Assembly Floor

Assembly is now in session. Assemblymember Hadwick notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant Arms will prepare the chamber. Bring in the absent Members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members of quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for today's prayer. Rev. Oshita will offer today's prayer. Rev. Oshita.

Please join me in a Father's Day reflection. I'd like to share a story recollected by Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1950, when he was 16, he was living with his parents at an Institute that his grandfather had founded. It was 18 miles outside of Durban, South Africa, in the middle of cane fields.

One day his father asked him to drive him into town for a day long meeting and to also have the car serviced. His father asked him to meet him at 5 o' clock. Arun dropped off the car, then went to a movie. He said it was a John Wayne double feature and he lost track of time.

He ran to the garage, got the car, but at 6pm he finally reached his dad. He lied to his father about the reason for being late, saying the car was not ready. His father knew his words were untrue. No scolding came. Instead, Arun recalled that his father looked so sad.

And he softly spoke to himself, saying, what kind of father am I that my son is afraid to tell me the truth? I must ponder this. Rather than getting in the car, his father began to walk home, contemplating his failure and how he must improve.

Arun said in his suit and dress shoes, he began to walk home in the dark on almost unpaved, unlit roads. I couldn't leave him. So for five and a half hours I drove behind him, watching my father go through agony over his failure as a father. I decided then and there I was never going to lie again.

Arun added, my father's action was so powerful that it still feels like it happened yesterday. That one event changed Arun's life to his core and he said, I now make the decision every morning to be better and often wonder if he had punished me, whether I would have learned a lesson. I don't think so.

Our fathers and mothers are our first and greatest teachers, and if we are fortunate to have such loving parents in our hearts, let us thank them and honor them every day. Now. Moami Dumbas Let us live with kindness and gratitude beyond words.

Members, a moment of privilege from this chair Prior to the flag salute we were all shocked hearing the news over the weekend about the shooting of Minnesota lawmakers. This horrifying act of political violence has no place in America. We stand together condemning it in the strongest possible terms. Even when we disagree, we shall value diversity of opinion.

We empathize and we do our very best to validate. Let us observe a moment of silence in the memory of the victims, Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and we also wish for the full recovery of the other victims, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

We ask our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assemblymember Dixon will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members, please place your hand over your heart and begin. Let's begin. I pledge allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty.

May be seated to our guests and visitors today. State law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative proceedings or disrupting the orderly conduct of official business. Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest or other appropriate legal remedies. Reading of the previous day's Journal Assembly.

Chamber Sacramento Thursday, May 29, 2025 the Assembly met at 9am The Honorable Josh Lowenthal, Speaker Pro Temporary of the Assembly Presiding. Chief Clerk

Majority Leader Garcia moves and Mr. Flora a seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with presentations and petitions. There are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred, Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor? There are none. Messages from the Senate?

There are none. Moving to motions and resolutions. Absences for the day shall be deemed read and printed in the Journal system. Majority Leader Garcia, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Addis, Macedo, Harabedian and Brian to speak in an adjournment in memory today. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 118A to allow Assembly Members Mark Gonzalez, Jackson, Krell, Bryan Castillo, Addis and Arambula to have guests in the rear of the chamber.

Without Objection. Such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer SB769 Caballero from the Economic Development, Growth and Household Impact Committee to the Judiciary Committee and then back to the Economic Development, Growth and Household Impact Committee.

Without objection. Such shall be the order. Now moving on to guest introductions, we're going to begin with Assemblymember Rubio. Assemblymember, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Today we're excited to welcome our 23 students from Assembly District 48, our fourth annual young Legislator program. These students have spent the last six months learning about public service and the legislative process and are here today to see the process in action.

Our San Gabriel Valley students visit us from the communities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Charter Oak, Covina Valley and West Covina, to name a few. Please join me in welcoming our future legislators to the California State Assembly.

Stand up and be recognized. Welcome. Welcome. Assemblymember Jackson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we are celebrating Black Conservation Week by recognizing the progress, work and the people who are leading California in meeting the moment in reaching our nation's leading environmental conservation goals. Today I am honored to bring to the floor and the Assembly gallery some of these great leaders.

I would like to introduce a few of them, those who are in the rear of the chamber. Simeon Gant is the Executive Director at Green Technical Education and Employment here in Sacramento. Jade Stevens is President of the 40 Acre Conservation League, the nation's only black led land trust nonprofit.

Royal Rami is the Chief Executive Officer at Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. Amos White is the Executive Director at 100,000 Trees for Humanity. Chanie Hawkins is the founder of Bracey Hawkins Law, serving as General counsel to 40 Acre Conservation League.

And in the gallery we have Ariel Lawrence is the founder of Atkin Development, a Los Angeles based architectural and construction management firm. Nelson Hawkins of the UJIMA Farmer Collective. And finally, Charles Thomas is the Executive Director of Outward Bound Adventures. Colleagues, please welcome these black conservationalists here in California.

Welcome to the California Assembly.

Members, continuing on with guest introductions. Assemblymember Berman, you are recognized with your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know a lot of us, myself included, got our start in politics by interning for the elected officials that represented the communities that we grew up in, and that's why I'm so excited to recognize some very special guests who are here with us in the gallery today.

Present in the gallery are four of my summer interns from my District and Capitol Offices. They're right up here. If ya'll want to stand up. And with me today are Zoe Frank from Portola Valley, Shayda Oliaei from Saratoga, Oliver Constantine-Tautich from Palo Alto, and Njiwam Anyangwe from San Jose.

And these students will be working this summer to support my team through legislative research, constituent services, and district events, including one that we've got this Friday, preparing them for future careers in government. They're here today visiting the State Capitol, learning more in depth about the legislative process, and getting to see firsthand how legislation is shaped.

It's a great honor to have them here. Please join me in welcoming these outstanding interns with a warm welcome from the California Assembly.

Welcome. The legislators of tomorrow are all counting on you. Okay. Assemblymember Krell, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Back on New Year's Eve, Engine 43, Truck 45, Battalion 45, and AMR Medic 319 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident westbound I-80 at the entrance to the causeway. While responding, units were updated by dispatch that CPR was already in progress by an off-duty Firefighter.

This Firefighter is Adrienne Bisharat, and it's my honor to introduce her and her family today. She stood on the side of the freeway doing chest compressions on a male patient at the center of the median. She had stopped on the freeway after the male patient had a medical emergency.

He was driving, swerved three lanes of traffic before hitting the center divider, ending up parallel against the K Rail, and she had to break out the passenger glass window, pull him out of the vehicle, and basically, bring an unresponsive driver back to life.

