Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

So would Members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery, please rise. We will be led in prayer this morning by Senator Arreguin, after which please remain standing for the pledge to the flag.

God of mercy and compassion. On this Labor Day weekend we gather in gratitude for the hands that build our world, for the hearts that drive our progress, and for the minds that innovate and uplift. May we honor each laborer's dignity and. Stand in solidarity with those who toil. For their daily bread. Comfort those whose labor goes unnoticed.

And may we work to ensure every voice is heard and every effort vest valued. Loving God, guide our leaders and employers to foster safe conditions, fair wages and opportunities for growth for all and for those who have had the privilege of doing work that we love.

May we be ever mindful of those who struggle to find meaningful work and of those who cannot work because of various life circumstances. On these days when we rest from our labor, strengthen our resolve to build a world where. Where rest and celebration are sacred as productivity. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. I pledge under privileges of the floor on behalf of Senator Cabaldin. Please welcome the Wine Institute who joins us today in the gallery. And on behalf of Senator Strickland.

We'd like to acknowledge representatives from the National Review and former Legal Affairs Secretary Counsel for Governor Pete Wilson, the Honorable Dan Kolke, who joins us in the gallery today also. And messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted.

Motions and motions and resolutions and notices pursuant to Senate Rule 29.1d. The following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules. File Item 40, SB 400 and File Item 54, SB792. Without objection.

Measures reported by the Appropriations Committee with the recommendation DO pass will be given their second reading upon being reported and ordered to third reading and without objection.

Measures reported to the Appropriations Committee with the recommendation of do pass, as amended will be given their second reading and amendments adopted upon being reported and ordered returned to the second Reading. Senator Becker, you are recognized.

Yes. Thank you. I request you to consent to return SB493 to the Assembly for further action.

So granted.

And Senator Cortese.

Thank you, Mr. President, asking that SB400 be returned to the Assembly for further action.

So granted. Senator Wahab, you recognize.

Thank you. At the request of the author, please. Remove File item number 262AB 1529 from the consent calendar. Thank you.

So granted. Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President, I respectfully asked to move Senate Resolution 57 to the enacted file. Also ask that Assembly Bill 36 be pulled from consent to request the author.

So granted. Senator Menjivar, you're recognized.

Mr. President, at the request of the author, please move file item 199AB954 to the inactive file.

So granted. Senator Ochoa Bogue, you're recognized.

Good morning, Mr. President. At the request of the author, please place file item 208, AB 1112 on. The inactive file, please.

So granted. Now consideration of the daily file. Second reading file. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Assembly Joint Resolution 12, Assembly Bill 1069, with amendments. 987 with amendments. 1513, with amendments. 821 with amendments. 881 with amendments.

And now governor's appointments. Senator Grove, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, file item 14 is the confirmation of following appointments. Elisha Goldsworthy, Ryan Hilburn and Jay Lopez. I'm sure no relation to Ginny Lopez, but for the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. William Benedict, Captain Lynn Corwatch and Karen Tinan for the Board of Pilot Commissioners.

And Drake Dillard and Jacqueline Jackson for the reappointment to Commission on Disability Access. They were all approved by the Rules Committee on July 9th on a 5,0 vote. Respectfully asked for an Aye vote. I was joking about Jay Lopez. Sorry.

Jokes are allowed. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Grove moves the call. Senate third reading. Secretary, please read.

Oh, yes.

Need a little help here. File item 56, SR21. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 21 by Senator Archuleta relative to National Drunk and Drug Driving Awareness Month.

And Senator Archuleta appears to be ready.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members, I rise to speak on SR21, which recognizes November as Drunk Driver Awareness Month. I know it's still August, but considering we won't see each other in the month of November, I thought would be a good time to bring it up.

Now, as we prepare to be with our families and celebrate our time with our families, I wanted to take this time now to bring forward a crucial message to our fellow Californians and to all of you. We spend time celebrating what with our families and friends, no doubt.

Unfortunately, some individuals overindulge and put their lives at the risk of others. The season between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on American roadways due to increased and impaired driving. Obviously drunk drivers. Unfortunately, I know this firsthand.

For some of you who just joined us, you weren't here last year when I presented my sorrow to all of you. And I guess I'm doing it again. As you know, some of you may already know that my granddaughter, Samantha Alex Robles was tragically taken, her life tragically taken by a drunk driver the night before Christmas Eve.

Samantha was a lovely and wonderful person who was ready to take on her career as a social worker with her new masters and begin her career at the age of 30. Words cannot express how broken we were and we continue to be. We pray for her every day. Sadly, my family's experience is not unique.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes during the Christmas holiday through New Year's. That is a terrible time in the United States, no doubt. When it comes to drunk driving, too many families across the nation are losing loved ones during what is meant to be.

A time filled with love and presence of your family and joy and happiness. There is no safe way to drink and drive and being under the influence. Even one drink can make a difference to some drivers. It is unsafe. While we still. While it's still early. I wish you all and your families a safe holiday season.

I hope this resolution can urge all Californians to exercise caution, safety and good judgment while driving. No family should ever have to experience the pain and loss as my family did during the time of the celebration and joy. So, Members, I ask you to please support SR21. Thank you, Mr. President.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Archuleta moves the call. We will be moving the call actually on all of these and then coming back to them. And these are all support. Support file item 59, SCR 91. Secretary please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 91 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, relative to the Founding of the State of California.

Senator Alvarado-Gil is prepared. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members, I rise today to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 91, which celebrates 175 years of our great golden State of California. California was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850 and as the 31st state speaks, sparking the historic Gold rush which propelled our state's population boom and economic roots.

In its 175th year anniversary, California has worked to become an innovative agricultural leader, producing one third of the nation's vegetables and 2/3 of the nation's fruits and nuts, many of which are grown in the Central Valley and in my district.

These are incredible feats, accomplished thanks to California's diverse communities, backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, interests, industries and worth ethic to fulfill the promises of our great nation. Of the original 27 counties, four are in Senate District 4, Calaveras County, which I presented in previous resolutions of the great Jumping Frog Jubilee and we've celebrated here at the Capitol.

