Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. If I can have your attention, so would the Members and our guests. Beyond the rail and in the gallery, please rise. We'll be led in prayer this afternoon by Senator Caballero, after which, please remain standing to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Please bow your head. Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and a hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us to a time where true spirituality involves saying beyond our limited selves to find God in everything. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear and despair.

Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts longings for the healings of our suffering world.

Knowing, gracious God, that you are hearing us better than we are speaking. We offer these prayers in all the holy names attributed to you. Amen.

Please follow me in the salute to the flag. I pledge allegiance. So we have a couple of birthdays not exactly today, but a belated birthday to Senator Wahab and an early birthday to Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Happy birthday to both of you. And. Shall we sing them happy birthday? Oh, maybe not.

As for privileges of the floor, there are none at this point. 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 of adopted.

Now moving to motions, resolutions and notices without objection, the Senate journals for January 5, 2026 through January 8, 2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk and yes you recognize.

Okay, thank you. I rise to request SJR9 be removed from the inactive file for the purpose of concurring and Assembly amendments. Is this the right place, right time? Okay, thank you.

The desk will note. No other motions for resolution. Oh, yes.

Thank you. Mr President.

You are recognized.

Please remove Senate Bill 626 and SCR 89 from the inactive file.

The desk will so note seeing no others. Introduction and first reading of bills will be deemed read. Consideration of The Daily File Senate Third Reading. File item 50 Senator Choi. Oh.

Please read Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 by Senator Choi Relative to Korean American day.

Senator Choi Se Jack Ha SEO.

Thank you, Mr. President and all the Members. Happy New Year. Somehow President skipped my birthday. My birthday is officially on my driver's license of January 15th, so add that to the official record.

I rise today with the great pride to introduce Resolution SER106 that recognizes a remarkable milestone in American history, the 123rd anniversary of Korean American immigration to the United States, which began in 1903 with the arrival of Korean immigrants seeking opportunity and freedom on these shores.

Their arrival date was January 13th and the US Congress declared the January 13th the Korean American Day nationally in 2025, 21 years ago. That's the reason we are celebrating each year. January 13th today happens to be 12th. So tomorrow is official Korean American Day.

The Korean American community has grown into one of the most dynamic and contributing groups in our nation. Today There are over 2.2 million Korean Americans living in the United States, making Korean Americans the fifth largest Asian origin group in the country. Here in California, we are home to the largest share of the vibrant community.

Nearly 575,000 Korean Americans reside in our state, representing about one in four Korean Americans nationwide. Their presence enriches the social and cultural fabric of our cities and towns.

From Los Angeles, Orange County, through the San Francisco Bay area and beyond, Korean Americans have built thriving small businesses that anchor local economies, including restaurants, tech startups and service enterprises that employ our neighbors and boost economic growth. Their contributions to the public service, science, medicine, education and the arts reflect the best California's spirit of innovation.

Some of you may remember that the first Korean American elected to the California state Legislature was Honorable Alfred Hoyun Song, which he was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1962 and later elected to the California State Senate in 1966, serving here continuously until late 1978.

His historic legislative career spanned 16 years in Sacramento, breaking barriers for Korean Americans and then Asian Americans in California public service. That makes me the third Senator and the fourth California State legislator of the Korean descent.

Culturally, the K Wave, K Pop and the Korean cinema to cuisines and the literature that that the Korean literature Nobel Prize was won by Korean lady has captivated the audiences across the world, sharing global tastes and enriching American culture. BTS Paradise Squid Game Some people call it the Ojingha game.

Korean barbecue, Kimchi and Taekwondo are now woven to the American cultural landscape. This is a testament to the cultural exchange that began decades ago and continues to flourish. On this anniversary, we honor not just the history but the ongoing contributions of Korean Americans to the State of California and the United States of America.

I respectively ask for your support of this resolution recognizing the achievements of Korean Americans and reaffirming California's commitment to diversity, opportunity and unity. Thank you for your support.

Senator Strickland. You are recognized.

Happy New Year, Members. It's an honor to rise in support of this resolution 106. Today we recognize Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United states back in 1903.

Like so many of our immigrants, they came to search for opportunity and through hard work and perseverance, they helped build strong families, businesses and all of our communities.

Korean Americans have made a significant contribution to our country, our state and and in my district, Senate District 36 wide population in the cities such as Buena Park, Cerritos, La Palma and Stanton. They're entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals and public servants.

Their commitment to service and civic engagement continues to strengthen our economy and enrich our cultural f abric here in the United States. I'm proud to serve as a co author of SCR106, which formally recognizes tomorrow January 13th as Korean American Day and honors the important role Korean Americans play through our shared history.

Today we celebrate their contributions and reaffirm the commitment to inclusion, opportunity and respect for all. In a point of personal privilege, I do want to point out two specific Korean Americans who really made a difference here in California. One is Michelle Park Ste.

She was a Member of the Board of Equalization on the Board of Supervisors in Orange County, a Member of Congress. And actually, if it wasn't for Michelle park, still I might not be here.

Because when I first thought of the run for the Legislature, her and her husband were one of the first people I talked to and they encouraged me to move forward. And they were always someone who has been my mentors throughout my political career. And I want to make that point.

And then also I want to say Dr. Choi is a very, very special friend. He's a special guy. And again, Members, let's give Dr. Choi a round of applause for his birthday and this special resolution. Thank you so much.

Senator Perez, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on behalf of the vibrant and strong Korean American community in my district in support of this resolution by the Senator. The March 1st movement symbolizes the strength and resiliency of the Korean people as it marks the start of the movement towards independence for the country of Korea.