By the time medics came, they assisted, and they were able to smoothly transition the patient to the hospital. He's since been released. And it's my honor to honor Firefighter Bisharat, who's joining me on the floor today, along with Sacramento City Fire Chief, Chris Costamagna, Deputy Chief, Mike Taylor, Captain, Justin Sylvia.

And up in the gallery to show their support are Adrienne's father, mother, stepfather, brother, and girlfriend, Bridget. Also, point of privilege, not to flex on Sacramento Fire Department too much, but they also recently won a Sacramento burger battle.

Please join me in showing our appreciation for the life-saving work of Adrienne and acknowledging her hard-working colleagues in the Sacramento Fire Department that work to keep our community safe.

Members, because of some flight schedules happening today, I'm going to have to skip ahead today. Pass the business on the Daily File to a single adjournment in memory for a very special person to this Capitol community.

I would like to ask for you to keep your conversations off the floor at this time and give your attention to Assemblymember Bryan. Mr. Bryan, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Colleagues. Members, I rise today to honor the life and the work and the indelible mark of a Civil Rights Legislator, former California State Senator, and longtime Los Angeles City Councilman, the Honorable Nathan Nathaniel Holden—Nate Holden. Mr. Holden was born in Georgia on June 19th, 1929.

He grew up as a boxer, defeating competitors at local camps, growing inside him a fighter spirit that he carried all 95 years he walked this Earth.

In 1946, he quit high school and lied about his age to enlist in the US army at the age of 16, where he became a Military Policeman, where he served our country with honor and courage at a time when black veterans weren't treated with the same. He was a World War II hero.

When Mr. Holden returned home, he earned a high school diploma. At night school, he studied design and engineering. At West Coast University, he worked as an Aerospace Engineer, which is what brought him to California. This brother was a Boxer, a Veteran, and a Rocket Scientist.

He was elected to the Senate in 1974 where he authored a Bill which made California the first state to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a state holiday, that we all celebrate every year.

He also co-authored California's Housing Financial Discrimination Act, known as the Holden Act, which prohibited financial institutions from discriminating based on race, religion, sex, or marital status, to say that a different way women in California could not get a mortgage without their husband on the application, until Mr. Holden wrote this legislation.

He championed civil rights and community development throughout his career. Public service to him wasn't just a job, it was a purpose—a purpose that he carried on all 95 years he walked this earth. He was always in service.

He was a spokesman for the poor, the middle class, in South Central and Southwestern Los Angeles areas. Due to his work in the community, the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center stands on Washington Boulevard today, named after him in 2003. I met Mr. Holden five or so years ago. I was his Assemblymember. I was running for office.

And the first endorser I had in the state Legislature was a former majority leader, Chris Holden. And the first thing he told me about running for office is, you should call my dad. And I kind of blew it off and started calling other people. And I saw Chris again, and he said, you should call my dad.

And so, one day, I called his dad, thinking there's no way Nate Holden's just sitting by the phone waiting for my phone call. And sure enough, he was, and he answered. And he knew exactly who I was, despite our 63-year age difference. And he gave me some advice that day about working hard and championing the people.

And it was then that I noticed afterwards I saw Nate Holden everywhere. In his 90s, when he was at the opening of the K Line in Leimert park on Crenshaw, here comes Nate Holden.

I saw him at the Performing Arts Theater named after him, when the Vice President came to town to speak with then candidate, Karen Bass, running for Los Angeles Mayor. Rumor has it, Nate Holden was driving last year at 94.

My favorite memory of Mr. Holden is one that I found was shared amongst many of us, and that is that if you were doing something wrong, he was going to tell you, and I had a moment one time where he disagreed with the decision that I was going to make—or that I had made.

And he told me about it. And I kind of stood up to him. And I realized in that moment, we became as close as we were ever going to be. And I think that's when he liked me, because I didn't just back down and he knew I was coming from a righteous place.

I remember calling Chris afterwards, saying, man, I just got it from your dad. And he said, welcome to the club. Mr. Holden was a champion in our community. He served the neighborhood. There are many legacy monuments and buildings and structures and churches that would not exist without him. He was an example of hope and promise.

He kept our streets safe, launched the largest gun buyback program possibly in the country's history, but certainly, in California's history. I'm very proud to be one of the last legislators he was able to touch on his time here, and I'm grateful that I was able to be touched by him.

And I think the entire state of California and this State House is better having been touched by Nate Holden, and I respectfully ask that we adjourn in his memory. Surviving him are Reginald Holden, his son, and the honorable Chris Holden, who's with us here in the chamber.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bryan. Assemblymember Gipson, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members. I just want to talk about the touch of Nate Holden, who I had an opportunity to have him touch my life. You see, I attended John C. Fremont High School with also another young man who went to high school with me.

I won't mention his name because I didn't get permission to mention his name. And so, I remember a City Council Member who served with Nate Holden hired me to work in the 8th Councilmanic District. Nate Holden represented the 10th Councilmanic District.

And I was so excited that he hired me to work in the 8th Councilmanic District as a Council Aide. My friend got into a little trouble and was coming out—Nate Holden was coming out of a theater on Crenshaw after seeing a movie—and my friend, high school mate, said, you're Councilman Nate Holden?

And he said, that's right. And he began to tell him that he got into some legal trouble. And he said, young man, come to my office on Monday morning and tell me about the trouble you got into. And so, he was there at 9 o' clock. As a matter of fact, he was there before time.

And Nate Holden brought him into his office. He began to talk to him about the trouble he got into. And he wrote a letter to the Judge. He wrote a letter to the Judge and the outcome was a very positive outcome, and Nate Holden said, you're going to now come work for me.

And as a result, he worked for Nate Holden until Nate Holden left office. And that turned his life around. And that was his introduction to public service.

And he worked in the City of Los Angeles and worked for Nate Holden's Chief of Staff and came up to Sacramento and worked for another Member and continued public service for over 20 years, and Chris Holden knows exactly who I'm talking about. That actually turned—and if it wasn't for Nate Holden changing his life around, who knows where that young man's life would have been.

And he retired as a public servant. And I want to say thank you very much. And that's just an example of what Nate Holden meant to the community. He took the least of these.

He took individual young men, black men, and turned their lives around and poured into not only African Americans, but also Latino men and made an absolute impeccable difference in their lives. The Los Angeles Times said that he was a force to be reckoned with.

Not only that, they said that when Nate Holden spoke, he spoke with power and conviction. Janice Hahn said that he was a force to be reckoned with. People said when he spoke, you can hear a pin drop. He worked for also Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kenneth Hahn, and that's where he learned how to do retail politics.

Every election, they sent potholders to every mother's home. You know, potholders are potholders—when you took things out of the oven so you wouldn't get burned. For those of you in the room don't know what a potholder meant. And those how you were able to get elections won because their names were engraved on those potholders.