Many of you have participated in that jumping frog Calaveras county, which has been memorialized in Mark Twain's novel El Dorado county, which is one of the hidden gems of the wine industry in California and famous for our Apple Hill agricultural Region, Mariposa county, which at the time of its founding was the largest county covering over a fifth of the state.

But over the years, pieces of Mariposa were carved away to form parts of 12 other counties, giving Mariposa the nickname the mother of counties.

And Tuolumne County, where gold was discovered in 1848, bringing thousands of prospectors who established gold rush towns such as Columbia, Jamestown, Sonora, all of which still remain today and are some of the most celebrated small towns of California history. The county is home to the Bennett Juniper, the largest known juniper tree in the United States.

Located in the Stanislaus Natural Forest, the town of Twain Heart, named in honor of authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Reflecting the region's literary ties, Tuolumne has also played a role in popular culture with over 300 movies, television shows and commercials filmed just in this county.

Its rich logging history can still be traced today along the Westside Trail, a local favorite not only for hikers and mountain bikers, but those of us who are horse aficionados and, yes, mules and donkeys.

From the endlessly innovative tech center of Silicon Valley to the unmatched agricultural production of our Central Valley, the unique geography and beauty of our state's natural resources contained in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and and Yosemite national park. To the entertainment industry in Southern California and the robust academic establishments where experts train our future generations.

California is home to profound contributions from its peoples, from its people, from its industries and its institutions. Please join me in honoring our great state with the remarkable individuals who have pushed us forward and respectfully asked for your aye vote.

Secretary, please. Please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Alvarado-Gil moves the call. Members moving back to motions and resolutions momentarily. Without objection, the action will be rescinded whereby SB 400 was re referred to the Committee on Rules pursuant to Senate Rule 29.1D. And returning now to Senate Third Reading File, Item 61, SR 56. Senator.

Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 56 by Senator Weber Pierson relative to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month of 2025.

You are recognized, Senator Weber Pierson.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I rise to present SR56, a legislative women caucus resolution recognizing September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As an OB gyn, I know firsthand the devastation that this disease brings. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer.

This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 21,000 women in the United States will receive the diagnosis and more than 12,000 women will lose their lives. The prognosis depends greatly on how early this cancer is detected. 93% of women diagnosed in the earliest stages survive at least five years.

75% survive when it's caught in an intermediate stage. But five year survival drops to just 31% in the advanced stages. And tragically, only one in five cases is found early.

By the time most women seek medical care, 70 to 80% are already in stage three or beyond, when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and outside of the pelvis. The unfortunate reality is that we do not have a simple, reliable screening test for ovarian cancer.

Symptoms like bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or urinary urgency are often subtle and and easily mistaken for less serious conditions and too often dismissed. And the human cost cannot be measured. Ovarian cancer steals mothers, daughters, sisters and friends far too long, leaving behind families and communities carrying the profound weight of loss and grief.

This September, we must recommit ourselves to remembering those we have lost, honoring those still in the fight, and supporting survivors, caregivers, and all who work tirelessly to raise awareness, improve detection and advance research. We must also empower women to listen to their bodies, pay attention to persistent symptoms, and seek medical care early.

We must continue to support the scientists, doctors and advocates striving for better diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian cancer is not only a medical crisis, but it is emotional, physical and financial burden on families across California and this nation.

This month we honor all those impacted by ovarian cancer and renew our commitment to advancing awareness, improving outcomes and working towards a future free of this devastating disease. I want to thank you and acknowledge all of the Members of the women caucus who are wearing their teal ribbons today in support of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

And I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR56. Thank you.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Weber Pearson moves the call now. File item 65, SCR 104. Secretary please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 104 by Senator Valadarez relative to National Domestic Violence Bonus Awareness Month.

Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members, today I rise to present Concurrent Resolution 104, a priority for the Legislative Women's Caucus. SCR 104 recognizes the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a time to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and to recommit ourselves to to breaking the cycle of violence.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, regardless of their age. However, approximately 35% of women and 31% of men in California experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. And women between 18 and 24 years old are significantly more likely to experience domestic domestic violence. Survivors seek help through hotlines, through shelters and local crisis services.

California has long been a leader in supporting survivors. From funding domestic violence focused shelters to expanding legal protections. We continue to shore support by investing in prevention and survivor services, as well as making strides to hold abusers accountable. By bringing awareness, we amplify survivor voices, challenge the stigma and ensure no one suffers in silence.

I respectfully ask for your an aye vote on scr104.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Valladares moves the call. File Item 67, SRC 60.

Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 60 by Senator Rubio relative to Elimination of Violence Against Women Day.

Senator Rubio, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise as a Member of the Legislative Women's Caucus, as a victim's advocate, and as a victim of domestic violence myself to present Senate Resolution 60, recognizing November 25 as the elimination of Violence Against Women Day.

This International Day of Remembrance honors the courage and sacrifice of the Maribel Sisters who were political activists from the Dominican Republican Republic that were brutally assassinated to silence their voices. For far too long, victims have been threatened, attacked and silenced. Violence against women and girls is a devastating global crime crisis.

But despite decades of advocacy, violence against women continues. Today, femicide rates are not decreasing. In fact, they're rising. According to the United Nations, in 2024, at least 51,000 women were murdered by their partners or family Members. This equals one woman killed every 10 minutes.

In California alone, 86% of women reported having exposed experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. My domestic violence lawyer had two clients who were trying to protect themselves from their abusers. And as of today, I'm the only one alive because the other victim was murdered this weekend.

And rolling heels by her abuser, he not only killed her, but their daughter. This is how prevalent this situation is and how dangerous violence against women is. Victims continue to be in danger every single day, even after they walk away from our relationship. In fact, that's the most dangerous time.

Unless all of us stand together and raise our voices, we will continue to lose precious lives. Like the family this weekend, we must do better. We cannot be silent. I feel a profound moral obligation to present their voices over and over again because these women cannot speak for themselves anymore.