While this moment carries such historical significance to also acknowledge the contributions of of the rich cultural and economic tapestry of our state by Korean Americans. This year's celebrations carries additional importance for me. For who despite the devastation of the wildfires to their lives and livelihoods, Korean Californians in Senate District 25 are helping restore and heal our community.

In my district, the Korean community is a pillar made up of active community leaders and organizations. Local businesses whom are known for building bridges with other multicultural communities and empowering individuals cultural intelligence by facilitating cultural events and engaging with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in educational and community settings.

Examples of these efforts as it relates to the recent wildfires include efforts by Kisung Lee and Jiang Li Yu who whom lost their home in the Altadena fires. Their family owns the Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena, one of the few businesses that is left standing.

In their own capacity, they have donated the space of their restaurant and parking lots as a donation and resource center for the residents of Altadena. In addition to their parents, their two daughters Janet and Christy Lee are leading efforts to serve residents free food with the help of the World Cultural Kitchen.

I want to acknowledge the efforts of these tremendous community leaders despite these trying times for their own families among so many others whom are putting the needs of the community first.

I stand in support of this resolution to celebrate the rich history of the Korean Californian community and thank my constituents for all that they are doing to help rebuild our community back. Thank you.

Senator Archuleta.

You're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of scr106 and I'd like to point out one of the Korean Americans that I appointed as my Woman of the Year, Patty Noon.

Can you imagine this young lady and her family arrived in America when she was just a infant and actually stayed at a small restaurant in the back room with her family because they had nowhere to go.

And that young child, as she was growing up, her father realized that the best way to show that he can participate in the American Dream is join the United States Army. So he served with honor and distinction, received his honorable discharge, was able to go on to school, and his children have now grown.

And Patty Noon now owns 14 McDonald's, 14 of them. And it was from nothing. And one of her sons is in medical school, the other one's in law school. And they're definitely participating in the American dream.

So that's an example that is there for all of us to achieve and thank that we have a community in my district, Korean Americans, that are contributing to every single day, to our way of life. God bless them all. Thank you.

Senator Richardson Be recognized.

Good afternoon, everyone. I rise in support today in honor of the Korean American Day, in support of SCR 106 but also in support of the gentleman from Irvine. I learned in my first week or so I'm not supposed to say the names, so I'm just going to gently acknowledge you there, sir.

I do want to also make a point that to the gentleman from Irvine, certainly you have brought not only the acknowledgement of the days and the important moments, but in the way that you carry yourself and making sure that we are really aware of all diversity here in the state of California.

So I concur with the other gentleman from Orange County of applauding all. All of your efforts. In particular, I wanted to rise in support with you and scr106 because I have a special iconic place in my district. It's called the Korean Friendship Bell. It was given as a gift to Americans here, really to symbolize.

It was brought in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial to honor valiant veterans of the Korean War, which my uncle was one of them, and to celebrate the enduring bond of friendship between our nations. I have the privilege when I drive home to see buses coming and people lined up.

People come from all over the world to see the Korean Friendship Bell in the city of Los Angeles, also known as San Pedro, at that particular site. The bell itself, it's only rung twice, twice in a year.

And it really is a special moment for people to come and understand the culture, how important it is and how the Korean Americans here in California live and thrive. This is a remarkable gift. It symbolizes the Korean people's enduring spirit and their commitment to peace. The Korean community has had a positive impact.

It was already mentioned today some of the food that many of us enjoy. Also the gentleman from Irvine mentioned that K Pop won last night in the Golden Globe Awards. And I think it speaks to more of inclusiveness and understanding culture.

But with all of that today, I want to express my greatest gratitude to the Korean American community on this special day.

Not only for this day, but really the value that's brought of the businesses in many of our communities where there would be no businesses, that the community has come to work alongside all of those communities to represent and to serve. So congratulations and the acknowledgement of this day.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to join my colleagues and rising in strong support of SCR 106 recognizing Korean American Day. And I thank the Author For Bringing this Forward, we are honoring the history, the resilience and the contributions of Korean Americans in California. The art, the food, the music, the health and the wellness.

I have on the southern, the northern edge of my district, the southern edge of Koreatown, many constituents and I want to give a special recognition for the film industry and the stories that are being told by that community that reflect diversity and allows us to understand the great contributions of this important group of Californians.

I'm proud to represent one of the most diverse districts here in California, the 28th, and it includes the vibrant Koreatown community, as I mentioned, that is one of the most dynamic Korean American communities in the nation.

I also want to mention the number of businesses as my colleagues have talked about, but also the number of advocacy organizations that represent in Koreatown who helped to really stand for solidarity, bridging communities, bringing them together.

Particularly after the 1992 uprising, it was the Korean business owners groups like the Korean Immigrant Workers alliance that help to build bridges between communities, recognizing peace, but more importantly, that our communities are stronger together.

In my district, Korean American families, institutions and businesses help to anchor this vibrant, diverse communities where many cultures coexist, thrive and support one another, while playing a vital role in shaping California, particularly through civic engagement and human rights.

I want to recognize the work of so many of our Korean faith leaders who have been part of discussions about the protection of civil rights and human rights, particularly in this moment, and ensuring that our Korean immigrant families are protected and safe from harm, danger and authoritarianism.

Recognizing Korean American Day is an opportunity to celebrate that rich history, to celebrate the history that is still being made while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, dignity and the belonging of immigrant communities across our state. I thank the author again and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Senator Durazzo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank my colleague, Senator Choi, for bringing forward this recognition of the Korean American Day. As a proud representative of Koreatown in Los Angeles, a Neighborhood More than 100 years old and home to over 40,000 Korean Americans, I rise to celebrate the 123 years of their contributions to our state and nation.

