Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll call]

A quorum is present. Members, if we could return to our desk and please rise. With the guests beyond the railing, please rise. This afternoon will be led in prayer by Sister Michelle Gorman. After which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Sister.

So let us gather in God's presence. In this pride month, we pray to our rainbow God. God of the rainbow, you embody all the colors of the world. Inspire us to appreciate the values expressed in the rainbow flag of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. Red represents life, the root of spirit.

Grant us the grace to follow our own inner light. Giving thanks that you created us just as we are. Orange represents sexuality, the fire of spirit. Kindle in us a fire of passion that we may rejoice in meaningful relationships. Yellow represents self-esteem, the core of spirit.

Give us the courage to live with confidence in the mystery of who we are. Green represents love, the heart of spirit. Free us from conformity that we may express untamed compassion for all beings. Blue represents self expression, the voice of spirit. Grant us the grace of activism that we may speak out against all forms of oppression.

Violet represents vision, the wisdom of spirit. Help us value interdependence that we may connect with others and with the whole creation. Rainbow colors come together to make one light, the crown of universal consciousness, all encompassing God. Free us from rigid categories and lead us beyond black and white thinking to experience the whole spectrum of life.

God of the rainbow, your rainbow is a promise of support for all life on Earth. In the rainbow space, we see the hidden connections between sexualities, genders, and races. Like the rainbow, may we embody all the colors of the world. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance.

Moving into privileges of the floor. Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. Today, I would like to recognize the Advisory Committee of the Association of Indo Americans, also known as AIA. These 10 leaders guide the organization's important work to support Indian Americans in my district and beyond.

The Association of Indo Americans is a non-profit association that provides a forum for Indian Americans in the Bay Area to explore and express their rich and vibrant heritage. The Association's primary mission is to foster a safe and welcoming environment that promotes creative freedom, cultural expression, social interaction, and education.

AIA has hosted Bollywood themed events, fashion shows, craft expos, food festivals, religious celebrations and more to honor Indian culture and heritage. Their events sometimes draw tens of thousands of attendees. I know, I've seen it. And strengthening community among individuals who are Indian and within the Indian Diaspora.

These events also showcase Indian culture to the broader community and provide an opportunity to connect across differences. The Association also strives to provide support services to the Indian American community.

I would just say on a personal note that what these folks do individually in the community, which is probably no surprise to any of you, would merit its own accommodation, let alone the work they do collectively. Thank you to the Association of Indo Americans for your service to the Bay Area community.

These events, expressions of culture, and support for Indian Americans are vital to the strength and diversity the Bay Area is known for. And I know your support to each and every one of us in the work we do is felt each and every day. Thank you so much for that.

With us today on the floor we have [Roll Call of Association of Indo Americans Members]. Would you please join me in giving them a big welcome and round of applause here today? And thank you so much.

Welcome to the California State Senate.

Continuing under privileges of the floor, I'd like to acknowledge Sage Lusk, a student and constituent of Senator Grove, Senate District 12, who is shattering—shadowing—the great Senator today. Welcome Sage Lusk in the gallery.

Members, without objection, we will move to Senate third reading to take up two items out of order today. After adoption, we will go back to privileges of the floor for each respective Senator to introduce their guests. First up, we're going to start off with File Item 26, SCR 73. Senator Niello is ready to go.

Secretary, please read

Senate Concurrent Resolution 73 by Senator Niello relative to Familial Autonomous Polyposis Awareness Week.

I would have butchered that one, Senator.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise today to present SCR 73 which declares June 16 to June 22. That was last week, but still relevant as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Awareness Week. For obvious reasons, I will from now on call it fap.

Now this is something that I suspect many here don't know anything about, which is really the point of the resolution. FAP is a hereditary condition that results in a high number of polyps developing within the colon and rectum. Attenuated FAP or AFAP is a variant of this condition, which also causes polyps to develop.

Undiagnosed FAP and AFAP can increase the risk of cancer to develop in the small intestine, the liver, the brain, the thyroid and the pancreas and cause other health conditions such as osteomas and desmoid tumors. How many people knew that before? This is for education.

Understanding your risk for FAP or AFAP can help healthcare providers determine appropriate treatment and screening protocol for prevention and early detection.

During this week or last week, Stanford University Department of Health Policy joins with Stanford Genetics and Genomics Program and Stanford Cancer center to raise awareness of FAP and AFAP by declaring this week as FAP Awareness Week, we acknowledge a commitment to encouraging Californians to gather with their family health history and share this information with their health care provider for early screening and prevention of cancers associated with these conditions.

I respectfully ask an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I'm seeing no mics up on this matter. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

[Roll Call

Please call the absent Members. Colleagues. Just getting a little loud in here.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36 no 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator, coming back to you for introduction of your Special guest.

Here again Madam President. Joining us today in the gallery is Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley up in this area over here. He's standing up. He is a constituent of mine and also a retired Navy veteran. Dan is also a 13 year hereditary colon Cancer syndrome warrior and patient at the Stanford University Cancer Center.

He was invited to be a live case presentation for the Stanford MS and Human Genetics and Genetic Counselor Program and the Stanford School of Medicine Molecular Foundations of Medicine course.

He is passionate, absolutely passionate about this issue and visits us periodically to talk about it and I appreciate him being here and would appreciate you all joining me in a round of applause in his honor. Thank you.

Continuing with third reading, File Item 32, Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 48 by Senator Menjivar, relative to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, LGBTQ, Pride Month.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized from the Majority Leader's desk. When you are ready.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise with such pride and joy to bring to you SR 48, that once again for this year, celebrates June as Pride Month.

The galvanizing force of the Stonewall Inn Uprising on June 28, 1969, ignited a liberation movement, a call to action that continues to inspire and drive us to fulfill our nation's promise of equality, liberty, and justice.

Pride is an opportunity to recognize the struggles of my LGBT community, as well as celebrate the wonderful long list of achievements of individuals who have bravely fought and will continue to fight for equality.

And while this year's Pride, this month, has been overshadowed by endless amount of chaos, we are still reminded that this community has achieved remarkable progress since the Stonewall Riots. Landmark Supreme Court rulings have struck down discriminatory laws, proclaimed marriage equality, which is why I have eight—I'm able to have eight years of marriage with my beautiful wife and establish protections in the workplace for LGBTQ-plus citizens.

In 2024, the state of California made US history in electing a record number of openly LGBT candidates to legislative office, making up now more than 10% of the state Legislature, more than any other state body in the United States.

The continuous onslaught of anti-LGBTQ-plus rhetoric across the nation has highlighted the continuous inequities we still face today and the need for the protection, the ongoing need for the protection, of our basic human rights

To this day, there are many states in which LGBTQ-plus individuals lack fundamental access and protection in health care, education, employment, and other public accommodations. Many states just this year are calling for the reversal of marriage equality.

While it is important to be aware and mindful of the attacks, today is a day of celebration to honor and celebrate how far we have come as a movement and as a community because unlike those that seek to erase us, our movement is fueled by joy. Radical joy. Gravity defying love. Joy and love.

So much love that is rooted in respect for everyone just as they are. That joy is why we have been so successful as a community, because when you try and fuel a movement on hate or anger or fear, it is impossible to sustain. Those emotions will only drain you and eventually consume you.

We will not let this hatred derail us from our goals to provide inclusive, safe space spaces where each of us can be our authentic selves. There is strength in our diversity, and Pride is the time to celebrate all the progress our community has made and thank the allies that have stood with us.

This Pride Month, we will not only celebrate, but continue to fight for equitable recovery for our community's care and an investment in the LGBTQ-plus community's healing and recovery. The LGBTQ-plus community has been defying gravity for decades, choosing to embrace oneself and break free from whatever society has deemed as the norm. We have been flying free for decades.

