Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Would the Members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We will be led in prayer this afternoon by our chaplain, Sister Michelle Gorman. After which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

In honor of Saint Patrick, this blessing by the Irish poet John O'Donohue is called "For One Who Holds Power." May the gift of leadership keep you mindful of the providence that calls you to serve. As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings, may your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills.

In times of great endurance, may your imagination continue to evoke new horizons. When thirst burns in times of drought, may you be blessed to find new wells. May you have the wisdom to know when the seeds of change will flourish. May you welcome your own vulnerability as the ground where healing and truth join. And may integrity of soul be the source that guides and blesses your work and your play each day. Saint Patrick, pray for us. Amen.

Please join me in the Pledge Allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance 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.

Members, moving to privileges of the floor. For those that have been around a little while, you probably felt a very familiar presence on the floor. So today we would like to welcome to the floor Senator Steve Glazer. Welcome home.

Continuing with privileges of the floor, I also would like to acknowledge on behalf of Senator Arreguín Martin Reynolds, up in the gallery, co-executive director from the Maynard Institute in Oakland, focused on promoting leadership equity in journalism. Again, welcome to the California State Senate up in the gallery. Members, let's welcome.

And Members, if you have conversations, please feel free to take them into the back of the chamber. If you're at your desk, let's give our sole attention to those that are presenting. Continuing, Members, without rejection. We will now move to Senate third reading to take up a few file items out of order today.

After adoption of each resolution, we will move back to privileges of the floor for the Senator to introduce guests. File item 19 by Senator McNerney. Are you ready, Senator McNerney, at this time to present file item 19? And he is presenting file item 19 from the Majority Leader's desk. Senator McNerney, the floor is yours.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 by Senator McNerney, relative to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Senator McNerney, you may now.

Mr. President, I rise today to present SCR 29, which recognizes March as the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths the United States. So that's an awful lot. However, it can be prevented. It is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through timely screening.

One of my best friends that died gave me the advice, get checked. The problem is only one in three Americans who are eligible for screenings are not up to date. So SCR 29 also highlights the disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes with indigenous Americans, Alaska Natives, Black Americans, and Hispanic communities, and rural residents facing higher risks.

By designating March 2025 as a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we can increase public awareness and emphasize the importance of early detection, potentially saving thousands of lives. This resolution represents California's commitment to addressing this preventable disease through education and awareness, supporting the tireless work of advocates, medical professionals, and survivors. I ask for your aye vote on SCR 29.

Members, any discussion or debate. Any discussion or debate? Seeing none. Senator McNerney, would you like to close?

I would. You know, I've had friends and colleagues and personal people that have died from colorectal cancer. It's preventable. Get screened. It'll save your lives. Thank you. I close and ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call for absent Members.

[Roll Call]

The resolution is 37, ayes 37, noes 0. Resolution is adopted. Back to privileges of the floor. Senator McNerney, you have guests with us, introducing them from Majority Leader's desk.

Thank you again, Mr. President. I would like today to recognize extraordinary colorectal cancer advocates joining us today, many of whom have personally faced this disease with remarkable courage. We have several champions in this critical fight. First of all, Dr. Spencer Dayton.

He's a stage four early onset colorectal cancer patient who serves as the ambassador for the Fight CRC and advocacy leaders here in California. I know Dr. Dayton personally. He is a renowned author. He just signed his book for me this morning. Thank you. Dr. Mary Beth Kropp, former school principal and educator consultant, who founded Big Mike's Bottom Line after losing her husband to stage four colorectal cancer. She now serves on the board of the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition.

And Tami Pangelina, ambassador for the Fight CRC, who became a powerful advocate after serving as a caregiver to her nephew who died from stage four colorectal cancer. Thank you, Tami. And I also want to acknowledge Lauren Kimzey from Stockton, who is with us in the gallery, and she is courageously battling colorectal cancer today.

Tami, want to stand up. And there you go. This coalition came together to fight all patients, caregivers, and those who have lost their loved ones to colorectal cancer. They fight to help those who cannot fight the disease alone. Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. Again, I say it's a preventable disease. Get checked. And with the support of this Legislature, we can raise awareness and help remove the significant costs and roadblocks to screening and treatment. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. And welcome to the California State Senate to your guests. And pictures, if you would like. And other Members if you would like to join after they're finished with this, you're welcome to do so.

We are moving on to file item 26, SCR 31 by Senator Allen. Senator Allen from the Majority Leader's desk. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 by Senator Allen, relative to California Poetry Out Loud.

