Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Would the Members on the floor and guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We'll be led in prayer this afternoon by our chaplain, Sister Michelle Gorman, after which, please remain standing as we will say the pledge.

So let us bring ourselves into God's holy presence. Gracious God of many names, teach us your ways that we may notice the ingenious ways you manifest in the diversity of all people.

Teach us your ways that we may celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, not because we have to, but because we rejoice in the many gifts of art, music, science, technology, food and culture they share with the world.

Teach us your ways that we may all be in solidarity to ensure peace, safety and security for each person. May this AAPI Heritage Month not just be a time of recognition, but a call to each of us to continue to honor, uplift and protect the beauty of every heritage on our planet. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Members, please join me in reciting the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. Moving on to privileges of the floor, Senator Becker, Senator Becker, you have the floor.

Thank you, colleagues. I am really excited to introduce nine students up for my district and someone who's become a good friend, their teacher. These are students who are part of a. A really unique program at Menlo Atherton High School. This is a service learning center, Service learning center that was inaugurated a number of years ago.

I was there when we launched it, and I think in 2018 or 2019. And these students have continued to innovate, continue to be dedicated to this. And actually this has now led to the creation of a service learning leadership course in our high school, which will be offered for the first time next year.

And they were invited to go to the National Service Learning Conference in Minnesota. The nine students behind me, and they presented on service learning at this national service learning conference, highlighting the value of service learning in K12 education. Just to talk quickly about, there's so many clubs and so many.

Program that they've launched includes Intercambio, which is a language exchange where native Spanish speakers learn English And English speakers learn Spanish. Over lunch, they sent two of the kids here, launched a program that they're going next weekend to support farm workers out of Manteca.

They sent 20 kids to the border to bring gifts and toys to kids who have been, who are been in the camps. They're separated at the border. That was just in February and it goes on and on.

And when they went to the Service Learning Conference, they highlighted the importance of service learning in its broad scope, including research, college service centers, the California Corp. For Service, and the principles of ethical and effective service. And as we all know, California is really at the cutting edge.

It's something we should all be incredibly proud of in the world of service learning. Through California Volunteers, the College Corps and the California Climate Action Corps, our state is investing in the civic spirit of young people to strengthen our communities and our democracy.

Their work reflects not only dedication, but their belief in the power of service to develop critical thinking, civic engagement, wellness and resilience and leadership skills in young people. Why can't high school kids be given the keys and knowledge about service learning? These students have made their case and I'm honored to have them with me here today.

And with them is the teacher, Andy Stewart, who, as I mentioned, has become a good friend when I first heard about the Service Learning center. And he's been, he'll be teaching the course next year and has helped lead this whole journey with the kids to Minnesota and beyond.

So please join me in welcoming and congratulating these leaders in service learning.

And we have one other presentation by Senator Allen, but before that, I'm going to exercise a little presiding officer creativity to make a few announcements that I should have made before. First of all, today is Senator Weiner's birthday. Happy birthday, Senator Weiner. Also, please welcome Senator Gonzalez's husband, Adam Carrillo to the Senate Chamber.

And though he will be introduced a little later as part of his wife's presentation, we are joined today by retired Senator Brian Dahle. Now I will get us back on the regular schedule and recognize Senator Allen.

Well, thank you, Mr. President. Appreciate it. I just have the pleasure of introducing today two inspiring veterans advocates from Southern California who are joining us in the gallery. We have Chef Basil Kimbrough and his wife Lisette Angelo Kimbrough. They're right here in our gallery.

So Chef Basil, as he's known in the community's, inspired other veterans by sharing his difficult journey, but also by applying his culinary education to work with shelters and nonprofit organizations around the country. Chef Basil even received the American Culinary Federation's President's Medallion, the highest honor given by the American Culinary Federation.

For all of his efforts feeding communities hit hardest by Hurricane Harvey. He has served the veterans community alongside his wife Lizette, who founded her nonprofit Ladies Taking Key Opportunities Ladies tko, a charity devoted to supporting women, veterans and other vulnerable populations by connecting them to resources and stability. I just want to give him a very warm. Give Basil and Lisette a very, very warm California State Senate welcome.

And now Members without objection will move to Senate Senate third reading to take up items out of order. First file item 87, SR40 by Senator Dahle. Senator, please read. Excuse me. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 40 by Senator Dahle Relative to National Stroke Awareness Month.

Senator Dahle, you have the floor.

President and Members, I rise today to present SR40 proclaiming Stroke Awareness Month. Over a year ago I had a stroke while in a hospital for a heart procedure. I was blessed to be in the hospital. Some people are not. I have still have challenges mainly with my speech.

I have aphasia and apraxia which impacts my language and my speech, not intelligence. People who have have aphasias have thoughts, opinions and ideas. We look fine but so sorry, aphasia is invisible. 25% to 40% stroke survivors have aphasia. There are over 7 million strike survivors in the US. Globally, a stroke is leading cause of death and disabilities.

About 1 in 4, 1 in 4 adults worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke along with high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes. Each stroke impacts people differently. Some have paralysis, some do not. The first week after my stroke I had full right side paralysis.

Since then I regained my strength, but I cannot feel my right hand. Through hard work and the power of prayer and the love of my family, mainly my husband Brian, I am still healing. Part of my purpose now is elevate stroke awareness and bring attention to aphasia. Please join me in recognizing May as the Stroke Awareness Month.

Senator Grove, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise as a proud co author of SR40 and I thank the author for having the courage to do what she did today on the floor. SR40 recognizes May 2025 as the national Stroke Awareness Month in California.

Stroke is a leading cause of a serious long term disabilities and leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 140,000 people nationwide and approximately 14,000 citizens of California each year. Many of us know someone who has suffered from a stroke. Our colleague from Bieber is a beautiful, brave, strong, courageous woman.

And I'm honored to call her friend. The journey to recovery is often incredibly difficult. Yet our Senator from Bieber has fought to be here to represent her constituents. She's called to serve the public and to be the voice of someone who survived a stroke.

She talked about aphasia, and she said it's not a lack of intelligence, and it's about putting the words in her mind to be able to communicate them out. There is nothing that is not intelligent about the woman who sits behind me.

She's called to the public to do what she has done and be a testament to her love of her community, her resilience, her faith, and her family. We never know what any one of us is going through. I remember the day that we came back from break, and her husband, Senator Dahle, was my seatmate.

Oh, here he is right here. And I said, what's the matter with you? Because he had lost weight and he looked visibly stressed, and he looked me in the eye and he said, it's not me. And that's when we found out about what happened to you, my friend. And we immediately put you on a prayer list through California Prayer Watch and Global International.

