Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Rpll Call]

A quorum is present. Would the members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We will be led in prayer this afternoon by Senator Grove, after which please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, let's pray. Heavenly father, today we honor California State Senate women of the year 2026, but we also honor women everywhere. We know Father God that women play an integral role in advancing your kingdom and influencing the world around us. These incredible women that we honor today are courageous.

Some of them put on a uniform, they wear a badge, and they protect the communities with that we love with unwavering dedication. Some of these are women veterans who have bravely chosen to serve to defend this great nation with valor and distinction. We honor our Olympic athletes who represent The United States in rigorous competition around the world displaying excellence and perseverance. We celebrate educators who invest tirelessly in generations of leaders to come, lawyers, PhDs, and scientists, and those with judicial authority and wisdom. We honor nonprofit leaders and founders of organizations that serve the underserved and create educational opportunities for higher education, lifting up students who show leadership and a heart for service to others yet face barriers beyond their reach.

Lord, exceedingly and abundantly bless each one of these women as they continue to work in the areas that you've placed on their heart. A passion that you've instilled deep with inside them to make the world a better place reflecting your love and justice. In scripture, we're reminded of the strength, dignity and enduring courage of such women. She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. She always speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction.

May these women that we're honoring here today embody this timeless truth, clothed in your strength, speaking in wisdom as they lead, serve and inspire others for greatness. Exceedingly and abundantly blessing each one of these women as they continue to do the work that you've placed in their heart to do. Guide them, protect them, and multiply their influence for our future. Amen.

Amen. Senators and guests, please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance

Senators, without objection, Senate rule 55 is suspended to allow guests and a videographer on the floor for today's floor session. We are now under privileges of the floor. There are none at this time. 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. We are now back under motions, resolutions, and notices. Without objection, the Senate journals for 03/09/2026 through 03/12/2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. And without objection, joint rule 62 a will be suspended to allow budget committee subcommittee number one on education to hear item 6120 on Thursday, March 19 without sufficient notice in the daily file. We are now at consideration of the daily file.

Secretary, please read our second our second reading file.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 84.

Second reading file will be deemed read. We are now at Senate third reading. We will start with file item number 13, SCR number 114. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 114 by Senator Grove relative to National Surveyors Week.

Senator Grove, you are recognized at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, today I rise in support of SCR 114 which designates March 15 through March 21 as National Surveyors Week. Surveyors, isn't just a technical term. It's actually still woven into the fact the fabric of our nation's history. From colonial times, surveyor shaped America with founding fathers like George Washington, plus Jeff Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, and Daniel Boone all practiced this profession.

Their work laid the groundwork for land ownership and for the greatest economic asset in our early colonies and territories, including right here in California. Surveyors are essential to nearly, to every construction project from from roads and infrastructure, bridges and buildings, utilities and communications and networks. By accurately determining positions, distances, and boundaries, they ensure safe, efficient development that supports our growing communities, protects property rights, dis prevents costly disputes, making them indispensable to California's economy and quality of life. With nearly 4,000 licensed surveyors here in our state, this resolution and the infrastructure that we rely on every single day. I ask for an aye vote on SCR 14, and then I have a an introduction. Thank you, madam president.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 40. Nos, zero. That resolution passes. We will now return to privileges of the floor for your introduction, senator Grove.

Thank you, madam president and colleagues. With me today is Christy Eschey, who is the president of the California Land Surveyors Association in Professional Land, and she is a professional land surveyor. She's a graduate of Mississippi State University where she earned a degree in civil engineering and is currently at Quamoff located in Bakersfield, California. The president of this organization is from Bakersfield, California. Clap.

That's why I support you. Over the course of her career, Christy has held many a variety of engineering surveying roles. And through her leadership and professional service, she continues to advocate for surveying profession and support the generation of surveyors and engineers, to come. She's the third woman in the state's history to hold this position. Please welcome my guest, Christy.