In 1903, 102 courageous Korean immigrants arrived on the shores of Hawaii, beginning a journey that would transform all of California. They faced tremendous obstacles, language barriers, economic hardship and discrimination. For 40 years, Korean immigration was banned or severely limited, but they persevered and Koreatown stands as a testament to their resilience.

In my district, I'm honored to work alongside many outstanding organizations the La Korean Festival, now in its 53rd year. The care clinic that has provided culturally sensitive health care to underserved communities for 40 years. The Koreatown Youth and Community center has served families for more than 50 years.

Kiwa, the Korean immigrant Workers alliance, fighting for workers dignity and fair wages, and youth groups like Help on the Go remind us that the next generation is committed to building bridges across our community. And leaders like Julia Jung, who helped form this group. I feel a deep connection to those first immigrants.

Like them, many were laborers, farmers and workers pursuing the American dream. It's been my life's mission to fight for working families like them. From K Pop to Korean barbecue, groundbreaking entrepreneurs to dedicated public servants, the Korean American community enriches every aspect of California life. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Senator Alvarado-Gil. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I rise on behalf of the Hispanic Legislative Caucus as we acknowledge and honor the contributions of Korean immigrants and Korean Americans to the Central Valley's California region.

Shaped by hard work, resilience and community, Korean immigrants began arriving in California in the early 20th century, often taking on difficult agricultural labor under challenging conditions and with limited resources and facing discrimination. They worked in fields and orchards and Vineyards, helping sustain the valley's agricultural economy during its most demanding years.

After the Immigration Act of 1965, a new generation of Korean immigrants made the Central Valley their home. They built lives in cities like Fresno and Stockton, Modesto, Bakersfield, and here in Sacramento. Many opened small businesses and entered farming and food distribution.

They worked in health care, education and local services, strengthening both the economy and the social fabric of the region. Region. At the heart of these communities was the Korean churches and family networks. These institutions offered very much more than just worship.

They provided cultural education, language, mutual support and a sense of belonging, especially in places where Korean populations were small and widely dispersed. Today, we honor Korean Americans with Korean American Day here on the floor. And we know that their story reflects the broader story of the Central Valley itself.

People from around the world contributing their labor, traditions and gifts to a shared future. We recognize Korean immigrants not only for what they built, but for their values that they brought. Their perseverance, their community, and the commitment to the next generation. I rise in support. Thank you. To the author of this resolution.

Senator Arreguin. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I join my colleagues in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 106. I want to thank the Senator from Irvine for bringing this important resolution forward to recognize the immense contributions of Korean Americans in finance, tech, law, medicine, education, media arts and culture.

Talked about the cultural contributions of Korean Americans in our discussion today and government, including the great Senator from Irvine. Since 1903, when the first Koreans arrived on California shores, they have added to the rich diversity of our state and provided immense contributions.

And I want to talk about the ties between Korea and California, not just in terms of our exchanges between our respective governments, but the economic and cultural exchanges which really add value not just to Korea, but also to the state of California.

And one example of those ties is the sister city partnerships that many cities in California have with the Republic of Korea, including the city of Berkeley, which I served as mayor for eight years. And during my mayorship, we formed a sister city partnership with the city of Gangju in Central Korea.

I was very honored to Visit Gongju in 2022 to formalize that partnership and to look at how we can better strengthen the ties between our respective countries, which I think is so important now more than ever in this time of great unrest and challenges in our international relations between our country and many foreign governments as well.

And I want to just also acknowledge the significant presence of Koreans in Oakland, another city that I represent, which is centered around the Koreatown and Northgate district, which is home to Korean markets, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant, growing hub of our Korean American community in the East Bay.

So today, we honor the rich contributions of Korean Americans here in California and throughout our country. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on the resolution.

Senator Ochoa Bog, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the important role that Korean Americans have played in the Inland Empire. Many people don't know that Riverside was home to the very first Koreatown in the United States.

Known as Pachapa Camp, the settlement was founded by Korean immigrant Dosan Ahn Chung Ho in 1905. Dosan and his wife Lee moved from San Francisco to Riverside because it was. A city rich in citrus, gold and and offered better job opportunities. Later, Dosan founded.

Founded the Korean Labor Bureau to help the Korean community find work during the citrus harvest. The camp's population could be as high as 300 people. However, after the Great Freeze of 1913, the number of residents began dwindling.

While some cities, such as Redlands in my district, became home to families from the main settlement, most of the camp's residents left the Inland Empire to find work elsewhere. In the 1950s, the area was redeveloped and Pachapa Avenue was renamed Commerce Street. In 2001, the statue was built in downtown Riverside to recognize Dosan.

In 2016, the City of Riverside declared Camp Achapa a point of cultural interest and installed a sign to commemorate the camp's significance. Camp Achapa wasn't just the first Koreatown in America. It was. It was the center of community for Korean Americans and a model for the Korean independence movement.

I am proud to the contributions of the contributions made by the Riverside County's Korean Americans. And I ask you to join me in voting aye for SCR 106.

Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I also stand in strong support of SCR106. Today we come together to honor and recognize an enduring legacy and rich culture of these wonderful individuals. Korean Americans in our great state. A community that has helped shape our social fabric and of course, push forward our economic vitality.

SCR106 commemorates Korean American Day, marking the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States over a century ago and celebrates their tireless pursuit of the American dream. Their journey is filled with courage, sacrifice, and profoundly has enriched what we are today here as a state.