And those were times where we needed a pot—when you needed potholes filled in the ground. Those were every time that Nate Holden needed to—people were able to call Nate Holden and make sure that not only trims were trees, trims were—trees were trimmed—potholes in their rows were fixed.

You can call him, and those kinds of things were done. When I ran my first Los Angeles marathon, because I've ran about eight, I looked in the Los Angeles city on—I forgot what street it was, I ran so many—I looked and your father was running those marathons.

And he was well in his 70s and 80s running marathons. And I could not believe Nate Holden was running marathons until something happened to his back. Let me simply say this. He was a living legend, 95 years old, as my colleague from Los Angeles said. He was driving to see Ray Cordova as we were honoring him.

And I called you and said your father was driving and just want you to know where he was at. And that's just who this great man was. I simply want to say to you, to this great family, thank you for sharing your father with all of us. Los Angeles would not be Los Angeles without a Nate Holden.

Chris, California would not be California without him being a drum major for justice, for leaving his mark. There is—and I'm going to close on this—there is a day that you're born and there's a day that you die, but in the middle, there's a dash.

Let me simply say, he lived his dash, and everyone would know that he lived.

Thank you, Mr. Gipson. Mr. Holden, we grieve for your loss while we celebrate the contributions that your father and your entire family has given the great state of California. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian, former Senator, Nate Holden.

Okay, Members, continuing on, we are going to move backwards.

We have one final guest introduction before we get to business on the Daily File. Like to bring your attention to Assemblymember Soria, please, for her guest introduction. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Today, I'd like to welcome our 2025 young legislators of Assembly District 27 to the California State Capitol. And they are joining us up in the gallery to my right.

So, if you guys want to stand up. To our 2025 young legislators from Assembly District 27, we have, we have folks representing Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties. Students from the various high schools: Madera South, Central East, Tranquility, Golden Valley, Atwater, and El Capitan. These are all high schools in my district.

Want to recognize our young leaders, our future leaders of the state of California, and our future leaders of the Central Valley. A number of them have graduated and will be going to a number of different universities in our state, our community colleges, and so forth.

So, we want to wish them good luck, but at this time, welcome them to Sacramento so that they're learning what we do on their behalf, and hopefully, one day, they'll be able to sit in our desk also to continue the great work that needs to be done here in the State Capitol. Thank you so much and welcome.

Welcome.

Okay. We are going to be moving on to business on the daily file. We're going to pass and retain on file items 1 and 2. That is going to get us to File item number three. That's ACR90 by Assemblymember Gipson. The Clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution. 90 by Assembly Member Gipson and others relative to Juneteenth.

Assemblymember Gipson, you are recognized.

Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Members. Mr. Speaker, Members. I rise as a proud Member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. I am honored to present ACR 90, a resolution recognizing a day of profound historic significance Juneteenth and call upon all Californians to join in honor of this important occasion.

Juneteenth celebrations annually on June 19 is not just a day on the calendar. It is a symbol of resilience and liberation on this ongoing pursuit of equality. This year 2025 marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth. A milestone that reminds us of the endurance the endurance legacy freedom of African Americans in our nation.

This resolution urge the people of California to reflect on the rich heritage and history of African Americans. A history that has continued on immeasurable the fabric of our nation. It is a day to celebrate the achievement of the culture and the resilience of black people while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles for the justice of equality.

To understand the significance of Juneteenth we must remember the civil rights era. The civil rights has ended in April of 1865. But the news traveled slowly, especially in remote areas like Texas where my family was born and raised.

It wasn't until June 19, 1865 where the Union General Gordon Ranger arrived in Galveston and announced that enslaved in Texas slaves were free after two years. After President Lincoln emancipation approximation declared slavery illegal in Confederate States. This delayed news meant that many enslaved African Americans in Texas only learned that their freedom was after the war had ended.

Juneteenth commemorated this pivotal moment a day emancipation, hope and liberation. Over time it evolved into a broader celebration Black culture resilience featured prayer speeches, educational events, family gatherings, festivals, cultures, activities. It's a day marked with music, dance, food, especially red soda water food that's of resilience and joy.

In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday and acknowledgement. It is a profound importance and in African American history this recognition is not only honored the past but also inspired us to continue to ongoing work for racial equality in our country.

As California we are called to look back on our shared history, honor those who fought for freedom and celebrate the vibrant culture of black Community, let us use this occasion to reflect and recommit ourselves and recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all.

I invite all of us to embrace Juneteenth as a day of remembrance and celebration, as a reminder of how far we've come, but how far we need to go in order to reach real equality and justice for our future. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Gipson. Assemblymember Carrillo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus to recognize and commemorate Juneteenth, a solemn and powerful moment in our shared American history. Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone. It is a living legacy, a call to reflect, to reconcile, and to recommit ourselves to the cause of justice.

It is a day to honor the sacrifices and achievements of generations of black Americans whose struggle for freedom has helped shape the Democratic values we hold dear. As a Member of the Latino Caucus, we stand in solidarity with the black community, not only in remembrance, but in purpose.

Our communities share a long and often parallel history of marginalization, resistance, and hope. We understand that the fight for racial equity, economic justice, and civil rights is one we must pursue together. With unity, with humility and with urgency.

We affirm our commitment to confronting systemic racism in all of its forms, whether in our schools, in our streets, or in our institutions. We pledge to continue working towards policies that uplift all communities, especially those who have been historically excluded or underserved.

Let these Houston not be only a day of remembrance, but a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to build, like California, in a nation where freedom is not delayed, where justice is not denied, and where the dignity of every person is fully recognized and protected. Thank you.

And may this day inspire us all to carry forward the work of those who came before us with courage, compassion and conviction.

Thank you, Assemblymember Carrillo. Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, I rise in Support today of acr90 recognizing Juneteenth. I'd like to thank the author from Los Angeles and the entire Black Caucus for bringing forward this important measure. Today we are recognizing and celebrating the liberation of African American slaves at the end of the Civil War.

While commemorating the struggles for true freedom, it's important that we rejoice and reflect on the moment of official liberation as a historical milestone and recognize that this was only the first step to equality and justice.

The slaves of Galveston, Texas, had to wait for more than two years after Lincoln's decree to receive word that they were freed in California. It was also an additional two years before our fugitive slave laws were officially repealed.

Despite the emancipation proclamation and the ratification of the 13th Amendment, the struggle for equality for former slaves, their descendants, and African Americans throughout the country has proven long and hard. While we celebrate our hard fought victories, we must recognize the discrimination that persisted in our communities after the civil war and that continues today.

As we commemorate Juneteenth today, we must be cognizant of the continued need to combat racism, human hate and intolerance. We are watching in agony while our siblings of color are again being targeted by forces that pedal in racist tropes.