And I'm just so, so grateful that God is as faithful as he is, because you stand here today representing a group of people who love you, are proud to call you Senator, proud to call you their wife, proud to call you mom, and proud to call you friend. I support SR40 and ask for an aye vote.

Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. So I just want to commend our colleague here for bringing this resolution forward and making an awareness of this thing called aphasia. My dad suffered from that. He was a teacher. He was extremely intelligent.

And it was kind of odd after he had this, people would come up to him and lean in and talk really slowly to him. And I'm thinking, yeah, the only thing he's thinking right now is, you're kind of an idiot for doing that.

But, yeah, it's difficult for people who have aphasia because everything is working normal from here. It's just the words don't get processed as it goes through the brain channels to come out and be formed by the mouth. And so there is a long rehab that happens.

And as you can see, our colleague is doing quite well with that. So I want to commend her for her strength during this recovery process, because that's what it is. And it is a long process and the courage to rise today to introduce this resolution. So I would encourage all of us colleagues, to support this SR40 on behalf of our colleague, who is a brave and intelligent lady. Thank you.

Senator Wahab, you are recognized.

Thank you. I rise and support of this Senate Resolution 40 as well. I really want to commend my colleague here for speaking up and just again highlighting that as much as this, this institution and the work that we do is political in nature, in so many ways, we're human beings first, right?

So many of us deal with family issues, issues within our own personal lives, and much more. And oftentimes that is used as fodder for political motives, agendas, things like that, whether you're campaigning or in this building. And it's not right at the end of the day. Humans go through so much every single day. Families struggle.

It's often some of these issues are private issues. Right. And for you to be able to elevate this resolution, speak on your own personal circumstance with your absolutely supportive family. And I know that Senator Dahle in the back has historically always been a champion of just being collaborative and human first and the relationships that we have.

I really just want to thank you for your bravery, your courage, and the fact that you are still going through it. And again, I respectfully request an aye for SR40. Thank you.

And seeing no other mics raised, Senator Dahle, you may close.

Thank you all my colleagues. I ask for your aye vote on SR 40.

Secretary call the roll.

[Roll call]

Ayes 34, Noes zero. The resolution is adopted and moving back temporarily to privileges of the floor. Senator Dahle, you may introduce your guests.

Here today. Some of my team. Without them, I would not be here today. They are amazing. They help so many people who suffer from strokes. They each have their calling. Found that calling Cassandra Day no Fan Fan Pickering, face therapist, Laura Daniel Occupational therapist. Both. With Rehab Without Walls.

In the gallery Manda Olson, my group therapist with the Center of California. Dr. Keenaan, my neurologist, UC Davis. My sister Maren and Mattea, my best friend, Megan Hammond, who supported me in my recovery. My daughter Roslyn, my Ros. Please join me welcoming them to the Senate Floor.

We'l invite others to join the picture on the next taking.

Now, others would like to join in on a picture.

Now moving back to Senate third reading, we will take up file item 66, SCR 58 by Senator Wahab. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 by Senator Wahab, relative to Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.

Senator Wahab at the Leader's desk, you're recognized.

Thank you. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic populations here in California. Over 30 diverse ancestries are present in the state and over 7 million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, 16% of California's population, call California home.

AAPI communities have made a vast number of contributions to our society as a whole, from helping to construct the transcontinental railroad, to serving honorably in the US Armed Forces, to co-organizing the Delano Grape strike and advocating for civil and workers rights.

While our communities have endured hardships and adversities, unjust working conditions, prejudice, discrimination, to just name the least, California's Asian and Pacific Islander American community remains innovative and inspiring with a significant presence in the fields of art, fashion, business, technology, science, entertainment, and of course, policymaking. And our entrepreneurial spirit is strong, with 31.5% of the nation's Asian owned businesses located here in California.

Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides Californians an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. And I want to highlight this. Oftentimes the Asian community is talked about as model minorities, but the reality is that they come with different struggles. And I often say this in our caucus meetings.

Some of us come with a green card guaranteed, money in our pocket, and an entire institution and a job waiting for us, while others have escaped war, rape, trauma, and much more to come to this country with different statuses, often struggling more than anybody can understand.

Because within the Asian community there are smaller communities, communities that do not have the financial support, institutional support, or historic support in states like California, let alone the rest of the United States.

And it's often important to highlight that, as policymakers, as much as we talk about making things faster and work for the economy and much more, it is a primary duty of every policymaker to ensure that we are protecting the most vulnerable communities, regardless of who they are or how hard that fight is.

In this building, there is a significant amount of power and privilege, and oftentimes it's not exercised with courage. And I want to highlight this over and over and over again because there are so many communities in the shadows that cannot speak for themselves, that are not in the rooms that we are, that are not at the tables that we sit at.

And so it is with great honor that I highlight just respecting one of the communities that make the fabric of our society, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. And very proud to honor this month as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month and support SCR 58. Thank you.

Senator Smallwood. Smallwood-Cuevas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I too rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in support of SCR 58, which recognizes AAPI Heritage Month. Today we acknowledge the countless contributions of the Asian American Pacific Islander communities to our state.

Asian Americans have been a part of Los Angeles community for decades, and like the black community, have endured rampant prejudice and discrimination spanning generations. Many of the exclusionary laws facing black Californians also directly impacted Asian communities.

And while segregation exacerbated economic inequalities throughout our state, it showcased the need for solidarity for all minorities in the fight for justice and equity. And the AAPI community and the black community have been been in struggle together against these negative forces.

In the face of discrimination, Asian American communities built neighborhoods and businesses and cultural institutions that are now integral to Los Angeles identity. During the 1970s and 80s, the Los Angeles Crenshaw district was a center for multiracial organizing against policies designed to divide us.

When many of our brothers and sisters, Japanese Americans had their homes and businesses taken during internment, many of them came back to Crenshaw area where they were standing alongside black Americans fighting those covenants so that they could live in the communities that they deserved and be able to build their families back up after that horrendous treatment, many of them settling in the Crenshaw Corridor in the heart of my district.

It was young Asian and African American organizers in South Los Angeles after the 1992 uprising who sought an end to violence against all communities and who recognized that increased policing and punitive measures were not the solution, but rather a focus on bringing resources into South Central Los Angeles, ensuring that we lift up our working class families and that we protect our neighborhoods, Asian and Black, against poverty.

We focus on the root causes together. Poverty, limited after school programs, investing in building quality jobs, and ensuring fair wages. Organizations like the Korean Immigrant Workers Alliance, KIWA, along with groups like the Black Worker Center and Worker Center Networks, continue to work in solidarity to ensure that workers are protected on the job and their rights as workers are respected.