My district, the San Gabriel Valley, is home to a thriving Korean American community with restaurants, theater, music. I invite all of you to come. It is an absolute joy to see everyone live with one another and really honor the diversity that we have in this great space state.

Again, my district is home to one of the largest Korean American populations in this state. And I also want to just want to thank all the restaurants and all the businesses that have really, you know, pushed our economic vitality forward.

And I want them to know that we appreciate them, we honor them as we honor all immigrants in this great state that Sangro Valley stands with this community. And it is a testament to what happens when diverse communities flourish together in unity, celebrating one another and working together for the greater good.

Their presence and their leadership is extraordinary. And I also want to commemorate and thank their workforce that help with all of our needs in our communities.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues to honor the contributions of Korean Americans past, present and future, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and the opportunity for all immigrants in this great nation to work together, to celebrate one another, and to honor once again, the reason why we're a great state and a great country.Thank you

Senator Valladares. You're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I too, rise in strong support of SCR 106. Korean American Day is a reminder of California's story, an America story. It's built by families who took a leap of faith, who worked hard and never stopped giving back.

I do want to thank my colleague, the Senator from Irvine, for bringing this resolution forward and for ensuring that we take a moment to recognize that legacy. He, too, is a proud Korean American, a veteran, and someone whose love of country is reflected not simply in words, but in his service.

And I think we all thank him for that. Korean American Day commemorates the first Korean immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1903, searching for opportunity, searching for freedom, values that slavery still define us as a country today. And that story seems familiar.

In my district, families who start with little, who open small businesses, serve in uniform, raise their children to work hard and to give back to their communities. In Santa Clarita and the High Desert, Korean American families are employers, their educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who strengthen our local economy and enrich all of our lives daily.

Their commitment to family and faith and education and service reflects the very best of the American promise. And on a personal note, as a mom of an 8 year old, I'd also like to thank the Korean culture for K Pop and K Pop demon hunters. If you know, you know.

Today we honor those contributors and say thank you for the lasting impact Korean Americans have made in California and all over our nation. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Umberg, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. And to our Korean friends who are here with us today, and to our friend from Irvine. And now that I've exhausted my Korean vocabulary, let me turn to the two Koreatowns that exist in my district, the two best Koreatowns in all of California.

Thank you to my friend from Los Angeles who has a perfectly acceptable Koreatown. We are blessed. We are particularly blessed in Orange County to have a very large Korean American population. We're blessed economically, we're blessed culturally. We're blessed in terms of our cuisine. We are blessed many, many times over.

We have a great debt that we owe as Americans to our partners, our friends in Korea, Koreans fought in Vietnam with us at a level that was unprecedented. 5,099 Koreans were killed in Vietnam and over 10,000 wounded. That debt that they that we incurred is continuing as we speak.

Right now, as we speak, there's a demilitarized zone in Korea. Our friend from Irvine, Senator from Irvine, served on that demilitarized zone. And it is one of the most dangerous places on earth. And it's in our interest to make sure that that peninsula stays stable. And it's our partners and friends in Korea that are making it so.

And there are so many Korean veterans here in the United States, so many Korean veterans. And we are enriched by their passion, by their patriotism to our country. And so it is perfectly appropriate that we recognize Korea. Korean Americans. In my family, it's very important because but for Korea, my three children and eight grandchildren would not exist.

I'll be happy to explain that later on. So let me close by urging an aye vote and once again saying Kamsa Hamdida to our colleague from Irvine.

I did not know we had a competition among Korean towns, but we'll save that for another time. Senator Wiener, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of SCR106. I want to thank the Senator from Orange County for his leadership supporting the Korean American community.

The Korean American experience reminds me of my own family's experience and immigration story pursuing coming to this country to pursue opportunity and stability and a good life as some of the largest Korean communities have made California their home. This resolution is important to celebrate that experience of embracing a new home while preserving traditions and cultural roots.

As recognized, Korean Americans have been a driving force of the growing influence and power of Korean culture throughout the planet. And that is incredibly powerful and it's a beautiful thing. In recent years, Korean culture and exports have become essential to the lives of many Californians.

I'm also proud as a representative of San Francisco, as my district's role as among the first hubs of Korean migration to California, even though other parts of the state have now probably surpassed us in size, we are small but mighty. I'm honored to celebrate Korean American, the Korean American community. And I urge an aye vote.

Senator Reyes, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. To my colleague from Irvine who I followed here from the Assembly where he taught us so much about the Korean culture, I say thank you. As we celebrate Korean American Day, I will share the words of my sister in law, Enyangka SEO, who made sure that I learned at least a little bit right.

I want to echo the thoughts of so many of my colleagues about the rich history, the culture, the food, the hard work, the value, and like so many other immigrants, the pursuit of the American Dream. Rather than repeat what so many of my colleagues have said, I do want to take a personal point of privilege.

In 1903, our first Korean Americans arrived. And I think the greatest gift they gave to our family were April, my niece, and Steven, my nephew. And with that, I respectfully asked for an aye vote on SCR106.

Senator Wahab, you are recognized.

Thank you. I rise today as Vice Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus in strong support of sustainability which recognizes Korean American Day. Today, we honor Korean American Day, making January 13, 1903 when the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States with courage, hope and determination. The American Dream in its heart and soul.

Korean Americans have helped build our nation as small business owners, healthcare workers, educators, innovators and public servants. In fact, one of my first full time jobs was at a business where Korean Americans owned that particular business in the environment. California is proud to be home to the largest Korean American population in the country. And we also.