Welcome to the Senate. We will now return to allow for any members who want to join senator Grove in the back for a photo. Senators, we will now return to our third reading. File item 15, SCR I'm sorry. SR76. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 76 by Senator Menjivar relative to Women's History Month.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. SR 76 is the annual tradition in this house to recognize, honor and celebrate the contributions of women in every fabric of our lives, our culture, our society, and our history. Today, we pay homage to the extraordinary resilience and leadership of women across our communities. In fact, here in this chamber, I work alongside women who have made history in their own right. Some who even were recognized as women of the year before they became senators.

Like the senator from Sacramento, who on the Sacramento City Council was the first person to serve as both vice mayor and mayor pro tem for seven consecutive years and the first woman to give birth while on the council. And the senator from San Bernardino who was the first Latina to serve while in the assembly as the majority leader. We also have the senator from Yucaipa who was the first Republican Latina elected to the Senate, but then of course the senator from Santa Clarita beat her by becoming the first Republican Latina elected to both houses. The senator from Hayward is the first Muslim and African American elected to the Senate. The senator from Long Beach was the first Latino man or woman to chair the transportation committee, and twenty years after the previous woman had chaired it.

And we can't forget about my sister in arms, the senator from Bakersfield, who was the first woman veteran elected to the California legislature. Or the labor champion, the senator from Los Angeles, who became the first woman to lead the LA County Federation of Labor, the second largest labor council in the country, or our other senator from Los Angeles who made history when she co founded the nation's first black worker center at UCLA. The senator from Merced has made history several times. First woman mayor of Salinas, first latina elected to her assembly seat and her Senate seat. The senator from Bakersfield helped lower the average age of senators serving when she made history as the youngest woman ever elected to the Senate.

Speaking about her young senators, the senator from Pasadena was the first woman to serve as mayor of Alhambra. A personal favorite of mine, the senator from Encinitas made history by being the first sitting senator to be able to do more than one pull up. Very impressive. No, I'm just kidding. As the mayor of Encinitas, she made her city the first in San Diego County to deliver a 100% renewable power.

And the senator from La Mesa, our presiding officer, became the first African American elected to La Mesa City Council, and she knew that wasn't enough, so she went on to cofound a whole pediatric and adolescent gynecology division at a hospital. The senator from Riverside became the first legislator to give birth to beautiful triplets while serving in office, and the first LGBTQ plus woman to chair the Latino caucus. The senator from San Pedro became the first black woman to serve as assistant speaker pro tem in the assembly, and the first person in a short in a matter of a year to serve in all levels of elected office. The senator from Jackson was the first woman ever elected to her Senate seat. The senator from Baldwin is collecting history first by being the first woman to chair the Senate insurance committee and the committee on governmental organization.

Our senator from Bieber is a proud overalls wearing woman as the first female senator to also be a farmer. And of course, our pro tem, shattered history in becoming the first mom and Latina to serve as our highest ranking senator. My colleagues and the 42 women we will be recognizing today are remarkable. Our honorees' lives, experiences reflect the communities they serve. These 42 women work for equity and opportunity for women every day professionally or as activists.

They reflect women's diversity, strengths, and vision because women have the answers and the solutions. And they and we stand on the shoulders of Californian greats that open so many doors for us. Like Clara Shortridge Fultz, the first female lawyer in California who authored the Woman Lawyers Bill to allow women, a lot of my colleagues, to practice law. Or Charlotta Bass, the first black woman to own and operate a newspaper. And Sally Ride from the San Fernando Valley, the first American woman to go to space, or Dolores Huerta labor leader icon, or congressman Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress, and of course, vice president Kamala Harris, the first woman to hold that seat.

And given the fact that we're honoring Olympians today, it is fitting to mention that for the third consecutive winter games, American women have outperformed US men's in both gold and total medals. And all of these accomplishments, while the seventh and all of these accomplishments, while the seventh session of the United Nations commissions on the status of women issued a global alert on March 4 that the justice systems meant to uphold rights and the rule of law are failing women and girls everywhere. And while globally, women hold just 64% of the legal rights of men, exposing them to discrimination, violence, and exclusion at every stage of their lives. And while women also continue to perform the majority of unpaid labor including childcare and elder care, and while there is still no equal rights amendment in The United States Constitution. Colleagues, for these reasons and more, we continue to advocate and center and promote women and girls in our budget and policy work through the California Legislative Women's Caucus.

