, compassion, resilience and drive.

Their influence today extends beyond the districts to all of us here in the Capitol. On behalf of the California Legislative Women's Caucus, we thank you all for everything that you have done for our communities and for this state. And we are excited to see what each of you continues to do in your district and for our states.

With that, Members and colleagues, we present to you the 2025 Women of the Year.

Secretary, you may begin from Senate District 1, escorted by Senator Dalley Casey D. Attlee. Dr. Casey D.

Attley, an agriculture Professor at California State University, Chico, specializing in animal and rangeland science, has distinguished herself through extraordinary service to the cattle ranchers of Northern California and through dedicated mentoring and support of her students and commitment to innovative experiential teaching.

Our next guest from Senate District 2. Escorted by Senator Mcguire, Becky Salado. Becky Salado has been serving as Konoctee Unified School District Superintendent for five years. Salado has significantly invested in relationships with those who who can help support her students and their families.

She has led KUSD through the COVID 19 pandemic and devastating fires in the community, all while fostering continuous improvement in the district. Please proceed.

Disregard.

Please proceed. From Senate District 3, escorted by Senator Cabaldin, Carol Witchard. Carol Witchard joined Communication Workers of America Local 9411 in 1974, starting her career with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph as a splicing tech. Always a trailblazer, Carol was the first woman hired into a field traditionally held only by men.

Throughout her personal and professional life, Carol has been an advocate of working families, the LGBTQ community, women in the workplace and and building coalitions to advance workers rights. Secretary, please proceed From Senate District 4. Escorted by Senator Alvarado-Gil. Amy Bublak. Mayor Amy Bublack is a 21 year veteran of the Modesto and Richmond Police departments.

Elected in 2008, she is the City of Turlock's first female mayor. Leading with fiscal responsibility, she has championed job creation, infrastructure improvements and public safety policies. She is also a gold medalist and world records holder in javelin and shot put. Secretary, please proceed From Senate District 5. Escorted by Senator McNerney Kiyoka Takayama.

Since 2013, Kyoka Takayama has organized tirelessly for healthcare access with Covered California and La Familia, immigrant rights with Families Belong Together, climate justice with March for Science and countless other grassroots causes. From the Tri Valley to San Joaquin Senate District 5 communities can count on Kyoko to lead with wisdom and tenacity.

Our next guest From Senate District 6. Escorted by Senator Niello Donna Eckwertzel. Donna is the dedicated founder of Hart's Landing Ranch with a mission of restoring lives with rescued horses using equine assisted psychotherapy, an innovative approach to mental health.

Driven by her deep compassion and understanding of mental health challenges, Donna has built a trusted place where individuals can find healing and hope. Please introduce our next guest From Senate. District 7, escorted by Senator Araguin, Dr. Holly Joshi. Dr. Holly Joshi is a leading expert in public safety, serving as the Chief of Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention.

Since her tenure began in December 2023, shootings and violent crime in Oakland have gone down. A testament to her decades of experience and skills in community led intervention strategies. Our next guest From Senate District 8. Escorted by Senator Ashby Matina Kolokotrinas. As Chief Operations Officer for the Sacramento Kings.

Matina Kolokotrinas is a rare C suite female Executive for a professional sports team, the first woman ever to have held her position on any NBA team. She is a mentor to young women in the corporate world and is a fierce advocate for Sacramento's economic development.

Her efforts have led to nearly $2 billion of investment and the recruitment of a second professional team to the region.

Our next guest is not here present, but we're still going to honor her. And Senator Grayson has Adapted From Senate.

District 9 Senator Grayson's Honoree Marilyn Cachola Lucey Marilyn Cachola Lucey serves as National Chief Operating Officer for Asian Pacific American Public Affairs, a nonpartisan, non profit organization committed to advancing the next generation of leaders throughout impactful leadership programs.

A naturalized citizen, Maryland pursues justice for all communities and believes advancing inclusion and belonging is a continuation of the American Dream. Our next guest From Senate District 10. Escorted by Senator Wahab Anne Ravel Ann Ravel of Council and two law firms is a mediator, attorney and arbitrator for many public agencies.

Served as Santa Clara County Counsel, Deputy Attorney General and FPPC Chair appointed by Governor Jerry Brown. Later, President Obama named her FEC Chair. A fierce advocate for women's and human rights, she champions campaign finance reform and government transparency. Secretary Our next guest From Senate District. 11 escorted by Senator Wiener, Marisa Rodriguez.