And with your—a—"Aye" vote today, we will continue California's legacy and leadership on LGBTQ-plus equality. SR 48 affirms Pride Month as celebration of diversity, delivering on the promises of full equality for families like my own and so many other. With that, Colleagues, I ask that you continue standing with my LGBTQ-plus community and respectfully asking for an "Aye" vote.

Thank you. Senator Limon, you are recognized.

Thank you. Today, I rise in support of SR 48 on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus. We celebrate June as Pride Month in memory of a turning point in the fight for our LGBTQ rights. When police raided the Stonewall Inn, they roughed up bar patrons and herded them into police vans.

When officers tried to take women patrons to the bathroom to determine their sex, the woman refused to go with the officers for this invasive and humiliating procedure. This brutal and inhumane response to individuals seeking a safe place to exist was too much for those who witnessed it. They could no longer stand by and let this happen.

It only took a few to rise against injustice, for many to see the need to fight back. Women have been an essential part of the fight for LGBTQ rights. We have seen what change can be made when we rise our voices as allies and when advocating for rights.

I'd like to thank our allies in the LGBTQ community who have fought alongside us for bodily autonomy and for dignity in our justice system. Your strength, resilience, and partnership are vital to our shared causes. I respectfully ask for an "Aye" vote.

Thank you. Senator Wiener, you are recognized from your desk.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise in support of SR 48 as a member of the LGBTQ Caucus and as Co-Chair of our Legislative Jewish Caucus, and as a gay man who's been involved in this fight for 35 years now.

And the history of our community, of the LGBTQ community, of LGBTQ people, is a history of society trying to make us disappear, going back for a very long time. Not in every culture, but certainly in some cultures, including ours. It's a history of being told, go away. Don't talk about it, pretend you don't exist. Just disappear.

And if you do have the gall to be who you are and to be public, you might be incarcerated, you might be beaten, you might be killed, you might have your child taken away, which we know that there are many lesbians who have lost their children because of who they are. So, it's a very, very long history.

We have made so much progress in the last few decades, in terms of civil rights protections—not at the federal level. There's no federal civil rights statute for LGBTQ people, even in 2025. But at the state level, in a number of states, at the local level. We have marriage equality.

We have a lot more support than we had in the past. Unfortunately, we are now seeing the backlash, and it's been brewing for a number of years. And it started after we gained national marriage equality in 2015, when extremists got together and said, okay, we lost on marriage equality, what can we do now to keep the red meat going for our homophobic and transphobic core base that wants this community to disappear?

And they did focus groups, and what came up was Trans people and particularly, Trans kids.

And so, we saw over time, a methodical buildup to create a moral panic around Trans people, and particularly, Trans kids or Trans athletes or whatever the attack of the day is, to demonize this community that's about 1% of the population, to try to just eliminate this community from public life.

And we now have a federal Administration that has formally committed, via Executive Order, to eliminate Trans people from public life, eliminate access to health care, eliminate access to restrooms, to sports, to really anything and everything. Even an Executive Order simply declaring that Trans people don't exist. That was one of the President's very first Executive orders.

With all the problems in the world, he found the time to sign an Executive Order proclaiming that Trans people don't exist. But the actions that we're seeing right now by this Administration and at the state level, in a number of states, is not only about Trans people. They're trying to ban drag queens.

They just defunded the LGBTQ youth aspect of the National Suicide Hotline. There was a number that queer youth could push to be able to connect with someone who could talk to them about their specific challenges. They've now eliminated that. They defunded it for these kids who were just trying to, to be who they are and survive and thrive.

They are methodically tearing apart access to HIV care and prevention. We have seen Executive Orders eliminating anti-discrimination protection at the regulatory level, and the list goes on.

But the one thing that I know as a gay man, as a member of this community for all these years, is that it takes a lot more than that to knock LGBTQ people down. Because they may want us to go away and disappear, we're not going anywhere.

We're staying right where we are, just like we always have, even during the most difficult of times. And this community is going to continue to bring so much joy and beauty into the universe. So, Happy Pride, and I ask for an "Aye" vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Durazo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the LGBTQ-plus Caucus and the Senator from San Fernando Valley for introducing this resolution. Let's remember that the first Pride was a riot led by Trans women of color, by drag queens, by queer people with nothing left to lose. They rose up against institutional violence and said, no more.

Pride started with defiance, and that spirit is still with us. It's carried forward by everyone still fighting to live free today. It's a time for joy, for making oneself known, and for demanding more than survival, for demanding liberation. But this year, that celebration is shadowed by ICE raids taking place throughout California.

Starting out in my own district, raids targeting immigrant communities, including LGBTQ-plus people. For LGBTQ-plus immigrants, especially Trans and non-binary people, immigration enforcement is life and death. Many fled persecution abroad, seeking safety and dignity. Instead, they are being traumatized by systems that in a just world, would offer refuge. The impacts are real.

Nearly 300,000 LGBTQ-plus immigrants live under threat of deportation, and over one third live in California. These raids are tearing apart chosen families, the lifelines our communities build when biological families, institutions, and laws turn their backs. Trans and non-binary people in detention face targeted abuse, increased solitary confinement, and denial of gender-affirming medical care.

And still, we rise. Senate District 26 includes organizations like Bienistad Human Services, the Trans Latina Coalition, the Wallas Memorias Project, and the Latino Equality Alliance. They are leading the way, offering care, refusing to leave anyone behind. To my LGBTQ constituents, especially those living in fear amid these raids, you are loved, you are valued, and you belong here.

Your joy, your survival, and your dignity matter. And I will never stop standing with you. Today and every day, we defy. So, this Pride, let us remember where we come from. We come from those who made it out of no way. We come from resistance, and their courage burns in us still.

And I finally end by saying that I am the proud grandmother of a Trans youth. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Weber Pierson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in support of SR 48, and as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I am proud to join in the recognition and celebration of Pride Month, a time to uplift the history of contributions and resilience of the LGBTQ-plus communities.

Pride is more than just parades and colors. It is about the fight for recognition, for the right to exist authentically, and for Black LGBTQ individuals. Their paths are often much more difficult, marred with unique struggles of racism and homophobia.

And yet, despite those challenges, they've stood proud, rooted in the spirit of those who paved the way, like Marsha P. Johnson, a black Trans woman who was pivotal in the igniting of the Stonewall uprising. Black LGBTQ individuals have always been on the front line of justice movements, from civil rights to Black Lives Matter, yet too often, their unique struggles and contributions are erased or minimized.

Black LGBTQ-plus people face compounded challenges—higher rates of housing insecurity, violence, unemployment, and discrimination in health care and education. These disparities are absolutely unacceptable and must be addressed through policy and funding.

Young Black LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges and suicide, often due to rejection from families or communities. And we must support inclusive spaces and services that affirm all of who they are. Across the country, there has been a rise in legislation attacking LGBTQ rights, especially targeting our Trans youth.

As the Legislative Black Caucus, we firmly oppose any efforts that strip away human dignity, civil rights, or health care from anyone, including our LGBTQ-plus brothers and sisters. True equity means standing up for the most marginalized among us. Our fight for black liberation must include the freedom and safety for black, queer, and Trans people.

The CLBC continues to push for legislation and budget investments that support LGBTQ-plus youth centers, inclusive school policies, access to culturally competent health care, and anti-discrimination protections. We call on our churches, our schools, and families in the black community to reject hate and affirm love, authenticity, and freedom. Pride is not about division.

It is about visibility, dignity, and justice. This Pride Month, let us celebrate Black LGBTQ-plus joy, brilliance, and survival, not just in June, but every day. And let us commit to ensuring that Black freedom includes all black people.