California must not slow its progress. We must remain a national leader in equal pay protections and closing wage disparities. We must ensure we create policies and invest in areas that will help these 42 women continue to be successful in their arenas and being able to grow their reach. California is the leader in so many sectors because of these women, and today, we thank them for their sacrifices, their creativity, their dedication, and overall awesomeness. And don't forget, I know I've been going around, the goodie bag on your desk is for your honoree.

Make sure to give it to them after. With all that being said, respectfully asking for an aye vote on SR 76.

Thank you. Senator Richardson, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president and colleagues. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, of which we have three members, the largest number we've ever had here in the Senate. I rise in support of SR 76 in recognition of Women's History Month. March is Women's History Month, and it's a time for us to honor the countless women whose courage, innovation, and leadership have shaped our world and all of us as well. It is in that world that we would look very different if it were not for the contributions of women.

In fact, you probably wouldn't be here without those contributions of women. But black women in particular, those voices have too often gone unheard, and whose impact has resonated in every corner of our history. From Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom, to Sojourner Truth, whose powerful words demanded both the end of slavery and the recognition of women's rights, and black women in general that have been at the forefront of the fight for justice and all women. In science, Katherine Johnson's precise calculations helped launch the first Americans into space, While Doctor. Mae Jemison became the first black woman to travel to space, inspiring generations to reach for the stars.

In literature and arts, figures like Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison gave voice to the black experience, weaving stories that continue to teach and to transform. Leaders like Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, and Vice President Kamala Harris, as has been noted, the first woman and first black woman to hold her office, having broken barriers and paved the way for new possibilities. The legacy of all of our women, but today on behalf of the Black Caucus, we wanted to highlight a few African American women who their resilience, brilliance, and uncompromising determination has really been an example of Women's History Month. Let us honor their contributions, tell their stories, and commit to building where their voices are heard and celebrated every day. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 76 as we continue to recognize Women's History Month, celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and look ahead to supporting the next generation of women leaders, which we are here today.

Thank you. Senator Perez, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I rise on behalf of the LGBTQ legislative caucus in support of SR 76. Today, we honor the lives, contributions, and voices of the women in our nation's past, present, and future. Many of whom are the reason that LGBTQ plus community have the rights we enjoy today. Women have been at the forefront of social justice movements since the inception of our country, specifically in the LGBTQ plus communities fight for civil rights.

It was trans women who threw the first bricks during the Stonewall riot. It was a woman who pioneered gender affirming care in The United States. It was women who cared for members of our community at the height of the AIDS crisis. And, it was women who led the founding of the first and largest LGBTQ plus caucus in the nation right here in California. If not for trailblazing women like former senator Tony Atkins, Susan Eggman, Kathleen Galgiani, Sheila Kuehl, Carol Mignon and Christine Kehoe, I likely would not be here today as a proud bisexual Latina.

It has been my sisters in the LGBTQ plus community on whose shoulders I stand to fight and deliver for my constituents and all the great people of California. We in the LGBTQ plus community are eternally grateful to all the women who are helping to lead the way to a better tomorrow. I respectfully urge your aye vote on s r 76.

Thank you. Senator Hurtado, you are recognized.

Thank you madam president. On behalf of the Latino caucus, it is my honor to rise today in strong support of SR 76. Women's history month is an important time for us to celebrate and acknowledge the vast contributions women have made to our society and the impact we continue to have through our cultural, economic, and civic contributions. As a Latina and member of the Latino caucus that is proudly majority Latina, I feel that it is important for me to address the impact Latinas have on our everyday lives. Over 31,000,000 Latinas live in our great country and each one adds to our amazing mosaic of residents.

