Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Members, without objection, Senate Rule 55 will be suspended to allow guests on the floor. Would the Members and our guests in the gallery and beyond the rail please rise? We're going to be led in prayer this afternoon by chairman Jesus Tarango of the Wilson Rancheria and Ralph Troy Hatch. After which, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Jesus Turangal, tribal chairman of Wilton Ranch Tree. And it's an honor for me and, one of my citizens here, who's a former elected official and a cultural, bearer, warrior and and carries that. It's an honor for us to be here to open up today's session, in a in a way that is very common for us and it's common for all of us and that when we lead with prayer, we lead with blessings. It comes from the heart.

So for that, we're gonna share a song with you guys to allow you to do the good work that you must do.

I too understand what it means to have a a government as my council passes my budgets and the different things that we do. And so this prayer is from my people who are one of the tribes here locally that claim this place as home. It's a shared space between Miwok and Nisenang people and we fit that bill. So for that, me and my cousin here are gonna open up with a song and we hope you guys have a good session.

Now please join in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the And on behalf of the Senate, I'd like to extend our warmest appreciation to Chairman Durango and the Wilson Rancheria and to Troy Hatch for joining us and delivering today's prayer. We're going to begin with privileges of the floor, beginning with Senator Cortese. Senator Cortese at the majority leader's desk.

Well, thank you, Mister President, and colleagues. I rise today to extend my congratulations to Shantanu Narayan. After eighteen years of exceptional leadership, Mister Narayan is transitioning out of his CEO role at Adobe, but remaining as Chair of the board. That headquarters is located in the heart of our downtown, the San Jose, and the heart of Senate District 15.

Mister Narayan was born in Hyderabad, India after earning his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the distinguished Osmania University and a master's degree in computer science from Bowling Green University in Ohio.

He came to the Bay Area to study business at the University of California, Berkeley. Mister Ryan joined Adobe in 1998, where he led Adobe's transformation from box software to cloud based subscriptions. Thanks to his vision, this California company grew into a household name, not just here, but around the world. Today, government agencies, private businesses, and individuals around the world all use Adobe software. In a conversation we had earlier, the CEO told me that today, 1,000,000,000 people touch Adobe projects.

That happens products, not projects, products, the actual products, and that's happening every day. Mister Narayan's success is also a credit to his values. As a CEO, he prioritize inclusivity, creativity, and worker well-being. We've seen it firsthand in San Jose and across Senate District 15, of course, where Adobe employs thousands of people, including many from marginalized communities.

When the COVID pandemic hit, Adobe was one of the first to respond with a remote work order, moving 22,000 people to remote work and completely avoiding any semblance of mass layoffs.

That kind of philosophy is exactly what draws people to the Bay Area, urgent, nimble, immediate leadership. I hope to see more industry leaders follow Mister Narayan's example in the future. Still, Mister Narayan's impact extends beyond Adobe. He's previously been appointed to federal advisory boards on federal technology and management strategy. Today, he serves as vice Chair of the US India strategic partnership forum, where he helps strengthen economic ties between those countries.

Given his many contributions to California's reputation as a leader in technology and innovation, I'm proud to present Shantanu Narayan with a Senate resolution recognizing his extraordinary impact on our state. Joining Mister Narayan on the Senate floor today are his wife, Rani, and his children, Shravan and Arjun. We also have other members of

the Adobe leadership team watching from the gallery. We had the opportunity to talk to them and socialize with them and and welcome them to the Senate earlier today. Colleagues, please join me in welcoming all of them to the California State Senate.

Thank you, Senator Cortese. Senator Caballero at the majority leader's desk for introductions.

Thank you, Mister President and Members. Good afternoon, everyone. I rise today with tremendous prized pride to recognize two extraordinary young men from my district, Jonathan Alfaro Saravia and Christopher Torres Alfaro of Mendota High School. Mendota is a rural agricultural community built by hardworking immigrant families who whose labor helps feed our nation. The same families and values that call for sacrifice, resilience, and determination that built this community are now raising a new generation of innovators, leaders, and change makers.