And today in this chamber, I urge everyone not to be silent. Because silence protects the abusers, never the victim. These numbers are not just statistics. They are our mothers, our daughters, and our sisters. The violence that women and girls endure does not end with a simple bruise. It can end childhoods, careers, and more importantly, lives.

I am bringing SR60 forward to raise awareness and ensure we are protecting women from further fear abuse if we truly value safety and equality. This demands unity from every single person on this floor, regardless of gender, background or party colleagues.

I think many Senators who continuously stand with victims from both parties who have joined me as co authors on this resolution. And I urge all Senators on this floor to join me not just in supporting this resolution, but working on policies that save lives. Let's not wait until we lose many more. And I do want to close.

On behalf of that family that was murdered this weekend, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Rubio moves the call file item 69, SR62.

Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 62 by Senator Valladares relative to Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Back to Senator Valadaris. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, today I rise to present Senate Resolution 62, which commemorates November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. This resolution is personal for me. In 2012, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by fluke. It was caught early and she endured something called the Whipple procedure.

She went through chemotherapy and she went into remission for nearly six years. But in 2018, the cancer came back. I'll never forget sitting in her oncologist's office with my brother, my dad and my one year old daughter hearing those words. Stage four, the prognosis. Six to 18 months.

From that point forward, I became my mom's full time caregiver. I was her advocate. I fought for every treatment, for every pain management option. I was responsible for her advance directive. I even fought with hospital bureaucrats on her deathbed because she deserved to die with dignity in her final days.

And here's what I learned during my mom's end of life journey. With pancreatic cancer, unless you have the means, unless you have the connections or someone fighting for you, our health care system does not always deliver the same quality of care or dignity at the end of life.

Families with fewer resources, immigrants or rural Californians often face the greatest barriers to hospice, to palliative care, to pain management, to a voice fighting for them. And the need for awareness is urgent. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

And this year, nearly 70,000 people will be diagnosed and more than 52,000 will die from the disease. The five year survival rate is still only 13%. I still thank God every day for my mom's six years of remission. But that is not common. Frankly, it's unacceptable.

Families facing this diagnosis deserve more hope, more options, and a system that fights just as hard as they do. By raising awareness, we can push for earlier detection, stronger equity and care, and better outcomes. Awareness leads to advocacy, advocacy leads to action. And action saves lives.

Colleagues, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SCR62 so that California can shine a light on pancreatic cancer and stand with the families who bravely face it.

Senator Valladares, we offer you our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Valladares moves the call. File item 63, SCR 102. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 102, by Senator Caballero, relative to California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Fires Memorial Day.

Senator Caballero, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members. I rise today to present SCR 102, which recognizes the California Firefighters Memorial and designates October 2025 as California Firefighters Appreciation Month and October 4, 2025, as California Firefighters Memorial Day. The California Firefighters Memorial stands on the grounds of the State Capitol and is maintained by the California Fire Foundation.

It is the only state monument to list over 1,500 engraved names and the Department they serve, of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.

This memorial is a symbol of gratitude and appreciation to the men and women of the fire service who put their lives on the line each day, protecting people, property, and the natural beauty of forests in California. Firefighters run towards danger when a fire starts.

They are on the front lines of structure fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, traffic accidents, and hazardous material incidents. Their service extends far beyond fire suppression, as they are often the first to respond in our most vulnerable and urgent moments. Every year, California firefighters respond to approximately 3 million incidents across the state.

The names engraved on the limestone walls of the memorial honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, whether from traumatic circumstances on the job or from post-work-related illnesses acquired during the hazardous nature of their work.

Each engraving is not only a tribute to their heroism, but also a promise to their families and loved ones in California that we will never forget their courage, their commitment, and the lives they gave to protect us. The California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will be held in Sacramento on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

This ceremony will commemorate the line of duty, service, and sacrifice of California service professionals and give honor to the friends, co-workers, and family members who remember and love them so well. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SCR 102.

Senator Joy, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. Today I rise in strong support of California Firefighters Appreciation Month and Memorial Day. Across our state, firefighters put their lives on the line. Every single day, they run toward the danger when the rest of us may run away from it. Here in California, we have seen wildfires devastate our communities.

Year after year, we've seen entire neighborhoods burned to the ground, homes reduced to ashes, and the families displaced. No one in this building, other than the Senator from Murrieta, knows these fires quite like our firefighters on the front lines.

This resolution recognizes men and women who protect us and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Firefighters, thank you—and their families—for the sacrifice you make. I urge an aye vote on SCR 102.

Senator Richardson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise as a co-author of SCR 102, and I proudly stand to honor the courage and sacrifice of California's brave firefighters—those who serve today and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities.

Not far from the State Capitol stands the California Firefighters Memorial, a powerful tribute in the historic Capitol Park. The that honors over 1,500 fallen firefighters since 1852.

Bronze statues frame the memorial wall—Holding the Line, depicting the firefighters in action, and The Fallen Brother, portraying the anguish and loss—both created by artists deeply connected to the fire service. I'd like to read the names of those firefighters that we actually lost this year.

And I think you're going to find it alarming how many we see.

Brian Levassor, Howard Hedges, Chet Burtel, Brian Corntassel, Anthony Huneskin, James Forrester, Ulysses Duran, M. Bruce Wells, Patrick Corridor, Anthony Benelisha, Chris Nelson, Robin Culp, David Donnelly, Randolph Gross, Jonathan Vanzofen, Henry Flores, Rick Addix, Steven Silverstitch, Andrew Pontius, James Burns, Justin Curtis Jr., Walter Sickler, Kyle Hurd, Christopher Ward, Brian Hinodo, Timothy Hall, Mark Miller, Sean Gillian, Eric Reinhardt, and Robert Barrina.

These are all men and women that took the ultimate sacrifice—went in where we wouldn't go in to save someone else. My godson is a firefighter for LA County Fire. And it's something that all their families know—that they may one day have to do when they take that oath to serve.

