Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Members, if we can return to our desk. We are going to get started now, Senators. We're going to start with a prayer. If we can return to our desk, please. Would the Members and the guests beyond the railing please rise.

We will be led this afternoon in prayer by our own Senator Durazo, after which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Durazo.

I search for you, O God, Always elusive and hidden I long to dwell in the heart of mystery I search for my true self more of who I already am Knowing there's so much yet to be discovered.

I search for vision in the shadows of my soul Impatiently waiting the moment of light I search for a quiet heart Amid life's harried schedule My soul cries out, yearning for solitude I search for home, always for home Forgetting, of course, that I'm already there.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America and to the Republic of one nation under God.

We have six introductions under privileges of the floor. On behalf of Senator Cervantes, we'd like to welcome Ignite students from Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Norco College, Riverside Polytechnic High School, Rainy Intermediate, and Home Gardens Academy from Senate District 31. Ignite is a nonprofit program that trains young women for political leadership. Right here to my right. Welcome to the State Senate. Our pro tem has the next introduction. Senator McGuire.

Thank you so much. Members, I rise today to recognize a North Bay Area legend who has dedicated his career to protecting and restoring one of the region's most precious natural resources, and that is the Russian River. You know, Don McEnale just officially retired, even though we are all very grumpy about it.

He retired after nearly a quarter century as the Executive Director of the Russian Riverkeeper. But don't think for a second that he's fully stepped down. He will never fully retire. He is now back at the nonprofit as Deputy Director to ensure there is a smooth transition. Don McNeil simply can't stop doing good.

And it shouldn't be surprising that Don is so dedicated to the river that we all love. He grew up spending summers swimming and paddling in its waters. And he knows how vital the watershed is to the community's quality of life, providing drinking water to hundreds of thousands, supporting thousands of jobs throughout the north coast and North Bay.

And it's ingrained in the cultural heritage multi counties north of the Golden Gate, you know. Since taking the helm of the Russian riverkeeper organization in 2001, Mr. McEnill has worked tirelessly towards the vision of restoring a river that is healthy, that is swimmable, fishable, and protected for all.

Don's work has led to significant victories over the last nearly 25 years, including winning the victory against destructive gravel mining in its banks. It is forever banned. Thanks to Don McEnill, he's reintroduced coho salmon to the river.

He's advanced some of the largest restoration projects in modern history, and he's ensured that the Russian River is protected in perpetuity. Don's led efforts to reintroduce the Kahu, and it's now essential, essential to the species recovery.

Add to that, over the last 23 years that he's been with the organization, nearly 2 million pounds of trash has been picked up, thanks to the big guy behind me. But he doesn't do it all by himself.

Over more than two decades, he's engaged thousands of volunteers and community Members, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship throughout the North Bay. The Riverkeeper organization has been instrumental in defending the watershed while also balancing people's needs.

And thanks to to Don, tenacious leadership, his ability to be able to build bridges between communities that candidly don't always agree, and his downright grit, we can honestly say that the Russian River and its watershed is healthier now than when he started his storing career. With him today is his amazing wife, Vicki.

And up in the gallery, we need to do a what? What? For a number of Russian Riverkeeper staff. It just shows how appreciated Don is.

Don't mean to get a little emotional, but it is a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering commitment to the people of the North Bay and for always standing strong for the river that we love. Members, let's thank Don McEnill and his wife Vicki for 25 years of tenacious service. Now retiring, Dawn McEnough, the Russian River Keeper Organization.

Thank you so much for your service. Senator Allen has the next introduction.

Well, thank you, Madam President. Members, we're joined today in the gallery by the 2025 class of Leadership Torrance, which is a cohort of business, community and civic leaders from the City of Torrance in the Southern portion of my district now.

So for over 40 years, Leadership Torrance has brought together leaders in the South Bay to learn from each other, engage with civic institutions and design a community service project to complete as a cohort. Hundreds of local leaders have graduated from the program over the years.

They've gone on to build businesses, serve in government, help mentor the next generation of leaders in our community. And of course, many of these folks are doing just that already now. I had a wonderful pleasure of meeting with them a few hours ago. We had a great discussion. It's a really sharp group.