That legacy of solidarity lives on in many movements like our Stop Asian Hate investments and campaigns, which make sure that we are uniting communities against hate and enforcing the protection of their human rights. The Los Angeles County area is home to one of the largest AAPI populations in the country.

My district is housing part of the cultural hubs of Little Tokyo and Koreatown. We are very proud to be the home of a thriving and growing AAPI community and cultural center that help California weather our economic battles, but also to win our battle for justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. And that includes these guests who are being honored today, who are leaders in media, art, journalism, and technology. The best and the brightest in our state. I support vigorously SCR 58 and respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Cabaldon, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. This day wasn't supposed to come. When the first Filipinos came to California in the 1500s and landed in the district of the Senator from Santa Cruz, the die was cast. The oceans of the Pacific were open on both sides.

Then, when Chinese immigrants came for the Gold Rush and to build the railroads, California was from its outset founded and built by Asian Americans. But 150 years ago, Californians assembled here in the capital City of Sacramento for the 1877-1878 Constitutional Convention.

And in that convention one third of the delegates had been elected thanks to the San Francisco Working Men's Party on a platform of writing a constitution whose main purpose was to exclude Chinese Americans from California.

That constitution included a ban on Chinese Americans owning any property, including it included making it a crime for companies to hire Chinese Californians and provision after provision after provision that was approved by a two thirds vote of the people of California.

We often say here that then the Chinese Exclusion Act happened and all the federal immigration laws without acknowledging that it was California that led the way. It was California that pushed for the most aggressive anti-Asian policies that foreshadowed the way that this country and the state would treat many generations of immigrants to come.

That was our history. Whether it was the Japanese American internment or or the subsequent waves of anti-Asian policies affecting virtually every community that California engaged in. In fact, it wasn't until 2009 that we apologized for all of that. In 1964, the voters of California amended the constitution again.

This time to make it absolutely clear that landlords had the right to evict people based on race. That people had the right not to sell their homes to, to people, to mongoloids, to Mexicans and to blacks based on race. Now, a year after that, California's first Asian American Senator was elected.

Al Song, Korean American from Los Angeles who was elected and served here with distinction. He helped found the Democratic Caucus and chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. The first Korean American elected, the first Asian American elected of the Senate. There would not be another Asian American elected. Remember, that was 1965.

There would not be another Asian American elected to the California Senate until Carol Liu in 2008. 43 years later. 43 years later. Dozens of Asian Americans have served in the California State Assembly, representing a broad swath of California's AAPI communities. Japanese Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Filipino Americans, Indian, Armenian, Indonesian, and Tongan.

In this body, no more than 10 Californians of Asian Pacific heritage have ever served and representing only a small slice of the diversity of the community. We have represented both parties. When I first came here as a staffer, there wasn't a single AAPI Legislator in either house. Today, though, we have made substantial progress.

And as the Senator from Hayward said, we went through a period where folks would say, oh, you're AAPI. You must be great at math. You must be great at a small business. And the answer is maybe. In my case, neither. But maybe. But what we are really great at is surviving, persevering, pushing through in the face of constitutionally required hate, discrimination, and oppression. That has been our legacy.

So today, we are not only serving as Gold Rush mine workers or building railroads, although we do so proudly. But we are fire chiefs, we are producing Judge Judy, we've joined the Avengers. We rescue Doctor Strange every time he makes bad life choices.

We are engineers and software developers, company founders, winemakers, entertainers, writers, musicians, accountants, auditors, state treasurers, state controllers, community organizers, chief justices, attorneys, and attorneys general. We are realtors, doctors, nurses, teachers, and, yes, Senators.

And so it's my great honor as the first Filipino American to be elected to the Senate to join my colleague from Hayward, our Vice Chair of the AAPI Caucus and the first Afghan American ever elected to the Legislature as well, to commemorate today our history.

And the rich histories that followed these periods as folks came from across the ocean and dealt with every other challenge that the Senator from Hayward mentioned as well, and have built this state, have built California, and have built a future that we are proud of. I ask for an aye vote on the resolution.

Senator Perez, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in strong support of this resolution by the Senator from Hayward on behalf of the strong and vibrant AAPI community in my district. My district includes the San Gabriel Valley, a rich and diverse hub for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities as one of the most culturally diverse AAPI regions in all of the United States. In the SGV, you will find a wide range of cultural experiences, events, dining, and organizations that celebrate AAPI heritage.

Several local AAPI organizations and resources serve as strong community points and stewards ranging from legal and social services, cultural preservation, health care and mental health support, and community advocacy. Specific organizations include, but are not limited to, the Asian Youth Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, and PFLAG San Gabriel Valley Asian Pacific Islander.

Many AAPI immigrants and seniors also reside in my district who have contributed to its rich history of AAPI settlement, playing a significant role in the region's growth as a Center for Asian Americans. Their bravery and their sacrifices to settle in a foreign land to begin a new life have led them to future generations becoming community stewards and leaders, including elected officials, community advocates, and business owners.

Collectively, this has brought more cultural awareness to AAPI voices and highlighted the diversity of the Asian American Pacific Islander communities that I am proud to represent. With rising on this resolution, I want to acknowledge and thank my constituents for their efforts and contributions to what makes our community unique and special and one I feel very fortunate to be able to represent. I look forward to joining them and celebrating the rich history of the AAPI California community this month and always ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Senator Durazo, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I too rise in support of SCR 30, recognizing this month as AAPI month. In my district, more than 160,000 people identify as Asian and Pacific Islander. Their contributions to our state are evident in our vibrant neighborhoods. In my district alone is home to several historic AAPI Islander communities.

Chinatown, Korea Town, Little Bangladesh, Little Tokyo, Thai Town, and Historic Filipino Town. They each have their distinct histories, art, and languages, but the tapestry of all of these cultures is also interwoven with one another and with their other ethnic groups like Latinos. That is how we get delicious inventions like Mexican sushi and Vietnamese tacos.

Asian Pacific Islanders have made a permanent mark on our city, distinguishing themselves in all areas, from the arts and academia to the labor movement. Let us take this opportunity to honor their rich history and their accomplishments to make our state even greater. Congratulations to all of the AAPI honorees.

Senator Laird.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus to speak in support of SCR 58. And one of the advantages we have in our caucus is that we overlap with every single other caucus. Not just with the very articulate Senator from West Sacramento that we have already heard from, who we all wish we had his shirt today, but we have very stellar Members of our community that are part of the AAPI community.