So may we remember what they did to help us. Thank you.

Senator Caballero. You may close.

Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

[Roll Call]

Senator Caballero moves the call.

Now file item 70, SR63. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 63 by Senator McNerney relative to Taiwan.

Senator McNerney, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, today I rise to present SR63, which celebrates the 41st anniversary of the California Taiwan sister state relationship and the 26th anniversary of the Taiwanese American Heritage Week. Taiwan is California's third largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $50 billion in 2024. California exported $280 million in agricultural products to Taiwan last year.

Taiwanese investments and partnerships in semiconductors, AI, green energy, education and tourism supports thousands of well paying jobs here in California. 2025 also marks the 26th anniversary of Taiwanese American Heritage Week. First proclaimed by President Bill Clinton in 1999. This Week honors the contribution of Taiwanese Americans to California's culture, economy and civic life.

Over the years, California's partnership with Taiwan has grown into a strong bond of economic cooperation, culture exchange and community connection. Taiwanese Americans have made lasting contributions to California's prosperity and diversity. And Taiwan continues to be a valued partner in trade, innovation and investment.

With this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen these ties and honoring the community that has enriched our state. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Becker, you are recognized.

Thank you. I want to commend the resolution. Agree with my great colleague. On a lighter note, I just want to say right now I want to compliment the Taiwan team that won the Little League World Series. Are in my district right now. Can't be with them because we're here.

We'll also note that Menlo Park made it to the for the first time ever to the regional semifinal before losing to Southern California. But it was a great moment for our small community and a great moment for Taiwan. Thank you.

Senator McNerney, you may close.

Well, I thank the Senator from the Peninsula for his addition to this resolution. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator McNerney calls, moves the call. And now file 71 SR 64, Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 64 by Senator Cabaldon relative to California Wine Month.

Senator Cabaldon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to present SR 64, to designate September as Wine Month here in California. It's been about 7,000 years since our forebears—human beings—discovered how to make wine. And wine has been the glue that made civilization possible. How is that, would you say?

Well, it is wine—and its evolution and co-evolution with human beings—which made the agglomeration, civilization coming together. Because wine became a social lubricant, also a way to reduce tensions between warring factions of human beings and Neanderthals.

Wine, from the beginning of our existence, has been a critical part of the evolution of human beings in our society. And California has been at the forefront of that.

It's been since 1857, when the Buena Vista Winery opened at the border of Sonoma and Napa counties in my district, in the Carneros region, where California has been a leader in the globe in continuing that 7,000-year-old tradition—in answering the question that Plato and Socrates and so many others have asked in our history, which is: What is the good life?

And we know what the good life is in California and in the world. California is known worldwide for our wines—and certainly in our state—not just for their quality, but because they are the moment: where our second date, our retirement party, our just… we had a long night of session, and we need a break.

Wine is, in so many ways, what brings us together across the planet. And California has been at the forefront. California is the produce—it produces four out of five bottles of wine in the United States, employs 422,000 people here in California alone for the wine industry, and contributes $170 billion to the nation's economy.

Like the film industry, like the tech industry, California is one of the big three economic drivers—but also the iconic drivers of our identity and our social power, and our social… our soft power around the globe.

And so today we're here to celebrate, as September marks the beginning of harvest season—the perfect time to share a glass and to share a bottle. The wine industry, though 7,000 years old, continues to innovate in sustainability, wine in electric power, but also in what the experience means for its drinkers.

And our vineyard workers in California are the very best in the world.

Thousands of them, building new skills and improving their craft every single year in collaboration with winemakers and every other part of the industry that's creating innovative new wines, new approaches to wine—even, God forbid, non-alcoholic wines. Wines of every type—they continue to grow and curate and experience.

In an era when we have so much concern about ultra processed foods and additives, there's something remarkable about California wine and our attention to the story, to the soil, to the people, to the climate, to every little thing that makes wine special and unique here in this state. Now, I mentioned our vineyard workers.

Dolores Torres is one of those workers. She just won the Vineyard Champion Award from the Napa Valley Farm Worker foundation last year for the continuous work that she's done, not just in the field where she started 20 years ago as a field worker, but as a vineyard supervisor.

She's studying viticulture while she studies English and math to continue to grow the harvest. And she says the pretty settings of Napa and Sonoma and wine regions throughout the state don't. They don't make it an easy business and they don't make it an easy job.

A successful wine business is hard work, and everyone that's involved shares in the joy, the toil, and in the results. Climate change in so many ways threatens the health and the success of our wine industry here in California. Even today, nearly 7,000 acres of Napa County is in flames in the picket fire.

At the same time, Ayes raids in California, in the nation, have made farm workers and vineyard workers afraid to come out to work at peak harvest time or to go to school or to participate in their communities. And in the Napa Valley, which I represent, immigrants make up three quarters of the agricultural workforce.

Tariffs and trade barriers have placed a substantial burden on growers and producers, locking us out of the Canadian market altogether together.

And so today we're here to celebrate, but also to recognize the headwinds that the wine industry faces in California and our critical role in assuring its success, just as we do with the technology industry and with California's film industry.

In the gallery today, as you have mentioned already, Mr. President, we have folks who embody the spirit of California winemaking. I just want to call them out.

Barry White and Stephanie Metzler from Ancient Peaks Winery, the only vintner in the Santa Margarita Ranch Viticulture area in Paso Robles, represented by the Senator from Santa Cruz, Joe King from Wente Valley Vineyards, represented by the Senator from Pleasanton.

Wente is based in the Livermore Valley and is, at 142 years old, is the country's longest continuously family owned and operated winery. And so welcome to our guests from the Wine Institute and from the wine industry. I would raise a glass, but the secretary of the Senate Reminds me that we are.

That is not permitted on the Senate Floor, but it will be permitted this weekend and at all times. Thank you to my colleagues for their support of the resolution. Urgent I vote on Sr 64.