We were talking about all sorts of difficulties, challenging issues related to state policy that we're facing right now. I want to specially recognize directors Rodney Davis, Edward Apodaca and Lomita Mayor my good buddy Mark Warneck, who's over there, along with all of the participants from this year's cohort for making the program possible.

Members, please give a very warm California State Senate welcome to the 2025 class of Leadership Torrence.

Welcome to the State Senate. From the Majority Leader's desk, Minority Leader Senator Jones has the next introduction.

Thank you, Madam President. And Members, it's a great honor today to introduce one of the leaders in my part of San Diego, County, a Council Member from El Cajon who is up here this afternoon to watch the Padres beat the A's. I would like to introduce Elkon Councilmember Phil Ortiz.

Welcome Council Member, Senator Becker from the Majority Leader's desk. Sir, you may proceed when you're ready.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm here to recognize and congratulate the winner of the California Wildlife photo of the Year contest. The winner is Jean Zuo from my district. And I would like permission to use a Prop.

Without objection.

Okay, so we have Jean here with the photo. And this is a contest presented by the California Watchable Wildlife, sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. And the goal of the contest is to illustrate and acknowledge the diversity of California wildlife and to highlight wildlife viewing opportunities here and throughout the state.

So with Outdoor California Magazine, they launched this photo contest in 2011. The photo competition runs throughout the year with finalists announced bimonthly throughout the sponsors web pages. And at the end of the year, the Best of the Year winner is selected. So this winning photo depicts a California black bear and a Kokanee salmon.

And Jean captured this memorable moment while visiting Taylor Creek in Lake Tahoe for the first time. For the first time. Jean was born in China and has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since she was a teenager. She has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from San Jose State University. MBA from Santa Clara University.

And she's always loved photography for its ability to record precious moments and memories. She photographs all sorts of subjects and especially loves digital photography because it provides that immediate visual feedback.

And I just want to lastly say that her interest was sparked in photography in 2017 when a pair of bald eagles moved into an elementary school campus in Milpitas. And during the pandemic, as many of us took on hobbies, she took on this hobby of wildlife photography, and it continues to be a peaceful sanctuary for her.

So I would like to ask you all to please join me in giving Jean a warm Senate welcome and congratulate her for having the winning wildlife photograph of the year.

Congratulations, Jean. Amazing photo. We'll do one photo with the Senator and then a group photo if anyone's interested. If any Member wishes to be part of the group photo, now is the time. 30 seconds, Senators. All right, here we go. Senators, we're coming back to business. Closing out our introductions is going to be Senator Dr. Weber Pierson.

Thank you, Madam President. We all do a lot of introductions on the floor, and this will be by far the most important Members. It is my honor and my privilege to introduce my two heartthrobs who are here on spring break. My boys, Kadir, age 13, and Jalil, age 11. Welcome.

All right, Members, we're continuing with business. Please take your conversations off the floor. Messages from the Governor would be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read and amendments adopted. We are now under motions, resolutions and notices. Motion to approve Senate journals. Without objection.

The Senate journals for April 1, 2025 through April 3, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk. And we are waiting for Senator Wiener. Senator Wiener. Senator, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I move that measures reported by the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee this week be given a second reading upon being reported and ordered the third reading.

Senator Niello, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I object to this motion and urge a no vote.

Senator Wiener, you may close.

Madam President, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

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

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29, no, seven. The motion carries. Moving on to consideration of the daily file. We have items 1 through 23 under second reading files.Secretary, please read

[Second Reading]

File will be deemed read. We have items 26 and 27, both by Senator Grove under governor's appointments. Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, file item 26 is the confirmation of Kristen Erickson Donadee for appointment to the Director of Department of Child Support Services. Ms. Erickson Donadee is an attorney that has worked in the field of child support services for nearly two decades.

She most recently served as the Department's Chief Deputy Director from 2020 to 2024 before being appointed as Director. She was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Any Member wish to be heard on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36. No zero. The appointment is confirmed. Senator Grove. Item 27.

Thank you. Madam President, colleagues today file. Item 27 is a confirmation of Paula Wilhelm for appointment to Deputy Director of Behavioral Health and the Department of Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Wilhelm was focused on her career in behavioral health policy.