Thank you, Mister President. Members, we're talking about high school students here, so if I could have your attention for a minute, we can give them the same respect we expect that they will give to their teachers. Today, Mendota is growing more than crops. It is raising young people whose talent and ingenuity are earning national recognition and building a brighter future in California. Jonathan and Christopher are shining examples of what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity.

This summer at the mathematics engineering science achievement or MESA National Engineering Design Competition at John Hopkins University applied physics laboratory, they earned first place bringing a national championship home to their community. Guided yeah. That's it's incredible. Guided by their teachers, Eloy Pena and Carlos D'Amayo, they designed Safe Space, a multilingual crisis response system that provides anonymous real time mental health support for students.

The number one issue that I hear from high school students is the need for mental health services, and they have been working as high school students to figure out what the solution is.

Competing against some of the nation's top student engineering teams, they demonstrated both technical excellence and a deep commitment to serving others. What makes this achievement so inspiring is that they looked beyond the challenge and they focused on a solution. They used engineering, technology, and compassion to create something that could improve the lives of young people. Their success reminds us that every community is filled with extraordinary young people. All they need is the opportunity to show the world what they can do.

Programs like MESA and the Fresno State MESA Center provide students with mentorship, hands on learning, and encouragement that turn curiosity into confidence and ideas into innovation. Jonathan and Christopher proved that some of California's brightest ideas are taking root in our rural communities. They have made Mendota proud, Fresno proud, the Central Valley proud, and today they have made the entire state of California proud. Jonathan and Christopher, thank you for inspiring all of us with your creativity, your compassion, and your example. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.

We can't see wait to see what they will accomplish next. Thank you, Mr. President.

Alright. Welcome to Senator Carlaio's guest. Okay. Okay. Alright, continuing with privileges of the floor, next we will turn to Senator Archuleta at the majority leader's desk.

Alright, Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me this time. This is a very touching and meaningful time for me, as you all remember when I lost my granddaughter to a drunk driver, And I remember standing over there and, and sharing that loss with you. And I believe you all cried with me somewhat, and you felt the pain that I felt, my family. When the pain goes on, it will never stop.

But the pain is not just mine, but it's across the state of California. Drunk drivers are killing our mothers, our daughters, our children, our fathers, our loved ones every single day, and we've gotta get tough. And I think California is doing this. So today, I have the representative from MADD with me today, Mister President, and I'm so proud to have them here. And it's just a handful.

They were a group over at the Assembly doing exactly what we're doing. So today, I rise to introduce a number of families that have lost loved ones that are here with me today. Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Safe California Roads Coalition to advocate to improve road safety and awareness when it comes to drunk driving.

The families with us today have transformed unimaginable loss into advocacy, getting the word out, talking in their communities, knocking on doors, getting on the radio, on television, whatever, to bring awareness to this terrible, terrible tragedy that we face every holiday. Graduations, Christmas, I mentioned my granddaughter killed at Christmas.

So their experience is thought like no others. Every single day, their loss is when they think about their loved ones, birthday parties, Christmas, New Year's, whatever it is. But they have to stand up, and that's what Matt does. They're calling out to all of us to share in their grief, but also share in the experience that they're trying to give us. So with me today, I have Kathleen and Larry Harris, parents of Irene Harris, who was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 12.

12 years old. Not even old enough to get into high school. What a loss for that family. Rhonda Campbell, sister of Irene Harris and victim service manager for Mad. Here she's involved in the community with Mad and lost someone.

Kelly and Eddie Matalvo, parents of Benjamin Matalvo, who was killed by a drunk driver just after 20 just after turning 21 years of age. Not even time enough to finish college. Not even time enough to begin a family. And they lost. Matalvo family.

We're so very, very sorry. Cara Aguirre. Kara Aguirre, mother of Ryan Aguirre, who was killed by a drunk driver, and they're suffering every single day now. Jovan Dangerfield, father of Cameron Dangerfield, his loss every single day. Jennifer Libby, mother of Ron Libby, killed by a drunk driver one month before his high school graduation, receiving a scholarship to go on to college, being recognized as one of the best of the best at a Loyola high school in Los Angeles, and you'll never see that university.