Senator, you may proceed.

Well, thank you so much, Mr. President. I have great privilege this afternoon of recognizing a remarkable statewide program, California Poetry Out Loud, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary today. Now, many of you know that Poetry out Loud brings high school students from all over the nation to compete in the memorization and performance of poetry.

And here in our state, it helps to introduce young Californians to the arts. It fosters creativity and self confidence. And so for the last 20 years, the California Arts Council has partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry foundation to give students the opportunity to discover their voices and engage in the intergenerational conversation of art and culture.

And every year, high school students, they compete at the classroom level before the champions are allowed to compete School wide, then county wide. And then eventually the top folks come to Sacramento to compete in the statewide Poetry Out Loud competition to find who will be the Poetry Out Loud state champion.

Well, in addition to earning prize money for themselves in their school, our state champion has flown out to Washington, D.C. to represent our state, the national Poetry Out Loud finals. So over the past couple days, while we've all been doing various things, the county champions from across California have gathered here in Sacramento.

They've been competing for this opportunity to represent our State in Washington, D.C. performing poems that they've memorized and made their own. And each of these students is helping to leave a mark on our literary history, shaping the next generation of cultural and community leaders.

We're going to invite them up after we pass this SCR today to honor them. But for this moment, I ask you in joining me in celebrating 20 years of California poetry out loud by supporting SCR31 today.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I stand in support of SCR 31. In fact, it reminded me over the weekend, I was driving home from San Diego, and I looked to the right, and there were some flower fields that looked really pretty. And I thought about all the individuals that should stop and smell some of those flowers.

Because we don't take enough time to just smell the roses. Right, Mr. President. And then I thought about, man, what else would allow me to stop and smell the roses? What else? Maybe listening to music or reading some books, Think about some mindfulness. Or take a walk outside. Or, you know, maybe walk my dog, hang out in my backyard.

Senator, as poetic as you sound, would you stick with the measure at hand?

Oh, sorry, Mr. President. Yes, poetry. I think it's so important for these youth to be part of these clubs because then they can, you know, attend classes. Timely. And graduate. And then maybe go back to walking their dogs.

Once again, Senator, if you would stick with the.

oh, I apologize, Mr. President. Yes. Just respectfully asking for an aye vote on SCR 31.

Excellent. Thank you so very much. Any other discussion or debate. Any other discussion or debate? Seeing none. Senator, would you like to clap?

I just want to thank my colleague for her extraordinary speech. One of the finest we've heard on this floor. And it really does. It was imbued with the spirit of poetry out loud. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you so very much. Secretary, will you please call the roll? Members, this is eligible for unanimous roll call without objection. And is there any objection? Seeing no objection. Then we will apply. Unanimous roll call. 37ayes 37 nos. 0. The resolution is adopted.

We will move back to privileges of the floor and call for Senator Allen to introduce his guests from the Majority Leader's desk.

Yes. So just a few hours ago in the Swing Space, our county champions from across the state competed in the last round of the California Poetry Out Loud Finals. And in the conjunction of our our passage of SCR 31 and the incredible speech from the Senator from from San Fernando Valley, I have the honor of introducing the top three finalists in this year's competition, each of whom performed three works over the last two days.

The courage, the artistic expression, the creativity that each of these competitors displayed contributed to a wonderful competition. And despite the long afternoon of travel ahead of them, we are honored to be joined today by all three of this year's top finishers before they get the chance to head home.

So I'm so happy to introduce this year's honorable mention, the 2025 Napa County champion from Vintage High School, Madeline Chiu. This year's runner up, and the 2025 San Bernardino County champion from the Norton Science and Language Academy, Toochi Samsylvanus.

And representing my home county as the Los Angeles County champion, a junior at the Archer School for Girls, back to back top three finisher and the newly minted 2025 Poetry Out Loud State Champion, Selah Johnson. Members, please join me in congratulating these accomplished state champion and finalists welcoming them to the State Senate.

Photos in the back of the chamber. All Members that would like to take a photo, please join in the back of the chamber.

Members, moving on to file item 29, SCR 37 by Senator Wiener. Senator, you are ready. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 by Senator Wiener, relative to Family Physician Week.

Senator Wiener, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and colleagues. I rise to present SCR 37, which recognizes this week as Family Physician Week to highlight the vital role that family physicians play in our healthcare system and in our local communities.

