Senate Floor

The Senate will come to order. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll call]

A quorum is present. Will the members and guests beyond and and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise. This morning will be read in prayer, by our guest chaplain, the Reverend Father Artsakh Bedoyan. After which, please remain standing for the presentation of the colors by the Hominetan color guard to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Father.

Let us pray. In the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. As we gather to offer our prayers for the Senate session today, we remember the hundred and eleventh anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Through our prayers, we honor the memory of the canonized saints of the Armenian genocide.

May the Lord receive their souls of our martyrs whose lives were taken unjustly yet whose memories endure with strength and clarity. We pray for the children and grandchildren of the survivors who carry forward the burden of memory with courage and faith. At this moment, we also pray for all victims of injustice in every corner of the world that they may find protection, dignity, and peace.

May the almighty Lord grant wisdom and patience to our leaders, so that they may continue to uphold truth and defend human dignity. May we all find guidance on the path of justice, compassion, and peace.

May God bless our beautiful state of California and The United State for States of America. Amen.

Father, please join in the pledge of allegiance. I'm so sorry. Color guard, please post the colors. Members and guests, please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance.

Thank you to the color guard members. Without objection, we will move directly to Senate third reading to take up file item 36, Senate Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta. After adoption of the resolution, we will move to privileges of the floor for the Senator to introduce, guests. Senator Archuleta at the majority leader's desk. Secretary, please read.

Senate

Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta relative to the Armenian genocide.

Senator, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mister President. And members, I rise today to present Senate Bill Senate Resolution 87, recognizing April 24, 25 as the hundred and eleventh anniversary of the Harabedian genocide. As a proud member of the California Armenian Legislative Council, I wanna begin by thanking everyone that's traveled here today for their advocacy and passion in supporting the Armenian community.

Having served with the Montebello Police Department, I had the honor to work closely with the Armenian community in Montebello before my time in office and saw the firsthand and heard firsthand their passion and perseverance in honoring their traditions. Sanctioned by the Ottoman Empire, the Armenian genocide was the first state sponsored genocide in modern times.

It resulted in the deaths of 1,500,000 innocent victims men, women, and children senselessly killed just for being Armenian. Entire communities were forcibly marched to their deaths or murdered in an attempt to erase their presence from a region they had peacefully resided in for thousands of years. California is home to the largest Armenian American population in The United States. Because of this, we have a unique responsibility to safeguard and uphold the historical recognition of their sacrifices of the Armenian people.

We must ensure future generations learn of the inhumanity of the Ottoman Empire's actions in order to prevent any atrocity like this from ever happening again.

In order for in order for present and future generations to learn about the injustices, they have fallen and be fallen their ancestors. There must be a complete and accurate account of history. Only then can we prevent the issues of today from developing into the injustices of tomorrow.

I am internally grateful to the Armenian American community, and the descendants of survivors across the globe for their perseverance and their dedication to see that their recognition was brought to those who have lived and lost lives stolen, years stolen, generations stolen. The passion and activism of the Armenian community led former president Biden to finally recognize the Armenian genocide, but more work remains.

To this day, the Armenian people continued to face a threat to their very existence in their ancestral lands at the hands of the Turkey the hands of Turkey in Azerbaijan. This has been seen during the twenty twenty war that we remember and the and the war crimes that were committed, the deliberate destruction of cultural and religious sites, and the ethnic cleansing of the region's Armenian population.

This was soon followed by Abbot Zidane's invasion and the occupation of the Armenian sovereignty territory in September 2022, leaving 120,000 Armenians without access to food, fuel, medicine, and other humanitarian goods for over three months. Following a blockade of lock the Lachlan Corridor and later a full scale invasion, Azerian government forcefully displaced over 100,000 Armenians from their historical homeland and the Arktazan, and continue to illegally hold POWs and political leaders hostage.

I wanna finish on a positive note, however, by inviting you all to my district, the 30th Senate District, this Friday to join in celebration of the Armenian genocide remembrance day with me at the Montebello Martyrs Monument, which we have declared as an official historical landmark here in the state of California, the first such designation in this country.

And I am so proud of the 30th Senate District and every resident who's supported making the Armenian monument in Montebello an historical site. And I thank you for your time, mister president, and for all. I respectfully thank you for listening. Thank you for participating. And with that, mister president, I ask for an aye vote.

Senator Durazo.

Miss mister president, yesterday, we commemorate the hundred and eleventh anniversary of the Armenian genocide, a tragedy in human history we will never forget. The state of California has been and will always be a place where those who are from torn from their homelands can come and make a new home. The Armenian story is part of the greater California story. I'm proud to represent Little Armenia in my district where so many Armenians have called home for decades.

Today, our sympathy goes to all survivors of the Armenian genocide and their children and grandchildren, and especially to the nearly half million people of Armenian descent who are part of our state.

Today, we also acknowledge the accomplishments and the dedication of the descendants of the genocide victims who continue to fight for justice and play a vital role in California's advancement. The great state of California will not let their history vanish. As a member of the Armenian caucus, I rise today to call on president Trump to ask the Azeri government to release all Armenian prisoners and hostages, and to stand firmly for the sovereignty and security of Armenia as a historic nation and key Democratic ally in the region.