She initially worked at the local level as a policy Director for the County Behavioral Health Directors Association. For the last three years, she was Assistant Deputy Deputy Director for Behavioral Health and then Aging and then Acting Director of the Department of Healthcare Services. She was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Members, any discussion on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36. No, zero. The appointment is confirmed. Senators, we have four items under Senate third reading. If you're following along, that's going to be items 45, 46, 52 and 55. Senator Cortese has item 45. He is prepared.Secretary, please read

Senate Joint Resolution 2 by Senator Cortese relative to classified workers.

Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Madam President. Senators, I rise to present SJR2. SJR2 urges Congress and the President of the United States to enact federal legislation that affirms and protects the rights of classified school employees, the essential workers who keep our public schools running every single day.

Across the country, more than 3 million classified staff, which include paraeducators, bus drivers, custodians, custodians, clerical workers, food service staff and more, are the backbone of our education system. Yet too often their work is undervalued. Their hours are limited. Their wages and benefits fall far short of what is needed to support themselves.

SJR2 outlines a comprehensive vision of fairness, dignity and opportunity for classified workers. Livable, competitive wages, Affordable healthcare benefits, paid family and medical leave. A safe working environment. A voice in school policies that impact their jobs. California cannot allow our classified workers to be treated as an afterthought.

If we want strong schools, we need to invest in the people who make them work. SR2 is sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, with support the California Labor Federation, the California School Employees Association, and SEIU California, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise in support of SJR2 as a proud joint author. I want to thank our colleague, Senator from San Jose, for authoring this important resolution. SJR2 cannot be timelier. Our classified employees truly are the unsung heroes of our schools.

They do so much to keep our schools running so that our students have a safe, clean and welcoming environment to learn in and build their futures. We have done so much here at the state level for our classified employees, but it's high time that our colleagues at the federal level do the same. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SJR 2.

Thank you. Seeing no other mics up, Senator Cortese, you may close.

Thank you. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll call]

Ayes 28. No, 7. The resolution is adopted. File item 46 is by Senator Blakespear. And she is ready to go.Secretary, please read

Senate Concurrent Resolution 25 by Senator Blakesbier relative to nuclear fusion.

Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon, Members. I rise today to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 25, a resolution recognizing California's leadership and vast potential in the field of nuclear fusion energy. California is committed to a clean energy Future, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2045. This resolution highlights fusion as a critical piece of that future.

Fusion offers the promise of a nearly limitless, clean, safe energy source. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, it produces no air pollution or harmful emissions. Unlike nuclear energy, it produces no long lasting dangerous waste. This technology has the potential to revolutionize our energy landscape. California is at the forefront of fusion energy research and development.

We are home to world renowned institutions such as the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in my district in San Diego and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where where groundbreaking discoveries are taking place right now.

Just recently, the facility at Lawrence Livermore National Labs achieved the first controlled fusion ignition in a lab setting and has successfully repeated ignition with higher fusion yields at least five times. California is also home to a thriving private fusion industry, attracting billions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of jobs.

This resolution expresses California's support for developing the entire fusion energy ecosystem, from workforce training to supply chain development. We aim to position California as the leading location for a first of its kind fusion pilot plant by the2030s, solidifying our state's role as a global leader in clean energy innovation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in endorsing this resolution. By recognizing and celebrating the advancements in fusion energy, we are sending a clear message that California is committed to investing in a clean, sustainable, prosperous future for all. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator McNerney. You're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I also want to thank my colleague from Encinitas as a joint author of SCR25. As my colleague mentioned, fusion has massive potential. Basically, there's very little radioactive waste, no high level waste at all.

There's no danger of an accident because the temperature and pressure are so extreme in a fusion reaction that if there's a power failure or any other sort of disruption, the temperature falls, the pressure drops, the reaction comes to a stop. So there's no threat for a disastrous accident.

You know, when I was in college, the joke was that fusion was 50 years from now, and it's always going to be 50 years from now. Well, that's changed. Fusion is happening now. As my colleague mentioned, we had an ignition event in the Lawrence Livermore labs in my district. Many times now, several times, five or six times.

So this is happening. Another thing is that there's billions of dollars of real private money going into fusion. So people with money believe this. It's not just government funding or anything like that. So we're seeing a revolution now. We have some competition. They've announced a pilot project in Virginia, maybe in five years.