As we celebrate Pride, the Legislative Black Caucus stands in solidarity with our LGBTQ-plus siblings and because our collective liberation depends on each other being seen, valued, and protected, I respectfully ask for an "Aye" vote on SR 48. Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Cabaldon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Each year during this month, we're often asked, why do you need a month to acknowledge your special rights? Why should we do something extra for the LGBT community? And I'm rising today in part on behalf of the API Caucus as well.

And that's because when I was growing up, there was not a moment ever where I was thinking, how am I going to tell my dad and my grandfather that I'm Filipino? Like, how will they take it? Will I be kicked out for being Filipino just like they are? The thought never crossed my mind.

I knew I would experience discrimination in society. I got teased at school, but I knew at home, I was safe. With my family, I was safe. But for so many LGBTQ Californians and Americans, it's the opposite. That the one place where you feel the least safe is the place where you should be the safest.

And so, the process of Pride is much more than just an excuse to have a party. It isn't just the protests either. It's. It is very much the core of what it means to revolt against the notion that you're going to hell, that you don't exist, that you have no rights, or maybe that you do, as long as you pretend not to exist.

As long as you don't act like who you are, you never act on it. You don't hug in public. You don't hold hands. If you do all these things, then you, too, can be a citizen with no rights, but we won't beat you up.

And so, Pride is important, and it is special because it is the time of the year where we celebrate and we remind ourselves that our power doesn't come just from our allies, but it comes from being our own selves.

Our power comes from the very idea of Pride as a political strategy, sure, but as a way of living, a way of inhabiting the world that, for many of us, we never had. I grew up, for the first 20 years of my life, not wanting to be this. Doing everything I could to deny what this was.

I pretended, not just for the world and for my family, but to me. And by the time I was ready, then I realized I couldn't be in politics. I worked here in this building. I was in the closet, even as I was the Chief of Staff to the second lesbian ever elected to the state Legislature.

That's how, that's how strong the fear, the shame can be. Should that be a safe place? Yes, it should. But we are so ingrained with the notion that we are ostracized as human beings, that Pride is the one point where all of us come together.

And so, I want to say thank you to everyone else on this floor and to Californians. This is a journey we have been on as people. We were all here in 2008 when the voters of California pretty overwhelmingly voted to amend the Constitution to prevent us from getting married.

But we were also here last year when the voters had walked the journey and changed their mind and change their hearts. That's why Pride matters. And so, I thank the Senator from San Fernando Valley for bringing the resolution forward.

This is obviously deeply personal, as it is for every LGBTQ Californian, but thank us and please have a happy Pride. The fight begins again tomorrow.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Perez, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus and as a Member of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus in strong support of SR 48, relative to LGBTQ-plus Pride Month.

During Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms of all LGBTQ-plus people to live their lives authentically. LGBTQ-plus Latinos have made major contributions to the diverse social fabric of our country and everything from arts, politics, to social justice movements.

From the famous Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, to Jose Julio Sarria, the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the United States, LGBTQ-plus Latinos have had a significant impact influence on US culture. This Pride Month, as we recognize the many contributions of LGBTQ individuals across our nation, the Latino Caucus reaffirms our commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination and injustice.

This means standing with our friends and allies with the LGBTQ-plus community in the face of increasing political and legal attacks by the Federal Government in other states.

Too many hard-fought legal advancements are now threatened and it's incumbent on all of us to stand united. I want to take a moment to call out the tragic spike in violence and hate against our transgender community and LGBTQ-plus youth, who are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm.

So, as we celebrate LGBTQ-plus Pride Month, we must all be diligent and steadfast in our commitment to end violence and discrimination against our community, so that we can ensure a just and equitable America for all. With that, I would like to thank the author for their leadership and work on this important resolution.

Members, please join me in supporting SR 48.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Laird, you are recognized from your desk.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank all my colleagues for their comments because I think they have talked also about just the struggles that are going on right now, the challenges right now, the threat to hard fought rights that are under attack right now.

But I want to offer just a little bit about just how far we've come and how significant that is, because when I graduated from college in jurassic times, it was against the law to be LGBT in all 50 states, it was against the law. And just two weekends ago, we celebrated the 50th, the 50th Pride in Santa Cruz.

And when I marched in the very first ones, we had more demonstrators than we had people marching. We had to have law enforcement with us for protection. And I have spoken—the reason I didn't go to the convention, a lot of you went to that weekend, is I was not going to break my streak.

It was the 44th year in a row I had spoken from the stage. And now, the 8,000 to 10,000 people that were there that day, it is the largest political gathering in our small county every year.

And if you look at it, when I was elected to office 44 years ago, you could count on less than fingers on two hands, the number of out elected officials there were in the entire United States.

That, and you go to now, there are more Members of this Legislature that are out now than there were in the entire country at the time I was first elected to office.

And one of the things I enjoy about hearing the speeches that we just heard is that we are one of those unique caucuses that overlaps with almost every other caucus.

And so, if you look at just the local officials in my own district, last November, the voters in Santa Cruz County elected the first out Latina to the Board of Supervisors. In Delray Oaks, an out Asian American man.

In the cities of Watsonville, Soledad, and Seaside, out Latino elected officials. For the College Board of Trustees, an out Trans person. For the Mayor of Monterey, who was an honoree last year, an out African American man. And so, the diversity that we might not have seen in the movement at the beginning is reflected in the movement now.

And it is just exciting because as much as we have the challenges, the reason we have the strength is how far we have come in that period of time.

And the one thing to remember is that when I was first elected, there were these national polls that showed that a majority of people in the United States of voters did not support LGBT rights, but if you looked at the subtext for those that said they knew somebody that was open, a majority supported rights.

So, what it meant was, is that just being out was a political statement. It was a statement of change. And that is what we are celebrating today. We are celebrating the amazing progress we have made, but we are celebrating the fact that we are banding together to fight against the challenges that we face right now.

So, I am proud to be in this body with everybody that has said what they've said thus far, and I look forward to voting for Senate Resolution 48.

Thank you, Senator Laird. Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Mr. President and colleagues. And I certainly rise in strong and proud support of SR 48, as an openly LGBT man, a man of color. When I was a small boy, and I've told my colleagues on this floor this story before, I sort of knew, somehow, that I was just a little bit different.

Some of the things were a little stereotypical. Kind of short, so I wasn't into basketball. Never pictured myself being a linebacker or a tackle. Wasn't really enthusiastic about some of the rougher contact sports. I liked individual things, certainly loved music and arts and theater, all the stereotypes.

I even had a lisp as a small boy, one that required me to attend speech therapy. But all of these things, the thoughts I had, what was in my heart, told me that I was on a journey I didn't have the answer to. Some of it was very painful.

I think I shared when I spoke of my Trans sibling and a resolution we had about bullying, about the period in my elementary grammar school days when I would literally, literally be involved in physical fights and altercations every single day after school. Because there was always the group that said, you're different, you're wrong, you are not okay, you are not welcome.

And they took those fears and frustrations out in physical violence, to the point that I would come home every day with torn clothing, until my mother got pretty fed up of having to redo school shopping every couple of weeks at some expense.

Literally took me to the principal's office with torn clothing in hand, trying to get an explanation why it wasn't safe for me to just walk home from school, why people had some concentrated aggression in my direction. I didn't understand it.

And throughout my adult journey, grace of providence told me that I was pretty okay, pretty perfect the way my own God made me, that he doesn't make mistakes or errors, as we're so often told. My journey was public. When I came out, I did so as the sitting Mayor of one of the largest cities in this state.

And when I did, it was national news, because Chula Vista, California, at that time, a city of 300,000 people, was the largest city in the United States with an openly LGBT Mayor.