Take George Takei. For years before he was known on the USS Enterprise, he and his family were interned in a camp during World War II. He has spent countless hours telling people what that's doing story was like to make sure that we don't repeat it ever again.

There's Geena Rocero, a Filipina transgender activist and supermodel who was one of the first trans models to appear on the front cover of numerous fashion magazines and who advocates on behalf of Asian American transgender women to help create the visibility, acceptance, and knowledge that they exist.

Last but not least is Margaret Cho, a gay Korean American comedian, actress, author, musician, and activist. One of the few to do so. Longtime advocate and vocal activist for anti-racism, anti-bullying, and advocating for homeless and gay rights. These are just a few of the incredible Asian Americans that are members also of the LGBTQ community, and I think they speak to this resolution. I ask for an aye vote on SCR 58.

And our birthday Senator for the day, Senator Wiener, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise today as Co-Chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus in support of SCR 58. The Jewish American and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have much in common. For one thing, we share a month celebrating our heritage.

I also want to draw attention to the similarities in the Jewish and Asian experience in the US. While both of our communities have been present in this country for a very, very long time, helping to build it, we are still often considered as foreign and distinct from America at large.

Despite the various challenges faced by this discrimination, our communities have continued to grow and share our unique heritage, helping to shape the US and California and the values of acceptance, diversity, and freedom that make our state and nation who we are.

I also want to highlight that AAPI Jews, a growing population that makes both of our communities brighter. The Lunar Collective is a group of Asian American Jews working to build community space, share Asian Jewish experiences, and celebrate their shared culture and identity.

I'm also honored to represent San Francisco and Northern San Mateo County, which is home to one of the largest AAPI communities in the state. It's been an honor to be able to attend so many amazing community events in my district, including more recently the increasing number of night markets that really add enormous vibrancy to our community and increase cross cultural understanding.

San Francisco has long been one of the most historically significant and densely populated AAPI cities in the US. Since the arrival of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino immigrants in the 19th century, AAPI communities have taken root in our great city, working to build our city, enhancing our culture, and participating in civic life.

The influence of this community touches every aspect of San Francisco. During the COVID 19 pandemic, our communities faced not only deep economic hardship, but also a surge in racism and hate. Yet in the face of adversity, we chose solidarity. Members of the AAPI community and San Francisco as a whole looked out for one another, defended each other, and stood together in the face of enormous adversity. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Choi, you're recognized.

Thank you, President and colleagues. I rise today in support of the resolution recognizing Asian American and the Pacific Islander Heritage Month of May. A time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures, and the invaluable contributions of AAPI communities to our great state and nation.

As mentioned earlier by many others, from building the transcontinental railroad to pioneering innovations in science, business, and arts, AAPI Californians have shaped our shared story with resilience and vision. Yet we also remember the struggles, from exclusionary laws to the recent rise in anti-Asian hate. And we reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all.

As a Member of the AAPI Caucus Member, I stand not only on those shoulders of those who came before me, but alongside every Californian who believes in inclusion, respect, and the promise of opportunity. The first notable wave of Korean immigration to America began in 1903 with Koreans arriving in Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations.

We celebrated the Korean American Day celebrating 122nd year of their first landing. As Senator Cabaldon has mentioned, Senator Alfred Song served here in the Assembly in the 1960s as a first Korean American notable Senator and an Assembly Member on this Legislature.

Through this kind of events, let us live together in peace and harmony and stop hatred each other, like we have mentioned. And then also experience a horrible Asian hate movement during the COVID. Let us celebrate, let us educate, and let us continue the work of building a California where every voice is heard and every community thrives. I urge your support of SCR 58. Thank you.

Seeing no other microphones up. Oh, excuse me. Senator Archuleta, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and as Chair of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, it is my honor to rise today in strong support of SCR 58 recognizing May Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.

Understanding our past and acknowledging heroes in our diverse communities in California only serves to strengthen the ties between every resident here in the State of California. The history of Asian and Pacific Islanders community in the US has been riddled with discrimination. And I think we all know that. History has shown this.

And the policy decisions that were made years upon years back that targeted this population for simply being different. From the Chinese Exclusion Act that restricted Chinese immigration into the United States in the late 1800s and made them ineligible for naturalization to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, with their hard earned possessions, homes, businesses were were taken away because of how they looked and where their families originated from and came from. And we all know what volunteers they were.

The Nisei and the 442nd when they went off to fight in Europe and served in the United States Army receiving more medals and Purple Hearts than any other unit in the United States Army. Including the struggles and leadership of Filipino leaders like Larry Itliong that spurred the Delano Grape strike, which Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta would ultimately join and would lead to formation of the United Farm Workers Union.

The Asian Pacific Islanders and Latino communities have been linked together. History has shown us that by constant struggles towards securing basic human rights, civil rights, and the rights to exist without prejudice. Despite these hardships, the resiliency of the Asian Pacific Islanders community in the US is admirable and deserves to be celebrated, as we are doing today.

Asian and Pacific Islanders have been a key to developing so many businesses in our nation. From building the transcontinental railroad and advocating and advancing civil rights through the successful businesses that continue to establish where they spur innovation and where leadership grows.

In California, which is home to 6 million Asian Pacific Islanders, the impact of the Asian and Pacific Islanders Business Owners Association and associations thereof cannot be underestimated. And as our great state is home to 31.5% of the nation's Asian owned businesses. Despite these successes, the community continues to face discrimination, prejudice, and hatred.

Even though we approved legislation and budget actions in recent years to stop the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes in our state, we must remain alert on behalf of our friends and neighbors in the Asian Pacific Islander community. Part of remaining alert is celebrating today as we are, the Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, which provides all of us in this Chamber an opportunity to recognize the achievement and contribution and history of the Asian Pacific Islanders and the Americans that they are and listen to their stories that have largely been untold.

I feel it's important that we learn, acknowledge, and understand the full history of the role of the Asian Pacific Islanders and the community that it has played and it continues to play in the development and the success of our state and our nation. We must celebrate these individuals who are strong and positive.

They're strong and positive role models, and we should all aspire to be. Thank you to the Asian Pacific Islanders Legislative Caucus for your leadership and work on this important resolution. So Members, please join me in supporting SCR 58. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Alvarado-Gil, you're recognized.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. I just want to say how happy I was to see this beautiful pamphlet on my desk today to be able to honor with the Asian Pacific Islanders Caucus. Just last year, our colleague from the City of Huntington Beach gave a very powerful speech on the floor about the lack of inclusivity on the caucus, the affinity caucuses here in Sacramento. And this is such a beautiful example of how we can grow and we can continue to represent all of Californians regardless of our political partisanship.