China has already controlled plasma for many, many seconds, farther than anything we expected. So we have real competition. But the economic gain and the intellectual gain is massive. If we continue to workforce development, bring these scientists here to California, we can see great things happening. You know, I live close to Silicon Valley.

There's a lot of economic activity in Silicon Valley, but fusion is fat wire technology and everybody needs energy. It's going to happen. We want it to happen here in California. So I want California to be the leader, the national leader in fusion energy and maybe the world leader. So with that, I ask for an aye vote again, thank my colleague and yield back.

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

Well, I thank you to my colleague for. For his comments and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll call]

Senator Blakespear moves to call. Senator Wahab has filed. Item 52 is ready to go. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 51 by Senate Concurrent Resolution 49 by Senator Wahab relative to Mosquito Awareness Week.

Thank you. SCR 49 recognizes April 13th through the 19th in 2025 as mosquito awareness Week. Mosquitoes pose a global public health threat and each year in California, residents face the threat of disease such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika and most predominantly West Nile virus.

Many of you may be surprised to hear that there is actually some of these viruses here in California, as it generally is associated with tropical climates. However, in 2023, the first case was reported here in California of locally transmitted dengue fever.

Last year, 18 locally acquired dengue infections were reported in the state and this number is expected to grow. The disease is transmitted by invasive mosquitoes that are currently in 24 California counties and local transmission is now a new reality that we have to contend with.

Additionally, the West Nile Virus is an endemic in our state and there have been more than 8,000 human cases and almost 400 deaths reported in California since 2003. I want to highlight that many of our counties actually have a mosquito abatement organization and I personally visited mine. Very surprised, very fascinated by the work that they do.

They are truly saving lives and SCR 49 recognizes the important work that mosquito and vector control agencies do to protect public health and highlights the importance of partnerships between public agencies, local communities and the state in combating mosquito transmitted diseases. By increasing the public's understanding of mosquito transmitted diseases, we can help Californians take action.

Action to protect themselves, their families and friends. I respectfully request an aye vote on SCR49.

Thank you seeing no mics up on this. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Wahab moves to call. Senator Choi has file item 55. He is ready to go. Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 34 by. Senator Choi relative to National Library Week.

Thank you fellow Senators. I rise today to introduce a resolution SR 34 recognizing the invaluable role that the library's in our communities by declaring April 6 through April 12, 2025 as a national Library Week in California.

As a former librarian and a Professor at USC Graduate School of Library and Information Management, I can say this library are more than just a building filled with books. They serve as vibrant community hub offering a wide range of services that foster civic engagement, critical thinking and lifelong learning.

Our libraries provide free and equitable access to essential resources, books, digital tools and innovative programs that ensure everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

The US invested in libraries due to the confluence of factors including a growing belief in the power of education for individual and societal advancement, the desire to share knowledge, and influence of philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie who believed the libraries were a vital tool for self improvement and community development.

Carnegie, an immigrant, felt that the libraries could play newcomers to America, acquire cultural knowledge and integrate into society. Libraries partner with schools, businesses and local organizations to maximize resources, increase efficiency and strengthening our community. Libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners by providing access to training and resources that open doors to career growth and economic success.

From nurturing young minds through story times and stand programs to protecting the right to read and explore freely, libraries stand as champions of intellectual freedom and expression. During the week of April 6th, libraries across our state that will join the nation in celebrating National Library Week under the theme of Drawn to the Library.

This is an opportunity for all of us to recognize how libraries connect us as a community. I encourage all Californians to visit their local libraries if possible with your children or grandchildren, explore their resources and celebrate these essential institutions.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote for the resolution and join me in honoring the vital role that the libraries and the librarians play in our lives and in the future of our generations.

Thank you Senator Wiener. You're recognized.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I want to thank the author for introducing this important and very timely resolution to support our libraries and librarians.

I'm proud to be a co author of this resolution and there are a few sort of some of the language in this resolution that really drew me to it were, you know, fostering curiosity and a love of learning. There's a statement in here, one of the whereas clauses.

Libraries protect the right to read, think and explore, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression. There's also a whereas clause celebrating our dedicated librarians. And these are very, very important, because, to be honest, libraries are under attack right now, and it's been going on for years, and it's accelerated under this Administration.