I respectfully ask for aye vote to SR87. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Rubio, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister president, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. Today, I rise in strong support of SR87. And today, when we pause to remember this day, we acknowledge the Armenian genocide and the deep generational trauma carried by survivors and their descendants. On this one hundred eleventh anniversary, we acknowledge that this is not just a moment in time. It is a reminder of the human cause when hatred is allowed to take root and the world looks away.

We honor those who were lost by choosing to do better today, this generation, by leading with dignity and compassion, and also committing to never forget the atrocities against humanity. It is a reminder that we all need to look out for each other here today and understand that we're one people. We also wanna affirm our responsibility to stand against hate in all of its forms and to ensure that such suffering is never repeated again.

I wanna acknowledge all those that came here from far, from my district, from all over Los Angeles County. We thank you for your presence.

And with that, I also urge an aye vote. Thank you.

Seeing no other members wishing to be recognized, Senator Archuleta, you may close.

Thank you, mister president. I would just like to acknowledge all the Armenians here, the American Armenians that are here in support of SR87, and to remind them all, continue your fight and to remind all of us that atrocities like this must never be forgotten or repeated. And with that, once again, mister president, I thank you for your time and support of SR87.

On file item 36, Senate Resolution 87, the secretary please call the roll.

[Roll call]

The Armenian caucus, and everyone who's here to join us on this very special day. Thank you, Mister President.

Thank you, Senator Archuleta. Senator Grove, you're recognized at the majority leader's desk for introduction of guests. That's alright. Senator Archuleta, do you have guests that you wish to introduce as well? Okay.

Mister president, we have members, from throughout the, the Armenian community, and, I would just like to point out there's quite a few. So I would just like to say thank you to all of them. We'd be here all day. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you very much, Senator Archuleta. Any members wish to join the Senator and his guests for a photo, please just sort the rear of the chambers. Alright. Thank you very much to our guest, Senator Grove. We're gonna take one additional photo.

So Members, if if you would, please reconvene in the rear of the chambers. Senator Grove at the majority leader's desk for introduction of additional guests.

Thank you, Mister President. Thank you, Mister President. It's a privilege for me to present Doctor Berj Apkarian, a respected health care leader dedicated to public service, health care advancement, and international collaboration. He currently serves as the vice president of physicians in international health at Community Health Systems in Fresno, where he leads initiatives to strengthen care delivery, physician engagement, and global partnerships.

Since 2014, he's also served as the First Honorary Council of The Republic Of Armenia in Fresno, fostering diplomatic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between Armenia and The United States.

With, Doctor Apar Aparian today is his beautiful wife, beautiful wife, Arpi, and reverend father, Harabedian. And I want you to know that this incredible man that we're introducing today is a dedicated husband, father, physician, and community, support network for the broader Armenian community and dedicated to public service. I appreciate the opportunity to recognize Doctor Apkarian for his impactful leadership and enduring contributions to the many California Armenian descendants and individuals that are reverend fathers. The floor.

Welcome to Senator Rose. Yes. Alright. And and would also welcome members of the Senate that wish to join join for a photo. We have several presentations today, so we'd simply ask members of the Senate who wish to be in any photo to make the first take so that we can con proceed with our business.

Alright. Members, please welcome guests of Senator Cortesi in the gallery, former assembly member Nora Campos, and students from Bellarmine College Preparatory, in San Jose, and Presentation High School, also from San Jose, representing the Bellarmine Advocacy Project Club. Welcome to the state senate. Senator Dolley. Under privileges of the floor.

Thank you, Members, veterans and Members. I want to introduce you to the Big Valley Colour Guard right here. My home down in Bieber. They're going to present the color at tomorrow at egg day. My husband, Brian, the two sons graduated the the from there.

Go, Cognerls. They're going to meet, secretary of agriculture, Karen Ross, director of Fish and Wildlife, American Turtle. Thank you to the parents and volunteers, and my dear friend, Becky Alba, for making this happen. Welcome to the Senate.

Welcome to Senator Dali's test guest. Senator Ochoa and and also a great pitch for Ag Day tomorrow. Senator Ochoa at the majority leader's test for introduction of our guests.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise today to celebrate a proud achievement from the heart of the Central Valley. On 03/14/2026, the Sierra Pacific

Senator, please members, please, and guests, please give the Senator your full attention. Any additional conversations, please take off the floor and out of the chambers. Please proceed, Senator. Thank you.

Thank you, mister president. On 03/14/2026, the Sierra Pacific High School girls basketball team reached the pinnacle of high school athletics, capturing the CIF Division Two State Championship at the Golden 1 Center here in Sacramento. This victory is particularly remarkable when you consider the history of the institution. Sierra Pacific High School has only been open for seventeen years, and the girls basketball program has only competed at the varsity level for fifteen seasons.

In that short window of time, they have built a culture of excellence that rivals programs with decades of tradition.