Family physicians make up the majority of the primary care workforce, and their specialized training allows them to provide comprehensive, lifelong, intergenerational care to individuals and families. They serve as trusted leaders, managing chronic and acute conditions, raising awareness about health disparities, and adapting their practices to meet the needs of their communities, particularly in rural areas where specialists may not be available.

Through whole person, integrated, and team based care, family physicians have revolutionized healthcare delivery, reducing costs through preventative care and keeping patients healthy. They're also at the front lines during public health crises, leading vaccination efforts and providing critical medical services to those in need during natural emergencies. Let us recognize these dedicated healthcare professionals as they work to improve health outcomes and build a more equitable healthcare system for all Californians. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Members, any discussion or debate? Any discussion or debate? Seeing none. This resolution... Would you like to close, Senator Wiener?

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you so much. This resolution does qualify for unanimous roll call, so we will apply unanimous roll call. Ayes 37. Was there any objection, by the way? Seeing no objection. Ayes 37, noes zero.

The resolution is adopted. Moving back to privileges of the floor. From the Majority Leader's desk, Senator Wiener, you may introduce your guests.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Colleagues, we're joined here today by Lisa Folberg, the CEO of the California Academy of Family Physicians, as well as several others physicians. Anthony Chong, who is the President. Alex McDonald, the immediate past President. Kim Yu, the President Elect. Brent Sugimoto, the Speaker. And Jorge Galdamez, the Vice Speaker. So please welcome these amazing physicians to the Senate.

Members, let's welcome them.

And after this photo, if Members would like to go back and join, you may go to the back of the chambers.

Members, it is my privilege and to call for all of us together to join and please wish Senator Grove a very happy early birthday. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of the Committee will be deemed read, and amendments adopted. Under motions, resolutions, and notices. Without objection. The Senate journals for March 10th. The Senate journals for March 10, 2025 through March 13, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk. Senator Caballero, you are... For what reason you are recognized?

Yes, Mr. President. Under privileges of the of the floor. I'm sorry that you moved off it really quickly, but I wanted to welcome you and congratulate you on your new position.

I will be more than happy to go back to privileges of the floor.

Thank you so much.

Especially with that announcement.

Especially for that. Yes. I was trying to think of something searing to be able to challenge you with, but I'll have to think of it later.

Thank you so very much. We do have a point of order. Senator Grove, I was just very nice to you.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that we commend the presiding officer for his leadership, effective immediately.

And thank you for your kindness returned. We will keep that under privileges of the floor, and we will move on. We do have with us right now, without objection. And we are going to now recognize Senator Wiener for a motion.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and colleagues. There's a letter at the desk requesting that Senate Bills 100 through 219 be withdrawn from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and order the second reading. I ask for an aye vote.

Senator Niello, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. 120 opportunities to pass policy in the budget that won't be budget related. I object to the motion and ask for a no vote.

Senator Wiener, would you like to close?

Respectfully ask for an aye vote as we initiate the budget process, which is going to be even more difficult this year than usual because of what's coming at us from Washington, D.C. So it's going to be a tough budget process, but we got to get ready, and this is a very important step.

Members, Senator Wiener is asking for an aye vote. Senator Niello is asking for a no vote. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call for absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, noes 10. The motion carries. Moving on to consideration of the daily file. Governor's appointments, item number four. Senator Laird, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. File item number four is the confirmation of the following appointments. Anne Hoskins to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and Azucena Beltran-Serrano to the Colorado River Basin Water Board. Ms. Hoskins is a climate tech advisor for Swift Solar. Ms. Beltran-Serrano is a project manager for the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative at UC Santa Cruz. They were both approved by the Rules Committee on March 5th. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Members, any discussion or debate? Any discussion? Seeing none. Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, 10 noes. The appointment is confirmed. Moving to Senate third reading. Item 17. Senator Grove, if you are ready. She is ready.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 49 by Senator Grove, an act relating to tribal gaming and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator Grove, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, SB 49 would ratify the amendments to the State Tribal Gaming Compact between the State of California and Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians.

The bill addresses the primary basis for the Department of Interior's disapproval of the compact which the Legislature ratified last year. Specifically the Department highlighted--it perceived a lack of meaningful concessions by the state. After additional negotiations between the Governor's Office and the tribe, those issues have been resolved and addressed in this new compact.

The bill would also provide two extensions to the tribe's previous compact for the tribe to operate the gaming facility while the Department of Interior considers the new compact. The Big Sandy Tribe has active and valued members of their community and work closely with city counts--their county and law enforcement.