Marisa Rodriguez is the CEO of the Union Square Alliance, a uniquely positioned downtown Association in San Francisco dedicated to enhancing the Union Square District. She has spearheaded a strategic Recovery plan for the District for Union Square with a focus on economic development, transforming Union Square into a vibrant neighborhood while maintaining its world class status.

Senator Grove's guest is also not here, but we are also adjusting.

Secretary Please read From Senate District 12. Senator Grove's honoree, Nancy Patigliano. Nancy Patigliano has championed agriculture through leadership in the Tulare County Farm Bureau and California Women for Agriculture. She has shaped water policies, advised on land use and promoted Italian culture through Roma Lodge.

Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to make a lasting impact on agriculture and her community. Please read Our next guest From Senate. District 13 escorted by Senator Becker, Olga Melo. Olga Melo has advocated for Latino children and families in Mountain view for over 20 years.

She co founded the Community Action Team and helped form the Mountain View Tenants Coalition to fight rent Control. She also promotes equity in education, housing and economic opportunity through the Mountain View Solidarity Fund. Our next guest From Senate District 14.

Escorted by Senator Caballero Rosa Maria Hernandez Bautista Rosa Maria Hernandez Bautista, Mixtec Indigenous leader in Madera, California advocates for indigenous immigrants through culture advocacy and economic empowerment. She collaborates with the Pan Valley Institute, co founded C Savi Dance Group, led Madera's first Gela Getza and co owns Colectivo Sabora Mitiera. Preserving Oaxacan traditions and fostering community resilience.

Please proceed with our next guest From. Senate District 15 escorted by Senator Cortese Yvonne Martinez Beltran. Yvonne Martinez Beltran serves as Mayor Pro Tem on Morgan Hill City Council and on the League of Cities Association of Bay Area Governments and Silicon Valley Clean Energy Board of Directors.

She is a mother of three, small business owner and urban planner, passionate about equitable housing, transportation, economic development and energy policy. Our next guest From Senate District 16. Escorted by Senator Hurtado Dede Gruber. Dee Dee Gruber has distinguished herself as a passionate and effective advocate for California small family owned farms.

As part of a third generation family farm, Dee Dee's values were shaped by her loving father who devoted his career to advocacy. Although small in stature, Dee Dee has demonstrated that she is a mighty advocate for independent family farmers. Please read the next bio From Senate.

District 17 escorted by Senator Laird Yadira Mendiola Yadira Mendiola, Queen of Vegetables, is the owner of farming operations in Monterey County. As a single mother, she built her business while surmounting significant obstacles. She turned to organic farming to ensure that local students have access to healthy produce. Yadira advocates for small farmers and equitable sustainable food food policies.

Please read the next guest bio From. Senate District 18 escorted by Senator Padilla. Dr. Guillermina Gina Nunez Amshiri Dr. Guillermina Gina nunez Abshiri, a proud Chicana and daughter of migrant farm workers, is the first Chicana Latina Dean of San Diego State University, Imperial Valley.

A trailblazing educator and advocate, she has dedicated her career to empowering Latino students, advancing gender equity and championing human rights through research, leadership and community engagement. Please read the next awardee From Senate District 19, escorted by Senator Ochoa Bogue Amy Young Snodgrass, MD Dr.

Amy Young dedicates her career to child protection as Chief of the Division of Forensic Pediatrics and founder of the Resiliency Institute at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. She has developed a model of long term holistic trauma informed care. Dr.

Young trains future forensic pediatricians and champions resilience, healing and hope for vulnerable at Promise Youth in a scholarship and educational advocacy program. Give something back. Please read the next awardee from Senate District 20, escorted by Senator Menjevar Alexandria Banag. Alexandria Bonag, an accomplished collegiate wrestler from Panorama City, has made significant strides both academically and athletically.

After graduating from Lyon College in Arkansas, Alex transitioned into the role of Program Assistant at Awoke, where she supports the grappling programs and contributes to the overall implementation of activities to help young women excel. Please read the next awardee. From Senate District 21, escorted by Senator Limon, Katrina B. Mitchell, M.D. Katrina B. Mitchell, Ms.

is a breast surgeon, lactation consultant and perinatal mental health provider. She is a global leader in treating maternal complications of lactation and the intersection of breast cancer and breastfeeding. Locally, she is an advocate for improving women's health care throughout the Central Coast. Please proceed with our next guest from. Senate District 22, escorted by Senator Rubio Tracy Evanson.

