Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Colleagues, if we could return to our desk and please rise with the guests behind our railing. Please also rise. We'll be led in prayer this morning by Sister Michelle Gorman, after which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us consider the blessings of our humanness as we ponder Rumi's poem. The Guest House. This being human is a guest house every morning. A new arrival, a joy, a depression, a meanness. Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all, even if they are a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture. Still, treat each guest honorably. They may be clearing you out for some new Delight, the negative thought, the shame, the malice. Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Loving God, help us to be alert for those unexpected visitors of negativity. May their appearance not cause us to lose our composure and our gracious desire to bring peace and love to our world. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge... For which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Like to welcome our new colleague, Senator Strickland. Welcome, Senator. Moving into privileges of the floor from the Majority Leader, Senator Jones has a guest to introduce. Senator Jones.

Thank you, Madam President. And Senators, good morning. Good Thursday morning. Happy to see all of you. I have a guest that I'd like to interview. Our interview. Introduce.

You can interview him, you can introduce.

Yeah, you all can interview him. I'll introduce him. A good friend of mine, a constituent and colleague, San Marcos City Council Member, Army veteran and retired San Diego Sheriff's captain. And for those of you that are familiar with contract cities, he was the sheriff's captain in Santee when I was on the City Council.

That basically meant he was my Chief of police. And he's here to join us and see what's happening here on the Senate Floor. So make sure we all make good decisions this morning. I appreciate that. San Marcos City Councilmember Ed Musgrove.

Welcome, Councilmember. If any Member Wishes to participate in a group photo right now.

We are continuing along. Senators would like to wish a happy birthday to our colleagues. Senator Allen, happy birthday, sir. And I believe you'd like to be recognized Senator.

I appreciate that. Thank you, President. Well, I think, as anyone knows, the real person to celebrate on one's birthday is their mother, who put in all the work for my entire life. So my wonderful mother, Elena Allen is here visiting the capitol today and has had a wonderful week here in Sacramento. So.

And then today also marks the start of the Jewish holiday of Purim, which is a great celebration. It's the happiest day in the Jewish calendar, and I've always associated Purim with my birthday. They come. They come around the same time. It's a celebration of a great victory in ancient Persia.

And so we have actually provided hamentaschen, which is these wonderful cookies, these little triangular cookies with apricot and raspberry and poppy seed. They'll be here in the back room in celebration of Purim and my birthday, and then also in our office, so your staff can come by and enjoy this wonderful tradition celebrating this holiday. So I appreciate it, and welcome to the Capitol, Mama.

Welcome, mama. Without objection, Members, we will now move to Senate third reading to take a. Senators, a little too loud here. We have to continue with business. Thank you, Senators. We will now move to second reading to take a file item 21 SR 23 by Senator Rubio. After adoption of the resolution, we will move back to privileges of the floor for the Senator to introduce her guests. Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 23 by Senator Rubio relative to Long Covid Awareness day.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen, one second. Senator, colleagues, if you could take your conversations off the floor. Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to present SR23, designating March 152025 as long Covid Awareness day in California. While many have been able to put the pandemic behind them, for far too many Californians, COVID 19, is still with them every single day.

Millions of people across the country have never fully recovered. Every day they wake up exhausted, struggling to think clearly, and short breath after the simplest task. Their lives have been put on hold not for weeks, but for months or even years at a time. Long Covid doesn't just linger. It takes everything out of you.

It takes people's ability to work, to care for their families, and to do the things they once love to do. An estimated 17 million adults in the US are living with Long Covid the condition can develop even after a mild. I'm sorry. After a mild case, it doesn't matter how healthy someone was.

Before Long Covid changes your lives in so many ways, and it's really difficult to understand. Yet too many are being dismissed. A 2023 survey by the Beaumont foundation found that only 7% of doctors feel very confident diagnosing Long Covid and just 4% feel confident treating it.

That means people are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left without the care they need. This has to change. We know that vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness and of developing Long Covid. But for those already suffering, awareness isn't enough. They need better medication, better recognition, recognition, access to treatment and workplace protections.

They shouldn't have to fight to be believed. I'm proud to be working with volunteers from the nonprofit organization marked by Covid, some of who are joining us today and are watching from the Senate gallery. Please help me welcome them to the State Senate.

Senator Rubio. We're going to do the resolution first and introduce your guests.

And so, by designating March 15, 2025 as long Covid Awareness Day, we're making it clear to those still struggling that we see them, we understand them, and we believe them, and we will not leave them behind as we move forward with policy. This is more than a statement. It's a commitment from Californians, and Californians must lead. And it starts with us here right now. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, colleagues.