For today, I want to be very clear. We recommit to standing against hate and discrimination and to ensuring every community is seen, protected and valued. Korean American history is American history, and today we celebrate resilience, culture and the generation shaping our future. We honor the past and all of their commitments.

We celebrate the present and the communities that surround us and uplift the future of the Korean American community. So I want to thank my colleague for bringing this forward. And I will say just working with him, he has highlighted the importance of the Korean American identity, culture, community and food.

In particular, I'm a big fan of the short ribs, and so I want to thank him personally for bringing this forward and just again, highlighting the AAPI community. Thank you.

You made me hungry. Senator Weber Pierson, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I rise today in support of SCR106, recognizing January 13 as Korean American Day, a day that honors the arrival of first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1902 and celebrates more than a century of resilience, contribution and community.

Korean American Day is not only about honoring history, but also about recognizing how immigrant communities shape the social, cultural and economic fabric of our nation and our state. From small business owners and educators to health care workers, artists and public servants, Korean Americans have played a vital role in strengthening our communities and building opportunities for future generations.

I also want to acknowledge the important connections between Korean Americans and Black American communities. Our histories in this country are different, but they are connected by shared struggles against discrimination, exclusion and violence, and shared by a commitment to dignity, justice and opportunity.

Both communities know what it means to fight for civil rights, to confront systemic barriers and to organize for change. Many Korean Americans, including those who served along black soldiers, have defended this nation in uniform. Both communities understand the cost of freedom and the responsibility to protect it for the next generation.

Recognizing Korean American Day reaffirms that our diversity is not a weakness, but a strength. It reminds us the struggle for opportunity, respect and belonging is not isolated to one community, but is a shared experience between many. And that progress is greatest when we move forward together. Colleagues, I urge your support on SCR106. Thank you.

And Senator Jones, you are recognized.

Thank you. Mr. President and Members, I am allowing. Thank you for allowing me to have this time to support SCR106 by our good friend and colleague Senator Dr. Choi. I stand in strong support of SCR 106, which proclaims January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in the state of California.

California has long been a gateway for U. S. Korean relationship, serving as a hub for Korean American communities and for military and economic cooperation across the Pacific. For more than a century, Korean Americans have helped build California's communities and have contributed to our economy and civic life.

Their commitment to the United States is reflected in military service, as has been mentioned, including World War II, the Korean War and the generations that followed. The Korean War in particular forged a lasting bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea through shared sacrifice and defense of freedom.

In fact, on a personal note, an uncle that I had the opportunity to live with when I was in high school was a marine serving in Korea during the Korean War.

And as a result of that experience, I had the unique privilege of being able to hear from him about his experiences in Korea, the bravery of the Korean people, the concern over communism taking over that entire area, and the defense that the Koreans stood up to hold that back.

The bond endures today as a strong alliance and economic partnership grounded in shared Democratic values and mutual security interests, as also reflected in the close economic, cultural and personal ties that continue to benefit California and the entire nation and the globe by extension.

For those reasons, I'm proud to support str106 and respectfully ask for all of us to to vote aye. Thank you very much.

And seeing no other mics up. Senator Choi, with apologies for not recognizing your birthday earlier. It is three days from now. Happy birthday to you and you may close.

Thank you, President. I'm overwhelmed by your overwhelming support. Almost made me cry. I didn't expect that many people have some connection and relationship and the spirit to support my effort to highlight Korean American Day. How we have arrived here today. I really sincerely thank you for that.

I'm going to invite you to our reception after the session at the seventh floor public area. Korean Rice Duck we're going to serve. Come have a sticky duck. You can try. Today we have a number of Korean Americans have joined from Sacramento area and the San Francisco East Bay Area.

Some on the gallery and some on the floor. And I would like to have a chance to take a picture with the Consul General of Korea in San Francisco later on. In the meantime, let me introduce some limited number of VIPs who have made their trip this far to the floor. And if I can have general.

If you could, let's take the vote on the resolution. Oh, and we'll address that approval first. I have a sneaking suspicion it's going to pass.

Okay.

And then we'll move on to the introductions.

Yeah. With that I would appreciate your support. Support on the bill SCR106. Thank you.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members once.

[Roll Call]

380. The measure passes a bit of squeaker, but it passes. Senator Choi, under privileges of the floor. You have some introductions, I think.

Thank you for your vote and my passing SCR106. With that, let me continue introduction of Korean American guests. Today everybody is a VIP to me. But because of the limited space on the floor, I invited only six on the floor and recognize the people on the gallery. First of all, if I name your name, please?

Oh, you are already down here behind me. Honorable Chung Taek Lim, Consul General of Korea in San Francisco, raise your hand. And Yun Sun Ahn, spouse of Consul General, raise your hand. And Jinny E. Is chairman of the Kowin and also another national Korean association. So Jinny Lee and Soon Lim Chairwoman could not make it today.

So today we have Dr. Jonathan Kim, President of San Francisco Korea Center. Raise your hand. And Mija oh, is she here? Mija Oh is President of the Korean Reunification Council of Korea stationed in San Francisco. And then also all the guests on the gallery, would you please rise. So we will give you welcome applause.

Thank you so much. Welcome. Okay, we're going to have some photo. If you'd like to join us have our first shot. You are welcome to join us.

Thank you. Senator Choi. On behalf of the entire chamber, welcome to your. To all of your guests. Returning to motions and. One second. Hold on.

Members. We will return to motions and resolutions very quickly. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. I got ahead of myself earlier. I wanted to just mention that SB 626. I'm asking that it be pulled off of the inactive file and returned to the Assembly for the purposes of amendments.