They are consumers, parents, employers, and voters. Here in California, we have many Latinas who have become distinguished leaders in their fields and champions of change including labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, state Supreme Court chief justice Patricia Guerrero, and favorite court artist and political activist Joan Base. Nationally, we look up to many other proud Latinas like Justice Sonia Sotomayor, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and actress Frida Moreno who have been trailblazers in their respective fields and continue to inspire future generations of Latina leaders. But there are also many other inspirational leaders who are often overlooked like the essential workers that kept our economy running during the pandemic. They ensure food is on our tables and create new businesses that fuel our economic resurgence.

They all yearn for the American dream, strive for greater representation, and serve as forces of change in all aspects of our society. For all of these women that contribute each day to our state's rich social fabric, let us remain committed to consequential change that promotes equity, reduces disparities, and opens all doors whether they be political, social, or economic. Members please join me in supporting this important resolution and by extension honoring all the women who helped weave this extraordinary historical tapestry we call America.

Thank you. Senator Rubio you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I also stand in strong support of SR 76 and I rise today on behalf of the California legislative legislative Jewish caucus in support of SR 76. Women's History Month is an important time for us to celebrate and acknowledge the vast contributions women have made to our society and the impact they continue to have throughout our world through their cultural, economic, and civic leadership. Throughout history, women have shaped our communities, strengthened our institutions, and expanded opportunities for future generations to follow. Often while overcoming barriers that should never have existed in the first place.

And I want to take a moment to acknowledge something so profound here today. For the first time in California's history, the Senate has reached gender parity. I am proud to be part of this movement and this place in history and to serve alongside my women colleagues whose leadership continues to strengthen this institution and inspire me. We are happy to have such phenomenal women represent California. We must keep the remarkable women in our lives and in our history at the forefront of our minds because for far too long, their achievements have been sidelines, minimized, or ignored.

This month this month should remind us of our shared history. Moments when women have been included in, but too often excluded from the narrative that shaped our lives. Jewish women have long held positions of leadership within their communities while also playing a critical role in broader fights for women's rights, liberation, and equality. Jewish women of Latin American heritage have also made profound cultural and political contributions, including writer Anna Maria Shuah, human rights activist Alicia Partnoi, and the seminal poet Alexandra Pisarnik. And of course, we have to recognize a very prominent Jewish woman in today's society.

The very first female president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. Today, we also celebrate the many women across California who continue to lead in public service, business, education, science, and community advocacy, shaping a stronger and more inclusive future for our state. I am proud to vote I on SR 76 today in honor of the women who came before us and the generations who will follow. With that, I ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Senator Wahab, you are recognized. Thank you.

I rise today as vice chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus in strong support of SR 76, which recognizes Women's History Month. I wanna highlight that we have mentioned a number of different individuals here, and I was told that I am the only female state senator in the Bay Area, and I look around and sometimes I I forget those, milestones. During Women's History Month, we honor the women who change the world while telling the truth about the world women still endure. Across the globe, too many women and girls are still denied safety, freedom, education, opportunity, and dignity. And here at home, progress has come, but never fast enough, never far enough, and never without a fight.

Women are still paid less, represented less, protected less, and too often asked to carry more, more burden, more sacrifice, more pain. That is not equality. That is not justice. But women have always turned pain into power. Women have led movements, held families together, built communities, broken barriers, and refused to disappear.

Every right won, every door opened, every freedom expanded came because women pushed this country and this world forward. So this month is not only about remembrance, it is about resolve to build a world where women are not merely celebrated, but truly equal Not merely praised, but protected. Not merely included, but empowered. Because women deserve more than words, they deserve progress. And the arc of history does not bend on its own.

Women have bent it again and again towards justice. I respectfully ask for an aye. Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. And I too, rise in strong support of SR 76 today. Women's history month is a time to recognize the women who shaped our country. Not only through historic moments but through the courage to stand for their values. We look at American history and we see women who didn't wait for permission to lead.