I know this is our Friday here, but it's extremely loud today. If we could respect. If I could ask you respectfully to take your conversations off the floor for the rest of the session. Any Member wish to. Wish to speak on file. Item 21 seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 28 knows who. The resolution is adopted. Senator Rubio we're turning back to you to introduce your guests.

Thank you. Colleagues, let's give some respect and a welcome to the nonprofit organization Marked by Covid, who are here in the gallery. Let's welcome them, please. Thank you.

Welcome to our special guest. 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. Moving on to motions, resolution and notices. If no Member has no item, there are no items under this section under consideration of the daily file. We have items 3 and 6 for governor's appointment. And Senator Grove is ready.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, File item number three. Is a confirmation of Dr. Nick Boyd and Christopher Jones for the reappointment to the BEH Board of Behavioral Sciences. Betty Andrews for appointment to the Central Valley Food Protection Board. And Denise to GAH Day. I hope I got that right. I apologize if I don't.

For reappointment to the Court of Appeals Board. They were approved on the Rules Committee. At Rules Committee on the February 26 on a unanimous vote. Respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36, Nos. 0. The appointment is confirmed. Senator Grove, you have file item six.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, file item six is the confirmation of Rick Devere for appointment to the. I'm going to say it wrong, and I'm sure the individual that represents this, but the Lahontan Regional. Lahontan. There you go. Former Secretary of Natural Resources. Thank you for that assistance. Regional Water Control quality control board. Mr.

Deaver previously served as the General manager and the operations manager for the Crestline Sanitation District. And before that, he was the operations foreman for the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District. He was unanimously approved on the Rules Committee March 5. Respectfully asked for an I vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no Discussion or debate on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36, no 0. The appointment is confirmed. Moving on to send a third reading. We have file items 24 and 31. Senator Umberg, this is your file item. He is ready to go. Secretary, please read

Senate Bill 26 by Senator Umberg. An act relating to civil actions and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. SB 26 is a cleanup to AB 1755, which was known as the Lemon Law cleanup Bill. The genesis of AB 1755 was several fold, but most importantly was an explanation explosion of civil cases around the state.

In fact, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, about 10% of the filings ended up being lemon law filings. What AB 1755. The vision of AB 1755 was to expedite and clean up the litigation so it wasn't so time consuming and also to expedite restitution relief for consumers.

SB 26 responds to some of the concerns of SB of AB 1755 by allowing manufacturers actually to opt in or conversely opt out if they did not like AB 1755. And so we have a situation that is a little bit complex, but this is a complex area of the law and most consumers will require a lawyer. I urge an aye vote.

Thank you. I fall in the category that the author has described as Not a big fan of 1755, but appreciate the author working on SB 26 as part of the cleanup. This did come before the Business Professions. And Economic Development Committee where it took some amendments. I thank the author from Orange County for receiving those amendments and we'll be urging an aye vote today.

Any other Member wish to be heard on this item? This does require a 2/3 vote. Secretary, please call the roll. Senator Umberg, I have to allow you to close.

Okay. Thank you very much, Madam President. No I want to thank the chair of Business Professions Committee for her very valuable amendments. And with those amendments, I think we've got even a better Bill. I urge an ayeI vote.

Secretary, you may now call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 37 on the urgency. Aye 37. Nos zero on the urgency. Ayes 35 Nos. I apologize. On the urgency. Ayes 35 Nos. Zero. The measure passes. And I had a coffee this morning. We have one other item in Senate third reading. That's five. Fire item 31. Senator Alvarado Hill is prepared. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 28 by Senator Hurtado relative to California Agriculture Day.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Members. As Vice Chair of the Senate Agricultural Committee, I rise today to introduce Senate Resolution 28, declaring Wednesday, March 19 as California Agricultural Day.

Since National Agricultural day is Tuesday, March 18, it's only fitting that we dedicate a day to celebrate California Agriculture, the cornerstone of our state that feeds the world. SR 28 recognized this year's theme as Ag at Work, Cultivating Careers and Communities.

We all know that California is the ag powerhouse of the nation, contributing over 50 billion annually to our economy. And I'm very proud to say that in my district, Senate District 4, we account for a quarter or $10 billion of that. I'm sorry, a fifth of that.

California supplies more than one third of the country's vegetables and two thirds of the country's fruits and nuts. We are also one of the largest ag exporters in the United States, shipping almonds, dairy, wine, citrus and timber to major markets worldwide. California agriculture sustains growers and producers and homesteaders.