So I do want to thank our Senator from Hayward. I know her leadership has made this caucus move forward, and it is with great pride and pleasure to be able to see Republicans included in this folder. Thank you so much. And I kindly ask for an aye vote.

Senator Pro... Excuse me. President Pro Tem McGuire, you're recognized.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise today to celebrate our fellow Californians who represent the AAPI community here in the Golden State. AAPI Heritage Month is an amazing example and a reminder of California's diversity. It's our strength and expands our horizons and drives innovation. As we heard Senator Archuleta just state, millions of Californians are part of the AAPI community, more than any other state in the United States America.

And it's those nearly 7 million Californians who helped make this state great, including hard working representatives right here in the California State Legislature. As we heard the good Senator from West Sacramento talk, to date, 63 of our Capitol colleagues have represented the AAPI community.

The author of today's resolution is the first Afghan American ever to ever be elected to public office in the United States of America, and her life story of overcoming so much adversity is truly inspiring. We also have the Senate's first Filipino Americans serving in this house.

Our talented colleague from Yolo County, and who gotta tell you, policy record in transportation and education, housing puts just about everyone's LinkedIn page to shame. And our colleague from Irvine. Our colleague from Irvine is proof that the American dream is still alive.

Immigrating from South Korea, worked hard as a busboy and now has earned his PhD, business leader, and serving as a state Senator. You know, AAPI Heritage Month also serves as a reminder that we're Californians first. Not Democrats, not Republicans, but Californians first. And the AAPI community's issues are California's priorities.

That's why I'm so thankful to the AAPI Legislative Caucus for ensuring Californians, Asian American and Pacific Islanders feel seen and heard. And want to say thank you again, the center from Hayward and to the entire caucus for this resolution. Would respectfully ask for an aye vote.

And now seeing no other microphones. Right. Oh.

From the Senate Pro Tem, I know it's protocol to allow you to finish and I apologize. I just want to rise, just briefly, Mr. President, to recognize our own Jacqui Nguyen, our Communications Director for the Senate Republican Caucus, who just recently was sworn in as a school board member for the first individual to serve in that capacity that was Vietnamese American trustee on the school's governing board.

And she is just an incredible person. Has worked in this, dedicated her life to this body and to the Republican Caucus. And on a personal note, I was able to officiate her wedding a few years ago, and I just think it's appropriate that we recognize her as well. Thank you, and thank you for your indulgence, Mr. Pro Tem.

And now seeing no other microphones up, Senator Wahab, you may close.

Thank you. I first want to just thank all the Members that spoke up today. It's incredibly heartfelt and warming to so many of our honorees today to hear so many Members speak in support of the community. And to our PT, it is absolutely true that we are Californians first, and we said that even in the very first resolution we heard today. It is important to remember that every time we talk about people, at the end of the day, we're first human beings. And it is the dream of so many to become Americans, let alone Californians.

And as much as we talk about the rise in and hate across the board, whether it's antisemitism, whether it's Islamophobia, whether it is about ethnic groups and status and much more, we are human beings first and we all share very similar dreams of peace, security, prosperity, and making sure our families can live their full life. And so today I respectfully ask for an aye on this Senate Resolution, Concurrent Resolution 58. And again, I thank every Member that spoke up. Thank you.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, noes zero. The resolution is adopted. And moving again back to privileges of, privileges of the floor. Senator Wahab, you have some guests.

Yes, thank you. Again, the AAPI Legislative Caucus wanted to honor a handful of folks, but I also just want to say it was mentioned earlier in one of our meetings that we wanted to honor far more people than we have today, but is impossible. So I really just want to, again, honor the community as a whole.

I want to highlight the extremely diverse staff that we have in this building, all the people that work on a lot of the different policies, but I will begin with honoring our--the folks that we have here today.

As part of the celebration of the AAPI Heritage Month, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus recognizes and honors distinguished AAPI leaders from throughout the State of California. This year we are proud to recognize 15 honorees who have demonstrated leadership, courage, and dedication to their communities.

I commend each honoree for their tireless work to uplift the AAPI voices and create AAPI visibility just by doing the work that they do every single day. Our first honoree is Daniel Deng.

Mr. Deng is the founder of the Law Office of Daniel Deng and has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights and well-being of Asian Americans. He is also actively engaged in community outreach, providing educational resources and support to empower individuals within the Asian American community. We want to congratulate Daniel.

Thank you.

Thank you. It's my honor to introduce Eva Garcia. Ms. Garcia was born and raised in the Philippines, but she made California her home, making tremendous contributions to the communities of American Canyon and Southern Solano, which include Vallejo and Benicia.

She was the first Filipino and the first woman to serve as President of the Southern Solano Association of Realtors and she continues to this day as President of the Women's Council of Realtors of Solano and a statewide ambassador as well.

During the pandemic, she was instrumental in organizing PPE donations in partnership with the Napa City Council and has continued weekly food deliveries and is a stalwart member of both the Napa community, which is where she's--where she lives in American Canyon, and also in supporting the Filipino community of Greater Solano County. Congratulations.

Our next honoree is Queenie Tran Tran. Ms. Tran is the founder, president, and executive producer of Ms. Vietnam California. Under her creative vision, Ms. Vietnam California has become one of the most prestigious, longest-running, continuous Vietnamese cultural pageants, not just in America, but worldwide for the past 35 years.

She works closely with other community organizations and leaders to highlight the strength, beauty, and resilience of both Vietnamese, American, and AAPI heritage. Congratulations, Queenie.

Next is Dr. Brian Komoto. Dr. Komoto has dedicated over 40 years to improving healthcare and meeting the needs of the medically underserved in Delano and Kern County.

He and his wife, Mary, founded the Komoto Family Foundation and the Affordable Meds Program, saving patients millions of dollars and helping them through--cover high medication costs and co-pays. Dr. Komoto is also an incoming member of the UC Board of Regents. Congratulations, Brian.

All right, I would like to introduce Lee--Leo, sorry--Leo Kaho Kuma. Mr. Kuma is the Artistic Director and co-owner of No Te Here, the Polynesian Club of Fresno. For over 20 years he has led the studio's international award-winning Tahitian drummers as well as the male dancers of all ages while performing the very exciting Samoan Fire Knife Dance. He has continued the legacy left by his parents by guiding this cultural connection to the Pacific Islands in Fresno, California. Congratulations, Leo.

Our next honoree is no stranger to the building, Dr. Annie Lam. Dr. Lam is a nationally recognized leadership strategist with over 15 years of experience advancing equity and building leadership pipelines across sectors.