This victory marks the second state title in school history, solidifying the Golden Bears as a premier powerhouse in California basketball. Before they even reach reached that state stage, this team established a dynasty at home. Under the leadership of head coach Victor Chavarind junior, a valued member of our own Senate family serving as a district rep, the Golden Bear secured back to back CIF central section division two championships in 2025 and 2026.

The sustained dominance finishing the season with a twenty five eleven record and a 13 game winning streak proves that their success is no accident. It is a result of a culture built on grit and unselfishness.

In the state championship game, Sierra Pacific set the tone from the opening tip-off with a relentless fifteen zero run. Even as their opponents fought back, the Golden Bears remained unshakable, securing a fifty six forty seven victory. Their performance was a master class in defensive, intensity, and offensive poise. The heart of this team beat through the the ION sisters, twins Apojoaque and Nying and their younger sister Ajak. And I'm sorry if I misspoke your names.

Together, they combined for 39 points and 21 rebounds in the final game. Alongside the sharpshooting, Leila Love, and their tenacity of the entire roster, they proved that a team with a shared vision is unstoppable. The state title is an inspiration to the city of Hanford and a reminder of the talent thriving in the Central Valley. Colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring the 2025, 2026 CIF state division two champions, the Sierra Pacific Golden Bears.

We commend the players and the coaching staff for proving that history isn't just something you inherit.

It's something you can earn.

Congratulations to the champions. We will pause for the photo.

Congratulations to the champions. We will pause for the photo.

Alright. Congratulations to the Champions. Thank you for joining us in the Senate today.

I believe also in joining us as a guest in the gallery is former Assemblyman Luis Alejo as well. Welcome to, to the chambers. Alright. Without objection, we will—the Senate will return to third to Senate third reading to take up a few resolutions out of order today.

After adoption of each of the resolutions, we will return to privileges of the floor for the author to introduce guests. So, we'll begin first with file item 64, Senate Resolution 93 by Senator Cortese. And, as I—I know our guests are leaving the floor, just a reminder to the everyone else on the floor, please take your conversations off of the floor so that we can devote our attention to our guests beginning in our resolutions beginning with Senator Cortese at his desk—at the majority leader's desk.

Senator—Secretary—please call the roll.

Senate Resolution 93 by Senator Cortese, relative to Jim Plunkett.

Well, thank you, Mr. President and senators. I rise for Senate SR 93, a resolution honoring the impressive career of an elite athlete and California legend, and a very, very good person, a very good Californian, Jim Plunkett. From a young age, Jim was athletically gifted and excelled in football, wrestling, and track after overcoming great hardship.

Both of his parents were blind, and I know because he grew up in a neighborhood just a few blocks from mine and went to a high school where most of my extended family attended just what adversity he overcame in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in San Jose, particularly East San Jose. But he overcame all that, attended Stanford University on a full scholarship after a stellar career as a football, baseball player, wrestler, and, and track at James Lake High School.

And while while at Stanford, he studied political science, you may be interested in knowing. He led the nation in passing and total offense in 1970, becoming the school's only Heisman trophy winner. That is the year Stanford won the Rose Bowl versus Ohio State. He was drafted first in 1971 in the NFL draft, and went to what was then referred to as the Boston Patriots. With this accomplishment, Jim Plunkett became the first Hispanic player ever selected number one overall in the NFL draft.

He played for both the Patriots and the Forty Niners at the beginning of his NFL career, but he found his greatest success under the guidance of another Latino, Coach Tom Flores, at the Oakland Raiders. There, they led the Raiders to four playoff victories, including the first ever victory by a wild card team in Super Bowl 15 on 01/25/1981 over the Philadelphia Eagles. He became the second of only four players to win the Heisman Trophy and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

During the 1983 season, Jim Plunkett led the then Los Angeles Raiders to Super Bowl 18, where they defeated Washington on 01/22/1984. He became the only NFL quarterback to win super two Super Bowls with the same franchise in different cities, Oakland and Los Angeles.

Since retiring, Jim has been honored many, many times, but never by the California State Senate, and I'd like to specifically congratulate him on something that was really impetus for him being here today and for this resolution and the recognition that we're giving him today on being inducted as one of the inaugural inductees into the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. That's been announced and those ceremonies will be occurring within a week as I understand it.

As a Mexican American and Native American player, his career shows us that sports are for everyone and that we should welcome diversity in all spaces. I'm proud to honor such athletic excellence and hope that this resolution will encourage others to move forward with Jim Plunkett's recognition in many more ways in the future.

Thank you for your consideration. I respectfully request an aye vote on SR 93.

Senator Strickland, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I rise in support of this, of this resolution. Jim Plunkett is a living legend. He's someone who, as the author mentioned, first Latino quarterback to win the Super Bowl. But I would remind you that same day, Tom Flores was the first Latino head coach to win the Super Bowl at the same time.

Here's a gentleman who won the Heisman trophy in at Stanford, California legend. I—I'm amazed that he is not in the Hall of Fame today, the NFL Hall of Fame. There's no other quarterback that won two Super Bowls that is not in the Hall of Fame other than Eli Manning because Eli Manning will end up being in the Hall of Fame.