It supports millions of jobs across various sectors, including farm workers, truck drivers, warehouse staff, and those in restaurant and grocery stores. So, Members, strap on your boots and tip your hat to California's agricultural industry by voting I for Senate Resolution 28. Then mark your calendars and come out to ag Day.

On March 19th to celebrate Ag Day will be out on the west steps beginning at 10:30am when you and all of your staff and guests can stop by for one hour to before it opens to the public. Once again, I respectfully ask for your aye vote

Thank you, Madam President and esteemed colleagues. Today I recognize the backbone. We recognize the backbone of our great state. Our farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to feeding not only California, but the whole world.

As I grew up as a farm boy myself, I know that agriculture is more than just an industry in our state. It is a way of life steeped in tradition, innovation and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

It's striking to learn that California is breadbasket of our nation, producing more than one third of our country's vegetables and 2/3 of our fruits and nuts. Our agricultural sector supports over a million jobs and contributes billions to our economy. But it is not just about the numbers.

It is about the heart, the hard work and the dedication of those who rise before dawn to ensure that our tables are filled. Especially when daylight savings time begins. It's very tough to rise so early. Let us honor their contributions, support policies and ensure their success and continuing investigating investing in the future of our California agriculture. I proudly support this resolution and ask you all to join me in celebrating our farmers on this agricultural day. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I too rise as a proud co author of SR 28. As a Senator that represents the top three food producing counties in the world. It's important that this Legislature recognizes the importance of agriculture in our state. California is known for more than our beaches and our movies and our movie and film industry.

It's also the largest state, bringing in almost $60 billion a year worth of agricultural income and exports that we have in our communities. It leads the nation in dairy products, graduates, grapes, almonds and hundreds of other commodities that Americans eat and use every day, even as we feed and fuel the nation.

In my district, we realize that food grows where water flows. Unfortunately, this resolution does mention the estimated 800,000 acres of agriculture that will be lost by 2040. And more than 300,000 acres of it would have been highly productive irrigated crop land that all of our constituents eat.

Colleagues, California feeds this nation and the world and we need to protect our food source and not rely on foreign countries to provide us the food that we eat every day.

Water is vitally important to that and I appreciate the informational hearing that was held the other day to at least access and have a thoughtful discussion on water and water supply, specifically in our Central Valley area. And I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Cortese, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of SR 28, recognizing California Agriculture Day and celebrating the farmers, farm workers and agricultural leaders who make our state the agricultural powerhouse that it is. I really want to commend my colleague from Bakersfield for her leadership in bringing this forward.

California, as has been stated, as the nation's number one agricultural producer, providing over 400 commodities and producing nearly two thirds of the country's fruits, nuts and vegetables. I should note that Silicon Valley, which is known for many other things, and Santa Clara County, which is coterminous with the original boundaries of Silicon Valley, still has 15,000 agricultural workers.

Our farms don't just feed California, they feed the nation in the world. From almonds and strawberries to dairy and wine, California agriculture is a pillar of our economy and our way of life. And today we recognize not just the land, but the people who make it all possible.

Our farmers and ranchers, of course, but also our farm workers. Their dedication and resilience to keeping our food supplies strong even in the face of challenges like drought and climate change and heat illness. These are things that we note today as we celebrate our agricultural heritage. And we must also invest in its future.

We need to protect working farmlands. We need to keep working farmlands working, and that means ensuring water security and supporting sustainable farming practices that promote resilience and conservation. I'm proud to have a legislative agenda this year that includes agricultural conservation. Investing in farmland conservation isn't just about preserving open space. It is about keeping those farms in farming.

By giving farmers the financial tools to protect their land from urban sprawl, we're ensuring that they can continue growing the food that feeds California and the world. California's agricultural industry continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue.

Protecting farmland means protecting those jobs, rural communities, and the economic backbone of our state. It's also a natural climate solution. Agricultural lands emit 70 times less greenhouse gases than urban areas, helping to combat climate change while maintaining healthy soils and ecosystems.

With that, on this California Agricultural Day, I join in expressing my gratitude for the hard working men and women who make California agriculture thrive, ensuring that California remains the nation's agricultural leader for generations to come. And I urge support for SR28. Thank you, madam President.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Laird.

Thank you, Madam President. We heard from the Senator of Bakersfield that she represents the first, second and third highest producing counties agriculturally in the state. She has pointedly let me know that I represent the seventh, eighth and ninth. And I stand because I do. My district actually hosts the original Cal Poly where there is great agricultural training.