Despite strong laws in California protecting and uplifting our communities of color, the federal Administration is attacking individuals and families at their places of work, at their children's graduations, and even at courthouses while they try to follow the law and becoming citizens of our great state and country. Federal agencies have stopped recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.

Day, black history Month and and Juneteenth. Black heroes like Harriet Tubman and other war veterans have been hidden or devalued. We are witnessing a terrifying backslide in morals and this Legislature must stand strong to turn it around.

As we saw over 100 years ago and as we are seeing today, good laws are not just enough on their own to ensure freedom and justice. It takes good people to uphold justice together, to stand for our values and stand for each other.

The Jewish people say Lador Vador, which means from generation to generation to recognize the role that we play in shaping the future just as we are shaped by the past.

And so while we celebrate Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in history, we commit to continued work to make sure that we are not haunted by our past, but inspired to keep progress moving forward. We commit to improve the lives of all of our children and our children's children and that spirit.

And on behalf of the California legislative Jewish caucus, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 90.

Thank you, Assemblymember Ward. Assemblymember Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Been thinking a lot about all of our stories and origin stories as people who make up this this country. And. Having a lot of conversations with communities and for black Americans. It's an interesting distinction. There was no pathway to immigration for black Americans. We didn't immigrate to this country.

We were stolen and brought to this country. Immigration was a pathway for people. We were thought of as property, chattel property to be bought and sold and traded and beaten and raped and maimed and so much else. I think about the 13 generations, nearly 14 generations of Black Americans who were enslaved and prohibited from reading and writing.

I think about the Dred Scott case, a reminder that our courts are not infallible. When he was denied his personhood at the highest level at the Supreme Court. All of those things have me reflecting on today. 160 years we've been celebrating Juneteenth. That's not nearly as long as we were enslaved in this country.

The original Juneteenth flag, by the way, is red, white and blue because black Americans are foundational to the building of this country. There is no America without folks who were enslaved. That is a truth. It's also a truth that justice has forever been delayed for people who were enslaved and their descendants.

That is why Juneteenth is a holiday. It's also why it only became a federally recognized holiday in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. We've been celebrating. My brother from Compton and I have been celebrating much of our lives, especially those of us that were born in Texas or have Texas roots.

Justice is still delayed and denied for descendants of those who were enslaved in this country. But I'm hopeful because we are on a road to repair. And it's a road that requires many allies and a strong commitment rooted in truth and justice and opportunity for all. And I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on this resolution.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bryan. Assemblymember Jackson, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, we stand in support of ACR 90 and today reminds us that equality, equity and liberation is not accomplished overnight and in many aspects are still in search for those victories.

And despite the significant efforts by both the federal and state governments to at some point acknowledge the history and address the plight of black American community, we know that we still have a long way to go.

And in many cases today, we will still have to backtrack to recover from the victories and restore the victories once this Administration is over.

In 2024, the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, we have an opportunity to critically examine our countries and our state's shameful history of slavery and engage in meaningful discussions on how this history continues to impact us today.

But also understanding that this history does not only impact African Americans, it impacts every single person that has gone through this public education system. It impacts everyone who's been conditioned to think about who's worthy and who's not worthy, who's beautiful and who's not beautiful. What's professional and what's not professional.

All these things, all these rules that we have been taught along the way and many of us guilty in continuing to enforce, those are all born and all have vestiges and is rooted in our very own slavery system here in this country.

And so we all must use Juneteenth as a way to celebrate liberation, to liberate our own minds, to liberate our own actions, to liberate our own thinking so that we can make sure that not only are we trying to celebrate the liberation of others, that we are able to go on a journey to liberate ourselves and to ensure that future generations are not born with the shackles of such discrimination, anti blackness and anti hate, racism and xenophobia, and certainly the LGBTQ Caucus, as we continue to go through our own journey of liberation, we are standing in solidarity with our Black Caucus brothers and sisters as we continue to find ways to support one another.

The LGBTQ Caucus respectfully asked for an Aye vote, an ACR 90.

Thank you, Assemblymember Jackson. Assemblymember Ransom, you are recognized.

Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Women's Caucus in strong support of Assembly concurrent Resolution 90. I want to begin by thanking the Member from Carson for authoring the important resolution and bringing it forward for our consideration.

While our state law recognizes the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth, National Freedom Day, ACR 90 takes a meaningful step forward by explicitly recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth, a date of profound historical significance.

June 191865 marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been granted.

I'd like for you to imagine for a moment that you were enslaved, that you were not free, that you were being forced to do things, and you'd been wishing and hoping for the day that you were free, and two years later, you find out that you actually had been free. That is how the Emancipation Proclamation worked.

This day is more than a historical milestone. It is a symbol of resilience, a symbol of liberation and enduring contributions of African Americans to this nation. The Women's Caucus stands in strong solidarity with the values Juneteenth represents. We empathize deeply with the legacy and affirm its place in our collective conscience.

In fact, the women's suffrage movement drew powerful inspiration from the strength and perseverance of African Americans in their struggle against slavery. With activists like Sir Jonah Truth and Ida B. Wells using their intersectionality to highlight the parallel struggles of racial and gender oppression.

ACR 90 Resolution also informs us that women like Harriet Tubman paved the way for activists through their fearless approach in taking the fight for freedom from enslavement into their own hands.

The fight for freedom raged by African Americans was not only a turning point in American history, and it laid the foundation for paramount, excuse me, social justice movements to follow, such as the Civil Rights movement and the United Farm Workers movement.

Their courage and determination should be commemorated with the same pride, the same reverence and the same enthusiasm that we bring to all celebrations of Independence and liberation.

It is thanks to the passion and sacrifices of those who came before me that I have the privilege to stand before you today, advocating on behalf of our people and urging that we continue to recognize our legacy. The resolution encourages all Californians to celebrate and reflect on the history, strength and achievement of African Americans.

It calls upon us to honor the contributions to freedom, to unity and to equity. With ACR90, we in the Legislature have the opportunity for to lead by example and to affirm this is a vital part of American history and that it is not only acknowledged, but truly celebrated. Thank you.

And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 90.

Thank you, Assemblymember Ransom. Assembly Member Harabedian, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise today in solidarity with the black community to recognize Juneteenth, our nation's Second Independence Day and a powerful reminder of the fight to end slavery in the United States.

The AAPI and black communities have a long history of standing together, from Frederick Douglass speaking out against anti Chinese exclusion laws to Asian American activists like Yuri Kochiyama and Grace Lee Boggs standing alongside black civil rights leaders to the Third World Liberation Front, a moment when black, Asian and other minority students stood together for educational equity not far from this very capitol.