But I think it's a travesty that Jim Plunkett is not in the Hall of Fame at this moment, and I, I stand in support of this resolution. And just a point of personal privilege, I remember as a little kid just watching Jim Plunkett play, and he was just a tremendous quarterback.

I'm not well rounded. I love sports and politics probably in that order. And it's just a privilege to have Jim Plunkett here in Sacramento. And, again, a living legend, who is a Californian and one of the, you know, great athlete, athletes, to come out of the state of California. And I wanna thank the author for bringing forward this resolution.

Senator Gonzalez.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I, too, as Chair of the Latino Caucus, is very honored to be able to host an event with the good Senator from San Jose, on be, you know, for, Mr. Plunkett. Absolutely, he is a living legend, as my colleague from Orange County mentioned, a Latino living legend who we are so very proud to call one of our own. And as someone who is not a Raiders fan—in fact, I am a Chargers fan.

I hope Mr. Plunkett does not hold that against me. There's a couple of us here that are Chargers fans, but still nonetheless, I can compartmentalize that out to be able to ensure that we uplift his, his leadership. My husband would, would be happy for me to ensure that I'm supporting a Raiders fan—or a Raider. So, with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote, and I do hope he gets to the Hall of Fame. We'll be sure of it.

Senator Reyes.

Thank you, Mr. President. I too want to rise in full support of SR 93. I heard about Jim Plunkett from my husband, Frank, over and over and over again. What a great mentor. What a great hero.

The fact that he is Latino is something extra about him. He is absolutely qualified to already be inducted into the pro—into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and I hope that by moving this forward here in the Senate, it brings more attention to the fact that we have somebody from California who should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His history, as mentioned by by my colleague, is a history that I think many of our young athletes and young students need to hear more about. To overcome the obstacles that he overcame and to succeed, not a little bit, but to succeed to the extent that he succeeded in, is something that our students need to know more about. And with that, I would respectfully ask for your aye vote on SR 93.

Thank you. Seeing no other Senator wishing to be recognized, Senator Cortese, you may close.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Alright. Having fumbled the opening, the presiding officer now would ask the Secretary to please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 38. Noes, zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving next to file item 42. Senator Cortese for introduction of your distinguished guest.

Thank you, Mr. President. In honor of SR 93, I'm happy to have Jim Plunkett here with us today, along with his wife, Jerry. They have been married for forty five years. I couldn't help but say that. His daughter Megan, his son-in-law Chris, and their grandsons, Jamieson, who turned 14 years old today, spending his birthday here with California State Senate.

Thank you, Jamieson. And Maddox and Brody, two other grandchildren. And we also have Reuben Grijalva and Judy. And I wanna mention that Jim's sister, who has lived in my district during her entire lifetime, couldn't be here today, Mary Ann Plunkett, but I want to make sure we recognize her as well.

Let me just close these comments and conclude giving Jim the, the resolution that we're gonna present him now. But his contributions of football, to breaking barriers and to everything we just heard, from colleagues, those who rose to speak. I appreciate that very, very much. And let me just say one thing, as, as somebody who hasn't said much about what others have said, a potential Hall of Fame enshrinement for Jim Plunkett.

I was at the game where he entered after a guy named Dan Pastoreni, also from San Jose, broke his leg for a team that was had a losing record and was going nowhere, and he took that team all the way to the Super Bowl.

As I mentioned earlier, the wild card, the wild card—first wild card team to ever win the Super Bowl. Now, folks were sitting there watching that game when the first ring quarterback went down and said, this season is over unless somehow we're able to bring in a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback to join this team. Well, he was sitting right on the bench. He stepped in, and now we're waiting for him to take the next step to the NFL Hall of Fame.

That said, I thank you all for welcoming welcoming the Plunkett family.

Hopefully, we can give him and the entire family a big round of applause while I present this resolution.

Alright. Well, proceeding with Senate third reading, the Senate will now turn to considering file item 42, Senate Concurrent Resolution one twenty four by Senator Wiener. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution one twenty four by Senator Weiner relative to transportation access.

Senator Weiner, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister president. Colleagues, I rise today to present, Senate Concurrent Resolution one twenty four, which recognizes the barriers that individuals, diagnosed with epilepsy face when accessing transportation. Epilepsy affects thousands of working age Californians who are otherwise healthy, employable, and seeking financial independence, yet too often sidelined by transportation barriers. Three point four million people in The US have epilepsy.

Due to seizure risks and driving restrictions, adults with epilepsy frequently cannot drive, especially in suburban rural communities where public transit is limited or nonexistent, cutting them off from jobs, education, and medical care.

Research shows that adults with epilepsy face unemployment rates more than five times higher than those without epilepsy, and transportation barriers are a major driver of that inequity. When people with epilepsy lose access to reliable affordable transportation, they lose jobs, income, and stability, while our broader economy loses their talent, productivity, and tax contributions. This resolution recognizes transportation access as a critical determinant of employment, independence, and economic participation.

If Californians with epilepsy can get to work safely and reliably, they can support themselves and their families, contribute to our economy, and live with dignity and independence. We're joined here today by advocates and members of the epilepsy community who have come from across the state to discuss to discuss these and other issues.