Tracy Evanson is the founder Executive Director of Healed Women Heal, a non profit organization that empowers youth, women and individuals with developmental disabilities to address the root causes of domestic violence and trauma. Tracy is a certified Domestic Violence Advocate, a certified coach and has a Master's degree in Human behavior. Our next guest, please.

From Senate District 23, escorted by Senator Valaderas Senior Sandra Avery. Sandra Avery, a Southern California native, graduated from La Puente High and Cal Poly Pomona. After marrying BART, they moved to Antelope Valley. In 2012, Sandra and her family founded Bravery Brewing Company. She became active in the community, winning numerous awards for her contributions and charitable work.

Please proceed with our next guest from. Senate District 24, escorted by Senator Allen Sherry Davis. A tireless advocate for education and children, Sherry Davis has fought for and succeeded in passing 14 ballot measures in Santa Monica and Malibu that have ensured quality public schools and early childhood education.

Her leadership in the community includes numerous boards and co directing Santa Monica College's Public Policy Institute. Our next guest, please, from Senate District. 25, escorted by Senator Perez, Judy Matthews. Judy Matthews serves as the President of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and as an Altadena Town Council Member.

Judy is a dedicated community leader, providing vital support to her neighbors throughout crises, including her efforts during the Eaton fires where she worked tirelessly to assist those affected by the disaster. Please proceed with our next guest From. Senate District 26, escorted by Senator Durazzo Norma Edith Garcia Gonzalez. A daughter of immigrants, Mrs. Norma E.

Garcia Gonzalez became LA County Department of Parks and Recreation Director in 2020. The first woman since 1944. Due to the Eaton Fire, she created Care Camp, serving 2,700 youth, 36,000 meals and 16 schools. With three weeks of care play and trauma recovery. Our next guest From Senate District 27. Escorted by Senator Stern, Adriana Valdez.

Adriana Valdez, a resilient woman who has overcome a tumultuous past marriage marked by hardship, is now a powerful advocate for the underserved. As the lead operations supervisor at Devonshire Lodge Transitional Shelter in Chatsworth, Adriana is dedicated to helping the unhoused rebuild their lives.

She has created a safe haven for individuals, exemplifying the transformative power of second chances and inspiring positive change. Our next guest, please, From Senate District. 28, escorted by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, Stephanie Wiggins. Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metrolinx since 2019, leads a 275 employee $793 million commuter rail network spanning six counties.

A visionary, customer focused leader, she prioritizes safety, integration and modernization. Previously Deputy CEO at LA Metro, she played a key role in Measure M's passage. A trailblazer in transportation, Wiggins champions diversity and small business inclusion.

Senator Reyes guest will be escorted today by Senator Durazo, Secretary.

From Senate District 29, escorted by Senator Durazzo, Ana Gonzalez. Ana Gonzalez is a dedicated community advocate and Executive Director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental justice, championing environmental justice in the Inland Valley. A longtime organizer, she has led initiatives on clean air, water and equity.

Recognized for her leadership, Ana serves on key advisory committees ensuring marginalized communities have a voice in policy decisions. Our next guest From Senate District 30. Escorted by Senator Archuleta, Patricia Yoon. Patricia Patty Yoon, President of Yoon family McDonald's, operates 14 locations in Los Angeles County and is the largest Single Asian American Mcdonald's franchisee in the U.S.

a trailblazing entrepreneur, she pioneered the Korean spa industry, uplifts employees through her career programs and champions community initiatives. Yoon is a proud single mother and dedicated philanthropist. Please proceed with our next guest From. Senate District 31, escorted by Senator Cervantes, Tammy Friedrich.

Tammy is an unstoppable force in her community, relentlessly working to create a more just and equitable world for all. She is a passionate advocate for women's health and rights, has led efforts to improve road safety and so much more. Tammy's leadership, commitment and selfless service has left a lasting impact in the 31st Senate District.

Our next guest from Senate District 32. Escorted by Senator Gloria Sanchez. Gloria Sanchez, a longtime resident of Senate District 32, has dedicated decades to advocating for seniors and family caregiving. Her service on various boards and committees has earned her multiple recognitions from the City of Menifee, elected officials and organizations, highlighting her unwavering commitment to the community.