Senator McNerney, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today in support of Sr 64 as a principal co author. Wine is more than a product in California. It's part of our way of life, a source of pride and an anchor of our communities and our economy.

In my district, I'm proud to represent two of California's most historic and important wine regions, Lodi and Livermore Valley. Known as the wine grape capital of the world. Lodi farms over 90,000 acres of Vineyards and produces a crop worth more than $350 million annually. That accounts for more than 40% of California's premium wine grapes.

And Livermore Valley has played a defining role in California's wine history. Winty's vineyards, founded in 1883, remains the oldest continuously farmed owned winery in the United States of America. Lodi and Livermore remind us that California is a wine. The California wine is special because of the people, the traditions and the communities behind it.

As we celebrate California Wine Month, we recognize the hard work of our growers and the important role that they play in our culture and economy. In closing, as they say, civilization is possible where the vine grows.

Senator Alvarado-Gil, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam Mr. President. I'd like to jump into this wine competition of the best wine regions in California with respect to my colleagues from Napa County and from Lodi County.

Today I rise as a proud co author of Senate Resolution 64 to celebrate our California Wine Month and speak about the beautiful wine regions in Senate District 4. California wine industry contributes upward of $170 billion annually to the US economy while it creates over a million jobs across our nation.

We are home to some of the most beautiful wine regions and home to the fourth largest wine producing region in the world.

I am very fortunate to represent some of the wineries in my district, located in Amador county, which is an old vine country where nearly 600 acres of the county's vines are at least 60 years old, with others dating back to the 19th century.

Some of my favorite wineries in Amador county serve up some of the best Zinfandel and Barbera wines. And we celebrate the annual Big Crush. And it's a come as you are atmosphere where it's paired with some of our most delectable wines and foodie tapas, great music and Interaction with the winemakers and those who are the growers and.

And some of our agriculturalists. Calaveras County, which boasts the big Calaveras Big Trees, giant Grove of giant sequoias, has more than 35 tasting rooms which are known for their rich reds like Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

And El Dorado County, I would be remiss if I didn't speak about the great El Dorado county, which is Spanish for the gilded one, has vineyards above 2,000ft in elevation. Some. So if you're looking for that great Mediterranean California weather while you're sipping some of a great California wine, we welcome you.

We are best known for our Zinfandel, our old wine Zinfandel, and for our welcoming atmosphere. Now, as we approach September and the Vineyards begin to harvest their crops, let us celebrate California Wine Month and the resiliency of these Vineyards and their wineries, and, of course, the exceptional wines that are produced. I ask respectfully for an aye vote on SR 64.

Perhaps a little wine consumed off the floor, of course, could add some cheer to our Senate sessions. Senator Cabaldon, you may close.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank my colleagues from the Select Committee on California's Wine Industry for their comments and simply to note that the two. My two colleagues who've spoken on this resolution represent virtually every Senate district, produces or has a role in California's wine industry.

Wine is grown in different ways and with different grapes and in different. Different vintages all across California. It is an essential part of our. Of our economy and our culture and our identity. You will never hear of a winery in California. Say we are about to up and move our business to Minnesota. That will not be happening.

It is on us to make sure that the wine industry continues to thrive. And with that, I asked for an aye vote. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The ayes are 37 the noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 72, Sr 65.

Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 65 by Senator Wahab relative to Mohammed Khan.

Thank you, colleagues. Today I rise to honor Private Mohammed Khan, a man whose story represents both the sacrifices of our immigrant communities and the resilience of those who came to this country in pursuit, pursuit of freedom.

This is actually quite important to me because of the fact that growing up as an Afghan American, we often talk about the contributions of so many other community Members, and I genuinely didn't have anybody to look towards prior to the arrival of the Afghan community during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

So being able to highlight some some of the contributions of Afghans that have come to this country by choice well before the Soviet invasion is quite important and I wanted to highlight this individual story. Private Khan was born in Afghanistan in the 19th century at a time when this nation was at war with itself.

He enlisted in the Union army on August 21861 joining the 43rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was one of an estimated 250 Muslim soldiers who served in the Civil war serving the Union. And he stands out as one of only two Muslim veterans who went on to receive a federal pension for his service.

Private Khan fought in some of the most critical campaigns of the war. At the Battle of Malvern Hill, he was struck in the face with the butt of a musket. At the Battle of Spotsylvania, he was wounded by gunfire. And during the campaign at Sailor's Creek, he endured exposure that left him with chronic rheumatism and lifelong pain.

Yet his hardships did not end on the battlefield. In fact, when he first enlisted, he was unable to speak English properly. The enrolling officer guessed his identity and incorrectly listed him as a Blackfoot Indian. Later, while on a detached duty in Maryland, he was arrested as a contraband, mistaken for an enslaved man and transported to Pennsylvania.

Despite his protests, he was forced into servitude before finding a way back to his regiment, a remarkable testament to his persistence and determination after the war. Like too many immigrants and people of color, Private Khan struggled for recognition.

It was only after years of petitions, medical testimony, and statements from fellow soldiers that he secured his pension, an acknowledgement of the wounds and sacrifices he endured for the Union colleagues. The story of Mohammed Khan is not only about one soldier. It's about the early roots of Afghan American culture and community in this country.

It's about the presence of Muslim Americans in our earliest fights for freedom. It is about the immigrant who, even when misidentified discriminated against or overlooked, still choose to fight for the ideals of liberty and equality.

In honoring Private Hahn today, we affirm that America's story has always been an immigrant story, that its strength has always come from diversity. And those who have come from across the globe, including from Afghanistan, have helped shape and defend this nation since its earliest days.

Let us remember Private Mohammed Khan, an Afghan, a Muslim, and an American patriot. His life reminds us of the values, the service, the sacrifice and the justice of all of us, and the fact that it transcends borders, faiths and languages.

And his legacy belongs not only to Afghan Americans and Muslim Americans, but to the history of this nation we call home. Thank you.