And the parents who've given so much, his father a doctor at the children's hospital in Los Angeles. Can you imagine? When he heard the tragedy, he was in the middle of working with small children. He couldn't leave. He could not leave those children because duty calls.

And now, every single day, he cries with his wife because of their son, Bron. So I'd like to thank you all for giving me this time. And remember, we can do something. We are California. We believe and support our first responders and law enforcement.

Imagine the cost this is to California. So with me, they're here. Let's give them a big, warm welcome. Please.

Welcome to Senator Acura's guest.

Mister president, with due all due respect, we do have a microphone up because I I know that our Senator would like to share her story. Please.

Senator Grove, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mister President. While we honor every one of these families representing those that have lost loved ones throughout the state of California, a point of personal privilege, Jevon Dangerfield is my constituent and his incredible son, can Cameron, along with other family members that have lost their life. He was living his best life and he was doing marketing for world renowned companies. And it was just a tragedy that that happened just last year.

And so I just appreciate my friend being here with all the other parents and family members advocating to make sure that good policy comes out of this build building, that we remember the victims and not so much the perpetrators.

And simple things like putting, you know, death on a death certificate instead of accident. Simple things to put their families to closure bring closure. That if you could ever have fine closure, we're not meant to bury our children. And I know that's what my friend did. And so I just leave you with this scripture, it's Psalms 20 verse four, and it says, may he remember your sacrifices, give you the desires of your heart, and let all your plans succeed.

And don't ever forget the loved ones that you've that have left this world to go to heaven.

Senator, and please, one more round of applause. May I please ask you for that? Thank you, Mister President.

Thank you, Senator. We'll pause for a moment for the photograph. Continuing with privileges of the floor, Senator Umburg at the majority, at your desk for introduction of guests.

Well, thank you, Mister President and colleagues. But before I introduce my guests, I wanna thank our colleague from Pico Rivera, for sharing his story, his lived experience in this space. He has taken this incredible tragedy and used it to advance an important cause. So I want to thank my colleague from Pico Rivera. And perhaps a very good lesson for the young people that that I brought here to the floor today.

I'm pleased to introduce the 40 34 Senate districts young senators who are in our gallery today. This group of young people, young high school students, have spent the last several months learning about everything that we do here in the Senate, engaging in policy discussions and coming up with great ideas for future legislation. In fact, I just listened to bill ideas this morning, and they certainly rival many of ours.

And I had the pleasure of hearing them and having them present them in a way that would make us all proud. Colleagues, soon, they'll be down here on the floor, and at least I'll be up there in the gallery watching all of them as they become leaders here in California.

Please help me in welcoming the Young Senators from the 34th Senate District. Thank you.

Welcome, Young Senators. Also please welcome to the, to our chambers, guests of Senator Perez, constituents of hers that are in the rear of the chambers. Welcome to Senator Perez's guests. And to continue with privilege of this floor, next we will turn to Senator Grove for future governor's appointments.

Thank you, colleagues. I have five kids, five spouses, and five 11 grandkids, and this is the youngest of the boys because if I brought them all 11 here, it's like controlled chaos, and it probably would not be good for the institution. But with me today, I have my grandson, and his name is, what's your name?

Robert. I Robert.

And how old are you?

Three.

And who do you love?

Family.

Thank you. Mister President, with all due respect, I forgot one. He reminded me, grandma's kisses are.

Magic.

That's right. Magic.

Alright. Members messages from the governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read, and reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted. Next, turn to motions and resolutions. Without objection, the Senate journals for 06/09/2026 through 07/02/2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk.

And without objection, joint rule 62 a will be suspended to allow the Special Committee on International Sporting Events and the Joint Committee on Arts to hold an informational hearing on Friday, August 7 without sufficient notice. Senator Ashby.

Yes. Thank you. I have, two items, but first I'm going to bail out my colleague from Bakersfield who forgot her daughter, Kristen. Welcome to the Senate floor. Alright.