But along with the love and support, I saw the beauty of community, and I felt the pain—death threats, people arriving in my office with firearms, asking to see me, but for the grace of God, on one occasion, one of those people didn't make it to my office, because if they had, I do not know what would have happened. Coming out for me was both empowering and liberating, and it was also terrifying.

I paid both the personal, professional, and political price for standing up and speaking my truth and showing my face to the world as a gay man. It's painful today and prideful.

It's so important in this moment that every LGBTQIA person stand and be seen and be heard, so that we remind our communities that behind every LGBT person, every LGBT youth, is a beating heart and a precious soul. So, in this moment, I'm standing and speaking.

I'm sending love and respect to my colleagues who are part of this community, for their leadership, for their example, and for their voice. And I am proud, and I am out, and I am never, ever going away. Colleagues, I ask for an "Aye" vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members and ladies of the—ladies and gentlemen—of the Senate, I rise to speak on Resolution 48 by Senator from San Fernando Valley. Thank you for bringing this measure forward. Know she has expressed many a times her story on the floor, which has been incredibly touching.

And as someone of a spiritual Christian base, I want to know how much we do see you and how much you're worth. And as I mentioned today on the floor several times, that God creates all his children, regardless of what they—and how they identify themselves sexually.

So, I rise to speak on this issue that is deeply important to me and to my communities. And I'm rising to speak about the respect that all Californians deserve, regardless of demographic. As an elected, as a family, as a friend, I continue to support the right, the constitutional right of all Americans to have a lifelong, loving marriage—a Constitutional right, and the law of the land, both at the state and federal level.

Please hear that. I want to highlight an organization close to me and that I have had the honor of working with extensively over the past five years.

As a Republican, many folks are not aware of this particular organization, and I feel compelled to express and share about who they are. And the organization I have and would like to mention is the Log Cabin Republicans of California, a well-respected and established member of the Republican Party that has an active role in our communities, and I'm proud to have them over—befriended them over—the past couple of years since I came around and became more active within the Republican Party.

There are Log Cabin Republicans with Members in all 50 states of our great nation and official chapters in over 40 states. They have a full-time staff in Washington D.C., who actively advocates on LGBT issues and will continue to enforce legislation that supports families and their right to marriage.

At the federal level, the President has made it a priority to appoint LGBT individuals to high-ranking members of his Administration. Scott Bessent serves as the Treasury Secretary, making him the highest-ranking LGBT official in the nation's history.

Richard Grinnell was nominated as Special Missions Envoy and previously served as the Ambassador to Germany during the President's first Administration. Tammy Bruce is a spokesperson for the State Department. Bill White was nominated as the Ambassador to Belgium. And here in California, State Assemblymember, Carl DeMaio, was reelected to the Assembly this past November.

And these are just a few. While I have concerns about some of the policies that are laid out in the text of this resolution and one which my colleague from San Fernando knows, as when I come in and give our resolution to sign, she always says, let me read it, let me see what it says.

She will not sign on to it unless she absolutely agrees with everything on it. I therefore cannot sign it—I cannot support—this resolution today. But I do want to highlight what I can and I'm happy to support. Where my glasses are.

There are many issues on these resolutions that I look forward to having discussions as we move forward, as we discuss legislation moving forward. But I do want to express my personal thoughts in support of my constituents, my personal friends, and my beloved family Members.

I want them to know that you have every right to pursue your personal life, liberty, and happiness, and that we'll continue to support legislation that protects those rights and our children.

For our LGBT youth, where nearly one out of every two young people seriously consider attempting suicide, I want you to know that you are loved, that you were created perfectly by your Creator. And. That we, who considers Members of the Christian faith understand how precious you are in his sight.

For my new constituents in Palm Springs and in the new areas of the Coachella Valley of Senate District 19, we respect you. We see you, and you have a place in our communities and at the table to have any discussion you would like to have.

I'm proud to serve and represent Senate District 19, and I will continue to support and uphold the rights and liberties of every constituent in my district.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Valladares, you are recognized from your desk.

Thank you, Mr. President. And today, I do too rise in support of SR48's broader commitment to dignity, to safety, to and to respect for all people. Like many Californians, I believe that every person deserves to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear, regardless of who they are or who they love.

This resolution rightly honors the many contributions of the LGBTQ Californians, our neighbors, our colleagues, our veterans, our public servants whose presence strengthens our communities and our state. I may not agree with every single policy direction referenced, but I do support the heart of this resolution, affirming human dignity and honoring the value of every Californian.

For that, I do stand in support. And I want to recognize the Senator for Yucaipa for pointing out the broad bipartisan support that the LGBTQ community has, from advocates and voices to elected officials, to presidential appointments. We see you. We love you. We are in support of you. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. With that pro tem, Senator Mike Mcguire, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. And I want to first start out by acknowledging the guests, the honorees, and of course, the Madam Vice Chair for her work. Mr.

Chair, for your work, and to all the caucus Members, we are grateful for your leadership, and I'm so proud to be part of a Legislature and a state that includes a record number of LGBTQ Members. This caucus has always led the way on equal rights, increasing the health and well being and safety of California's transgender siblings.

And reducing HIV and AIDS stigma and infection rates. But we owe them a debt of gratitude, especially right now when rights are under attack across this nation. And I'm also really blessed, feel blessed that we live in the great State of California.

When you look at some of the attacks that are being made on LGBTQ communities in other states and at the federal level, I'm so proud to be part of a state and a Legislature that believes who you love and who you are is your business. Unless someone comes after you, then it becomes our business.

Here in the California State Senate, I want to close with a story. A half century ago, the Bill to decriminalize homosexuality in California was being right heard right here in the California State Senate on this floor.

It was pretty controversial back then, and it was a groundbreaking piece of legislation here in the United States of America, once again being led by the Golden State. Willie Brown was the author, and he had gotten the Bill passed out of the Assembly with the Speaker's help.

And it was carried on this floor by George Moscone, who would go on to become the mayor of San Francisco before being assassinated with Harvey Milk. So the Bill wound up in a tie in the Senate 20-20. Deadlocked. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Dimale was supposed to break the tide, but he was in Denver, Colorado, for a conference.

So then Pro Tem James Mill from San Diego, Paul, put the Bill on hold, and he literally locked all 40 Senators in the chamber until a Lieutenant Governor could get back from Denver and break the tie. So why I mention this is this. If Pro Tem Mills hadn't done that, this historic Bill would have died.

Instead, it became law here in California and helped usher in even more gains for equality and civil rights. And I know a lot of LGBTQ folks grow up thinking they're on the outside. And as we heard from so many, like Senator Cabaldon, that no one had their back. Well, I want to be loud and clear today.

The Senate had your back back then, and this Senate has your back now. This is California. Always forward, always together, always equal. Happy pride. Thank you so much, Mr. President.

Thank you, pro tem. Seeing that all discussion, debate has ceased, we will turn back to the author, Senator Menjavar. You may close.

Mr. President. Thank you so much. Colleagues, my community has endured for decades. They had to endure when society turned their backs on my gay brothers who were dying from AIDS. They've had to endure society attempting to raise LGBTQ teachers or put in roadblocks or prevent queer families from adopting or fostering kids.

They've had to endure when they've had to hide their true selves while serving in the military, something that not everyone decides to do. And they've had to endure, even now, having to be kicked out of that same military for being transgender, for signing up to take an oath when not everyone does that.

Pride means taking all of that and saying that no longer are we going to endure being erased, being put back into the closet. And all those things that have happened to this community have left us with a moral or an understanding of really what is true acceptance and unconditional love. It does not come with a footnote.

It does not say, we love you and respect you. However, I don't want you to have X, Y, and Z. I love you and respect you, but why can't you just do domestic partnership? I love and accept you, but please don't flaunt it.