They stepped forward with conviction, often when it wasn't popular and certainly when it wasn't easy. Think about women, I think about women like Margaret Thatcher who proved that strong leadership and moral clarity could change the course of nations. She once said, permission to read. Permission granted. If you want something said, ask a man.

If you want something done, ask a woman. Or Phyllis Schaffley who mobilized millions of women across the country to defend what they believed were the foundations of family, of faith, and of American freedom. Women like Jeannie Kirkpatrick who brought intellectual strength and unapologetic patriotism to the world stage during the Cold War. And leaders like our very own California Condoleezza Rice who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential voices in American foreign policy. These women didn't all come from the same background, but they shared something powerful.

They believed in personal responsibility and opportunity and in the promise of America. For conservative women, this legacy matters. We believe that empowering women doesn't mean telling them there's only one path to success. It means respecting the many ways women lead. Whether that's running a business, raising a family, serving in public office, or strengthening their communities.

Conservative women understand something deeply important. Freedom creates opportunity and strong communities create strong women. So during women's history month, we honor the women who came before us but we also recognize that the story of women in leadership is still being written. Respectfully urge an aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Menjivar would you like to close?

The contributions of black women, AAPI women, LGBTQ plus women, Jewish women, Latinas, white women are vast and broad. And like the senator from Santa Clarita mentioned, we will continue to break glass ceilings and create our history or in this month, create herstory. With that, respectfully asking for an eye vote on s r 76.

Thank you. Senators, this is eligible for unanimous roll call. Seeing no objections, this resolution passes. Ayes, 40, Nos, zero. We will now return to privileges of the floor so that we may begin recognizing our honorees for today. Please give us one moment as we get everything set up. Please give us one moment as we get everything set up.

Secretary, please begin by reading the name of our first honoree.

From Senate District 1, escorted by Senator Dahle, Maryann Kaae Munson. Maryann Kaae Munson is a Siskiyou County cattle rancher and leader in the Siskiyou County cattle women. She supported rural students through college options and served as vice chairman of the Siskiyou Credit Union Board. A dedicated community advocate, she is also a wife and mother of six. From Senate District 3, escorted by Senator Cabaldon, chief master sergeant Laura Hoover.

Chief master sergeant Laura E Hoover is the first woman to serve as the command chief for the sixtieth air mobility wing, Travis Air Force Base. She leads the wing's enlisted force and is also charged with ensuring the effective utilization, training, development, and readiness of more than 26,100 active duty reserve civilian personnel and their families. From Senate District 4, escorted by Senator Alvarado-Gil, Mary Chan. Mary Chan of El Dorado Hills served 34 years in the California Army National Guard, including thirty commissioned and four enlisted. She served as a teacher advisor and counselor officer and logistics officer.

She advances wildfire preparedness, supports veterans, and serves on the civil grand jury and taxpayers association. From Senate District 6, escorted by senator Nilo, Sarah Aquino. Sarah Aquino has served on the Folsom City Council since 2018. Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board. Sarah serves as board chair for the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor GPA, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Folsom State Prison and California State Prison Sacramento.

From Senate District 7, escorted by Senator Arreguin, Ruth Esther Dineen. Ruth Dineen is a pianist, composer, and licensed clinical social worker. As executive director at East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, California, Ruthie is a leader in the community for cross cultural artistic study and an advocate for community based arts for racial justice. From Senate District 9, escorted by Senator Grayson, Susan Hildreth. Susan Hildreth is a retired librarian, administrator, and educator.

Hildreth worked in California public libraries, was previously state librarian of California, and was appointed by President Obama to serve as director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2011. She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame. From Senate District 11, escorted by Senator Wiener, Esta Soler. As founder and president of Futures Without Violence, Esta Soler has made advancing health, preventing violence, and expanding economic opportunity public priorities. She pioneered programs, unlocked billions in investments, and enacted policy changes, including the landmark Violence Against Women Act, which helped reduce domestic violence by 60% over three decades.