We know that for years now, libraries around the country that have hosted Drag Queen Story Hour have come under severe attack, sometimes physical threats, where we have drag queens who are simply reading stories to kids. And parents bring their kids in, and the kids love it, and the parents love it.

It's just a festive situation that helps these kids read more and explore and think about things. And we have elected officials who demonize and try to ban these drag queen story hours. We even have the President of the United States targeting drag queens. And it's really just really tragic that Drag Queen Story Story Hour has been so politicized because it's a key part of libraries in the year 2025.

We also are seeing more and more books being banned, library books being banned, you know, particularly if it says anything around LGBTQ people or just all sorts of subjects that are just being randomly banned. We've seen Holocaust themed books, books that talk about the Holocaust get banned. Actually, there was a.

When I was a kid from my library, I would read Judy Blume books like, Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret. And Blubber. Really amazing books for kids. These books have been banned in various libraries, cities, and school districts around the country.

So I'm glad that I was able to read those as a kid before they got banned. We've also seen a very orchestrated campaign of harassment against librarians. Librarians who. I mean, librarians. Can you think of any more noble profession than a librarian that's trying to help people read and learn?

And they have been targeted, demonized, sometimes even pushed out because they wouldn't participate in demonizing drag queens or banning books and so forth. So as we celebrate libraries and librarians, let's also just be very focused on what's happening in this country today. The assault on free thinking and free speech and just freedom to be who you are.

And let's commit to making sure that we're truly supporting our libraries. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. And ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I also rise in strong support of SR 34. And as a proud co author of this resolution, I want to thank the Senator from Irvine for bringing this forward.

As you all know, I'm a teacher and the joy that I Have with libraries and books is something that I can't overcome as a teacher. It was my favorite time to take my students to a library and let them just roam free.

And that's the only time they ever were allowed to make their own rules, pick their own books, and just learn and just be curious without anyone telling them what they should or should not read. And that's why libraries should exist. For many of them, libraries is the only way for them to gain knowledge.

Some affluent communities can travel to Europe, Some cannot. And the books that they read provide that door into another world. And I think that it's extremely important that we let them. We let them learn. We let them travel into spaces that they might not otherwise be.

The magic of libraries is often a place where children have their first learning experience, where their curiosity grows, where the knowledge to pursue something, it's free. It's free for them to choose and chase on their own. And again, that's something that I always valued as an educator.

Lifelong learners begin in those quiet spaces and those unexpected moments of joy when they learn something. And you can actually physically see when they learn something. You almost see the light bulbs go up in their heads. I know it sounds strange, but I've seen it, and it's wonderful to see them just grow and learn.

It also happens in spaces where we hold all the knowledge in the world. And I want to say consider the centuries of knowledge that are encompassed in those walls of a library. With we perserve the voices of poets, scientists, revolutionaries, survivors, and storytellers. Libraries are just not buildings.

They're places where we archive everything that happens, where we question where we create and we discover what people were thinking centuries ago. And they remain one of the few places where that legacy continues to be open. Free to explore, and free for children to acquire that kind of access shouldn't be frightening.

It should be something that our students should look forward to. And I feel that we kind of lost our way. Every time we talk about libraries or books now, there's rules around it. Children just think of reading. They don't think of what they're reading or what it says.

They just want to read and learn, no matter what it is. Learning also gives them different perspectives. It allows them to think for themselves. It allows them to have different ideas and disagree with others, which is what we want.

We want to grow children that are critical thinkers that can think for themselves and make their own decisions and conclusions based on what they read. I also want to share that. I love that we bring this here because a Lot of the times, parents don't get to hear how important it is for students to read at home.

And it's something that I continue to advocate for. I always share that when kids go on vacation two months, they go backwards four months. And the only way they stay engaged and continue to move forward is by reading. And that is why libraries are so important.

And library days and to every librarian out there and workers across our state, thank you so much for what you do. I know the value that you bring. I know how you know wonderful you are as you help every child pick that one perfect book for them.

And I want to thank you because right now, again, it is very difficult. People are afraid of libraries, they're afraid of books. They just don't know which way to go. Let's just let kids be kids and let them read and let them explore.