Apologize. Yes. Welcome. Alright. First of all, Mister President, Members, I move that joint rule 62 a be suspended to allow the committee this week without sufficient notice, and I ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Valadares.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise in opposition and ask for a no vote.

Alright. The majority leader is asking for an Aye vote. Senator Valadares is asking for a No vote. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, Noes 8. The motion carries. Senator Ashby.

Yes. Thank you, Mister presiding officer and Members. I move that Assembly bill 1923 be given a second reading upon being reported from committee this week and ordered to third reading. I ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Valadares.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also rise in opposition and would like to apply the previous roll call vote.

Alright. Is there any objection to substituting the prior roll call on this motion? Seeing none, Ayes 27, Noes 8. The motion carries. And majority leader?

Thank you, Mister President. I rise to move file item number 47, SB799, Allen, back to the Assembly for the purposes of amendments.

Secretary will note. Senator Richardson.

I rise, making the motion to send file item number 45, SB 1344, and file item number 51, SB 1273, back to the Assembly floor to make chaptering out amendments and floor amendments.

Without objection. Any other motions of resolution? Senator Seyarto.

Thank you, Mister President. I have two items. I request unanimous consent for a letter to be printed to the journal. This letter has been approved by leadership and the secretary. And the second is I request at the at the request of the authors, I request that file item two sixteen, which is AB 2397, and file item two twenty, which is AB 2280, be removed from the consent calendar for purposes of amendments?

Without objection,

Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Mister President. At the request of the author, I would like to pull from the inactive file, ACR 621. With that, I respectfully ask. Thank you.

Desk will note. Any further motions and resolutions?

Alright. Proceeding next to consideration of the daily file, the second reading file. Secretary, please read.

[Second Reading]

Second reading file will be deemed dread. Without objection, we'll proceed to Senate third reading to take up file item 58. Senator Nilo will be taking the the measure up at the majority leader's desk.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 184 by Senator Niello relative to frontal temporal degeneration awareness week.

Senator Niello.

Thank you very much, Mister President. I rise to present SCR 184, proclaiming the week of September 28 to October 4 year as frontal frontotemporal degeneration awareness we in cal week in California. It's much easier to say FTD.

That's what I will say from this point forward. The association for FTD reports that FTD, also known as FTD, is a terminal and incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting the frontal and temporal lobes, causing impairments to speech, personality, behavior, and motor skills that constitutes a major public health concern. It takes an average of about three and a half years from initial symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis of FTD with the, unfortunately, average life expectancy of only seven to thirteen years after initial symptoms.

FTD strikes people as young as 21 and as old as 80, but the largest percentage are in their forties to sixties, and that renders people dysfunctional in their prime years of life. FTD imposes average annual costs associated with care and living with the disease that are approximately double those of Alzheimer's disease.

FTD is most common form of dementia for people 60 years of age. Approximately forty people with FTD have a family history of FTD or, many times related conditions, particularly ALS. While there has never been a global epidemi, epidemi, epidemiology

study of FTD, it is estimated that more than sixty thousand people are affected in The United States today. It's imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious disease and more must be done to increase activity and tracking at the local, state, and national levels. I urge your strong support of this measure.

Seeing no members of the Senate wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on the resolution.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Good. Ayes, 35. No, 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator Neillo, you're recognized at the majority leader's desk for introduction of guests.

Thank you. I do have some very special guests. It's really an honor to introduce some people who are strong and passionate, dedicated people working tirelessly on behalf of their loved ones, affected with FTD. At the back of the floor, please join me in welcoming Emma Hemming Willis, who is here today representing her husband, the beloved actor Bruce Willis, who is a victim of this horrible disease about which she has written a book, The Unexpected Journey, that I would commend to everybody.

Joining Emma today is Terry and Beth Walter, constituents of mine, both of whom's husband have passed away from this, again, horrible disease.

Also joining us is Doug and Lisa Farrow. Doug is bravely fighting FTD with the love and support of his wife, Lisa. Finally, members, please direct your attention to the gallery where there are many other FTD families, care partners, and advocates from the association for FTD who are here today to raise awareness about this devastating disease. We had a press conference earlier today and pressing the need for research, treatments, and hopefully someday a cure. Please help me in welcoming all of my guests.