Members. This qualifies for unanimous roll call. Without exception. The Ayes are 37, the Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. Now we will lift the calls. First is the Governor's Appointment, file item 414. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The appointment is ratified. Next is file item 56, SR21. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. Next is SCR 91, file 59. Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 61. SR 56. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 65, SCR 104. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 67. SR 60. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 69. SR 62. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Please call the oh, okay. The Ayes are 37. The noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 63, SCR 102. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. The resolution is adopted. File item 70, SCR 63. Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37. The Noes are 0. That resolution is adopted. And now, Members, we will take up the consent and special consent calendars. Does anyone desire to pull an item off of consent? Seeing none. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1457, 1142. Assembly Joint Resolution 15. Senate Bill 611, 392, 440, 598, 858. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 83, 70, 104, 103.

Members, we will take up the first Item, file item 278, and then apply that vote to the remaining items. Excuse me. 279. We removed the first one and apply that vote to the others. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

The Ayes are 37 and Noes are 0. Both consent calendars are adopted. Members, now Committee announcements. I believe Senator Caballero has an announcement for an anxiously awaited Committee meeting.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Appropriations Committee will meet in. Room 2200 of the O Street Building. Upon adjournment of the session today.

Thank you. And, Senator Durazo, you have an announcement. You are recognized.

Thank you. Mr. President. I just want to say a few words on behalf of the Latino Caucus to be able to acknowledge our history and recognize especially individuals who played an instrumental role.

55 years ago today, the largest and most famous component of the Chicano Civil Rights movement, the National Chicano Moratorium March in East Los Angeles took place. An estimated 30,000 people peacefully protested the Vietnam War and spoke out for our civil rights struggle for equality in education, employment, political representation. Regrettably, at the hands of law enforcement.

Ruben Salazar, an award winning journalist for the LA Times, was killed. That event sparked the growth of the Chicano movement and galvanized a new generation of activists. Much has changed over these 55 years, but many of the core issues that sparked that movement persist.

Many Latinos still struggle for our share of the American dream, including immigrants facing violent raids and detentions. We will continue to fight for them and future generations. We will bring greater equity to education, housing, political representation. We will realize the dream that many fought for over 50 years ago. That's why I will be marching in on Saturday.

Thank you.

Now returning to motions and resolutions, it's time for adjourn and memory motions. Senator Gonzalez, you are recognized for your adjourned and memory.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members. I rise today to adjourn in memory of a beloved leader, philanthropist and founding partner of the law firm Kiesel, Young and Logan, but also a very good friend, Samuel Skip A. Kiesel Jr. Skip was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised on a ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

He went on to serve in the United States army before attending Cal State Long Beach, where he graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor's degree in Business. He later earned his law degree from USC in 1965.

In 1970, Skip founded the law firm, as we all know, Kyl or Kiso, Young and Logan, which today has offices in Long Beach, San Francisco, Seattle, Anchorage and Hong Kong. By the 1990s, he had built one of the most admired and successful law firms.

In fact, if you go to his office now, as my colleague from Long Beach and Orange County will know, is that you'll see presidents, elected officials, both Democratic, Republican, from about the 70s until now. I mean, he was friends with just about everybody. His legal career was marked with distinction.

In 1990, Skip was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious organization limited to only 500 Members worldwide. And just this past year, in 2024, he was honored to thankfully with a key to the city by our mayor and council in Long Beach.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Skip will be remembered for his generosity, vision, deep commitment to his community, and one amazing Grand Prix party. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Beth, his children Catherine, Carolyn, Stephen and Hope, and his grandson Jackson. I respectfully ask that we adjourn in his memory.

Senator Umberg, you are recognized on this adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. President. I join my colleague from Long Beach in honoring the life and legacy of Skip Kiesel. Skip is an icon in the legal profession. Appropriately. Very proud of founding his law firm.

The only thing he was more proud of than Kiesel, Young and Logan was his family was an inspiration to both those in the profession and for those who cared about the community. He was a true community activist and philanthropist in terms of the legal recognition he was awarded and recognized in every possible way. I'll just mention one.

Best Lawyers of America had him recognized in a whole bunch of different areas, including maritime and admiralty and legal malpractice. He was one of only two lawyers in California recognized in so many different categories. It is appropriate the California State Senate recognize Skip and his family for all their contributions to California.

And I ask that we adjourn today in his memory.

Senator Richardson, you are recognized on this adjournment memory.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to stand and join in honoring Skip Kiesel, to join our gentle lady from the City of Long Beach in this very important effort. Much has been said, but I just want to focus on two other points.

One, it was mentioned he was raised in Arizona, and if you went into his office, you knew it. He was raised on a ranch in Arizona. If you went into his office, you'd see these rodeo pictures and, you know, the horse and the whole thing.

And he did it very late into his years of actually enjoying being on the horses. The gentleman from Orange County mentioned his legal proudness, and it was very unique at that time to actually specialize in maritime and understand those key issues.

But Mr. Kiesel, when he built his business, if you went to the Union bank building in Long Beach, it. It was like the place to go. And his firm was on the top couple floors, and you could see all of Long Beach, all of the ports.

And what was special about Mr. Kiesel was that it was mentioned about his efforts with philanthropy and supporting nonprofits. I want to point out two. One, the naacp. He would willingly open this beautiful office that everyone wanted to have their reception there.

And he would allow people to have their receptions to be able to raise funds for the community. He wouldn't charge them. He had a kitchen because it was a very tradition. It still is a very traditional law firm.

And so they had this famous kitchen and a chef, and he would just extend all of the abilities and funds that he had to help others. He was also instrumental in leadership Long Beach, which I believe our Senator was involved with as well, and extended the same kindness.

And then finally, Grand Prix, which is one of the largest events that we have in the City of Long Beach. I think over 50,000 or 100,000 people attend over a couple days stay. You weren't someone if you didn't get invited to his Grand Prix party where you could see the Grand Prix from his office.

But in closing, I just want to say that Skip personally helped me. He didn't judge a person by their gender, by their race, by their party. He actually met with people and sought to understand what you were trying to do. And if he supported you, he supported you all the way. So I remember him fondly.