So noted. Thank you. And we have a couple of Committee announcements. Senator Becker.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today announced the Senate Energy, Utilities and. Communications Committee will be meeting room 1200 of those street building 10 minutes after adjournment of the Senate floor session.

That's room 1200. And Senator Araguain. Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Human Services Committee will meet. Immediately upon adjournment in room 2100 in 1021 O Street. Okay.

So now returning to motions and resolutions, we have three adjourns in memory, and there are guests for at least two of them. And we will start with Senator Umberg.

Well, thank you, Mr. President. It's my sad privilege to be able to recognize and ask that we adjourn in recognition of the life and memory of a Member of our legislative family. And that's Monica Lynn Martinez Hayes. I want to acknowledge the guests that are in our gallery who are here to recognize and honor her life.

Julia Hayes, Monica's daughter, and Laurie Berger, Monica's sister, are here. And other daughters, Catherine, Marianne, Lillian, are watching us through streaming service. Monica Hayes was born on December 301961 in Saginaw, Michigan, to Dolores and Emilio Martinez.

After following in her mother's footsteps and working for Aerojet for several years, Monica accepted a position with the YMCA's Encore plus program, which focuses on education, exercise, and support for women affected by breast and cervical cancer. And she ultimately became the program's Executive Director.

In 2014, Monica began her legislative service, joining the Office of Assemblymember Tom Amiano as a scheduler before accepting the same role with Assembly Member Bill Quirk later that year.

And in 2022, she was hired by Assemblymember Liz Ortega to serve as her scheduler, becoming a valued member of Team Ortega, who is known for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Monica was a proud, fierce, and loving mother of four daughters, Catherine, Marianne, Lillian, and Julia. And I know she was a wonderful mother.

And the reason I know she was a wonderful mother is because Julia was a fellow in our office. And Julia reflected her mother's kindness and grace, intelligence and passion for all Californians. Monica took great joy in sharing their numerous accomplishments and delightful and the young women that they have become.

While her children were growing up, Monica found tranquility in her arts, staying up late to paint, which inspired the name for her art business, Night Owl Design. And she loved to share her artwork with others, whether giving decorative pillows, ornaments, and plates to friends or charity events, or displaying them during holiday boutiques and gallery shows.

Colleagues, I ask that we rise today and we adjourn in the memory of Monica Lynn Martinez Hayes. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Umberg, bringing the name forward so it may be properly recognized. And next, Senators Perez and Allen. Have adjourns in memory.

Well, thank you, Mr. President. Members, it's with a very heavy heart that I rise alongside my good colleague, Senator Perez, the Senator from Pasadena, Altadena, to honor the lives of those lost in the tragic Palisades and Eaton fires just one year ago, as everyone remembers, at 10:30 in the morning on January 7th, a small brush fire in the Santa Monica mountains collided with a once in a decade red flag set of winds, sparking what would become a generational tragedy for this western portion of Los Angeles.

The first firefighters on the scene reported the fire at 10 acres. By mid afternoon, the blaze had consumed over 1,200 acres and over 30,000 residents were then under evacuation orders.

By that evening, of course, the Eaton fire had ignited on the other side of town, setting up two infernos that combined to create the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history and the costliest that our nation has ever seen. 24 days later, when the last flames of the fires and of course many others were started.

Over the course of those couple of weeks, a total of 37,000 acres had burned. Over 16,000 structures were reduced to ashes. And there are so many ways to quantify the cost of the disaster, financial, psychological, but they're, you know, public health.

I mean, I've read some of the data about all the air we breathed in for the first couple of days after those fires started all throughout the region. But there of course is so much loss, a sense of fear, a deep sense of grief felt all over the region.

So much of the heritage, those beautiful homes, that beautiful community in Altadena, wonderful sights like the Will Rogers house in the Palisades all went up in smoke all at once. And of course we also know that we lost a wonderful group of fellow Californians who lost their lives.

So I want to take a moment to ask that we adjourn in memory of those who lost their lives in the Palisades fire. My colleague will talk to us about those who were tragically lost in the Eaton fire.

And as we continue the work of this past year, hoping to heal the burn scars on Los Angeles, to rebuild both the scars, both physical and emotional, and strive to make this the last catastrophe of its kind. We do so in their names.

Marilyn Hamilton, a second generation Palisadian whose family ran the local bicycle shop for over 40 years. She grew up with a love for the Palisades in her blood. She was an actress, an artist, and a lifelong representation of all that made her community so special.

Randall Miod, self-proclaimed Malibu man of mystery, whose bright red home, known through town as the Crab Shack, had an open door to all for the last three decades. Randall's endless love for his fellow man was the epitome of our California spirit and that beach spirit in Malibu.

Elizabeth Morgan, a gifted psychologist, a talented hairstylist, a salon owner, she was part of the social fabric of the Palisade. She will be dearly missed by her Tahitian terrace neighbors. That beautiful mobile home park that burned along the PCH. Charles Mortimer, a world traveler, witty father, fervent Cubs fan.

Charlie will be remembered by friends across the globe as a man who live life to the fullest. Betty O'Meara, a pillar of Malibu. She and her husband opened the Malibu Cinema, a hub of culture and community that they ran for decades. Her generosity, her friendship, her hospitality knew no bounds.

Annette Rossilli, a beloved Palisadian who spent years investing in her community, both through her small business and her kindness and generosity as a friend and neighbor. Mark Sturterenberg, a brilliant engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He moved with his young family from Russia to the Pacific Palisades 45 years ago.