From Senate District 12, escorted by Senator Grove, Barbara Holmes. Barbara Holmes and her husband of 61 years, Fred, established the Semlo Foundation, which supports several organizations, including the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center and Keepers of the Cross. They established the Holmes Family Education and Training Foundation, funding scholarships for over 500 Taft High graduates, helping them further their educational careers. From Senate District 13, escorted by senator Becker, Lynn Adams. A tireless champion for coastal conservation, Lynn Adams mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to protect and restore San Mateo County shoreline, expanding participation by 5000% and launching the Junior Ocean Stewards Program.

Pacific Beach Coalition's long time president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement. From Senate District 14, escorted by senator Caballero, Linda Griffin. Linda Griffin, born in Merced and raised in Atwater, overcame undiagnosed dyslexia to become part of UC Merced's first graduating class at age 57. She later founded the Greater Merced Black Chamber of Commerce, creating opportunities for economic growth and representation while exemplifying resilience and lifelong determination. From Senate District 15, escorted by Senator Cortese, Dr. Lisa Andrew.

Doctor Lisa Andrew is CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and former superintendent of Hollister School District. A long time educator and leader, she has served as teacher, principal, and professor advocating for equity and system reform. Widely recognized for her leadership, she has received multiple awards for advancing education and closing achievement gaps. From Senate District 16, escorted by Senator Ortado, Chief Margarita Ochoa. Margarita Ochoa began her law enforcement career as a police explorer at 14 and served in many roles within the Moore Police Department.

In 2023, she became chief of police for Corcoran. A first generation college graduate, she holds a bachelor of science and a master's in business administration and advocates for women in law enforcement, autism awareness, and officer wellness. From Senate District 17, escorted by Senator Laird, Doctor Deneen Guss. Doctor Deneen Guss was elected Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in 2019 and reelected in 2023. A 39 year educator with a doctor degree in educational leadership, she supports 24 school districts, eight charters, and over 72,000 students focusing on community engagement, equity, and improved educational outcomes.

From Senate District 18, escorted by Senator Padilla, Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre represents District 1 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. A first-generation Mexican American and former mayor of Imperial Beach, she continues to champion efforts to clean up the Tijuana River Valley and advocates for federal investment to address public health crises caused by sewage pollution. From Senate District 19, escorted by Senator Ochoa Bogh, Wynona Duvall. Winona is a retired service delivery manager for IBM in Silicon Valley, California.

As a former Calimesa Council member, Wynona is a long time community and corporation volunteer with organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Calimesa Breakfast Lions, Calimesa Chamber of Commerce, and Crafton Hills College Foundation. From Senate District 20, escorted by Senator Manjavar, Stella Arrington. Stella Arrington is a proud mother, grandmother, and long time Latina advocate. From supporting small businesses to leading her local neighborhood watch, she has been an active advocate at the Sun Valley neighborhood council. She organizes community events like the Posada, promoting safety and connection among neighbors throughout the San Fernando Valley.

From Senate District 22, escorted by Senator Rubio, Alma D Puente. Alma Puente founded the law office of Alma De Puente, specializing in immigration law, including family based cases, asylum, and removal defense. A former El Monte city council member and mayor pro tem, she was appointed by governor Gavin Newsom as a Los Angeles superior court judge in February 2026. She is also married with three sons. From Senate District 24, escorted by Senator Allen, Kathleen Rawson.

For more than three decades, Kathleen Rawson has advanced the field of place management through innovative service models, strong public private partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to community well-being. From leading Downtown Santa Monica to guiding iconic Hollywood, her leadership unites technical excellence with heartfelt service. From Senate District 25, escorted by Senator Perez, Joy Chen. Joy Chen is the executive director of Eaton Fire Survivors Network, the nation's largest survivor led recovery hub representing more than 10,000 Eaton, Palisades, and Malibu fire survivors. A Former Los Angeles deputy mayor, she is a national leader on disaster recovery, insurance and utility accountability, and survivor powered rebuilding.