I will join in prayer for his family and. And wish him in his final resting place. Well, thank you.

Thank you, Senator Gonzalez. Please know our condolences are with the family and friends. If you will bring the name of your adjournment memory to the desk to be properly memorialized, we would appreciate that. Senator Niello, you are recognized for your adjournment memory.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to adjourn in the memory of Naomi Noni French Parker, who passed away on May 13 of this year at the age of 100. Another in the increasing number of the greatest generation, breaking the century mark. Naomi was born on June 29, 1924 on her family's farm near Logan, Kansas.

She was the first child of Richard and Hilda Schoeller. She led a typical life on the farm as a child, doing her chores and as was also typical of many Midwestern German immigrant families, she spoke only German. But she learned English in school, which then she taught to her parents.

Further proof that she was a bit of a prodigy. She skipped two grades and entered college at the age of 16. She earned a degree in accounting at Kansas State and went to work for Kodak in New York. That was where she met Alexander French and they were married in 1947.

A year later they moved to Riverside, California where they lived for 10 years, during which time their son Tommy and daughter Patty were born. In 1958 they moved here to Sacramento. Alex worked for the California Department of Agriculture and Naomi devoted her life to her family and all that that significantly demands.

She and Alex had an additional partnership within their marriage. She helped him manage his side job of teaching piano in their home. She and Alex had a very active social life and she had many activities of her own. Of note, Senator Umberg.

She was a part time proctor for the state bar exams and they certainly could have used her expertise recently also as proof that you can take the Kansan out of Kansas, but you can't take the Kansas out of the Kansan. In addition to being a Giants Kings and 49ers fan.

The she was also a die hard Chiefs fan. After 40 years of marriage, Alex passed away in 1987. But lucky in love though, Noni met Colonel Van Parker, a decorated World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veteran and retired wing commander at Mather Air Force Base, and they were soon married.

Unfortunately, after 13 years, she was widowed once again. When Colonel Parker passed away, Noni was remembered by those who knew her well as her obituary cited as kind, always positive, with a sparkle in her eyes and a loving demeanor.

She is survived by her two children, her younger brother Jerry Scholler, his wife Jenny, and her four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Please join me to adjourn our session and the memory of Naomi Schoeller French Parker.

Our condolences are with family and friends. Senator Niello, please bring the name of your adjournment memory to the front desk to be properly memorialized. Senator Unberg, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I am sad to actually have to be in a position to honor the life and legacy of Mike Arnold. Mike, as many of us know, was a lobbyist here and a friend. He was known as someone who was objective, who knew his stuff and was reliable.

He and I known one another for 35 years. He was born in Watumpka, Oklahoma to Earl and Francis Arnold, but moved to the Bay Area at the age of two. In his early years he was motivated by sports, participating in football and basketball as an all star athlete.

He was also a Boy Scout, which fostered a his love of outdoors. There were signs of his future interest in government because he was elected the student body President. In high school.

He went to UCLA where he was awarded both an academic and football scholarship and helped carry the 1965 Bruin football team to their first Rose bowl victory. Those of us that are UCLA alumni will remember them as the gutty little Bruins.

After spending his undergraduate career studying political science and math, Michael continued to UCLA to earn a master's degree in public Administration. He was proud, and I'll underline proud, to have his daughter Christy and granddaughter Bridget both attend UCLA. Continuing that legacy, Michael began his lobbying career in 1971.

He spent eight years with the California League of Cities and three with the California Medical Association before opening his own firm in 1982, Arnold&Associates. This firm was a testament to Michael's commitment to and love not only for his career, but for his family.

He was very proud of his lobbying firm, but even more proud of his family. When I arrived in the Legislature in 1990, he and I bonded over shared Bruin history.

But he also represented two entities that were both near and dear to my heart and were often in my office, and that was the City of Anaheim and the Orange County Water District. We continue to work closely throughout the years.

For over 40 years, Arnold Associate has represented health care clients, local governments, water agencies, and many of his clients stayed with the firm over decades and decades. 1994. Mike was proud to welcome his daughter Christie Arnold Foy to the firm and the two shared the joy of working together for over 30 years.

And we should all be so blessed to have our family working with us so closely. Michael's daughter in law, Eileen, also joined the firm a few years later. Just last year, Michael welcomed his son in law, Patrick, to the firm and turned leadership over to Christy as President.

I think Christy and Patrick are here today in the gallery. They joined us today. Michael loved spending time with his family outside of work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with Patrick and his son Brian, and spent time hiking and backpacking across California.

His favorite family activity was the nights he spent at St. Francis High School, then later at Sutter Club Father Daughter Dinner Dances. He attended his first one with Christie in 1983 and continued to attend every year with Christy, Eileen, and eventually his four granddaughters.

Michael is remembered by his son Brian, daughter in law Eileen, his former wife Deborah, and his granddaughters Megan, Kennedy, Bridget and Madison, as well as his sister Betty, James, and many, many nieces and nephews. He's also remembered by Christy and Patrick, who, as I mentioned, are here today with us.

Please help me in welcoming them to Senate and I ask that we adjourn in memory and honoring the life and legacy of Michael Arnold.

Thank you, Senator Niello.

You are recognized on this adjournment memory. Thank you, Mr. President. I got to know Mike Arnold when I was in the Assembly 20 years ago, and I got to know him as a lobbyist, obviously an advocate. Many times people speak of lobbyists in the pejorative, which is not earned. In my opinion.

They are largely great resources for us to learn both sides of issues. And Mike Arnold was no different. Truly an honorable man.

My colleague from Orange County, well articulated just about everything about Michael Arnold, and I can't add much to that, except I was termed out of the Assembly in 2010 and was out of the Legislature for a dozen years. But I still saw Mike Arnold fairly regularly.

He was a fellow Member of the Sutter Club and we would see each other at the Father Daughter Dinner Dance. Christy Is nodding her head a great event. And that friendship, not just the professional relationship, but that friendship grew in those 12 years. And I was looking forward to redeveloping the professional relationship with Mike.