And he worked tirelessly every day since, building a beautiful life for his family and advancing science in our region. Arthur Simoneau, a legend of the hang gliding community who was known as a grown-up hippie and the unofficial caretaker of the Topanga community, where he built his home. He was a friend to so many.

Rory Sykes, who despite being born with blindness and cerebral palsy, devoted his life to lifting up others, be it as a child TV star, an inspirational speaker and the co founder of Happy Charity.

Jeffrey Takayama, a husband, father and grandfather who was killed defending his home, the home that his family had called home in Malibu for 41 years. He was a fierce tennis player, a brilliant CPA and unwavering protector of those he loved up into his dying moments.

Diana Webb, a longtime resident of the Pacific coast highway community who will be missed dearly by her family and her neighbors in Malibu.

And finally, Dr. Hak Wong, who, after moving to the States from Hong Kong, graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth Medical School and went on to serve our LA community through his medical practice for nearly 40 years. Every one of these individuals was an irreplaceable piece of our community.

It's no surprise that many of them passed away fighting to defend the homes and the community they helped to build, the neighbors they loved, the pets that they held dear, just as they had in some cases during previous disasters. In the face of all of this unprecedented loss, our community has demonstrated such resilience.

Folks have housed their neighbors, launched nonprofits, raised millions of dollars to help use their gifts to lift up others and rebuild. It's also impossible to fully express all the gratitude that we feel to all the firefighters who came in from all over, all over the state, all over the west, even internationally.

From Mexico, from Canada, from Israel, from Australia, from all over the world. They were willing to risk their lives at the fire's edge fighting for the survival of our communities. And it's only thanks to their bravery and selflessness that countless more lives and structures weren't lost in the tragedy.

To the tens of thousands of individuals, first responders and local leaders, aid workers, artists, but also ordinary citizens who stepped up to save lives and help us pick up the pieces. We're so grateful. I still get goosebumps thinking about just the outpouring of support from all over our state as people wanted to give and wanted to help.

We're obviously now we spent Wednesday last week, both of us in our communities as our communities have grappled with this anniversary trying to rebuild. Many homes are starting to come out of the ashes and yet so many are still struggling. Lack of insurance, lack of basic supports.

So we all need to redouble our efforts to help them as they rebuild and never forget those who we lost. Members, as our colleague from Pasadena honors those lost in the Eaton fire, please join us in memorializing each of these beautiful Californians by adjourning the Senate in their memory.

Colleagues, I have rised with a heavy heart to join my colleague from Santa Monica to ask that this body adjourn in the memory of the 19 lives that were lost in the destructive January 2025 Eaton fire.

Amidst the chaos and devastation of what became one of the largest and most destructive fires in California and LA County history, it is the loss of these parents, children, friends and neighbors that are the most painful and numbing for those who may not be familiar with Senate District 25.

It is a rich and diverse tapestry of communities that make up the Foothills and the West San Gabriel Valley. Altadena especially stands out as a close knit and multi generational community that has been home to the same families for decades.

This is a town that has provided opportunity for working class, black, white, Latino and Asian Americans to make a home and a community. Thousands of Altadena residents saw their lives permanently changed on January 7th. We continue to collectively work towards rebuilding and bringing Altadena back stronger.

And we take this moment to recognize that there are families that are still recovering and our community continues to mourn and demand justice for those that we lost. In Honor of the 19 lives lost, I rise to share who my constituents were, to illuminate them and have the State honor their memory and their State Senate's record.

Evelyn McClendon, 59, was lost on the same Altadena block where she grew up with much of her extended family. A Loyola Marymount graduate and school bus driver, Evelyn's passions included politics, scary movies and her strong faith. Zhi Feng Zhao, 84, was living in Altadena alone following the loss of his wife during the pandemic.

He is remembered by those who knew him, including his son who was supposed to visit him before the fire broke out, as an intelligent, talented and resilient man who came from humble beginnings to make a quality life for him and his family. Anthony Mitchell Sr., 68, and Justin Mitchell, 35, were a father and son who lived together.

Mr. Mitchell Sr. Is remembered as a caring father who brought his family together. That was true up until his last moments. Although Mr. Mitchell Sr. needed to use a wheelchair, he did not leave his son, Justin, who lived with cerebral palsy, behind. Earlene Kelly, 83, was a pillar of her family and community.

She died in the same Altadena home where she had lived for more than 40 years. Both sweet and stern, Mrs. Kelly was known to take pride in maintaining her home and garden as well as being an active community volunteer who was always stopping to say hello to people when she was out in Altadena.

Victor Shaw, 66, passed away in his childhood Altadena home. A quiet man, he was passionate about football and basketball and was regularly enjoying watching games with his sister Shari. Despite her best efforts, Shari lost her brother to the fire as they were both unable to get timely help.

Rodney Nickerson, 82, was another long time Altadena resident of more than 50 years. A Navy veteran and project engineer by trade, Mr. Nickerson is also remembered as an active member of his faith community. A leader in the Weller Street Missionary Baptist church. DeLacy Curry, 95, affectionately called Mama De, was a matriarch of her family.

She was a vibrant person who was previously worked as an actress during the 1950s Old Black Hollywood era and more recently served her community as a nurse. Kimberly Winiecki, 77, was a former writer and retired Altadena resident that was known for frequently attending church activities and meeting with her closest friends. The three amigos.

Remembered as an intelligent, sensitive and expressive woman, Ms. Vanecki loved to be around other people and share her insightfulness and and wittiness. Maiva Fredley, 86, was another family pillar who was lost to the Eaton fire.