These stories remind us that our communities are stronger when we support one another. Juneteenth is not just about looking back. It's about continuing the work ahead. It is about recognizing the strength, resilience and contributions of black Americans across generations. As we honor this important day, let's stay committed to building a future where.

Every community can thrive free, equal and empowered. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Harbidian. Assemblymember Demaio, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of ACR 90. I want to commend the sponsor of the resolution, the authority for Language in the resolution designed to unite us, what it demonstrates is that you are legitimately interested in conveying unity of purpose. I appreciate that. I applaud you for that. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Assemblymember Demaio, Assemblymember Sharp-Collins, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as a Member of this body in support of ACR90. Although Juneteenth is officially June 19, we do celebrate it today, honoring black excellence, culture, history in our community. We know that, Juneteenth. It is about freedom. Freedom that my ancestors fought so hard for. Freedom that was promised to us.

No matter your race, your creed or color, which is still, sadly, an ongoing fight to this very day, our freedom must continue to be protected. It is our civil right. It is also our human right.

Let's continue to not only celebrate this rich history and culture, but let's remember to teach the true history of this nation to generations to come. The history of resilience, the history of resistance, and the history of greatness. I ask all of you to please take today in and embrace the past, to move forward.

In Africa, we say sankofa, you have to look back to move forward. And I ask that you celebrate this day and use it to renew your commitment. Think about everything that's going on right now in this nation. Celebrate it, meaning reaching back to look forward.

I need you to renew your commitment to defend our freedoms, to honor our history, and to continue to fight for what was promised to all of us. And I say that deeply from my heart that may this day be a blessing to you and so many more to come. Ashe.

Thank you. Assemblymember Sharpe Collins, seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Gibson, do you wish to close?

Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Members, I wish to start off by thanking all of my colleagues and all the different caucuses who rose and who offered your comments on behalf of all the different caucuses and those who spoke individually on behalf of yourselves, thank you very much.

For one, lending your voices in support of ACR 90 on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, we absolutely appreciate your voice in support of this.

As many Members were speaking, I was thinking about my great grandmother who I had the privilege of absolutely meeting each time that my parents took me and my three sisters to Texas each and every year. That was our vacation. My great grandmother had. My great grandmother was born into slavery.

And she actually talked about the time when she was on the plantation and the moment in which freedom came to Texas and what that time meant for her during that time as a child not only that, but also letting us know what that meant for her as well as her papa. That's what she would call.

And letting us know that what she wanted for all of us, my sisters and and also her other grandchildren, and making sure that we would never forget the struggles that they went through to making sure that the future was bright for all of us and making sure that we strive for perfection and also to better ourselves and never take anything for granted.

And during Juneteenth, during the celebration, we would get together because that was the time that we spent on vacation drinking red soda water. Drinking and eating anything red and whether it's red velvet cake or whether it was ribs or barbecue, but also eating watermelon. That was our tradition. And I'm glad that that is a reflection of today.

So it's not just a day off. It's not just taking that day for granted, but it has significance. And so this carrying this resolution is significant for not only for me, but also for the Legislative Black Caucus. And I respectfully ask for a strong I vote. Thank you, Members.

Assembly Member Gibson, do you wish for the first roll to be open for co authors?

Row open for co authors.

Thank you. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Clerk will open the roll for co authors. Members, this is for co authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 66 co authors added without objection.

Will now move on to a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Ransom, you are recognized.

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Members, thank you so much for supporting this resolution. Just wanted to point out that on your desk you have small gift bags.

And while they are very small gift bags representing Juneteenth, they were part of a fundraiser for the black student unions in Tracy Unified School District, which helps the students get a trip to the black Student Unions Conference, where they learn about excellence, self determination, interdependence and perseverance. So please enjoy the gifts. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Ransom. Okay, Members, we're moving on to file item number four. That is ACR 92 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez. The Clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution. 92 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez and others relative to Electronic Dance Music Month.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud today to present ACR 92, California's first ever recognition of June 2025 as Electric Dance Music Month. That's right. You can cheer for that. Electric dance music, or EDM, just didn't show up one day.

Mr. Majority Whip, you are recognized.

It was born in the margins, in the back rooms of black, brown and queer clubs. From Chicago to Detroit, from Berlin to Oakland. And here in California, we gave a new rhythm, a new voice, and a new stage. As a kid growing up in Los Angeles, music wasn't just background noise. It was survival.

It was expression, and it was freedom. EDM gave a generation like mine a space to be loud, to be ourselves, and to belong in a world that too often tries to silence us. Electric dance music isn't just a genre. It's a movement. It's culture. It's a sanctuary.

It's where kids like me found light in the dark, where queer quids, immigrant kids, every kind of kid found a beat that spoke louder than the noise around them. It encompasses a wide variety of sounds, each with their own unique community. And including disco, techno, trance, dubstep, hardstyle, trap, drum and bass, and my personal favorite, house.

EDM is a living timeline. From the disco nights of the seventies to the warehouse raves of the nineties to the global festivals of today and California, we didn't just join the movement, we became its heartbeat. From Coachella to San Bernardino, from San Francisco to clubs in Koreatown, we built more than stages. We built safe havens.

We built movements and economies. Behind every beat drop, though, is work. This is an industry powered by stagehand, sound techs, vendors, hospitality workers, lighting crews, local artists, small businesses, real people building real opportunities. Across our Golden State, EDM festivals generate millions of revenue.

They drive up tourism, they fill hotels, they support food trucks, uplift local creatives and fuel the neighborhoods we represent from Boyle Heights to Bakersfield. It values our radical in the best way. Peace, love, unity and respect. Or as it's known, plur.

Not just slogans, but a way of life, a rejection of hate, a celebration of difference, a commitment to community. These values are not unique to the EDM community. California is also a reflection of these values as a state that celebrates diversity, inclusion and and creative expression.

Any time when division is loud, EDM reminds us we can still move as one. That rhythm can heal, that joy can be our resistance, that rhythm can heal. And with that, our culture, our economy, and our future. So today, let's honor not just the music, but the movement.

Thank you, Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez. You are recognized.

As a proud Member of the Gonzalez Caucus. I rise. Ladies and gentlemen, today let us embark on a journey through the Rich tapestry of music, a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. Our stories begin with the resonant beats of indigenous drums, revered as the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

For indigenous and Native American communities, the drum is more than an instrument. It is a sacred entity that unites. People in ceremonies, dance, and storytelling. Its rhythms echo the pulse of life, connecting individuals to their ancestors and the natural world. As we move forward in time, the vibrant sounds of salsa music emerge.

A genre born from the fusion of Afro Cuban rhythms, Puerto Rican influences in New York City during the mid 20th century, salsa became a symbol of cultural identity and expression, bringing communities together on dance floors with its infectious energy. In my very own Assembly District, my community is privileged to host two iconic music festivals, Coachella and Stagecoach.