And we're no one to tell them what they should be reading in terms of just wonderful opportunities to create critical thinkers. And that's what we want in this country. But if anyone's wondering which one is my favorite book, I hope everyone reads it. It's called Friendo Fourth Grade Book by Andrew Clements.

I've read it 10 years in a row and I'll continue to read it. It's really great, a fourth grade for anyone that has a fourth grader. And with that, I'd like to respectfully ask for an aye vote recognizing National Library Week, but also to defend what libraries represent.

A hopeful belief that everyone deserves a place to learn freely, think deeply, and be welcome just as they are. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Ashby.

Thank you so much. I rise today also as a co author of SR34 and would like to begin my remarks by thanking the Senator from Irvine for bringing this resolution forward. But I wanted to rise today, like my colleague from Baldwin park, to remind my colleagues that there's a lot at stake to our littlest learners.

The library might be a visit to the Wild Place with Max or Through the Looking Glass with Alice. And as they get older, maybe Narnia. But you know, libraries have become something so much more than that. Libraries are the modern day equalizer.

It is the one place in all of our communities that anyone can go to get to the Internet to do a job search, to look for their apartment, to get help online, to find a mental health specialist.

Anything and everything that is available online is available to everyone in each of our communities for 40 million people, because we sustain our libraries. It's so critically important. And yes, there's literacy involved and yes, there are high school diplomas given out by libraries, but there is also a safe space to find whatever you need.

Colleagues, I know many of you received the same letter I received this week from our own California State Librarian that we lost $15 million in funding from the Federal Government this week. $15 million that was slated to go to early literacy, to family reading programs, to ESL programs, to Hands on Learning for Youth, and to workforce development programs for Californians.

These are constituents in all 40 of our districts who will miss out on $15 million worth of services because the Federal Government doesn't agree with what SR34 says, which is libraries are critically important. I urge an aye vote .

Senator Ochoa Bogh, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise with deep joy and gratitude to Support Senate Resolution 34 declaring April 6 through April 12 as National Library Week in California. This resolution is not just symbolic, it affirms our collective belief in the power of literacy, education and access for all Californians.

Libraries are more than just shelves and buildings. They are cornerstones of our communities. They offer every Californian, young and old, a safe space to learn, to read, to explore and to grow. As a former teacher and as a mom, I know how life changing it is when a child opens a book and is spreading sparks their imagination.

And I also understand as a mother and as a former teacher the importance of age appropriate content being available to our students of different ages, including the reason why I supported a Bill last two years ago year ago, two years ago in which, interesting enough for many folks that may not know, school libraries and their standards had not been updated since 1990, in which at that time the standards only included the ability to regulate topics such as, believe it or not, religion and partisanship.

But also 40 years ago we didn't have our librarians having to choose and have to accept at books that had inappropriate content in them.

So interesting enough, with libraries we have to look at the content of books, consider whether or not they meet the standards of our what harmful matter may or may not be and be available to our students depending on the age. So items that we don't understand and realize that were not updated in our state.

So as we continue to talk about our our libraries, you know, it's important to understand that standards have to be in place now more than ever because books on several issues that are not necessarily age appropriate are being made available within our school libraries. So going back on the imagination that is sparked with reading, it starts early.

So so content matters, age appropriate matters. And libraries make it possible for every child in every zip code to be able to have that.

Our public libraries are often the first place a child hears a story read aloud, the first place a student finds a quiet corner to study, in the first place a parent turns for job resources or digital access. Therefore, content matters. Age appropriateness matters. Literacy is not a luxury. It's a necessity. It's a gateway to opportunity.

Librarians and staff are quiet heroes. Yes, they are. They greet you with a smile. They remember your name. They help with judgment. And they help you find not just information, but confidence, purpose and connection. But it helps when standards are in place. This resolution honors that spirit.

It honors the love and the care that library workers pour into their communities every day. It also allows for parents to be part of that reading opportunity. It honors the love and care that library workers pour in. I'm sorry. Let's celebrate our libraries. Let's thank those who keep their doors open.

And let's make sure that our children and their children always have a place where stories come to life and dreams that take root that are age appropriate. I hope you all join me in supporting SR34.

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

I do appreciate all your support. Comments. In fact, did you know that the national library standard is 1 square foot per capita? So think about in your city or district whether you meet that one square foot size. Books and motors do matter because space is a function of all the programs and activities.