I love and accept you, but not every single letter in the LGBT rainbow of community. That's that true love and acceptance. And for over 10 years, I will never and will continue to never accept breadcrumbs of love and acceptance because we deserve the whole X word. Can't say loaf, bread.

We deserve the entire meal, not pieces of love and acceptance. Pride this month means that as we continue to talk to young queer kids, they get excited that they have a path forward to be like you, to be like us.

Pride means representation to ensure that our kids know that no door is closed for them, regardless of who they are, what they look like, who they love, who they marry. That's what pride is.

And I stand here as a proud, out Lesbian state Senator asking for your vote on SR48 to ensure that we continue to move forward with our authentic selves and be proud of who we are.

Because I do also believe God made me in his image, and he knew exactly what he was doing when he created me this way. Respectfully asking for an aye vote on SR48.

Thank you. And with that. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Eyes 27, nos 0. The resolution is adopted. Members, we are going to move back to privileges of the floor to give the LGBTQ Caucus an opportunity to introduce special guests. Senator Menjivar, you are recognized from the Majority Leader's desk.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Colleagues, you'll see our theme this year, and we've been dropping some of those analogies in there is our wicked theme, Do Good, Wicked Good. And this year we're honoring 14 trailblazers who have been wickedly good. From being doing work in nonprofits to, to chefs, to entrepreneurship, to artists, to opening up restaurants.

I will be reading the description of all the honorees on the Assembly side. My colleagues, my career colleagues will be reading the bios of their honorees and we ask that our honorees then line up next to the pillars behind me. I'd like to kick off with my honorees of this year.

A wonderful Lesbian couple, Kathy and Joanna, first cross paths in 1997, when Kathy was living next door to Joanna's friend. However, life took its course and they drifted apart from their mutual social circles. Then, in 2009, they were reunited again through their mutual friends in the very typical Lesbian fashion, Very small world.

In 2013, they officially tied the knot, embarking on a journey filled with shared dreams and goals, including their aspiration to open a breakfast restaurant. They got one step closer to that dream in 2019 when they launched their first business together, a catering company that thrived. The idea of opening up a restaurant resurfaced.

And in 2024, Joanna and Kathy, alongside Kathy's sister Carmen, opened their restaurant, Mas Mañanitas. More mornings.

Continuing their journey of love, health, and success in an area with little to no queer spaces, Mas Mañanitas has become a place for the San Fernando Valley LGBTQ people to come together in in community with good music, even better vibes and great company.

Through it all, their greatest joy remains being able to navigate life together as partners and family colleagues. Please help me celebrate Joanna and Kathy Martinez.

Our next honoree is Juan Acosta. Juana Costa is a first generation Mexican immigrant who grew up in Woodland, California in my district. He's a mental health LGBTQ activist, content creator and public speaker. He began his advocacy work locally at age 13 and then at age 21, Juan drafted a historic LGBTQ proclamation for his hometown of Woodland, California.

He served on various national mental Health Committees and his speaking engagements have included United nations side events, the first ever Youth Mental Health Action Forum White House event where he spoke alongside first lady Dr. Jill Biden, Selena Gomez, and U.S. surgeon General Vivek Murthy. He was also invited to the first ever White House Creator Mental Health Summit.

He co authored the New York Times Best Selling Channel Stories of Kindness and Community with musical artist and actress Lady Gaga and other Born this Way foundation reporters. His work has been featured by Do Something, MTV, Yahoo, LGBTQ Nation, Out Magazine and more.

In 2023 he was recognized by Stat News in their 2023 status list for his influential work in Life Sciences and by the Advocate magazine in their 2023, 30 under 30 list. In 2024, Juan was recognized as a Young Innovator and Behavioral Health Awardee co presented by Behavioral Health Tech, Hopeland, Pivotal Ventures, Resonance Philanthropy and Manette.

Please join me in honoring Juan Acosta.

It.

I will now read the description on behalf of Senator Cervantes. Bishop Benita A. Ramsey is a Justice and Cultural strategist and practitioner, a Spiritual Director and a lover of books, words, rhymes and beats. They are an ordained minister and pastor at Unity Fellowship Church, Riverside.

Bishop Ramsey serves as a Community Liaison to Riverside University Health System, Behavioral Health, Spirituality, and interfaith initiatives. They also serve as Executive Director of Rainbow Pride Youth alliance and Program Support Manager for the Inland Empire HIV Planning Council. Bishop Congratulations.

Senator Laird, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. It's my pleasure to honor Julia Seidner. Lady Julia is an Advocate Supervisor and runs the Transition Aged Youth and Mentor Programming for San Luis Obispo Court Appointed Special Special Advocates Casa.

Through this role, she provides specific training and services for the wildly overrepresented LGBTQ QI youth in foster care and advocates to serve them. In addition to this, Julia served as the President of the Board of Directors for the San Luis Obispo County Gala Pride and Diversity Center.

She's a graduate of the California State University, Northridge, a passionate and dedicated parent and a steadfast advocate committed to personal and community growth. She really deserves this award. Please join me in congratulating Julia.

Senator Padilla thank you Mr. President, colleagues, my honor to introduce Kara Desert, a queer Latina attorney with over 20 years in social justice leadership. She is CEO of the San Diego LGBTQ Community center, the largest service provider for LGBTQ people in the San Diego Tijuana Binational Region.

She has grown this organization during her tenure more than threefold from 6.5 million to over $15.5 million budget, expanding direct services and advocacy for our community across seven different locations throughout the region.

She has led the center in strengthening its targeted programs for the full diversity of the community as well as expanding its housing services for a full range of housing continuum that includes the first LGBTQ affirming youth shelter in San Diego, county, permanent supportive housing programs and prevention services for youth, adults and seniors.

She expanded the organization's original drop in Center for Youth and spearheaded the creation of of the first South Bay Youth center, the first such center dedicated to LGBTQ youth in the South Bay Region of San Diego County. Under her leadership, the center enhances and sustains the health and well being of our community, immigrant and HIV communities.

Serving with undaunted courage and authenticity. She has been and continues to be a personal hero, an amazing example of commitment to community and an inspiring leader for future generations. Colleagues Kara Desert.

Senator Perez, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Raised in conservative Iowa Farm County, Nick Artson learned early on you need to choose truth over silence. He has called California home for nearly 30 years and been a resident of Altadena for half of those, where he and his husband raised their three children.

Nick was first elected to the Altadena town Council in 2020 during the COVID pandemic when he quickly went to work to keep the town protected and connected. He is now in his third term and sits as Vice Chair for the Council and Chair of the communications Committee.

In 2024, he was appointed Commissioner of LA County's historic and first of its kind LGBTQ Commission where he also sits as Chair of the Community Engagement Committee.

The firestorm early this year devastated his community of Altadena, completely destroying nearly 90% of the census tract he represents, including his family home, everything they owned, his children's school and his family's house of worship.

Nick remains determined to rebuild their home and bring back Altadena stronger and more connected than ever by tapping into the beautiful community spirit and strength his town has always relied on. He has worked tirelessly to be sure needs are met and that all all of Altadena's incredible and diverse voices are heard.

Nick is joyously Planning Altadena Pride 2025 where they will once again walk through town raising a beautiful collage of flags as a symbol of defiance, hope and rebirth.

It.

Senator Wiener, you are recognized. Thank you very much Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise today to recognize the Executive Director of San Francisco Pride, Suzanne Ford, a truly extraordinary leader in San Francisco and for our community.

Suzanne is the first Trans woman to hold this office and she has helped guide Pride and for those who have not been to the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration. It is a massive, massive undertaking. I could add in a few more massives, but, and it does not just happen.

Sometimes I think Members of the community are like, oh yeah, Pride just sort of organically happens every year. It is planned throughout the entire year, requires enormous coordination, fundraising, and it's been. The last number of years have been very challenging between the pandemic and everything that's happening in the country and security concerns.