And now we'll have a photo.

Alright. Returning to messages from the Assembly. Secretary, please read.

Mister President, I am directed to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 208 . Sue Parker, chief clerk of the Assembly.

Alright. Members without objection, we would take up Assembly concurrent 208 without reference to file. Seeing none, President Pro Tem Limon, recognize oh, sorry. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 208 by Assemblymember Ramos relative to California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. President Pro Tem Limon.

Thank you, members. Senators, I rise on behalf of the California Native American Caucus to present ACR 208 recognizing California Native American Day. California is the home to the largest Native American population in the country with many sovereign nations, each with the district different and distinct languages, traditions and identities. Yet, all sharing a similar story of pain and resilience shaped by colonization. The histories, cultures and governments of California tribal nations remain an integral part of our identity.

When California first joined the union in 1850, the promise the promising future of statehood did not include California's first people. However, in recent years, this legislature has taken meaningful steps towards acknowledging this history and beginning a path towards fairness and inclusion. We have expanded cooperation between California law enforcement and tribal police to address the issues of missing and murdered indigenous people. We've established the feather alert system to help locate loved ones similar to the amber alert.

We've expanded cooperation between the state and tribal governments in manage managing our shared natural resources and increased protections for tribal children by ensuring our laws protect Indian children, families and the rights of tribes in child welfare cases.

While all these actions reflect a growing commitment from the state to further its relationship with tribal nation, our work remains. Tribes continue to face systemic barriers when attempting to help their communities. California Native American Day observed each year on the fourth Friday in September celebrates the enduring contributions of tribal communities. We are indebted to those who came before us. We acknowledge the resilience of California's first people and recognize those who have dedicated their lives advocating for justice and cultural preservation.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Chair, Assemblymember Ramos, the first Native American serving in the state legislature who continues to bring the voices of a Native American to the legislative the legislative process. I'd also like to recognize our guest chaplains today. Chairman Jesus Taronga and Mister Ralph Troy Hatch from the Wilton Rancheria who delivered a traditional blessing for us today. Lastly, we also have tribal leaders present with us today.

In this gallery and on this floor, the families of our honorees and the allies who have stood with us over the years.

As we recognize California Native American Day, we honor the resilience, leadership, and contributions of California native communities. We also reaffirm our commitment to respect, partnership, and healing. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 208.

Senator Richardson.

Thank you, Mister president. Good afternoon. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Three of us, which stand very strong in support of ACR 208, a resolution recognizing and celebrating the California Native American Day on this on September 25th of this year. With 109 federally recognized tribes and 55 additional state tribes actively preserving, protecting, and sharing their cultural heritage, ACR 208 ensures that indigenous people are prominently acknowledged, and, might I add, respected within California's rich and diverse communities.

California Native American tribes are the first people of California. ACR 208 further establishes the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, a vital form that elevates both historical and contemporary truths about the tribal nations, their contributions, their resilience, and their ongoing efforts to safeguard cultural customs and traditions. By expanding access to this knowledge, ACR 208 will help educate Californians to respect and to understand sovereignty, the essential role that native Americans have not only played, but started in this amazing state.

For these reasons, I, along with my colleagues of the California Legislative Black Caucus, remember and we respect and we respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 208.

Senator Reyes.

Thank you, Mister president. I too rise in support of recognizing California Native American Day on behalf of California Legislative Latino Caucus. California is home to, as it was noted earlier, to more Native Americans and more federally recognized tribes than any other state in our nation. The story of our state cannot be told without recognizing the enduring contributions, culture, and leadership of California Native Americans.

Today, we also honor remarkable tribal elders, leaders, mentors, and family members whose service has strengthened tribal communities and improve the lives of native Californians.

Among this year's honorees is Rowena Rina Ramos, the mother of our colleague from San Bernardino, Assemblymember James Ramos and Kenneth Ramirez, former Chair of the Yohaviya Tom of Sonoran nation. Rina is remembered for her dedication to native communities and contributions as a respected cultural keeper and elder. California Native American Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of California's tribal nations, honor the resilience and recognize the lasting contributions native communities have made and continue to make to our state.