So without the space you can't do any programming. So if you can evaluate that standard and try to pursue build more libraries, it'll be good for your community.

In fact, in my home City of Irvine we are in the planning stage of building to meet that standard is going to be Definitely minimum over 100,000 square foot library being planned to be built at the Great Park. I ask your I vote. Thank you.

Members, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 36 no 0. The resolution is adopted. We're going to be lifting call on two items and calling the roll. We're starting off with file item 46. Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36 no 0. The resolution is adopted. Please lift the call on File item 52 and call the absent Members.

[Roll call]

Ayes 36 no 0. The resolution is adopted. Committee Announcements do you have a Committee coming up? This is your time to shine, Senator Grayson.

Yes, thank you. Banking and Financial Institutions Committee will meet. In room 112 upon adjournment.

Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities. And Communications will meet in room 1200. 10 minutes after adjournment.

The Senate Human Services Committee will meet in room 2200 upon adjournment.

Returning back to motions and resolutions. Senators, this is our adjournment memory time. We have three aims. Senator Blakespear, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today I rise to honor Robert Allen Ashley, a friend and constituent who passed away peacefully on March 21st surrounded by his loving family. Rob, a soft spoken Brit who was a brilliant scientist, raced car enthusiast, rose loving English gardener and whiz at fantasy football.

I got to know Rob through his wife Joy Lines when we served on the Encinita City Council together. Rob grew up in the small village of Barnton in Cheshire, England. He was the first student from his community to be accepted to Oxford University where he earned a Master's in biochemistry.

For over 45 years, Rob led companies in the fields of regenerative medicine, cell therapy, specialty pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radiopharmaceuticals. He successfully took two companies public on the Nasdaq and went on to invest in startups as part of an angel investment group and lent his considerable expertise to them.

As a scientific advisor, Rob was an active community Member. He was elected as Chair of the Encinitas Historical Society. He served as a Member of the board of the Encinitas Arts, Culture and Ecology alliance where he advocated for and contributed to the development of the recently opened Pacific View Art center in Encinitas.

Rob believed in the project to convert an empty run down school building into a vibrant art Center for all to enjoy. Rob and Joy enjoyed working together on the Art center project where Joy, a landscape architect, drew up plans to transform the surroundings into a natural water conserving garden.

Rob and Joy shared a love of gardening and plants with Rob specializing in roses and bonsai. When they traveled, they never missed the chance to explore local botanical gardens. Not surprisingly, they have an array of plants in their beautiful home. Gardens that represent both their shared passions.

English garden with Rob's roses in the back and Joy's native drought tolerant in the front. When not in the garden or walking at the beach, you could find Rob and Joy playing golf or hiking together on the many beautiful trails that run throughout District 38. But Rob wasn't just interested in observing bucolic beauty.

As a young man in London, he played field hockey, but he embraced American football, hosting the annual draft for A fantasy league that brought friends together from California and Arizona. He was fascinated by the math of the scoring and the complexity of the game, and he was really good at it.

He won his own fantasy league twice and he won his son's league as well. Although soft spoken and humble, Rob had a wild streak in him when it came to car racing, both as a spectator and a driver. He loved kart racing, which he started doing as a young lad in England.

He stepped up to racing at Mazda, Miata and Legend when he lived in Arizona, and finally he raced a Porsche Boxster at racetracks throughout the Southwest. Joy said anything with an engine and wheels, he would race. Rob and Joy shared between them five children, three of them living in San Diego, county, and four grandchildren.

His presence will be deeply missed. From Encinitas to England. His legacy will live on in the medical advances he championed, the gardens he nurtured, and in our community Arts center, where generation after generation can learn to appreciate the arts and natural beauty that inspired Rob every day. Thank you, Madam President, for adjourning the Senate in memory of Rob Ashley.

Thank you, Senator Blakespear, for sharing his story with us. Please bring his name forward so that we may properly memorialize him.

Thank you, Madam President. Today, I rise on behalf of Senator Reyes to adjourn in the memory of one of her dear constituents, San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas Jr., who tragically lost his life in the line of duty during an on-duty traffic accident.