Held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella showcases a diverse array of artists across genres, while Stagecoach celebrates the heart and soul of country music. These festivals not only boost our local economy, but also serve as melting pots of musical innovation and cultural exchange.

In recent decades, electronic dance music, EDM, has surged in popularity, captivating audiences worldwide and its pulsating beats and immersive experiences. Originating from disco and house music in the late 20th century, EDM has evolved into a global phenomenon, uniting people on dance floors from Berlin to Las Vegas.

Music in all its forms remains the greatest unifying language across all people. It tells our stories, celebrates our joys, and heals our sorrows. As we continue to support and cherish musical expression in our communities, let us remember its power to bring us together, inspire change, and enrich our lives.

With that, I rise in support of acr92, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you, Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez. Assemblymember Lackey. You are recognized.

Yeah. I don't have any deep rhetoric to share with you, but I will tell you something that might surprise everybody in this room that I consider EDM enjoyable dance music. It's actually one of people are shocked, including my kids friends, when they get in the car. And that's the music of my choice.

And I don't know why I should apologize, but I'm not trying to be cool. I just enjoy it. And I. I'm very thankful that it's being recognized. Even though maybe, I don't know, maybe it's not that big of a thing, but it is something that I really do enjoy. And it is my.

The music that I listen to on my iPhone, it's the music I listen. To in my car. And it's simple. It's not. I try to Ignore it. There's any lyrics because it's usually a little bit raw. But yeah, I'm thankful that it's being recognized here and I commend the author for bringing it forward.

We appreciate those words of positivity. Mr. Lackey. Assembly Member Elhawari, you are recognized.

How can I follow that incredible speech? I think I want to start with. I don't even know if I could do this, but repeat after me. Oomphs. Oomph. Oomph. Oomphs. Zero, we got one over there. I just really want to say that Joy is an act of resistance.

And in these moments that are really trying times for our community, being able to come together, being able to truly, really find spaces all over this weekend's no Kings protests, you heard music everywhere you went. And I think electronic dance music in particular, as we think about EDM, we think about the.

The Electronic Dance Carnival edc, which started in our district in Los Angeles. It just speaks volumes that it's now all around the world.

And the importance of being able to have incredible revenue streams from places that are doing that kind of work all over, not only Los Angeles and California, but throughout, means so much to our communities and to other each, even the small businesses that can support in that way.

And I just want to close by saying my favorite EDM song is by Aloe Black and Avicii. It's Wake Me Up When It's All Over. I think that's the name of it, but maybe I'm wrong. It's an incredible song.

And unfortunately, Avicii passed away, I believe, a few years ago, but he left us with a really beautiful quote that says music has the power to heal and bring people together. Thank you.

Thank you Assemblymember Elhawari. Assemblymember Boerner, I see you very clearly from across the room. You are recognized.

Thank you. I just want to support this acr92 and urge your aye vote. You know, when we think about music, we think about how it changes lives and we think how it brings together community. For me, I think about how I work out. I listen to EDM when I work out.

When I'm walking through the to the Capitol and you see me with a cranky face and you watch me walk in and I'm not cranky anymore. That's thanks to EDM. So you can think that.

And when we think about the economic impact of all these festivals, I have downtown San Diego in my district, and we have the Waterfront Festival. We have many festivals where people come together very peacefully. You know, I've never seen anybody punch each other at an EDM festival. It's a lot of love, it's a lot of community.

So I'm very thankful to the author for bringing this forward and let's have a little bit more joy in our life.

Thank you, Assemblymember Boerner. Assemblymember Schultz, you are recognized.

Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I rise as a proud co author of ACR92. I want to thank my colleague for introducing a resolution to recognize the single best music forum the planet has ever known, EDM. I'm not kidding, I'm not kidding. It is my absolute favorite. And I'll simply close with saying, Mr.

Speaker, that in these really divisive times we all can come together. I look forward to tomorrow morning when my colleagues from Palmdale and Modesto can join me in my office at 8:30 before a contentious public safety hearing and we'll jam out to some fiesta. How about that?

Thank you so much, Assemblymember Schultz. Assemblymember Wicks, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise as a proud co author as well. And you know, EDM music really is. For some people it's artistic expression. For some people it's the soundtrack of their workout. But for me it represents community and the ability to build community.

And so I think back of my experiences, whether it was dancing to DJ Tiesto at Burning man back in the aughts was the last time I went there.

You know, going to big festivals in Europe like Sonar in Spain or dancing in small clubs like, like the Stud or the End up or Townsend or some of those great San Francisco places I used to frequent quite a bit. It illustrated to me that we are all connected.

And that's what you see on the dance floor when you're listening to this music. And whether you're a misfit, your counterculture are now more mainstream. It shows that we are all connected and that this music, electronic dance music, unites us regardless of where we are from. And there's some real power and inspiration in that.

So this resolution really is about recognizing that these artists, these artists are critical part of our community, of our fabric. That they add vibrancy, they add life, they add energy, they add light into what sometimes can be a really challenging time. And so with that, I'm proud to. Be a co author and urgent. I vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Wicks. And indeed we love our festivals and celebrate our underground seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Jack. Excuse me, Gonzalez, do you wish to close? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, let June be loud, let it be proud, and let us recognize and honor the first Electric Dance Music month in the State of California. I just want to thank my colleagues from South Los Angeles, from Indio, from Palmdale, Encinitas, Burbank and Oakland for your comments today.

It means a lot, especially with what's been going on the last few days, that we are coming together in unity. We're coming together in love. We're coming together in respect. Music brings the best in us.

It brings the best out of us, and it reminds us what it means in poetics and the poetry and what we do here on this floor every single day, and the ability that we have as a Legislature to remind folks the creativity that California has, especially when through music. So I respectfully ask your aye vote.

And if you're still unsure, I'll meet you on the dance floor.

Mr. Majority Whip, would you like the first roll to be open for co authors? Okay. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote.

All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. There are 65 co authors added without objection. We'll have a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Markinsales, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, in celebration of California's first ever recognition of Electronic Dance Music Month, I have provided a bandana for each of you. EDM events are places where an attendee's creative mind can be expressed through fashion and through dance. One of my favorite things to wear at this event is a bandana, so I wanted to share one with everyone here today. And if there are folks who want one, we might have extra. Would love to give it to our young staff as well.

I'm proud to introduce a pioneer and trailblazer, electric dance music, Pasquale Rotella. Pasquale is a visionary founder and CEO of Insomniac, a global entertainment company based here in California. Since launching Insomniac in Los Angeles in 1993, he has transformed a grassroots movement into a wide world phenomenon.