And I wanna thank the California Neurology Society, for working with us on this resolution, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no members of the Senate wishing to be recognized, colleagues, this item is eligible for our unanimous roll call. Is there any objection to applying the unanimous roll call to file item 42? Seeing none, ayes 38, no zero. The resolution is adopted. And Senator Wiener at the majority leader's desk for introduction of his guests.

Thank you again, mister president. Please join me today in welcoming, epilepsy advocates from across the state on the floor. I'm pleased to introduce the following members from the California Neurology Society, Natalia Sutra, Anna Baines, Jennifer Dang, and Abigail, Wedel.

Welcome to the Senate. Alright. Continuing with business on Senate third reading, we'll now move to file item 62, s SCR 158 by Senator Allen. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution one fifty eight by Senator Allen relative to arts, culture, and creativity month in the fiftieth anniversary of the California Arts Council.

Senator Allen at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, mister president. Members, I rise to present SCR 158, which celebrates this April, not only as the eighth annual Arts, Culture, Creativity Month here in California, but it also marks fifty years since the founding of the California Arts Council in 1976. Over the last twelve years, this body has heard me rise many times as chair of the joint community in the arts with the privilege of recognizing incredible artists, non-profit organizations, and leaders who make up California's vibrant arts community.

And in every session since I've been in the Senate, we've passed legislation and finalized investments to support the arts across our industries and schools. We've passed the theater and dance act to issue teaching credentials for the arts creative workforce development act to expand jobs in creative sectors.

We expanded the TV film tax credit program to keep productions here in the Golden State. And for each of those bills, and since long before any of us took, our seats here in this chamber, the California Arts Council has been an invaluable partner in this body's efforts to ensure that every Californian reaps the benefits of our collective creative heritage.

With the support of first governor Jerry Brown and under the stewardship of its seven original members, the inaugural California Arts Council set out to build a foundation for our arts community sowing seeds that would create opportunities for generations of Californians. The original council's initiatives, including the arts in corrections program, which invests in the rehabilitative influence of the arts for incarcerated individuals, are still benefiting Californians fifty years later.

Their work has led to a creative arts economy of unprecedented scope in California, which is now home to over 11,000 nonprofit arts organizations and creative industries that employ over 15% of all Californians and account for nearly $2,019,000,000,000 dollars in assets.

Arts Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate not only the great leadership of the California Arts Council over the last fifty years and the hopeful vision of those who established it, but to celebrate each of these artists, educators, nonprofit organizations who have been driving forces for culture and creativity across our state.

So members, please join me in recognizing this April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month and celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the California Arts Council and their great stewardship of our arts community, I respectfully ask for an eye vote on SCR 158.

Alright. Seeing no, senators are being wishing to be recognized. Members, this item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Is there any objection to applying our unanimous roll call to file item 40, 42 62, excuse me. Seeing none, ayes 38.

No zeros. The resolution is adopted. Senator Allen, for introduction of guests.

Alright. Well, in honor of the now declared Arts, Culture, Creativity Month and the Arts Council's historic fiftieth anniversary, it's my great privilege to introduce some wonderful leaders of our California creative arts community.

To accomplish what we have accomplished in this state with California to the center of the entertainment industry, technological innovation, the arts community globally, it really has taken the dedication and the work of so many nonprofit advocates, historic investment by our government, the generosity of so many artists and philanthropists who have committed to supporting the next generation of artists.

So representing the OG Original Arts Council from 1976, the year of the two hundredth anniversary of our founding of our republic, I'm proud to welcome to the Senate Chamber the legendary Luis Valdez, arts council alum and legendary playwright, as well as Paul Lanier, who's son of the founding council member and artist Ruth Asawa.

Luis Valdez, who so many of you know, I was talking with Senator Durazo about about mister Valdez, widely heralded as the father of Chicano film and playwriting, known worldwide for his play Zoot Suit, his film La Bamba, and the founding of the Chicano theater company, El Teatro Campesino.

From his first full length play debuted at San Jose State to his work today, his art and advocacy have earned him a Peabody Award, Mexico's Agua Azteca Award, The US Presidential Medal of Arts, among countless other recognitions of his leadership in the Chicano Movement.

And just this year at the Sundance Festival, Best Documentary went to American Pachuco, which is a documentary about the extraordinary career of Luis Valdez, narrated by our good friend, Edward James Olmos.

Paul, who is here, is a sculptor and ceramicist in his own right. He is in Sacramento receiving a posthumous award honoring his incredible mother, Ruth Asawa, whose service on the First Arts Council was driven by the same ethos that drove her artistic career. And that's art is for everyone.

And in an exhibition at, MoMA, reflecting her six decade career, rooms full of floating wild wire struck sculptures in their intricate shadows celebrate Ruth as a leader for arts education in the sixties, and her belief that every action and every material have creative potential and that there's no distinction between living life and creating art.

Paul not only worked with Ruth on public works commissioned across the Bay Area, but he's continued on her legacy of boundless creativity and public access to the arts in his own career as a sculptor. We were talking earlier about how relentless his mother was in advocacy with the arts, and he would always get up and say, you have to do more. You have to do more for arts in our state and in our society.