Deputy Cuevas was a dedicated law enforcement officer, born and raised in the Inland Empire. He graduated from Carter High School in Rialto and before embarking on his law enforcement career, contributed to his community. As a freshman football coach at his Alma mater. Excuse me.

From 2015 to 2017, he began his career in law enforcement with the Upland Police Department where his passion for serving and protecting was very evident. He later joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, dedicating six years to the force with the last three years assigned to the Victorville station.

Deputy Cuevas was deeply involved in his Commission community and his church. People that knew him best highlighted his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. This was especially evident as he often engaged with at risk youth to ensure them and community Members that they were all protected.

Tragically, on March 17, Deputy Cuevas lost his life during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle where his car collided with another vehicle striking a light pole and resulting in his death. Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr. His legacy of dedication and compassion continues to inspire and resonate with the community he so selflessly worked in.

And we are grateful for both his service and his sacrifice. He is survived by his loving wife, two young children, his parents and two siblings. On behalf of Senator Reyes, I ask that we adjourn in his memory today. Thank you

Senator, Please bring the first responder's name forward. He will be forever memorialized in our Senate Journal. Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Nancy Bake of La Puente. She was a proud Member of the Ballin Park Women's Club, a devoted community leader, and a woman who brought heart and purpose to everything she did.

Nancy passed away recently, just one day short of her 75th birthday. Birthday. She is someone who I knew well and hung out with at the Women's Club for four years. And I always appreciate those that give of themselves to service their communities.

Throughout her time with the Women's Club, she was a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic violence, for veterans and military families, and for women and children in need. In 2020, she was named Citizen of the Year. It's a reflection of her deep, deep commitment to service in our community. Nancy also spent many years involved with Scouts.

Sometimes she was genuinely just excited to be part of something that brought her a lot of joy. She believed in service, and she wanted young people to believe in it as well. It wasn't about the spotlight for her. It was about passing on values she lived by every single day.

Nancy brought creativity and honesty to everything she did. She had a strong, strong opinions and a strong sense of purpose. We loved her. And she believed in the power of community, especially when it came to causes that were often overlooked. And she loved a good parade.

She served on the Hacienda Heights 4th of July Parade Opening Committee for four years. That the sense of celebration for her was important. She had pride, and she also loved storytelling. She wanted to capture so much of what made her special, and that was community.

To her husband, William, and her son, Alex, we offer our deepest, deepest condolences. Nancy left a legacy of compassion, courage, and connection. And all of us are better for it. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me adjourn in the memory of Nancy Beg. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring your name forward so that we may properly memorialize her. If there is no other business, Mr. Pro Tem, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Grateful for the discussion and debate.

Disregard. Senator has two adjourn in memories. I apologize. Senator Rubio.

Thank you. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Trudy Garnier, someone I was very lucky to know and someone who I also spent many, many years participating with in the Baldwin Park Women's Club. And she was amazing. Trudy was a dear friend.

Trudy didn't just live in the District, but she made it better. After she retired in 2002, she poured herself into service. She joined the Baltimore park women's club nearly 20 years ago. Went, I did as well, and we became friends. She was also part of the Historical Society, the Friends of the Library, and she never stopped giving.

She wrote letters from Santa for local children so that they continued to believe. She raised money for community causes. She supported her husband through illness and still found time to show up for everyone else, even when she needed help.

Trudy was named Citizen of the Year Club Woman of the Year and honored by Congresswoman Napolitano as one of the Saint Gabriel Valley Women of the Year as well. Her flamboyant hats and impeccable style were very iconic. We never knew what color she would bring.

But it was her kindness, loyalty and sense of purpose that truly set her apart from everyone else. To her daughter Karen, and the family and friends who loved her, especially the ladies of the the Ball and Park Women's Club, please know how much Trudy meant to me and to our community.

I remember her dancing, laughing, and enjoying time together with the club. We go way back to the times where we had performances, dances, summer gatherings. And I will definitely miss her. And we're going to miss her contribution to our wonderful city and community.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a journey in the memory of my dear friend, Trudy Garner. She will be missed. Thank you.

Our condolences. Senator Rubio, please bring your friend's name forward where she will be properly memorialized. Mr. Pro Tem, the desk is now clear.

Hey Madam President, the next floor session is. Scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 9:00am thank you, all.

The Senate will be in recess until 3:30pm at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 9:00am