Today, Insomniac, under his leadership, produces over 1,000 events annually across multiple continents, with California remaining the epicenter of its operations, its flagship festivals in five dedicated venues in the state.

His hands on leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and love for his fan base whom he refers to as Headliners helps him to create events that combine cutting-edge production, large-scale art installations, and world-class musical lineups. These events include the world's most iconic music festivals including Electric Daisy Carnival or EDC, Beyond Wonderland, and Nocturnal Wonderland.

Beyond the music, Pasquale is a passionate advocate for the culture that helped him shape and shaped who he is today. Through Insomniac, he has supported numerous charitable causes and community programs embodying the spirit of PLUR and is believed that EDM has the power to unite, uplift, and inspire people from all walks of life.

Members, let us all be Headliners today and please join me in thanking Pasquale for his contributions to EDM California and welcome him to the California State Assembly.

I also want to recognize his team that is with him: Zach Alpern, Head of Government Affairs, Jesse Leon, who also works with Insomniac's Government Affairs team, Shane Dobbs, one of Insomniac's photographs and videographers. All of them are crucial to ensuring that these events are Insomniac--are here in California and they're put on safely. I'm also proud to introduce another California-based EDM leader, Kobi Danan.

Kobi is the founder and CEO of Framework, a Los Angeles based nightlife and event production company. Kobi's journey into this industry began in 2014 during the start of EDM boom when he recognized a need for a dedicated space for underground dance music in Los Angeles.

His passion of authenticity led him to prioritize emerging artists alongside established acts to foster a vibrant ecosystem for our talent. Through Framework, he has helped to produce major regional events such as the annual Framework in the Desert event at Coachella.

In addition to his work, he has spent his time supporting nonprofits in Los Angeles, making sure that he gives back to the community that has given so much to him. Members, please join me in thanking Kobi for his contributions to EDM in California and welcome him to the California State Assembly.

And lastly, I just want to recognize the team of Framework, Craig Jacobson, the Director of Operations, Adam Englander, Stephen Lieberman, a lighting design technician, all of whom essential to ensuring Framework events go without a hitch. Thank you, members.

Thank you, Members. Thank you, Members. If I could have your attention, please. We have one more item on the Daily File, and we have multiple adjournments in memory. Thank you, Members. We're onto File Item Number 5. That's HR 45 by Assemblymember Castillo. The Clerk will read.

House Resolution 45 by Assemblymember Castillo, relative to Animal Rights Awareness Week.

Assemblymember Castillo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I'm proud to present House Resolution 45, in recognition of Animal Rights Awareness Week, which is observed nationally during the third week of June. I introduced this resolution for a couple of reasons. First, animals have been a meaningful part of every stage of my life.

I think that we can all relate to the comfort that comes from being greeted by a beloved pet after a long, tough day. It's like the weight of the world lifts up off our shoulders, even just for a moment.

Animals have a special ability to sense our emotions and meet us right where we are, without judgment, whether we're feeling joyful or down. Honestly, if more people acted like our pets in that way, the world might be a kinder place. The second reason is the incredible work I've seen from stakeholders in the animal welfare space.

Organizations like Social Compassion and Legislation have been driving real change here at the Capitol and nationwide, sponsoring over 70 bills and seeing 28 signed into law. I have had the honor of carrying two of those bills myself.

Back home in my District, Sierra Pacific Fur Babies is doing amazing work rescuing cats and kittens from euthanasia lists and the streets, finding them loving homes, and promoting spay and neuter practices to help curb shelter overpopulation. These are just a few examples of the dedicated animal advocates we're blessed to have in California.

Whether it's a nonprofit leader, veterinarians, animal shelter staff, or local animal control officers, I'm proud to support their work—their important work. At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to steward this state, and that includes caring for the animals that share it with us.

We may each define stewardship a little differently, but I think we can all agree that animals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I'm grateful to be part of the bipartisan work this body continues to do to promote animal welfare in every community, and I'm proud to be a voice for the voiceless. Thank you, Members.

I respectfully ask for your support on this resolution.

Assemblymember Castillo, would you like for the first roll to be open for co-authors?

Yes, please.

Okay. All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors Members, this is for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 55 co-authors added.

Without objection, we'll now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say "Aye." All those opposed, "No." The "Ayes" have it. The resolution is adopted. And Assemblymember Castillo, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With me today, in the back of the chamber, is David Luke, who is the President of the Southern California Division of Sierra Pacific Fur Babies, located in Riverside County, District 58.

As I previously mentioned, the mission of Sierra Pacific Fur Babies is to rescue cats and kittens from local shelters on the euthanasia list and off the streets and find them their forever homes.

Additionally, his organization has been instrumental in reducing the overpopulation of feral cats by using the Trap, Neuter, and Return Program, which will prevent and reduce the number of feral cats being born and trapped, then taken to the already overcrowded shelters. A little bit of background, I've known David for about 10 years.

Back in December of 2015, we rescued—we spent three days in the rain trying to rescue a little cat from the Home Depot parking lot drain, storm drain. So, it took us three days to get that little cat out of there.

His name is Piper because he was stuck in one of the pipes and he was—he was, he was rescued, and then, he was adopted out to somebody and little Piper was a little, a little, a little—a little cat that was a tough guy.

But I just wanted to share that because I've done multiple rescues with David like that, where we go out and we try to rescue cats that are in real strange situations. So, I thank David for being here today, and please join me in welcoming David to the California State Assembly in honor of Animal Rights Awareness Week.

Thank you, Assemblymember Castillo. Members, it is now time to go back to adjournments of memory. There are multiple. Quorum call is still in place. Please give your respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission to speak to their adjournments in memory. Please take all conversations off the floor.

Assemblymember Addis, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. It is with overwhelming sadness that I ask you to adjourn today in memory of Steven Goldenkranz, a Navy Veteran, lifelong public servant, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Steven passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, family, and community, and part of his family is here today in the back of the gallery—his son Andrew, his granddaughter Susie, and his family member Jeannie. And we welcome you to be with us here today.

Steven was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1955, answering his country's call with courage and with honor. Following his service, Stephen built a career in production control and logistics and aerospace and manufacturing.

Among his many achievements, he led the team responsible for preparing Air Force One for a new administration, a role that reflected his values of excellence, responsibility, and quiet dedication to country. But Steven's greatest legacy was the life he built with his beloved wife, Betty, whom he met when they were just 18 years old.

They were married for 70 years, raised—raised three sons together—and were later blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Steven was also deeply engaged in the political life of his community and his country. He served as Treasurer to Senator Chuck Schumer for over four decades and was a delegate at multiple conventions.

He believed in civic participation and lived out those values in full. In 2013, Steven and Betty moved to Aptos, where they quickly became active and cherished members of the community. They found a spiritual home at Temple Bethel and dedicated their time and resources to causes they cared about, including supporting the Alzheimer's Association.