From Senate District 26, escorted by Senator Durazo, Corissa Hernandez. Carissa Hernandez is a nineteen year entrepreneur, financial literacy educator, and City Of Los Angeles commissioner. A former teacher turned multi business founder, she advances economic access across finance, hospitality, and community development. Known for people first leadership, she builds practical pathways to financial stability, business sustainability, and generational wealth for underserved communities. From Senate District 28, escorted by Senator Smallwood Cuevas, Dr. Kawanna Leggett.

Doctor Kawanna Leggett is senior vice president for student affairs at Loyola Marymount University overseeing numerous student support departments. A justice oriented leader and student advocate, she previously held senior roles at Washington University, UC Berkeley, and NYU. She holds a doctor of education and is active in national higher education organizations. From Senate District 29, escorted by Senator Reyes, Connie Leyva. Connie Leyva is a respected community leader and former former California state senator who champion working families, women's rights, and workplace equity.

Now serving as executive director of KVCR, she continues advancing public service, education, and inclusive community engagement across the Inland Empire. From Senate District 30, escorted by Senator Archuleta, Captain Melissa Hammond. Melissa Hammond has been a member of the California Highway Patrol for over 24 years and is the captain of the Santa Fe Springs area. She is a lifelong resident of Southern California and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. From Senate District 31, escorted by Senator Cervantes, Yolanda Esquivel.

Yolanda Esquivel is an advocate committed to enhancing the quality of life for our communities and future generations. A former teacher, founding member and past president of LULAC Riverside, Yolanda brings vital resources to our neighbors through annual health fairs, citizenship and voter registration drives, low income housing initiatives, and scholarships for local students and families. From Senate District 33, escorted by Senator Gonzalez, Robin Sylvia Thorne. Robin S Thorne is a CEO and chief demo chick. A chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, she built her career by defying expectations.

In 2009, she founded CTI Environmental, an engineering and specialized construction firm. In 2019, she launched Demo Chicks, a nonprofit empowering young women to pursue construction, engineering, and demolition careers. From Senate District 35, escorted by Senator Richardson, Nicole Harper Rawlins and Kerri Harper Howie. Nicole Harper Rawlinsn and Kerri Harper Howie own McDonald's franchises in Los Angeles County, employing more than 1,500 people and continuing their mother's legacy. Both UC Berkeley graduates, they founded the Patricia G.

Williams Family Foundation in 2022, supporting scholarships and community programs, and our long time top run fundraisers for the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. From Senate District 36, escorted by Senator Strickland, Garden Grove mayor, Stephanie Klopfenstein. Stephanie Klopfenstein proudly serves as mayor of Garden Grove, making history as the city's first directly elected woman mayor. Through her dedicated public service and impressive advocacy, she has championed public safety, prioritized local businesses, and enhanced the quality of life for residents. Her leadership, compassion and commitment continue to uplift Garden Grove and inspire our community.

From Senate District 37, escorted by Senator Choi, Julie Moore. Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2024, Julie Moore continues a life of service. She tutors youth, ushers at local theaters, fosters rescue puppies, and leads community garden efforts. Enrolled in a clinical trial, she advocates statewide for Alzheimer's research and speaks nationally, turning her diagnosis into purpose. From Senate District 38, escorted by Senator Blakespear, Caroline G Matthews.

Caroline G Matthews, supervising attorney at Pathways to Citizenship, leads legal efforts to protect vulnerable immigrant families. She advocates zealously filing habeas petitions in federal court, expanding access to pro bono legal services, and tirelessly educating the community. Her work is distinguished by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. From Senate District 39, escorted by Senator Weber Pierson, Gretchen Newsom. Gretchen Newsom is an international representative for the 9th District of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, representing 160,000 union electrical workers across the West Coast.