And Suzanne has really just, with incredible grace and professionalism and competence, guided the Pride Parade and celebration through these difficult times. Suzanne is originally from Kentucky, where she graduated from Murray State University, attended Howard Law School. And we are just has a long history in the community. We're just so grateful.

She could be doing so many different things in life and she's chosen to dedicate herself to pride and to our community. And we are all incredibly grateful. Incredibly grateful. Please join me in recognizing Susan Anne Ford.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized for the remainder of our honorees.

Here we go, Mr. President. On behalf of Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, I'd like to recognize Richard Ayub. Richard is an energetic force who exemplifies what it is to lead with love.

He joined Project angel food in May 2016 and is currently the Chair of the California Food Is Medicine Coalition and is on the Advisory council of the Food Is Medicine Coalition, a national Association of medically tailored food and nutrition service providers. Project Angel Food's mission is to feed and nourish the sick as they battle critical illness.

He is also an Emmy award winning television and news producer. On top of all of that, Senators, please welcome Richard. On behalf of Assemblymember Solace, I'd like to introduce you Sergio Comparan. Sergio Comparan has been dedicated to education for over 12 years within the Lynwood Unified School District.

Beginning as a science teacher, he recognized the need for an inclusive space space for LGBTQ students and founded their first ever GSA club in 2015. Through this initiative, he has supported students by organizing field trips to events such as Models of Pride Summit and the Long Beach LGBTQ Center.

Now serving as Assistant Principal, Sergio continues to advocate for LGBT students. Congratulations, Sergio. On behalf of Assemblymember El Hawari, I'd like to introduce to you or her honoree, Anthony Foster. A native Angeleno, Anthony Foster is the Vice President Programs and Policy at the at the mayor's Fund for LA.

He comes to the Fund after serving at 2 of Los Angeles leading nonprofit organizations. He was most recently Director of Major Gifts at the Community Coalition in South LA where he helped lead special projects, event curation and a diversified Major Gifts program. Anthony previously worked on a Boys and Men of Color initiative of Liberty Hill Foundation.

Congratulations Anthony. On behalf of the Cox's Chair Seminar Awards Honoree, I'd like to introduce you to Susan Kathleen Jester. Susan Jester is a third generation Californian from Palm Springs. She moved to San Diego in the early 60s to attend San Diego State University and began her professional and community activism in 1978.

In 1983, Susan came out as an openly gay woman and quickly became a trailblazer and well known activist for LGBTQ and HIV equality and advocacy. Susan was the first openly gay San Diego City Commissioner appointed in 1984. She mobilized the community and numerous straight allies and officials, founding the first AIDS Walk San Diego in 1985.

She later led the statewide California effort to defeat Prop 105 Prop 102, a discriminatory anti AIDS HIV initiative. Congratulations Susan.

On behalf of Assemblymember Lee, I'd like to introduce to you Molly O' Neill. Molly O'Neill is the recently retired Chief Public Defender of Santa Clara County.

She began working at the Public Defender's Office on the misdemeanor team, going on to do virtually every position in the office, including the juvenile unit, felony trial team, research, and homicides. A major focus of her tenure was to champion holistic defense.

Adding two full time immigration attorneys, a record clearance unit, a team of social workers, and a community outreach team, she made it a priority to combat racial inequity and insist on alternatives to incarceration. Congratulations, Molly. Introducing to you Assembly, Dr. Jackson's honoree, Jess Anthony Sanchez.

Jess Sanchez has been a passionate advocate for social justice since his college days, actively participating in the California Teachers Association and the Moreno Valley Educators Association to champion the rights of disenfranchised people of color. His early involvement focused on dismantling systemic barriers and amplifying the voices of LGBTQ individuals within communities of color.

Currently a dedicated classroom teacher, Jess embodies the belief that these barriers can be overcome. Congratulations. And now, on behalf of Assemblymember Zbur, his honoree, Jenny Peiser.

Since joining Lambda Legal, the country's oldest and largest legal organization, representing the LGBT civil rights movement, Jenny has litigated cases to end discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, education, health care, and family law, including marriage and and against the use of religion and free speech rights to license discrimination.

Jenny has been one of the LGBTQ community's key legal strategists in the national fight for full equality for over 25 years. Congratulations, Jenny.

Members, we will have the LGBTQ caucus have take photos with the honorees in the back and then the rest can join after the caucus has their photo. And Members, if you would like to join, we will do a

Members, we will convene in 60 seconds.

20 seconds Senators.

Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read, and amendments adopted. Moving into motions, resolutions and notices. Motion to approve Senate journals without objection. The Senate journals for June 16, 2025 through through June 19, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the Minute Clerk.

Senator Wiener, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I move that Joint Rule 62A be waived for budget and fiscal review to add the following bills to our. Hearing on Wednesday, June 25, without sufficient. Notice in the Senate. Daily file AB143, AB144, and AB145. This request has been ruled, but has. Been approved by the Rules Committee. I ask for an aye vote.

Senator Niello. For what purpose do you arise, sir?

Well, Madam President, people ask me, why. Does the majority party bust the rules? And I say because they can. We're being asked to wave on bills. That we don't even know are, what is in them at this point, I object to the motion.

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

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, Noes 9. The motion carries. Moving into consideration of the daily file, we have items 1 through 9 on second reading file.

[Roll Call]

Second reading file has been read. We have one item, item 33, under second third reading. Colleagues, if we can kindly take our conversations off the floor, we have a presentation Senator Choi is prepared for file item 33. Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 49 by Senator Choi relative to the 75th anniversary of the Korean Ward.

Senator Choi.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm honored and humbled to stand before you today as a proud Korean American to mark the 75th Anniversary of Korean War that shaped not only the future of a nation, but the very identity of so many today. On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began.

It was a war that tore families apart and devastated my homeland and forever changed the course of history. Over 1.7 million American service members answered the call. More than 36,000 never came home. Millions of Koreans, both the soldiers and the civilians, lost their lives or were displaced.

Every U.S. soldier's name of those who were sacrificed during the Korean War is inscribed on the five-star marble stones at the Korean War Memorial in the Hillcrest Park in Fullerton in Orange County. My own family, like many in our community, carries stories of that time, stories of loss, of resilience, and rebuilding.

It is because of the sacrifice of both Americans and the Koreans that I have the privilege to live in a country where freedom is protected and to speak on behalf of a thriving Korean American community that bridges to great nations.

I didn't realize that I came to this country, United States, only 15 years after the Korean War ended until recently when I looked back my journey in this country. The Korean War is sometimes called the Forgotten War, but the Koreans and Korean Americans, or every Korean all over the world, wherever they live, we do not forget.

We carry this legacy in our hearts, in our histories, and in our commitment to honor those who served. Every corner of the world where Koreans live, they will have big commemoration ceremonies to remember the Korean War. Seventy-five years later, the Republic of Korea stands as a beacon of democracy and innovation, and also they are proud to be 10th strongest economic power.

And here in the United States, Korean Americans continue to contribute to every part of Korean life as entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, public servants, and proud citizens. We are living proof of what's possible through sacrifice. The Korean War succeeded in truly defending freedom, dignity, and an opportunity.

I'm so thankful many of us wearing the proud symbol of the commemoration of the Korean War by this red poppy. Today, remember: we honor and we promise never to forget. I urge you, your aye vote.

Senator Strickland, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President and members. I want to thank Senator Choi for bringing this important resolution forward. I rise in support of Senate Resolution 49 as a proud co-author of this measure that designates June 25, 2025 as the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War. My hero of my life is my father.