The new compact represents the critical step forward to economic development and self-sufficiency for the tribe for being--with needed jobs and revenue in the surrounding community. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Members, any discussion or debate? Any discussion or debate? Seeing none, members, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Without objection? Seeing no objection, ayes: 37; no: zero on the item. Ayes: 37; no: zero on the urgency. The measure passes. We will return back to motions and resolutions for adjournments in memory.

Senator Weber, if you are ready, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President and good afternoon. Colleagues. I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of one of San Diego's most beloved leaders, the Honorable Leon Williams. Leon Williams passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the age of of 102.

He had dedicated his life to public service and has changed the landscape of San Diego's history. He led with integrity, compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of community. He was known for his kindness and his gentleness. For the way he made every person feel heard, valued and and respected.

Leon's impact began in 1969 when he made history as the first black person elected to the San Diego City Council. 13 years later, in 1982, he became the first black person elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

And just a side note, it took over 40 years for San Diego to elect another African American to the County Board of Supervisors. And I think that speaks volume to just the person that he was.

Through these roles, Leon Williams championed the transformation of San Diego's downtown and southeastern neighborhoods, helped start the Southwestern Economic Development Corporation, and played a key role in the development of our city's public transit system system, including the trolley service that now connects San Diego State University to the broader region.

Leon was also the founder of the counties of San Diego's First Human Relations Commission that is now named after him. He became the first black homeowner in his Golden Hills neighborhood, where in 2017, the block was renamed Leon Williams Drive by the City of San Diego in his honor.

Though we mourn the loss of a giant, we celebrate his life, a life dedicated to the service of others and making San Diego and California a better place. Leon is survived by his sister, Leona Robbins, and three brothers, Cecil, Buddy and Johnny Williams, as well as 10 children and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We are joined here today in the chambers this afternoon by his son, J.J. Anderson, and daughter Alicia Williams. Thank you so much for being here.

I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones as well to the entire San Diego community who mourn the passing of such a remarkable man who truly lived his life to the fullest.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I just want to join in the adjournment for Leon Williams. I joined the MTS Board, Metropolitan Transit System board, in the early 2000s, and Leon was the chairperson at that time. And I was told on my way to my very first meeting that Mr.

Williams was a legend in San Diego. county. And I had no idea who he was, being new to politics myself at the time. But as soon as I got to the meeting, he warmly welcomed me.

He was very kind, and over the course of the few years that we had an opportunity to work together on that Committee, he was very gracious and mentored me into understanding the things that are important to MTS and the region as a whole for transportation, but just his legendary presence and his mentorship, I think, of generations of San Diego politicians that have come up under him.

I really appreciate the adjorn in memory today and his legacy in San Diego and look forward to helping continue that for all of us. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and colleagues. I'm happy to add my voice in expressing my gratitude for the life of Supervisor Williams, whom I had the pleasure. To know and to work with for. Many years, my years as mayor and in local government. And he was a legend.

He was an individual who demonstrated, not with his words, but with his spirit and with his actions. A type of politics I think today we can all miss very much. To see the human heart and the dignity and the worth of every human being, no matter our politics. To listen more than to speak.

To take a moment and connect and to always try to find a kind word and to offer encouragement. That was quintessential Leon Williams, principled, strong and a gentleman. And he will be sorely missed.

Thank you. Our condolences are with the family and Senator Weber Pearson. Please bring your name forward that they may be properly memorialized. Back to privileges of the floor for one second.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and thankfulness to Secretary Contreras and the incredible team at this front desk under the direction of Hashani, for all the help you provided today and for the patience of the Members. You are all second to none. Thank you so very much. And that's appropriate.

If there is no other business, Senator McGuire. The desk is clear.

Mr. President, I want to take a moment. I think I could speak on behalf. Of this bipartisan body. Really nice job today. I think we need to give Mr. President a round of applause. My goodness. Thank you so much for stepping up. And I know next up we have Senator Dr. Weber Pierson, who will be.

Joining us as well, which be fantastic. Happy St. Paddy's Day, folks. I hope everyone is able to celebrate. Here tonight, regardless if you're Irish or Irish at heart. The next floor session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th. Ladies and gentlemen, we expect a full. House for the State of Judiciary. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you here tomorrow for the annual address. Until then, back over to you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Pro Tem. The Senate will be in recess until 3:30pm at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 9:00am Members, as a reminder, the joint Convention for the State of the Judiciary address is being held in the Senate Chamber tomorrow, March 18, 2025 at 10:00am Have a good day.