The daughter of Chinese refugees from Vietnam, she began her career in the California State Assembly creating the state's first API Legislative Staff Academy. She also founded API's Mobilize, a nonprofit that prepares AANHPI youth for college, civic leadership, and public policy. Congratulations, Dr. Lam.

Our next honoree is Lisa Lew, a four-time Emmy-winning founding producer of shows that redefine news and rebranded genres of daytime viewership in the America. For 20 years, Ms. Lew excelled in senior positions on news magazines all over the world.

Her list of world-exclusive productions include some of the most famous and notorious figures in modern history: O.J. Simpson, the Beverly Hills Madame, Charles Manson, among others. She is also invested in building the pipeline of AAPI representation in Hollywood. Congratulations, Lisa, and thank you.

All right, our next honoree is Dr. Cao Minh Hung, a distinguished dentist, musician, martial artist, and community leader based in Costa Mesa. Dr. Hung has contributed to the Vietnamese American cultural experience through the release of several albums and co-founded a cultural club for artists.

He has also actively supported youth development through a free talent development program offering vocal and dance lessons while instilling a sense of Vietnamese heritage in children. Congratulations.

All right, this next honoree is actually from my district, Maliha Noamani. Maliha Noamani is dedicated advocate for social and economic justice with over a decade of experience supporting workers, immigrants, and underrepresented communities. As a leader at SEIU 2015, she has also worked tirelessly to uplift the voices of caregivers and ensures they receive the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Additionally, her advocacy extends beyond her professional role as she has constantly championed human rights, women's empowerment, and immigrant justice through grassroots organizations and community engagement. Congratulations, Maliha.

Next is Karen Leilani Parlin, a social worker dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and vulnerable populations across Hawaii and California. Karen Leilani Parlin is an active member of the Hui O Hawaii club in San Diego, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and a cultural mentor for the--I'll butcher this--Kailua Canoe Club.

She considers it her mission to build future for her children and neighbors in San Diego where they can feel safe to express their cultural and personal beliefs without prejudice. Congratulations, Karen.

All right, our next honoree is the late Dr. Kanji Sahara, whose award is being accepted today by his granddaughters Kaitlyn and Kristen Tang. Dr. Sahara was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and raised in Los Angeles until his family was incarcerated during the Second World War.

While he had a long, accomplished engineering career, Dr. Sahara found his true calling in education, educating others about the injustices he and other Japanese Americans faced when they were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. In 1942, Dr. Sahara and his family were taken first to Santa Anita Assembly Center, which was actually the horse stalls at the racetrack, and then transported to the Jerome and Rohwer concentration camps in Arkansas.

His final project before passing away this February was obtaining funding for a monument to be constructed in Torrance to ensure the wrongs of the past are not forgotten. Congratulations to Dr. Sahara and his family. Thank you.

Next is Chen Suen. The first AAPI fire chief of the City of Arcadia, Chief Suen has worked for the department for over 20 years, rising through the ranks from firefighter to fire chief in 2022. During the Los Angeles fires this past January, he displayed incredible leadership as Arcadia firefighters battled both the Eaton and Palisades Fire.

In addition to his public service, Chief Suen is also a part-time instructor at several colleges, teaching EMT and fire academy courses, as well as an attorney with experience--expertise in workplace investigations. Congratulations.

All right. Our next honoree is Chien Yu, an outstanding member of the Pasadena Fire Department for nearly 20 years. Mr. Yu sprang into action as the Eaton Fire engulfed large parts of his community on January 7th. Despite having to evacuate his own family as his own house burned down, he continued to battle the blaze, saving the lives and properties of many of his neighbors.

His bravery, commitment to service and selflessness, and dedication to public safety have inspired countless people far beyond the Eaton Fire burn scar. Congratulations.

All right, our last two honorees were not able to join us on the Senate Floor today, but I want to take a moment to acknowledge each of them. Lonnie Lee has been recognized by Senator Choi and is passionate about helping international students navigate the admissions process and transition to life in the U.S. at Concordia University in Irvine.

She's a natural mentor for students as she shares her own journey, immigrating from South Korea and obtaining a business administrative degree with an emphasis on marketing. Ms. Lee's strong foundation in communications and community engagement have made her a local and international leader who we are proud to honor. Congratulations, Lonnie.

And our very final honoree joined us on the Assembly Floor but was unable to make it to the Senate Floor. Our final honoree is Chrissy Teigen. Ms. Teigen is an activist, entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling cookbook author who probably needs no introduction to many of you. However, today we want to highlight her voice for social justice and reproductive rights.

Through her campaigning, she highlighted the need to protect women's health, ensure social justice is exemplified in all walks of life, and that civil liberties are protected. Congratulations, Chrissy.

All right, members. I do just want to, again, thank all of you guys for your patience, and members, please join me in giving all of our honorees a warm round of applause. And each of you will find a gift of a bowl and chopsticks on your desk to commemorate AAPI Heritage Month. Additionally, in the Capitol Rotunda, banners are on display complementing today's floor ceremonies and highlighting the achievements of our honorees. These banners will be displayed for our members, staff, and visitors to see. Thank you.

And now a picture with all of the honorees, after which members can join in for a picture.

And now everybody can join for a final picture.

We will return to the business of the day in just a minute.

Now returning to our agenda. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted. And yeah, I was--Motions and Resolutions. Any members? Seeing no, no mics up for Motions and Resolutions. Moving on to consideration of the Daily File.

Oh, yes. Without objection, the Senate Journals for May 5 through May 8, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. And now, consideration of the Daily File. Second Reading file. Secretary will read.

Senate Bill 734, 576.

And now Governor's Appointments. Senator Grove, you are recognized.

Thank you. Mr. President, this is a long-awaited appointment. Colleagues, this is the best appointment that you will vote on in your entire career in the State Senate. Just saying that. Zoe Heller for appointment for Director of Department of Resources and Recycling and Recovery or CalRecycle. Prior to this appointment she served as a department in various capacities, most recently, Deputy Director of the Division of Circular Economy.

We also previously served--she also previously served in the federal level of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2017. She is way overqualified. She is very solution-orientated. She is inclusive of all parties, whether she agrees to them or not.

She always listens to every person. She was personally represented and was--spoken on behalf of Zoe was Rachel Wagner, the former loved and wonderful director that we had in the previous administration or actually during this administration--I apologize.

Some of the things that were said about her is that Ms. Heller is down in deep understanding of the industry, commitment to sound policy and department. She's a leader, she's accessible, she is collaborative, and she works hard, and that is one of thousands upon thousands upon thousands of documents that we got from the Rules Committee--or for the Rules Committee for this confirmation hearing. Responsibility for an aye vote.