So it's an honor to recognize recognize both his work and of course Ruth's legacy on the Senate floor here today.

I also have the great privilege of introducing the longtime CEO of our largest statewide arts advocacy nonprofit, Julie Baker from California for the Arts. She took on the role back in 2018, and she's been a tireless advocate for the visibility and influence of our arts organizations and their efforts across the state.

One of her first initiatives was the driving force behind our original resolution celebrating April's Arts, Culture, Creativity Month. And it's also, of course, our great honor to introduce the iconic actor, comedian, celebrity, Jeopardy star, and my constituent, Cheech Marin, who's a born and bred Angeleno Cheech, of course, has been one of the most famous voices for Chicano identity in film and television for nearly fifty years.

In addition to, of course, being such an important star on our silver screen, he's also founded the Cheech Marine Center for Chicano Art, Culture, and Industry in Riverside, which is a very special place, providing a permanent home for his collection of over 700 works of Chicano art, the largest collection in the world. The people come from all over the world to visit this very special place in Riverside.

The center will continue Cheech's work of creating and preserving and sharing Chicano art to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to see their culture and their community represented and respected in the arts. So these are some folks that we're honoring here on the floor today, just a few of the incredible artists, activists, and civic leaders who've devoted their careers to expanding the arts and who've helped to shape the arts community California has today.

We also, of course, have some wonderful arts leaders who are up here. Why don't you all stand up, our great arts leaders who are here in our gallery.

Folks like Luis's wife and son, Lupe and Anahuac Valdez, Paul's wife Sandra Halliday, current member of the Arts Council, Rick Stein, the Council's current chair, Roxanne Messina Kaptur, the executive director, Danielle Brazell, who's here as well. And so many wonderful friends from the Arts Council and from arts advocacy organizations who are here for a series of arts celebratory events associated with the fiftieth anniversary.

We appreciate you all so very much as well. So I just want to recognize all of you, all of our incredible artists here on the floor, and the many, many thousands of artists who they represent all up and down the state, including my mother.

You know, thank you for being at the forefront of California's leadership in arts and creativity. You bring such richness to our state. We celebrate you here today.

Senator Caballero. We still have two additional members of the house that wish to be recognized on this introduction. So Senator Caballero.

Thank you very much, mister pro tem. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize, the one of the icons, Luis Valdez, who fundamentally changed, Samuel Bautista, the small, community by starting the Teatro Campesino. They have created a lot along with his family, a place where people go to see the arts, where they travel to learn about the farmworker movement, but just as importantly, to be inspired by the plays that are put on there in at the local mission.

The Chris the at, at during the wintertime, the Pastorella and Virgen De Guadalupe alternatively play there and really create an incredibly beautiful environment. So thank you, Luis Valdez, for your presence here today, for your art artistry, for what you mean to the farmworker movement.

And just as importantly, for all the young people who grow up learning about artistry and the beauty and get excited about playing in your plays every year after year after year. We're honored to have you here today. And I was so excited to see you in our chambers because you're an icon in our community. Thank you very much.

Alright. Let me. I, I know we're joined by guests from the arts, and and it will seem very strange for any institution to have a no applause rule, but we do have one. So it's contrary to the rules of the Senate for spontaneous applause. There will be an appropriate point at the end of all of the introductions. Senator Smallwood Cuevas to continue with the introduction.

Thank you so much, mister president. And I just wanna stand to say thank you to Cheech Marin for all of his artistry over the years. I recognize the Latino theater company in my district and, and how important the legacy is of having those big name artists who celebrate, small town cultural arts. I represent South Central Los Angeles, the East side of the of of the South LA area in downtown. Wanna recognize the arts council and all of Jennifer's work.

It is incredibly important that we celebrate arts and culture because it's our truth. It's the way that we teach people about ourselves. It's the way that we unite our cultures and our communities. And in California, that is so important as we see our black and brown community stepping into the majority of the state, that our arts and culture, is represented, invested in, and expanded.

And so with that, I support, the earlier resolution, and I also wanna thank you all for being here and look forward to working with you to make sure that the arts continues to be a place where all Californians can be represented and thrive.

Senator Durazo.

Thank you very much. I wanna thank you all for being here. It's really important to know about art as also there's people's art. There's art that connects with what's going on in our communities, in our daily struggles, And that's what you all are about as well. That going to the opera is beautiful.

What a unique experience that must be. But I remember Luis Valdez on the top of a flatbed truck, which is a hat on and a sign, like a cardboard sign hanging around his neck saying, El Patron or, you know, another another character in the in the theater. And what you did was inspire individuals to look at art in a totally different way from what we had been taught. It was some art was something that wealthy people did, not communities. You changed that.

All of you changed that. And I'm really grateful to you that that was an important part of the student movement, of the Chicano movement, of the civil rights movement, to be able to express yourself and with music and theater. All of this is so important for our communities. It's our mental health as well. It's how to talk about our issues in a way where you could laugh and and not just cry.

So all those things and and personally wanna thank you all because you all and Edward James Olmos inspired my grandson to take up, filmmaking. And so, you know, cross your fingers, but whatever he decides to do, it was all inspired by people like yourself. So.