Steven lived a full and purposeful life, marked by love, by service, by devotion to family, country, and community. He will be remembered for his integrity, his warmth, and his unwavering commitment to others. So, thank you, Members, and I respectfully ask that we adjourn in memory of Steven Goldenkranz.

Thank you, Assemblymember Addis. Assemblymember Pellerin, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise and—to join—my colleague from Morro Bay to adjourn in memory of Steven Goldenkranz of Aptos, a proud Democrat, proud Jewish American, proud Veteran, and deeply devoted father and husband who passed away peacefully earlier this year, at the age of 94.

Born and raised in New York, Steve's early years were filled with a kind of grit and street smarts that would define his life. As a teenager, he admittedly spent more time in pool halls than classrooms. But after high school, he found purpose and pride in serving his country in the United States Navy, joined in that journey by his beloved wife, Betty.

Steve went on to lead a remarkable life. He built a successful career in both the aerospace and dry goods industries and later returned to college, graduating with honors and serving as a commencement speaker the same weekend his son also graduated from college.

His work ethic was legendary, earning the nickname of Cal Ripken from his children for rarely missing a day for—on the job. But more than his resume, Steve was a teacher, mentor, and role model.

He shared his love of Bob Dylan and opera, taught his children how to throw a baseball and a perfect topspin backhand, how to think critically, and how to win a poker hand with grace. He never missed a game, recital, or family milestone. When he was with you, he was fully with you. Present, engaged, and patient.

Later in life, Steve found another calling in public service, serving for over 40 years as Campaign Treasurer for then Assemblymember, now Senator, Chuck Schumer. His political engagement was matched only by his devotion to his family, especially to Betty, his beloved wife.

Since 2013, Steve and Betty lived in Aptos with their family, sharing meals, memories, and moments of deep love. His passing leaves behind a profound absence, but also a legacy of loyalty, service, and unwavering care for others. When Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008, Steve became the self-proclaimed poster boy for the Alzheimer's Association.

He always encouraged people to be grateful for the time you have now. Steve lost his beloved wife Betty in September 2022, just a couple days of after they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. I was fortunate to have met Steve when he moved to Aptos.

He was often seen accompanying his son, Andrew, to various political events around the county. Steve always had a smile on his face and was deeply interested and engaged in giving back to his newfound community. It was a life well-lived. May Steve Goldenkranz be remembered with love and gratitude.

I respectfully ask that we adjourn in his memory and extend our condolences to his family, who are here with us today, and all who knew and cherished him. May his memory be a blessing.

Thank you, Assemblymember Pellerin. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian, Steven Goldenkranz.

Assemblymember Macedo, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to adjourn in the memory of a life lost too soon, Ms. Emily Jean Carpenter. Emily was a fearless and bright light in her community. She was a student athlete who played soccer and water polo. She was Chapter Vice President and Sectional President for Future Farmers of America and Ms. Kings County 2025.

Emily was first admitted to Valley Children's Hospital at 9 years old with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent chemotherapy, then went into remission. After a year of being cancer free, she relapsed and received more chemo and a bone marrow transplant from her younger sister.

Emily's scans were clear until her senior year of high school, when she was diagnosed with ewing sarcoma. Emily was then treated with more chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but relapsed once more in June of 2024. Though her journey was cut short, Emily left her mark on Valley Children's in more ways than one.

Emily was an advocate for teens going through cancer treatments and created Golden Positivity, a nonprofit with a mission of striving to be a positive light in a time of darkness for those battling childhood cancer. Emily worked closely with various departments at Valley Children's Hospital with Golden Positivity and created a unique culture for teens battling cancer.

Whether it was through delivering positivity packages or offering advice, Emily was there to be a shining light for the patients and the staff. Emily was truly a friend to everyone she met and left a lasting impact in the Central Valley. Emily passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 19.

And while her time here with us was short, she will continue to touch the lives of those that knew her. Her legacy will live on through every laugh, smile, and joyful moment shared by those who knew her.

I was not blessed enough to meet Emily in person, but when I heard of her victory in being crowned Miss Kings County, I was so impressed by this young woman. And when I found out that we had another tie, which was through Valley Children's Hospital, I felt compelled today to honor her on the floor.

Not just for the impact that she had on the Central Valley, but on so many teenagers lives that are going through the difficulty of being treated for cancer. And so, although she is not here with us, her legacy will live on, and I am sure that she was on track to take over the world.

Joining us today in the gallery is Emily's wonderful support system, 22 people who traveled from Hanford, join us in the gallery to celebrate—joining us in the gallery to celebrate her life today—including her parents, Matthew and Amelia Carpenter, sister, Maddie Carpenter, as well as Emily's grandparents, cousins, and extended family and friends.

May her memory live on.

To the family and friends of Ms. Carpenter, we are so blessed by your presence today. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic Californian, Emily Carpenter.

Assemblymember Harbidian, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to ask that we adjourn in memory of Doug Kranwinkle, a committed volunteer and activist who was a pillar of the Pasadena community for decades.

Born in Elgin, Illinois, Doug graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Michigan Law School and Clerk for Chief Justice, Earl Warren, before moving to Pasadena with his wife, Susan, to whom he was married for 65 years.

For anyone who's been a Lawyer, Clerk for a Judge, to Clerk for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, shows you how brilliant Doug was.

Outside of his many years in private law practice and as General Counsel of Univision Communication, he spent almost all of his free time helping the community in Pasadena.

In addition to serving on the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board, the name Doug Kranwinkle became synonymous with the Arroyo Seco because of his work with the One Arroyo Foundation, restoring native plant habitat and improving public access to one of the San Gabriel Valley's most beautiful natural areas. Those who worked with Doug knew that he would always find a way to get things done.

No matter how much money had to be raised, how many bureaucratic hurdles had to be overcome, or how much community support had to be rallied, Doug would always find a way. Doug was nothing short of persistent. He worked tirelessly until his goal was met and his community was better for it.

Though he's passed on, Doug Kranwinkle's legacy will live on forever through his work at the Arroyo Seco, which generations of residents will be able to enjoy. May his memory be a blessing to the entire San Gabriel Valley and beyond.

Thank you, Assemblymember Harbidian. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the Journal. All request to adjourn a memory will be deemed read and printed in the Journal. Moving on to announcements, session schedule is as follows. Tuesday, June 17th, check in session. Wednesday, June 18th, check in session.

Thursday, June 19th, floor session at 9:00 AM. Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Garcia moves and Ms. Hadwick. Ms. Macedo seconds that this House stands adjourned until Thursday, June 19th at 9:00 AM. The quorum call is lifted, and we are adjourned.