While we cannot undo the injustices inflicted upon our California native peoples, we can commit ourselves to learning from our from our history, strengthening our relationships with tribal nations, and advancing meaningful reconciliation. As we commemorate California's Native American Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty, preserving native cultures and traditions, and working in partnership with tribal nations to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 208.

Senator Strickland.

Thank you, Mister president, members. I rise in support of ACR 208. As our pro tem mentioned, this legislature has done a lot to recognize our our tribal sovereignty, things like sacred sites. I was one of the few Republicans back in the day that respected sacred sites bills, and then I was an organizer of prop five and 1A. They gave them their sovereignty.

And it's just very important that we understand the history of California and support our Native American brothers in moving forward. And so I wanna thank the Pro Tem for bringing this important resolution forward, and I wholeheartedly encourage everybody to support ACR 208.

Senator Becker.

Thank you. I just wanna add my voice as vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, also as Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. I wanna thank the Assembly member for his tremendous work on behalf of native tribes. We've had a number of bills including this year around water rights, around other important issues for the community that you've advocated and led, and I think we're starting to get the state back on the right track. Thank you.

Seeing no further senators wishing to be recognized, president Pro Tem Limon, you may close.

Thank you. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll on ACR 208.

[Roll Call]

Ayes. 36. No zero. The resolution is adopted. President Pro Tem Limon for introduction of guests.

Thank you, Members. Senators, today marks the seventh celebration of the annual California Indian Culture Awareness Conference, and our first time as a California State Senate recognizing California's tribal leaders for their exemplary work and public service on this floor. Before we learn about our honorees and their notable accomplishments, on your desk, you'll find a commemorative pen bearing the Native American Caucus emblem. It is a small reminder of the importance and the weight the legislation that we bring forward carries for communities.

Here are the twenty twenty six Native American honorees.

Betty June Debois from the Pechanga Band, Louisiana Indians of Southern California. She was a tribal leader who embraced and promoted traditional culture. Her efforts led to the acceptance of her people and tribal communities throughout the state. With her nephew, Chairman Mark McCarroll, she fostered and nurtured the customs and faith that sustained the tribe through hardship and great discrimination.

Next, we have Dennis McGee of the Paola Indian Reservation in Southern California who is honored for his decades long advocacy for equitable health care resources and access to his tribe and fellow Indian communities.

As a key to litigation, ring con versus California. He helped ensure that the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the Indian Health Service stopped their denial of funding to Indians living in California. He passed at the age of 85 surrounded by his nieces and nephews. On his behalf, on this floor, we have his nieces, Joanna Nelson, Corine Nelson, Courtney Nelson, and his nephew, Wayne Nelson. Rowena Ramos.

Rowena Rina Ramos is honored for the legacy of philanthropy she shared with her husband James and is an example of service to the community and a practitioner of cultural pride and preservation. Missus Ramos played a pivotal role in establishing early governmental guidelines to assist the tribe. In 2019, she received the lifetime legacy award from the Time for Change Foundation. She was a treasured tribal leader, spiritual leader, mentor, cultural keeper, as well as a loving and beloved matriarch and family member.

On her behalf, we have on this floor, her daughter, Alina Matthews, her sons, Ken Ramirez, Tommy Ramos, and Assemblymember Ramos.

Her daughter-in-law, Terry Ramos, and her grandson, James Ramos Junior, and granddaughter, Katrina Dunham. Next, we have Beverly Hunter. Table Mountain tribal chairperson, Beverly Hunter was a tribal and statewide native American leader. She served as chairperson of the Table Mountain Rancheria Tribal Gaming Commission, Pow Wow Committee and Enrollment Committee. She also held offices on the rural California rural Indian health board and its traditional Indian health committee.