Senator Gonzalez, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President, and I concur with the good colleague from Bakersfield, and having done a stint on Rules now, we are absolutely appreciative of Director Heller's ongoing--after this confirmation--ongoing work, specifically ensuring, as we know that this Senate and this body, especially from some of our Senators from Santa Monica as well as San Diego, put forward SB 54.

She agreed to timelines, agreement to continue discussing at length with the greater community, but also more importantly, with the Senators that really put forward this bill. So we look forward to working with her on that and I respectfully ask for an aye vote on her confirmation.

Senator Grove, you may close. Oh, do we have another mic up?

Senator Wiener.

Senator Wiener, excuse me.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise in strong support of the nominee. I also--I just do want to comment, though. I know the, the regulatory process around SB 54 was very frustrating to a lot of people and I just want to say that that is sometimes we blame the agencies for the length and the complexity of implementing laws we pass, but as a, as the saying goes, 'hate the game, don't hate the player.' We have a broken system when it comes to implementing regulations that we need to fix. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Allen, you're recognized.

Yeah, I just want to associate myself with the comments of my colleagues and encourage an aye vote on Ms. Heller's appointment. She's an important leader. She's shown a lot of grace under some challenging circumstances and we have the confidence that she's going to do what is necessary to ensure that we restore some, some faith and trust in this very, very important agency. So I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Now, Senator Grove, you may close.

Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate all my colleagues' comments on this Governor's Appointment, but just to remind you all that Rachel Wagner already said she was it. The Governor appointed her and just respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Senator, call the roll.

[Roll Call].

Ayes: 35; noes: zero. The appointment is confirmed.

Senators, we are now going to move to adjourn in memory. Senator Niello, you are recognized for your adjournment.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to adjourn our session today in the memory of William L. Bill Kahrl, a friend who was truly a Renaissance man. He made significant impacts in the areas of public policy, resource management, environmentalism, and conservation. He was a government employee, an historian, a journalist, and consultant, always following his motto.

His motto: Let me help us. Bill passed away in Roseville on July 26 of last year. He was 78. He grew up in Ohio before going to Yale College where he was a scholar of the house, as they call it, graduating in 1968.

He attended the Yale Graduate School of American Studies and later received a National Endowment of the Humanities Fellowship to Princeton. Bill moved to California in 1969 and immediately became engaged in our state's issues. He joined Marin County Environmentalist and later State Senator Peter Behr as a Coral Foundation Fellow to work on the revolutionary Save Our Seashore petition drive in 1969.

This work convinced the Nixon Administration to sign off on federal funding to save and extend the Point Reyes National Seashore, shelving National Park Service plans to sell off and develop a significant portion of the peninsula.

For his work, he was named by Coro's Irvine Fellowship as a person who quotes, 'makes the greatest contribution to California.' In government service, he worked for then Senator Behr, subsequently for State Assembly Speaker Bob Moretti, and then Governor Jerry Brown.

He was the project director and editor of 'The California Water Atlas,' published in 1979 by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. It came out in the wake of our state's record drought of 1976 and 77. It remains a significant work for water resource management in our state.

And that's not all. Further establishing his place as the preeminent scholar of water policy in California, Bill also wrote 'Water and Power' as a Rockefeller Fellow. This history of California water development was selected by the New York Times as one of the best books of 1982.

As a journalist, Bill wrote extensively about state, local, and federal water policy for the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee. He joined the Bee staff as an editor in 1986, eventually becoming its opinion editor before leaving the Bee in 1997. In that role as opinionator--opinion editor--he showed the true balance of his approach to things.

I remember talking to Greg Favre, who was running the paper at the time, and I always subscribed to the Bee and the Wall Street Journal to get both sides of issues from their editorial page, and I told Greg that his editorial page was irritating me. He figured he knew what I was talking about.

He said, 'what do you mean?' And I said, I told him, 'I subscribed to your paper and the Wall Street Journal so I get both sides of things and your editorial page is beginning to irritate me because I agree with it sometimes.' But that was Bill Kahrl, a very balanced guy.

Bill was also co-founder of and contributing editor for the World's Fair Quarterly Magazine and contributed articles to the California Historical Quarterly and Public Historian. Helping save Point Reyes was not his only achievement in natural resource conservation.

Bill later worked on the creation of Headwaters Forest Reserve in Humboldt County, one of California's largest transfers of environmentally sensitive lands for public use, and on preservation of the Hearst Ranch on the Central Coast.

In his later career--still not finished--Bill was a public relations consultant working with public agencies, tribal governments, and private corporations involved with agriculture, educational reform, energy, water resource development, project siting, and land use.

He remained active in California's public affairs to the end of his life, chairing the board of the New Castle Fire Protection District, where he achieved funding and construction of a new fire station during his term. Finally, and most importantly, Bill was a family man.

He encouraged his children's and grandchildren's pursuits and inspired them to think more deeply about current events and ideas. He loved jokes, was an avid and eloquent storyteller, and a voracious reader. And believe it or not, he loved discussing politics as well as sports and culture with his family and friends.

To round out this extensive resume, he played Santa Claus in his community's association Christmas celebration. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathleen, who is with us in the gallery today with two of their sons, their children, Christina, who is editor of the Sports for the San Francisco Chronicle, Benjamin, and Justin.

And they have grandchildren, Kayla, Peter, Makoa, and Xiomara. And my story about Bill, I'd like to add, was drawn almost entirely by the obituary written by Christina. Please join me in adjourning in honor of a life--long accomplished life, very well lived, Bill Kahrl.

Thank you, Senator. Our deepest condolences to the family. Senator, please bring the name to the front so that he may be properly memorialized. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you're recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, it is with great sadness that I rise to adjourn in memory of Stuart Spencer, the legendary political consultant who passed away at his home in Palm Desert on January 12th at age 97.

Stu was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1927 and later moved to Alhambra, California, with his mother and stepfather. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17, and in 1946, he attended East LA Junior College and went on to earn a BA in Sociology from CSU Los Angeles in 1951.

From 1951 to 1959, Stu was the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Alhambra. During that time, he volunteered for several local campaigns, fell in love with politics, and was hired as an organizer for the LA County GOP in 1959.

The following year, he and Bill Roberts founded Spencer-Roberts and Associates, which grew to be one of the nation's most prestigious political consulting firms, representing more than 400 political campaigns. Most notably, Stu managed Ronald Reagan's gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, as well as President George H.W. Bush's reelection campaign.