Alright. And now, welcome and thank you to Senator Allen and to, the other senators who for the introduction. Welcome to our guests and colleagues if you wish to join our guests for a photo and the rear the chambers with them, please. And now is the appropriate time for applause.

Alright. And now, welcome and thank you to Senator Allen and to, the other senators who for the introduction. Welcome to our guests and colleagues if you wish to join our guests for a photo and the rear the chambers with them, please. And now is the appropriate time for applause.

Alright.

Members, please also welcome Senator Reyes' guest in the gallery, Sherry Jude, Jose Marino, Cecilia Choi, Namrata Deepak, and Duke Medina from UCLA, who are here to abdicate on behalf of the external vice president's office. And many, many, many other friends are here to advocate on behalf of the external vice president's office. Welcome to the Senate. We're proceeding now with the Senate third reading to file item 63, SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution one fifty nine by Senator Alvarado-Gil relative California Rodeo Appreciation Month.

Senator Alvarado-Gil at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, mister president. Today, I rise as the author of SCR 159 recognizing the month of April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. For generations, the word rodeo has captured the heart of the American West derived from the Spanish verb, meaning to gather or surround. Rodeos began as practical cattle working events where ranchers sorted, counted, and moved their herds. What started as working as working gatherings evolved into the thrilling spectacles that we know today.

California rodeos trace their roots to the late seventeen hundreds, when California was part of New Spain. The first modern style rodeo in our state was actually held on 08/11/1911 at the racetrack grounds in Salinas, now Sherwood Park. And it was proudly named the California Rodeo by Frank Griffin. Today, the California Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Pro Rodeo Circuit hosts 37 professional rodeos each year across our golden state, including the iconic California Rodeo Salinas, the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo, the Red Bluff Roundup, and many, many more.

Senate District 4 stands out as the very center of this rich heritage, spanning counties steeped in cowboy culture, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, and beyond.

Our district is home to the historic city of Oakdale, proudly known as the cowboy capital of the world, which hosts the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo that draws audiences from around the globe. California rodeos are not only rich in history, but also in diversity. While many associate, associate cowboy cultures while many people associate cowboy culture with Hispanos, indigenous, and white traditions, it's essential to recognize that the deep ties to African American heritage as well.

After the civil war, roughly one in four cowboys was black, and legends like Nat Love blazed trails as cattle drivers. Closer to home, California rodeo Salinas hall of fame inductee, Pat Duvall, or the singing sheriff, broke barriers as Monterey County's first African American sheriff while entertaining crowds each year at the rodeo.

Women have also shattered ceilings in what was once known as a male dominated event. 2025 Women's Professional Rodeo Association California Breakaway Rookie of the Year, Jillian Murray, captured it perfectly when she said, I think that we feel that we have something to prove, and we want to prove it. While modern rodeos still test the innate skills of the ranching culture with bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, tie down roping, breakaway roping, and steer wrestling.

And yes, for those little ones, mutton busting. We have rodeo clowns and barrel men keeping riders safe, and royal Rodeo Queens and their court serving as talented ambassadors between the public and our agricultural community.

These events are powerful economic engines and cultural anchors. In 2014 alone, the California Rodeo Salinas and its bull riding events generated $6,200,000 in revenue. More importantly, Rodeos preserve the rural mystique of California, celebrate our Western heritage, and remind us of the values of hard work, resilience, grit, and community that built out our great state. My own grandfather was a bullfighter in the traditional Spanish arenas, So I carry this tradition in my blood and in my district soul.

Lawmakers and guests, let's come together to honor the thousands of participants, directors, athletes, volunteers, and associations who keep the California Rodeo Network strong.

No halfway measures today because this beloved part of our heritage deserves our full recognition and support. I urge my colleagues to join me with an aye vote on SCR 159 designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Let's celebrate the peak of rodeo season that begins in the spring and sunsets in the fall.

Thank you, Senator Grove.

Thank you, mister president. Thank you, my colleague, for introducing this, SCR 159. I rise today in recognition of California Rodeo Appreciation Month. It's truly a great honor to represent my district's ranching families and, communities that put food on our table. I'd like to thank my rodeo organizations and volunteers, families across our state that work year round to preserve this important tradition.

Rodeo is more than a sport. It's a reflection of California's deep agricultural, roots and the hardworking men and women that sustain them. In communities like Clovis and Bakersfield and all around our state and others within this others within the communities within California. Rodeo continues to bring people together celebrating shared heritage of grit, determination, and respect of the land. These events highlight the skill and dedication of our cowboys and cowgirls who also are supporting local economies and small businesses.

The late legendary Cotton Rosser was a business partner of mine years ago in the backseat, Buckers, where we got people involved in getting their children involved in riding early ages and making sure that we bred good bulls for them to be able to ride and put them in the livestock competitions. His son, Reno Roster, has taken over the legendary Flying U Rodeo, which is one of the largest stock contractors for most rodeos throughout our state.