My dad dropped out of high school at San Fernando Valley High School on his 17th birthday and joined the Korean War. My grandmother never forgave my grandfather for signing off those documents that let him go, but he served valiantly for three years in the Korean War. He served on the Hornet as well as the Yorktown, in terms of aircraft carriers.

My father fought valiantly during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Fortunately for my dad, he returned home to his family after both conflicts. The Korean War, often referred to as the Forgotten War, received limited public attention compared to World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.

Senate Resolution 49 aims to acknowledge the significant chapter in our history that honors families who lost loved ones and recognizes sacrifices made by many Americans. More than 1.8 million American men and women served during the Korean War and over 100,000 were injured while fighting for freedom and democracy.

Tragically, more than 36,000 men and women made the ultimate sacrifice and did not return home to their loved ones. Their families had to cope with a loss because of these brave heroes paid the highest price for freedom. The outcome of that conflict results in strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Both countries not only share fundamental values of democracy, but we also maintain a strong security alliance and economic partnership moving forward. For these reasons and more, I urge our colleagues to vote aye on Senate Resolution 49, and, again, I want to thank Senator Choi for bringing this resolution forward but also serving his country in this war in Korea, and we're honored to have a hero among us in Senator Choi who brings this resolution forward. Thank you.

Senator McNerney, you're recognized.

Members, I rise today as a proud co-sponsor of SR 49, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War. As mentioned before, 1.8 million Americans served in the three-year Korean War. However, it is still often referred to as--referred earlier this afternoon--as the Forgotten War. The Korean War is not and should never be forgotten.

Thirty-six thousand Americans lost their lives in this war and some 100,000 were injured. The war never really ended. Three quarters of a century later, the Korean Peninsula remains divided, stuck in a Cold War that still involves nearly 30,000 U.S. service members, including my own son who served there while he was an officer in the Air Force.

Today, the Korean population in California is estimated to be one half million strong, the largest Korean population in the United States. In my district, the City of Stockton has a large Asian American population that includes a thriving Korean American community.

South Korea has thrived, emerging from a cold--from a war-torn country and now into one of the most thriving and strong economies and democracies in the world. It is also one of the largest trading partners and closest allies of our country, contributing troops in support of the U.S. during Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, along with numerous peacekeeping operations. SR 49 commemorates courage, service, and sacrifice of all who served the Korean War. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Richardson.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today as a proud co-author of Senate Resolution 49 and extend my support and thanks to the gentleman from Irvine, who I learned today served in the Korean War. I didn't know that. I knew you were a veteran, but I did not know that you served at that time and we thank you for your service.

Today, I join in commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, paying tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices and enduring contributions of veterans who served in that pivotal conflict. My uncle, Howard Abram, who I lived with for a period of my lifetime, was one of those veterans.

In my district, the Port of Los Angeles served as a critical hub, channeling vital supply shipments to our troops on the Korean front. Bunkers are still in existence today, reminding us of the powerful symbol of California's logistical strength and unwavering support for our armed forces.

Also rooted in the 35th Senate District is Northrop Corporation, founded in the City of Hawthorne; played a key and pivotal role in providing aircraft and essential weaponry to bolster the war effort and safeguard our shared values. In the furthest part of the Southern California area, Los Angeles, in San Pedro resides the Korean Friendship Bell. You see people coming from all over the world to look at the Korean Friendship Bell.

It was a gift to the people of Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States Independence to honor our veterans of the Korean War and to consolidate traditional friendship, friendship between our two countries.

California's legacy of leadership was also embodied by the 40th Infantry Division of the California Army National Guard, the renowned Sunshine Division, which was activated and deployed to Korea in early 1952, reinforcing the strength and resolve of our state's contribution.

Today we honor the courageous individuals, such as the gentlemen from Irvine, individuals who answered the call of duty, those who stood in defense of freedom and democracy on foreign soil, and we renew our commitment to remembering their service not just in this ceremony, but by our actions today. I urge an aye vote of SR 49.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues, and a special thank you to my colleague from Irvine for bringing this resolution forward and for your service on the Korean Peninsula. As has been referenced, this is often called the Forgotten War. Having served just below the 38th parallel and having a spouse who also served in the army in Korea, it's not forgotten by those in Korea.

It's part of their very daily existence. The menace of North Korea, just 36 miles from Seoul, is ever present in their daily lives, and we're grateful. We're grateful for the South Korean--both government and the soldiers who serve, such as our colleague from Irvine.

It's not forgotten by the families here in the United States who have family members who have served, including my own, not just because of our own service, but my father-in-law who fought in the Korean War, and we remember those who are currently serving today, as was mentioned by my colleague, 30,000 U.S. service members serving today in Korea.

Those bonds that were forged in blood 75 plus years ago and continue to be forged today are ever present here in the United States as well, as is evidenced by the culture and by the economic contribution by the Korean American community that surrounds us. I am blessed.

I am blessed by representing the first and second best Koreatowns. I see that my colleague from Los Angeles has her mic on. I congratulate her for having the third best Koreatown here in California. But those relationships which were born and bred and enriched and nourished during the Korean War continue today, and it is so important that we recognize that sacrifice and that bond, and as such, I urge an aye vote on SCR 49.

Senator Durazo.

Thank you, Madam President. I also want to thank the Senator from Irvine for bringing forth this important resolution and taking the time and the moment to remember this forgotten war and in honor of the Korean American community in my district.

The Korean War, a three-year conflict from 1950-53 left an indelible impact. In 1945, when U.S. military planners partitioned the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel, effectively splitting North and South Korea, the Korean people had no way of knowing the that this would become a border between two nations.

Boys and men in the North left for the South, leaving behind parents, siblings, even wives and children. Other parents left their young children with grandparents when they left for the South, believing they would return when the conflict ended shortly.

To this day, family members reside on both sides of the border, some having reunited for short, state-sanctioned visitations and others without any way to confirm the safety of their family members on the other side. The tragedy of this conflict, the lives lost, and the lasting impact to the Korean Peninsula deserves to be remembered. Thank you again for taking this moment to acknowledge the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, and urge an aye vote.

Senator Wahab.

Thank you. On behalf of the AAPI Caucus, I rise in support of SR 49, a commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War. Today we remember the more than 1.8 million brave Americans who put their lives on the line. We honor the 36,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to democracy.

However, I would also like to highlight some of the things that we don't talk about in war. In the aftermath of the war, over 160,000 Korean children were sent to adoptive homes in Western countries, including the United States. This decision would have many different impacts for decades, especially for the adoptees.

It is a profoundly isolating experience being an adoptee, but one thing that is shared by many is the desire to know who we are and where we come from. Entire generations of Korean adoptees in the United States and across the globe are saddled with the weight of the unknown, many of them unable to figure out where they come from, who their parents are, what city they come from, how their parents looked, and much more.

In fact, oftentimes war is discussed in a glorifying way, and yet the impacts of war is never really talked about. The trauma that I just described is also a product of war, a product that is often unseen and not discussed publicly. War is not something to be glorified, but it is also something to ensure is the final decision and the very last decision over all diplomatic efforts.

And so I highlight the human side of war, the loss of lives, the loss of culture, loss of language, and the loss of identities. The 75th Anniversary of the Korean War allows us the opportunity to reflect on the cost of war from all angles and acknowledge the veterans who committed to defending our ideals. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SR 49. Thank you.

Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise to support SR 49, and not to sound redundant, but I have to, because we have to think about the men and women who served from 1950 to 53 in Korea who are now about 95, 96, 94, 92 years old, grandparents, some of your parents. My stepdad served in the Marine Corps.

He was there. They called him the Chosen Frozen. That's what the Marines called him and the paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines with the 187th Regimental Combat Team, many of them from East LA, many of them that I've met with this last weekend. I was just with them and acknowledging the 75th Anniversary.