She specializes in labor relations, government affairs and community advocacy and previously served as political director for IBEW Local 569. From Senate District 8, escorted by Senator Ashby, Ruthie Mighty Bolton. Ruthie Bolton is a two time Olympic gold medalist who spent her WNBA All Star career with the Sacramento Monarchs. Known as Mighty Ruthie, she is a survivor of domestic violence, army lieutenant, business owner, author, mother, and sixteenth of 20 children. Ruthie lives by the quote, to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

From Senate District 23, escorted by senator Valadares, Jill Mellady. Jill Mellady is president and cofounder of Malady Direct Marketing in Santa Clarita, working with her husband and children. A dedicated community leader, she serves on multiple boards, including the SCV Sheriff Foundation, Valley Industry Association, and previously chaired the College of the Canyons Foundation. She received the Silver Spur Award in 2016. From Senate District 40, escorted by Senator@@ Jones, Jessica Cella.

A lifelong Rancho Bernardo resident and visionary leader, Jessica Cella saved Del Rancho Pop Warner from collapse before advancing life saving change in San Diego's emergency medical system. Inspired by her son's rare diagnosis, she helped implement a pediatric emergency protocol, trained 1,100 paramedics, and now serves on California's EMS for children advisory committee, protecting vulnerable vulnerable children statewide. From Senate District 21, escorted by Senator Limon, Teresa Alvarez. Teresa Alvarez, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, serves as executive director of the Carpinteria Children's Project, leading efforts to expand opportunities for children and families. She is a proud mother and wife with more than a decade in non profit leadership, as well as an advocate for early learning, immigrant families, and lasting systems change.

Unable to attend today's floor ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Elani Kounalakis' honoree, Alisa Liu. From Senate District 27, Senator Stern's honoree, Sabine Roseman. From Senate District 10, Senator Wahab's honoree, Cheryl Cook Khalil. From Senate District 2, Senator McGuire's honoree, Monica Julian. From Senate District 5, Senator McNerney's honoree, Captain Annabelle Morris. From Senate District 34, Senator Umberg's honoree, Gloria Alvarado. And from Senate District 32, Senator Seyarto's honoree, Charlotte Watroba Knapp.

Senators, can we please give another round of applause for all 42 amazing women who were honored today? Senators, we will now be returning to motions and resolutions as this is the time to do our adjourn in memory. Senator Ashby, you are recognized for your adjourn in memory.

Thank you, madam president. I rise to adjourn in memory today of James Bernard Peth, affectionately known as Jim. Jim is the father of one of all of our very good friends, Aaron Peth, who serves as chief counsel to the Senate Ethics Committee. Jim was born and raised in Chicago and attended UC Santa Barbara.

He became a teacher and a basketball coach. He was later recruited to teach technology and coach basketball here locally at Jesuit High School, Sacramento. Committed to his adopted city, Jim served as co director of Friendship Park at Loaves and Fishes, where he helped serve Sacramento's unhoused population. He also volunteered at Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento while lovingly raising his own rescue dogs. Jim had a quick sense of humor, teaching all the boys at the high school at the all boys high school, he had a special gift for embarrassing his two daughters, especially because they went to the all girl high school, and it seemed when the commingled dance was fast approaching, their dad got a little extra clever.

In his later years, Jim ended every single conversation with his loved ones by saying, I love you and I am proud of you. He is survived by his wife, Kim, his children, Erin, Kevin, and Eileen, his six precious grandchildren, and many of his family and friends are here with us in the gallery today. Colleagues, please join me in adjourning in the memory of our good friend, Erin Peth's father, James Bernard Peth.

Our condolences to the entire family and community. Senator, please be sure to bring his name forward so that he may be properly memorialized. And thank you all for being with us today. Members of the Legislative Women Caucus, please do not leave. After session, we are asking for all members to come to the front for a photo. And if there is no other business, pro tem Limon, the desk is clear.

Thank you, madam president. Thank you to all the members for introducing us to phenomenal women in all of your districts. To the women who were able to be here today and to those that are not, a special congratulations, and a thank you on behalf of this house for all the work that every single one of the honorees does to improve our communities. And with that, our next session will be Thursday, March 19 at 9AM.

The Senate is in recess until 03:30pm, at which time the adjournment motion will be made. And once again, members of the women caucus, please come to the front for the photo. We will reconvene March 19 2026 at 9AM.