Stu is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara, children, Karen and Steven, stepdaughter, Debbie, and six grandchildren. Two days before leaving office in 1989, President Reagan presented Stu with the Presidential Citizens Medal, remarking that Stu, quote, unquote, 'prevented more than a few poor decisions and aided in more than a few very good decisions.'

'He has been a voice of sanity and common sense and he has served his country well.' Quote. In 1993, Spencer was introduced into the Association of American Political Consultants. I wish Stu's family and friends comfort during this time of deep sorrow. I would be honored if this body would adjourn in memory of the Stuart Spencer.

Senator Strickland, you're recognized.

Good afternoon, distinguished guests and members of the Senate. California's lost a legend in national politics. I'm saddened today to hear the loss of Stu Spencer, an icon in political circles. Stu passed away in January at his home in Palm Desert, California, with his beloved family by his side.

His wife Barbara shared that he was remarkably crisp up until his final few days. I have the honor of introducing Spencer Family today who are up in the gallery with us. Stu's lovely wife Barbara is up here along with son-in-law Frank DeSilva, George Stephas, and Jamie Khan.

Republicans and Democrats have plenty of war stories to share about Stu. I have my own that I'll share with the body a little bit later. Founded by Stu in 1952, he had an annual party called the Wheel Spinners, which was legendary in political circles.

Stu's party began with small gatherings of Republicans, a place for those who were dedicated to spin their wheels to help for the Republican Party. His annual party grew in size in both in size and reputation, and many were aware that it was the place to be for both Republicans and Democrats. Oh, yes. Back then, bipartisanship had gatherings.

Party leaders like President Reagan and George Mason attended. If you received an invitation from Stu, you knew you had made it in his guest list, which consists of a who's who in the political world. That's how I came to know the legendary Stu Spencer.

I don't know how I got on the list, but one year I got on the list and I was privileged enough to stay on that list. But I was invited to Wheel Spinners and I attended, and man, I met the who's who of California politics.

I got to hobnob and talk as a college student with LA Mayor Tom Bradley, Speaker Willie Brown, HUD Secretary Jack Kemp, and many, many people from the Reagan Administration. Stu was brilliant in the campaign world. He established one of the first modern political consulting firms, which was rapidly became one of the nation's premier campaign firms.

He played such a pivotal role in hundreds of political campaigns. He worked on Ronald Reagan's campaign to become Governor of California as well as President of the United States. Rooted in principle and integrity, he loved the game of politics, comparing it to sports competition. I would concur with that.

Throughout his years, he mentored many generations of rising stars within the Republican Party. One such star, his grandson, Sam Spencer, happens to be a very close personal friend of mine. So there's a future leader in the Spencer generation moving forward.

Please join me along with Senator Bogh--Ochoa Bogh--in honor of the memory of Stu Spencer, who's a gold standard of California politics, who's someone who worked across the aisle on both Republicans and Democrats. Following our floor session, Assembly Member Greg Wallace, Senator Ochoa Bogh, and I are hosting a joint reception for the Spencer Family in Room 125 here at the State Capitol. I urge you to come and visit with the Spencer Family. I'd like to adjourn in the memory of Stu Spencer.

Thank you, Senator Strickland and Senator Ochoa Bogh. If you bring the name forward so that it can be properly recognized? And next we have Senator Cabaldon. You're recognized.

Mr. President, I rise to ask that the Senate today adjourn in memory of Joanne Shively, who died in November at the age of 92. 'Joanne Shively doesn't court ambivalence.' That was the lead sentence of a profile about her in the local paper when she retired from the Vallejo City Council.

Joanne was committed, direct, stern, tough, a bit like the city where she was born and raised and where she stayed her entire life. People she served with over her three terms on the City Council tend to have, let's say, strong opinions. The arc of Joanne's life spans much of Vallejo's modern history.

She was born in 1932 at a time when we started to see for the first time housing ads advertising opportunities for great schools, great walks, and also racial restrictions that would create a great place to raise a family. Vallejo, as it was becoming more and more popular as a place to live, partly because of Mare Island, the shipyards growing business, was struggling with its racial future and with equity.

Joanne graduated then in 1949 in the midst of a growth boom created by World War II, which further fed the jobs at Mare Island building ships and submarines. At just 17 years old, Joanne took a job as a clerk at Bank of America, a business that she described as still dominated by men, but she found her calling and she was a banker through and through. But then a challenge came that Joanne had not planned for.

Polio was a scourge of Post-War America, striking particularly hard at children and at young people, and Joanne contracted the virus in 1951 and spent years in the hospital before returning to Bank of America, this time in a wheelchair. She could no longer walk, but Joanne quickly learned how to use her voice.

'Yes, it made me a strong person,' she said of polio. 'But it's also given me the opportunity to pave the way for a lot of people, both in my career and in the political arena.' She spent nearly 50 years at the bank and rose to the rank of Assistant Vice President, she drove her own car, and she enjoyed a life full of family and outings to enjoy good food, plays, and musical performances.

On the City Council, she pushed for the installation of wheelchair ramps at city intersections, she helped create the Reuse Plan after the Navy pulled out of Mare Island in 1996, and she fought to make sure that Vallejo came out of bankruptcy.

I know everyone is aware that Vallejo has a global reputation as the home from Hogan High School where the Auditor General of Argentina, the Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee hail from, and Joanne, too.

She was a banker faced with bankruptcy in the City of Vallejo and fought hard to make sure that the city emerged victorious. She was always put together in full lipstick with a smile on her face. She was nice, but she did not hesitate to speak her mind.

She was the leading critic of successive city managers and argued that a controversial proposal to build a natural gas plant, which ultimately failed, should have been passed by the voters.

The former Mayor, Tony Intintoli, served with her on the City Council and said that she had a furious approach to city business and was involved in every aspect of the city. And another colleague said, 'if you want to challenge Joanne, you better know your business.'

Every city needs champions like Joanne Shively, people who are willing to give their time and energy, even if it's exhausting, willing to sacrifice their friendships for the future of their community, people who aren't afraid to speak up for what they think is right, even if and when people don't like it.

At a time when people move around so much, it's remarkable to see someone devote themselves to a place for 92 years. Polio united Joanne with her wheelchair, but that never stopped her from standing strong for Vallejo. Ask that we adjourn in her memory.

Thank you, Senator Cabaldon, and if you could bring the name forward so it will be properly recognized? There appearing to be no further business, Senator McGuire, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Wonderful job. Just want to take a moment to say thank you again to the AAPI Caucus for the work, and amazing recognition here today to Senator Dahle for her bravery on the floor today. The next floor session is going to be scheduled for Thursday, May 15th at 9:00 a.m. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The Senate is adjourned until Thursday, May 15th at 9:00 a.m.