It truly is a beautiful thing that when they bring, the bucking broncs out and then they bring the mares that are foaling those bucking broncs and how deeply they care and respect the animals that they that, work with them in this arena. And when I say work with them, they truly do work with these incredible animals. California Rodeo Appreciation Munch provides opportunity to recognize contributions of the agricultural community, and it acknowledges the pride and heritage found across the arenas.

I believe it was in the Compton Fire down in Los Angeles where a lot of our black cowboys were working. And after that fire, most of these cowboys went to work for Cotton Rosser up in the north part of the state in Marysville, where truly, again, he is a legend in rodeo history. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important, recognition, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no other senators wishing to be recognized, Senator Alvarado Gil, you may close.

Thank you to my colleague from rural Bakersfield. Let us affirm the dignity, economic power, and cultural pride in California with an aye vote for Rodeos bringing every corner of our state together.

Thank you, Senator. Colleagues, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Does anyone wish to object to the application of our unanimous roll call to file item 63? Seeing none, ayes 38, no zero. The resolution is adopted.

Senator Alvarado-Gil, you're recognized at the majority leader's desk for introduction of your guests.

Thank you so much. We have special guests on the floor today. Equine athlete 2025 California female breakaway rookie of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, Miss Jillian Murray. Now, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, it's, commemorates the colorful history and legends in professional rodeo, the Hall of Fame, of the American Cowboys in Colorado Springs. And every year since 2017, the WPRA has had barrel racers from California inducted in every single class.

So our women athletes are making, making headlines. Alright? Also with us today is Miss Sujei Rosas, Miss Rodeo California twenty twenty six. And this amazing ambassador of our great state is more than just a beautiful person. Inside and out, women from ages 16 to 25, depending on where you're competing on, compete to be ambassadors of California's rich agricultural history.

They become ambassadors of their community and represent us in all grace and form throughout California. Please welcome Miss Rosas. We also have from the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Association, we have mister Edward Boyle, our president, our current president, and mister Norm Mendenhall, arena director and past president. And also gracing them is miss Delaney Grace, our twenty twenty six Miss Rodeo Oakdale. Please welcome them with a warm applause.

Now, the Miss Rodeo California Association, it is a nonprofit. It selects our most prestigious Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. This cannot be possible without sponsors and supporters, with the mission of promoting the Western culture and the Western way of life. There is a highly competitive pageant done at the local level, up until state. So if you've been to our great state Cal Expo Fair, you've seen some of these young women compete.

I also want to acknowledge the Oakdale Saddle Club. The Oakdale Saddle Club is in Stanislaus County in Senate District 4. This is a It started as a group of horsemen that was incorporated in July 1945. I was just at the rodeo last weekend. It was standing room only, and we had competitors from all across The US coming here to the cowboy capital world to celebrate the rich traditions that the Oakdale Saddle Club has garnered for generations.

So I wanna thank our guests on the floor today and welcome you to participate in your local fairs, your local rodeos, and to celebrate this western tradition. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Oliver O'Goo and and welcome to the guests. If there's anyone here to join for a photo, please make your way to the rear of the chambers. Alright. Proceeding with business on the daily file, 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. Colleagues, turning next to motions, resolutions, and notices. Without objection, the Senate journals for 04/13/2026 through 04/16/2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. Any other motions or resolutions at this time? Seeing none, we'll return to consideration of the daily file.

Sorry. Under motions and resolution, Senator Gonzales.

Thank you, mister president. I respectfully request that file item 86, s p twelve eleven, be removed from the consent calendar for amendments.

Secretary will note. Seeing no other motions and resolutions, we'll now return to consideration of the daily file, the second reading file, file items one through nine. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill nine fifty with amendments, eleven eighty six with amendments, eight sixty six with amendments, eleven twenty two with amendments, eleven eighty five with amendments, nine twenty four with amendments, ten twenty seven with amendments, thirteen oh seven with amendments, Senate Bill twelve eighty five.

As we proceed to the consent calendar, second day, items 85 through 88, is there any member of the Senate that wishes to remove any of these items from the consent calendar? Seeing none, secretary will you please read the consent calendar?

Senate Bill 1294, 1139, 1428.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38 and 00. The consent calendar is adopted and will apply the the vote is applied to all remaining items on the consent calendar. Turning next to, returning to privileges of the floor, ask colleagues please please join the House in acknowledging and honoring the birthday of one of our colleagues, Senator Menjivar. The birthday will be occurring one day upon after upon adjournment. One day later will be this the birthday for Senator Menjivar.

Senator Menjivar, happy birthday. Turning to committee announcements, Senator Senator Becker.

Yes. The Committee on Human Services will meet in Room 2200 upon adjournment.

Thank you, Senator Becker. Senator Archuleta.

Yes, mister chair. Mister president, right after right after we close-up in Room 113, that'd be the Military and Veterans Committee.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Jones.

Thank you, mister president. Upon adjournment privacy, we'll be meeting under the, direction of the chair, Cabaldon, in Room 1200.

If there's no further business to come before the house, president Pro Tem Limon, the desk is clear.

Thank you, members. Our next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at 9AM.

I don't have Okay. The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been received. We will reconvene Tuesday, 04/23/2026, at 09:00am.