As I came back to the Senate, he was kind of fading into retirement and Christy is now taking the firm over. But I have to say I was shocked and saddened certainly when Mike passed away, I gather, of a totally unexpected heart attack. Too young, way too young in my opinion. And we will miss Mike Arnold.

I will miss seeing him at the Sutter Club at the Father Daughter dinner dances.

Senator Richardson, you are recognized on this adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members. Today I rise to join my colleagues in recognizing and honoring Michael Arnold. I didn't call Michael Arnold Michael. I called him Mike. And you know, he really was an institution here in Sacramento politics. We've heard some comments, but I just want to accentuate a couple things.

One, he was involved here for over 50 years. Imagine what he saw over that period of time. When his career began in 1971, he started with the League of California Cities, then with the California Medical Association, and then in 1982 started his own firm. One of the cities he represented was the City of Long Beach.

And when I got on the City Council back in 2000 and 2025 years ago, so we're dating ourselves here. Mike was the first person, when I had my first trip here to Sacramento to do lobbying and talk about how important policies were to the City of Long Beach.

He was the first person who taught me and look where we are today. So when I think of Mike, he drafted personal. Numerous statues relating to reimbursements like licensing, oversight, patient care. Many of California's most consequential patient protections, funding provisions and quality of care standards bear his fingerprints and will forever.

Also, it was to his credit that he built enduring relationships with governors, legislators, staff Members and departmental employees. One of his long standing staff Members is on my team today, and that's Tracy Holt Hundley who assisted in these comments.

But in closing, what I want to say about Mike, and it was said a couple times about these father daughter dinners, Mike was proud to bring on his daughter as a full partner with his firm. And I'd like to say he was a girl dad long before it became famous.

With that, let's remember this dedicated father, friend and advocate.

Please bring his name forward so that it can be appropriately memorialized in the Senate Journal. Senator Perez, you are recognized for your adjourned memory.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise today with a heavy heart as we take a moment to adjourn in memory of Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, who left us far too soon at the age of 52. Earlier this month, Mr. Montoya Valdez's life was a tapestry woven with hope, dreams and immense love for his family.

Tragically, his pursuit of a better life brought him into the crosshairs of discriminatory immigration, immigration policies and enforcement authorities leading to an unjust pursuit across the highway, a haunting reminder of the vulnerabilities that countless Members of our community face every day. In that split second when his life was taken, our community suffered a profound loss.

We didn't just lose a man, but a devoted father, grandfather and friend. For three years, Mr. Montoya Valdez worked tirelessly as a day laborer in Monrovia, his commitment and sacrifice evident in every effort he made.

He was driven by an unwavering desire to provide for his family in both the United States and Guatemala, all while holding onto the dream of one day returning home to open a small business. His dreams were not just his own.

They reflected the aspirations shared by countless others who who strive to build a brighter future for their loved ones. He was a family man in the truest sense, a pillar of strength and a source of unconditional love for his seven grandchildren.

His laughter and guidance were the light that illuminated their lives, laying a foundation of compassion and support that will carry on through generations. Mr. Montoya Valdez's generosity extended beyond his family. He poured his heart into community service, dedicating time to mentor youth.

His passion for boxing not only showcased his dedication, but also became a vital tool for instilling life lessons and young hearts. At the heart of his teaching was a profound belief in the importance of embracing positivity and striving to lead lives filled with goodness, hard work and respect, values that he himself faithfully practiced.

Although he was shy and reserved, Mr. Montoya Valdez nonetheless radiated kindness, always going out of his way to assist others without seeking the spotlight or praise.

We must remember that his untimely and unjust death was a tragic consequence of the systemic and racial targeting that has afflicted Latino communities perpetuated by the oppressive measures of the tribe Trump Administration's police state that too often operates in the shadows.

In a conversation with his daughter Anna Victoria, just the night before his passing, he confided, things are rough here. It is getting harder. I just need to make a little bit more money so that I can go back to Guatemala. These words capture the essence of his struggles and his deep rooted desire to care for his family.

Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez will be remembered as a man of unwavering kindness, hard work and deep love. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren and all those whose lives he touched throughout his journey. His family wishes for him to be remembered as a loving, respectful, courageous man who died because he was afraid.

He died because of these injustices, this persecution. We want him to be remembered as a brave and hard working man. We must honor that wish and keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Although Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez is no longer with us, his story compels us to advocate for justice, equality and dignity for all.

Let us remember that that every dream in our immigrant communities is a testament to resilience and hope. We must stand together with purpose and resolve, allowing Roberto's memory to inspire meaningful change and foster understanding in our society, particularly for our immigrant communities. Every human life is valuable and worth something, and we must recognize and honor this truth.

Mr. Valdez leaves behind a family that will forever cherish his memory, his four daughters, their mother and seven beloved grandchildren who will ensure his spirit and values live on for generations to come. May he rest in power. Thank you.

Please bring his name forward so that he may be appropriately memorialized in the Senate Journal. If there is no other business, Senator McGuire, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. I'm going to end with some infamous words. We live here now. And that's what we're going to be saying for the next two weeks. We live here now. We are scheduled to go to about 6, 7pm each night next week. That will be a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays.

I know folks will be celebrating California workers on Labor Day. So we'll be going to 6 to 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of next week, the week after that. We will plan on going late. And so that means 10 to midnight each of the nights.

Senator Ashby has promised to bring in plenty of sweets and sugar to be able to keep folks going. We will be pumping out the coffee per gallon in the lounge, making sure that folks are enjoying themselves over the next two weeks.

But just want to make sure that everyone knows that we are here late, we are here long, and we're going to do the people's business and we're going to get the job done for California. The next four sessions, Mr. President, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Have a wonderful Labor Day and let's celebrate workers.

Thank you very much for that warning, Mr. President. As he said, we will reconvene Tuesday, September 2nd, at 2:00pm we'll be in recess until all legislative business has been received.