And they talked about the frozen ground that they jumped into, the brutality of those who were taken captive, brutality that we can't even imagine, but thousands were taken as prisoners of war and lost and we heard the numbers 30, 35,000 were killed, but it is the National Guard that we're talking about these days and thinking about them, the California National Guard.

You know, we hear it on the news time and time again. With the 40th Infantry Division out of Los Angeles County, they were activated. They went off to Korea to serve, to augment the need for additional troops, but there was an operation with Marines, Navy, Air Force, all of them: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. It was an amazing, enduring time, but it was the call by the United Nations to come and help the South Koreans.

So our colleague from Irvine, it was people like you, your people who also stood up to serve with our Americans, and those Army veterans that served in the Korean army, those were named as The Rock, some of the toughest, toughest individuals, and I've heard it from them. So their sacrifice was amazing as well.

And to our Senator from San Pedro, and covers the Long Beach area, there we have a base, Fort MacArthur, in San Pedro. If I could have her attention for just a second, because it is your district that the South Koreans put a large bell at Fort MacArthur, and I was there the day it was dedicated, the Freedom Bell, and it was rang some years back, and it was hundreds of veterans and their families. Now, this is about 25 years ago now, and they were all there to honor their loss, but also honor America. And it was in San Pedro, Fort MacArthur.

And today we go forward. That bell is still there, but now we think about Korea, we think of South Korea, a thriving economy, a beautiful place to visit, but yes, the doorstep of tragedy right out the doorstep, because North Korea is still active. The peace treaty was never signed. It is just a treaty.

So we have to be diligent. We have to be careful. God forbid something could happen at any day. North Korea is still an enemy. The South Koreans are still facing that iron sword every single day. So those who are serving in Korea right now, may they continue to serve with honor and dignity and we are blessed to have their service.

So on behalf of the men and women who served our great country, I urge you to support SR 49. And again, once again, it is my honor to be the chair of the Military and Veterans Committee where I've met so many who are serving this day. Let's remember them always and especially here in the Fourth of July. Thank you, Madam President.

Senator Choi, you may now close.

I'm so overwhelmed and so much appreciate for those who spoke, all the Senators. Strickland, McNerney, Richardson, Umberg, Senator Durazo, Wahab, and Senator Archuleta, I appreciate for your comments.

If I had known this many people would be supporting, I would have invited some Korean veterans here and the community members, but I wanted to make it a little bit light today because I have planned to have a bigger event in August, Korean Independence Day, and the Soldiers Day; was gonna invite them at that time, a lot more people.

When I speak to many people, when I meet and they ask me where I come from, and they, many of them, they mentioned Korean War--my grandfather, my uncle, my friend, somebody has served in Korea, especially now when I learn Senator Strickland's father has served in Korea.

I would like to salute to him and then also presently Senator Umberg especially has served not during the Korean War, but after the Korean War in the military DMZ area. I know I'm the oldest Senator on this floor, but I'm not that old to serve on the Korean War itself.

I did serve in the Korean army in the front line in the 3rd Division Infantry, Division, and I would like to discover more American soldiers who actually have served in Korea but still have not been connected to Korean community because everywhere in the Korean community when they have an event, they would like to invite them there, in 90s, most of them and very many of them fragile health conditions.

But the Korean government has some program to invite them back to Korea for them to see how much country has developed since the war-torn condition of the country. So if you know them, please let me know. I'll be happy to connect them to Korean government. And with that, I would like to urge you to support this SR 49. Thank you so much for your support.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call].

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call].

Ayes: 36; noes: zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving on to Consent Calendar, second day, we have Item 63 through 66. Would any member like to pull an item from the Consent Calendar? Secretary, please read the Consent Calendar.

Assembly Bill 369, 565, 771, 1297.

Secretary, please call the roll on the first item and apply that roll call for the rest of the items in the Consent Calendar.

[Roll Call].

Ayes: 36; noes: zero. Consent Calendar Second Day has been adopted. Returning to Motions and Resolutions, we have two adjourn in memories. Colleagues, we have two adjourn in memories. Please take your conversations off the floor. Senator Umberg, you have the first aim.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. I ask that we adjourn today in memory of the life and legacy of Ms. Jerri Rosen, truly an inspirational leader in Orange County. Her work uplifted hundreds of thousands of lives. She's best known as the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Working Wardrobes.

Jerri was born in Pennsylvania in 1945 to the late May and David Rosen. Her family later moved to Arizona where she graduated from West Phoenix High School and earned her bachelor's degree in education at Arizona State University.

Jerri pursued a career in marketing and sales for Del Taco and other food companies before launching her own advertising and marketing company, J.L. Rosen & Company in 1990. That same year, Jerri and five of her friends decided to found Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit career readiness service and professional clothing enterprise after hosting a Day of Self-Esteem to help domestic violence victims.

On that fateful day, Jerri founded an operation that would help domestic violence survivors, veterans, those impacted by the justice system, unhoused individuals, those who faced food insecurity, and many more who face personal and systemic obstacles to gain employment for the last 35 years.

Working Wardrobes would grow to have several locations throughout Orange County, including their Career Services Center in the City of Santa Ana, employ 40 staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, and have more than 500,000 pieces of clothing dedicated and donated, and help 135,000 people secure jobs.

Jerri created a legacy of hope, confidence, empowerment to attain economic independence and personal dignity. She is preceded by her partner Harvey Kaufman and sister Diana. I ask that we adjourn today in the memory of Jerri Rosen. Thank you.

Senator, thank you so much for sharing her story with us. Please bring her name forward so that she may be properly memorialized. Senator Padilla, you have the next name.

Thank you very much, Madam President and colleagues. I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Luis Jesus Cacho, a farmer, businessman, and community leader who passed away at his Chula Vista home on March the 29th, 2025, the ripe young age of 92.

He was born in Pala, California on May 19, 1932, the first of seven children to Antonio and Herminia Cacho. He grew up in Chula Vista where he attended Chula Vista High School. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love to his family.

He was blessed with four children with his first wife, Ophelia, and later was blessed once again with four more with his second wife, Maria, both of whom preceded him in death. He also knew loss and pain, suffered the loss of two of his children, a daughter, Helen, and his son, Raoul.

He's survived today by his children, Charlie, Richard, Luis A., Elizabeth, Daniel, and Diana. Luis enjoyed spending time with his 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren who were his pride and joy. As one of the founding farming families of Chula Vista, he was an integral part of the community, well known for his generosity.

He had begun farming with his father and later formed L Cacho & Sons with his children Charlie, Helen, and Richard. He was a man who believed in opportunity and would hire anyone who was willing to work. During his farming career, he employed hundreds of people.

In the late 1980s, he and his family helped immigrate over 500 employees through the Amnesty Program. Luis had real estate business ventures along with his mother. Luis developed a manufactured housing community in Chula Vista and developed several commercial properties.

After three generations, the family business continues to operate today under the leadership of his children, Luis, Elizabeth, and Daniel. He was the life of the party always and had a story or a joke to tell to make you laugh and to convey a life lesson.

He was a hard-working man, who by his example, he was known always also to have a guitar in his hand and was willing to sing for his family and friends. He found happiness in life's simple moments and encouraged everyone to do the same. Luis was a wonderful father, husband, tata, uncle, and friend.

He was very well known for his legacy of generosity. He was a well-respected leader, friend, musician, and businessman. He was a cherished member of the Chula Vista community, always willing to lend a helping hand. For these and many more reasons, Mr. President and colleagues, I ask that we adjourn in his memory.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring his name forward. He'll be forever memorialized in our journal. If there's no other business, Mr. Pro Tem, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Thank you to the LGBTQ Plus Caucus for the amazing honorees in the ceremony today. The next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m.

The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received. We will reconvene Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.