We, on a policy level, take individual actions that support agriculture. When we restored the UC Cooperative Ag extension to where it was 20 years ago with a 58% increase in 2021, we allow small farmers to get advice on pesticides, on water, on more efficient growing practices.

When we put 75 million the next year into the four campuses of the CSU that are focused on ag, including Bakersfield and Cal Poly, we allowed for those classes that visited us a few weeks ago to have up to date, State of the art facilities to train for ag and support our ag industry.

And the Senator from San Jose mentioned ag land preservation. We put $70 million a year on cap and trade money into sustainable agriculture, land conservation. And what that does is when there's a problem, problem of generational transfer, if a farm wants to stay in ag production, they take an easement.

They buy out the family that doesn't want to stay. And it's a way to keep farmers on the land between the generations. And we do supply water to 3 million acres of irrigated agriculture in California. And we have to take the steps to make sure that that continues in a sustainable way.

It's a vital part of our economy. I'm happy to rise in support of SR 28.

Appreciate everyone's comments. See no other mic up. Senator Alvarado Gil, you may close.

I want to thank our colleagues for being so passionate about the support of our agricultural community here in California and underscore our Senator from Bakersfield, Kern's kind words and very philosophical words. Where water flows, food grows. And that is a reminder to all of us why we are here. To celebrate. Hope to see everybody on March 19th. And I respectfully ask for that aye vote.

Colleagues, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any Objection? Seeing that. Ayes. 36. No 0. The resolution is adopted. Moving on to the special consent calendar number four, we have items 34 through 41. Would any Member wish to remove an item from the special consent calendar? Secretary, please read every item.

[Consent Calendar]

Secretary, please call the roll on the first item.

[Roll Call]

Ayes. 36, noes zero. The special consent calendar is adopted. Moving on to Committee announcements. We have five Committee announcements. We're going to start off with Senator Laird.

Thank you, Madam President. Budget Subcommitee number one on education will meet upon adjournment in the swing space in room 2100.

Members, in about 20 minutes. Budget sub two will be meeting in room 2200.

Senator Dr. Weber Pierson.

Thank you. In about 20 minutes, Senate sub three will be meeting in room 1200. Thank you,

Madam President, immediately upon adjournment, please don't take 20 minutes. Sub 4 will be meeting in downstairs room 113.

Members who are Members Of Budget Subcommitee 5, we will be meeting immediately in Room 112.

I like the way they work. Returning to motions and resolutions. We have two aims under this section. This is the time that if you're having a conversation asking you to leave the floor, we need to respect our two colleagues who will be sharing stories of lost ones. Senator Umberg, you may proceed.

Thank you. Madam President and colleagues, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a wonderful human being, father, friend, husband, who also was an outstanding educator. And that's Dr. Al Miharas. Dr. Meharas and I first met 34 years ago when he was a Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District.

He's probably one of the youngest, if not the youngest Superintendent of a major school district in California at the time. Most recently, he served for 12 years as the Superintendent of Orange County Schools. He was born in 1953 in Pasadena.

In his career spanned over 46 years as a teacher, administrator, principal, he guided Orange County schools through the unprecedented challenges of COVID 19. He spent six years as Vice President of the College Board, focusing on expanding the high school to University pipeline to promote college readiness and success for all students.

As I mentioned, he served 11 years in the early 1990s and late 1980s as the Superintendent of CNN Unified. Earned national recognition for his skill in addressing the needs of a large and very diverse student population.

He's received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the American Association of School Administrators Leadership for Learning Award, the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Educator of the Year, and the Association of California School Administration Administrator's Diversity Award. Dr. Mehara dedicated his life to promoting academic achievement, particularly for young people who came from very modest means.

He was a man of faith who emphasized the importance of communication, collaboration, character, and consistently reminded his staff the importance of integrity and compassion. He leaves a lasting legacy in Orange County and throughout the State of California. He's survived by his wife Jackie, their five sons, one, Wesley, Aaron, Joel, Matthew and Lucas.

He's also survived by his daughters in law, Becca and Nicole, who's married to Lucas and Joel respectively, along with six grandchildren, Brooks, Cole, Cruz, Kaelyn, Matthew. They're the children of Lucas and Becca, and they're expecting another son, Po Ahali. And Dr. Maharis is the child of Joel and Nicole. Colleagues, I respectfully ask that we adjourn today in memory of Dr. Al Mujaros.

Senator Umberg, please bring the educator's name forward so that we may forever memorialize him. Senator Niello, do you wish to speak on this item?

Not on this item, no.

Well, then we're going to continue with the AIMs.