A very spirited Member of her family, she was remembered by her loved ones as a devout Christian, a sister, a mother and a daughter. Carolyn Burns, 56, died in her home in Altadena. She was a truly kind soul and her loss is significant for her family.

Edwin Cridland, 94, was a proud lifelong Altadena resident who died in the home he grew up in. Despite living on his own, Mr. Cridland was a giver, including caring for his parents until they passed away.

In addition, Mr. Cridland served in the Korean army as an army truck driver, a career that he continued upon returning to the States. Oswald Ozzie Gerhard Altmetz, 75, was also a lifelong Altadena resident. Described as an amazing father and a fun uncle.

He is also remembered as a remarkably kind and loving person to his friends, family and his dog Harley. He owned his own auto business and loved to play jazz music. Barbara Lewis, 84, died in her home in Altadena. She's described as a lovingly joyful person, and her death is a significant loss for her family.

Patricia McKenna, 77, was described as a classy, generous and creative woman who worked as a skilled customer with a vast knowledge of history and fashion history.

Her impact on her community includes her students and colleagues at Los Angeles City College, where she taught in the theater Department, as well as her fellow Members in the Queen Mebbed Encampment Celtic Historical Reactant group that she participated in.

Stacey Darden, 54, grew up in Altadena, attending both Elliott Junior High in Altadena and Pasadena High School, spending much of her youth at the Altadena library. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in political science and went on to pursue a career in library and information science, working at the CalTech Library.

Kevin Devine, 54, grew up in Michigan but found his way to California to work as a high school teacher. He was beloved amongst many students as their favorite teacher, largely due to his intentionality to help students, especially those struggling the most.

Previously, he worked in the entertainment industry and stayed connected and continued to find opportunities to work as an extra on movies and TV sets. A passionate Michigan sports fan, he also loved animals. Laura Swayne, 71, was a lifelong resident of Altadena, the eldest of three.

Her family moved into West Altadena in the 1960s as part of a wave of new homeowners who helped form a thriving Black community. Amongst her siblings, she is remembered as a protective but fun older sister. She later went on to purchase her own home in West Altadena where she raised her son as strong and loving single mother.

In her own time, she she enjoyed reading and dancing. I also ask that we adjourn in the memory of the 19th Eaton fire victim whose identity has still not been confirmed. We hope they are identified and that their family is given closure soon. In reading these 19 names, I continue to share in my community's loss and grief.

The devastation that Altadena continues to experience every day from these wildfires motivates the purpose and work of my office. The spirit of Altadena cannot be broken as we are continuing to rise together and rebuilding our beautiful community.

While these 19 Members of our community are no longer with us, we continue to honor them and keep their families in our prayers as their spirit and legacy to Altadena will never be forgotten.

Mr. President, I respectfully ask that the Senate adjourn in their memory and that we all continue to keep the families, as well as those impacted by the Eaton fires and the Palisades fires, in our hearts and in our prayers. Thank you.

Please bring the names forward so that they all may be properly recognized. And Senator Menjivar.

Thank you, Mr. President. Heavy, heavy day. Colleagues, I also want to take this opportunity to help us adjourn in the memory of Adrian Carrillo from Arlida in the San Fernando Valley. A sergeant in the Marine Corps whose life was cut too short in December.

From the age of 17, Adrian felt a deep sense of morality and responsibility to his community that he joined, not like other youth, as a youth representative for Arleta Neighborhood Council meetings that take three to four hours out of your time where you could be elsewhere.

From there on, he went on to be an active participant of his street's neighborhood watch group, the Arlita Neighborhood Watchdogs. His commitment to the betterment of his surroundings and dedication to something bigger than him is what motivated him to join the United States Marine Corps.

Sergeant Carrillo was described as a man of God who, while stationed at Camp Pendleton, frequently came back home for visits to stay connected to his community and parents. Tragedy first hit the Carrillo family when Adrian's mom passed away in early 2025 May when she lost her battle to cancer.

Six months later, with that loss still strong in the family and his father, Adrian continued and increased his visits to his father to check in on his emotional state. Adrian's visit that weekend was focused on just that. Not knowing that it would be the weekend that would be his last weekend on this earth.

Because on the night of December 12, shortly after returning home, while driving in his vehicle with his girlfriend, Habee Herrera Bautista, a careless driver, after doing a hit and run, ran a red light and hit them straight on, immediately killing them both. Sergeant Adrian Carrillo died at the young age of 26 years old.

A tragic death that could have been avoided. A violent crash that occurred minutes away from my own home. His family and friends have lost a person who they say filled their lives with love and laughter. His cousins talk about the holiday plans that never were fulfilled.

His cousins talk about how Adrian showed kindness and extended a welcoming hand to everyone without hesitation. In fact, that month he was contemplating whether to reenlist another four years in the Marine Corps or join the civilian life as as a health care worker.

Continuing his commitment to helping others, he leaves behind an exemplary legacy that reminds us how much one person can accomplish in a short amount of time in service to the greater good.

He is survived by his devoted father, Felipe Carrillo, and the many, many extended family members and community Members that have come out in the months since for his vigil and in support. We will keep his memory in our hearts and speak his name and tell his stories for generations to come.

Sergeant Adrian Carrillo Adrin will forever be held in the highest esteem among our San Fernando Valley community and our Devil Dog family. Till Valhalla brother.

Thank you, Senator. Bring the name forward so it may be properly recognized. And Madam Pro Tem racing to her seat. If there's no other business, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much. We appreciate everyone taking the time to really recognize the lives that have been lost. Our next floor session will be scheduled for Friday, January 16th at 9am The.

Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received, at which time an adjournment motion will be made.