Please proceed with our next guest From. Senate District 33, escorted by Senator Gonzalez, Tina Kennedy. Tina Kennedy moved to Avalon, Catalina island in 1984, never imagining she'd direct and teach at play preschool. For 40 years, she introduced children to nature, fostering positive self esteem and has proudly watched them grow into successful adults.

After a long career, she retired last year, leaving a lasting impact. Our next guest, From Senate District 34. Escorted by Senator Umberg Chenetta Goodjoin. Reverend Chenetta Goodjoin is the founding pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, California. She champions social justice through initiatives like the Health Equity for African Americans League and music programs for underserved youth.

Her work emphasizes racial reconciliation, health equity and global mission, serving communities both locally and internationally. Please introduce our next guest From Senate. District 35, escorted by Senator Richardson, Linda Evans.

In 37 trailblazing years as Los Angeles Department of Transportation Chief of Field Services, Linda Evans over oversees 300 staff and manages trainings, contracts, budgets and efficient operations of every traffic signal for 502.7 city miles. Linda is a proud mother of two and Regional National Board leader within Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Our next guest, From Senate District 37.

Escorted by Senator Choi, Doris Cortese. Doris Cortese, a resident of Aliso Viejo, founded Feed the Hungry, a non profit that packages up to 50,000 dry meals for distribution in developing countries. Born to an immigrant family, Doris cares deeply for her family in the US and Colombia. Our next guest, from Senate District 38.

Escorted by Senator Blakespear, Mary Matava. Mary Matava has spent 45 years in San Diego's agriculture industry. She developed and operated four compost facilities in Southern California, diverting over 2.5 million tons of organic waste from landfills. An agronomist specializing in soil assessment, she promotes healthy soils and emission reduction. In 2022, she was named Farmer of the Year.

Our next guest, please, from Senate District. 39, escorted by Senator Weber Pearson. Caroline Dessert. Cara Dessert is a queer Latina attorney with 20 years in social justice leadership.

She is CEO of the San Diego LGBT Community center, the largest regional service provider for LGBTQ people, where she grew the organization from 6.5 to $15.5 million, expanding direct services and advocacy for the community across seven locations. Our next guest, from Senate District 40. Escorted by Senator Jones, Maggie T. Watkins.

A dedicated volunteer in the 40th Senate district, Watkins has played key roles on various nonprofit boards and has significantly impacted local philanthropy. She currently serves on several boards including the Sharp Grossman Hospital foundation and the Salvation Army Metropolitan Advisory Board.

Maggie is a recipient of the lifetime achievement award from Corporate Directors Forum and was named one of San Diego's 500 most influential people. Please proceed with our last guest here. Escorted by Lieutenant Governor Kunalakis. Esta Soler. Esta Soler, a leader in ending violence, women and children, has dedicated her life to social justice.

She was a driving force behind the landmark 1994 violence against women act and is founder of Futures Without Violence, which is building the nation's first first ever courage museum in San Francisco.

Senators, if we can rise and give one more Congratulations to our 2025 Women of the amazing group of women. Senators, we will not be doing a group photo. If you want to quickly check in. With your woman, we are going to reconvene of the year, your awardee. We're going to reconvene in about a minute.

SA.

Senators, we're going to be in recess for a few minutes. If folks want to be able to in the back of the chambers to take some photos, they're going to be in recess for a few minutes. Recess for a few minutes.

Senators, we have 30 seconds. We have 30 seconds. If we can come back to our seats. We're almost done. Senators. Senators, we still have some business to get through. We ask that all Senators return back to the floor. All Senators come back to the floor. We need all Senators back on the floor.

All Senators back on the floor.

We are back. We are continuing with the Senate business. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read and amendments adopted under motions, resolutions and notices. We have one motion to approve Senate journals.

Without objection, the Senate journals from March 32025 through March 62025 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk. Under consideration of the daily file, we have one item, second reading file. Secretary, please read item one. Senate Bill 26. Second reading file will be deemed read. That's it. If there is no other business, Senator Mcguire.

The desk is clear.

Madam President, this was an amazing day and again, just want to take a moment to say thank you to the Women's Caucus for bringing back the individual recognitions. It really makes the day, makes the month special.

Thank you to the great Senator from Santa Barbara, the Vice Chair of the Women's Caucus for all the work this takes incredible coordination behind the scenes weeks going into the planning. And just want to say one more time, thank you for this amazing honor today.

The next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th at 9am Have a great week. Members.

The center will be in recess until eight minutes from now, 3:30pm at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Thursday, March 132025. At 9:00am Have a great week, y'all.