I have a purpose. Point of personal privilege? If I may. So, Members, we are the fifth day into daylight savings time. The time change. .

Senator Neillo, respectfully, this is a time where we're honoring lost ones and I want to make sure we're respecting this during time.

I apologize. I thought that we were finished with.

We're not Senator. Senator Blakespear

Well, thank you, Madam President. I have a fitting and appropriate adjourner memory on California Agriculture Day. I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent Dr. Joanne Corey, a world renowned plant biologist and geneticist who dedicated her life to improving life on Earth. She passed away in La Jolla on November 122024 at the age of 69.

Science was Dr. Corey's life. A colleague described Dr. Corey as a brilliant scientist who inspired those around her, who advocated for positive change for women in science, and whose discoveries have brought significant global impact. Her legacy will endure. A Parkinson's diagnosis in 2004 did not discourage her.

In fact, it added urgency to her quest to find solutions for climate change through her work with plants. While science was her life's work, family was her passion. Dr. Corey met her husband, Stephen Worland, a fellow scientist, when they were, quote, nerding out at a science conference.

Over the years, they turned her international travels to accept distinguished awards and participate in conferences into memorable vacations with their two children, Katie and Joe.

Dr Corey began her career at the Salk Institute in 1988 as an assistant Professor after obtaining her bachelor's in science degree in biology at Oberlin College, her PhD at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Coming from a big Lebanese family in Boston, she always put family first.

She grew up with four brothers and they toughened her up, she said, preparing her to succeed in a male dominated field. When she arrived in the science labs, the strong male culture didn't really bother her, she said. But it wasn't easy.

As one of the first women scientists at the prestigious Salk Institute in La Jolla, she told her husband that the men didn't quite know what to make of working with a woman scientist. She said, they aren't even comfortable when I stand by them. How am I supposed to learn from them?

At the end of her long and productive career, she had earned a reputation as a pioneer and a mentor who paved the way for women scientists. She trained over 150 graduate students and postdocs, many of whom are now leaders in academia and industry. Her lab coordinator, Lynn Artale said.

Aside from her passion for science, she was most proud of bringing up the next generation of scientists. Dr. Corey was recognized around the world for her work as founding Director of the Salk Institute Institute's Harnessing Plants Initiative. This project was inspired by Nobel Prize winner and then Salk President Dr.

Elizabeth Blackburn, who challenged scientists to figure out how their studies could improve the world. Dr. Corey took this challenge seriously and never stopped trying to make life on Earth more sustainable. For more than 30 years, she cheerfully pioneered the use of molecular genetics to study how plants change their size and shape.

This led to ways to optimize a plant's natural ability to capture and store carbon dioxide and adapt to different climate conditions.

In other words, she and her team worked on finding ways for plants to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere that were affordable, scalable and available in a reasonable time frame to mitigate the effects of climate change.

She earned many distinguished awards and recognitions through her career, including being elected as a foreign Member of the Royal Society in Great Britain in 2011. Her work brought tremendous funding to the Harnessing plants initiative, including three grants totaling 155 million since 2019. She also co founded SeaQuesta Inc.

A company developing plants with deeper and bigger roots to sequester carbon in soil and produce more resilient crops. She leaves a commanding legacy in both pure and applied science. She personified the brilliant scientific researchers at Salk Institute and neighboring world class research institutions that are clustered in my district around UC San Diego.

She inspired young scientists who will continue her quest for breakthrough discoveries. Dr. Corey was one of the best and brightest. As Salk President Gerald Joyce said, her brilliant work will live on and just might save the world. Thank you, Senator.

Please bring the Doctor's name forward so that we may forever memorialize her memory. If there is no other business. There is business. Senator Niello, this is time for your fun fact.

Thank you, Madam President. First of all, I profoundly apologize for my digression. I thought there was only one adjourn in memory. That was entirely inappropriate on my part and I'm sorry for that. So I'll take it up now that I know that we're done. And observe that we're the fifth day into Daylight Savings. The time change.

And I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm still getting used to it. A little tired, a little grumpy. And to make things easier for all of you, we will be offering coffee and donuts in our office at 7110 in this in the swing space this morning. So wake up.

Thank you, Senator. With that, there is no other business. Mr. Pro Tem. The desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Members, hope you have a wonderful weekend. Our next floor session, even if you're. Irish or Irish at heart, will be. Monday, March 17th at 2:00pm we'll see. You on St. Patty's Day.

The Senate will be in recess until 3:30pm at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, March 17th, St. Patty's Day, 2025 at 2:00pm.