Chair Hunter played a critical role in securing the return and reburial of ancestors and objects held at the University of California, Berkeley and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. On her behalf, on this floor, we have her sister Loretta Ann Jones, her niece and Table Mountain tribal chairwoman Michelle Herrevia Cordova, and her son and Table Mountain council member Mark Martinez. Troy Fletcher.

Troy was a Yurok executive director, widely respected for his integrity, skills, and ability to bring together adversaries on complicated issues such as river usage and preservation and the expansion of tribal lands. He was instrumental in leading historic protections for the Klamath River and his tribe.

He passed on 11/20/2015 at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife Carrie, his sons Troy Fletcher Junior, Cody and Zachary, grandchildren and parents, Jacqueline and Don Winter. On his behalf, we have on this floor, his mother, Jacqueline Fletcher Winter and his wife Carrie Fletcher, his son Zachary Fletcher, his nephew Ike McKeve and his sisters Tammy Fletcher Latta.

Doctor Celeste Townsend, who is the president of the California Indian Nations College and has led the college on a path to become the only stand alone and fully accredited tribal college in California. Doctor.

Townsend is enrolled is an enrolled citizen in the Gidutikod, Numu Fort Bidwell Indian Community in Northern California. She is a descendant of the Shoshonee Piat tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Owyhee, Nevada. Members, please join me in congratulating the twenty twenty six honorees and their families and loved ones. We thank them for dedicating their lives to caring for their tribes, the people, the state, the lands, and for playing a critical role in their recognition. Congratulations.

Alright. Thank you to the president Pro Tem and to the the Chair of the caucus. We'll begin with a photo of any members of the Native American caucus to join our guests, and then we'll take a group forward photo with everyone. Okay. Alright.

Everyone is welcome to join our honor the the distinguished honorees for the group photo.

Returning to business on the daily file, we'll now proceed to governor's appointments. We'd ask, our guests and members of the Senate to take their private conversations off of the floor and out of the chambers. Proceeding to governor's appointments, Senator Grove.

Thank you. Thank you, Mister Chair. Colleagues, or thank you, Mister President, colleagues. File item 21 is Justin Doring for the reappointment of the Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training where he served since 2024. He is a senior deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office serving in organized retail theft task force in special investigations unit.

He was approved by the rules committee on June 24 on a 5-0 vote.

Respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Seeing no Senators wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on the appointment.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Call the roll one more time.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Senator Grove, file item 22.

Thank you, Mister President. Colleagues, file item 22 is a confirmation of Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon for the reappointment to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training where, she has served since 2022. She was approved by the rules committee on June 24 at a 5-0 vote. Respectfully asked for an Aye vote.

Seeing no members wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on file item 22.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Aye. 35. No,0. The appointment of Kelly Gordon is confirmed. Moving to next to item 23, Senator Grove.

Thank you, Mister President. Colleagues file item 23 is a confirmation of Jacob Johnson for the reappointment of the Commission on Peace Offers Standards and Training. He is the California Highway Patrol officer, the California Highway Patrol officer, and also serves as the president of California Highway Patrols high Highway Patrolmen Association. He was approved by the rules committee, for a reappointment on June 24 on a unanimous vote. Respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Seeing no further members wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on the confirmation of the appointment.

[Roll Call]

Aye, 35. No, 0. The appointment is confirmed. File item 24, Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam or excuse me, Mister President. File item 24 is a confirmation of Jeff Long for reappointment to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He was first appointed in 2015 and currently serves as the commission's Chair. Before his retirement, he served, here in the California State Senate as a policy director for the Pro Tem's office and in various other roles, including chief consultant of the Appropriations Committee. He was approved by the Rules Committee on June 24 on

a 5-0 vote. Respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Seeing no Senators wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on the appointment.

[Roll Call]

Are we skipping file item 25?

No. We're not. Thanks to you. File item 25, Senator Grove.

My deepest apologies, Mister President. Colleagues, we cannot skip this one. My colleague from Santa Cruz would agree with me 100% on this vote. File item 25 is the confirmation of Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto for reappointment to the Commission of Peace Officer Standard and Training, and she served the commission since 2022. She's an outstanding elected, sheriff, very well balanced, an incredible individual, and deserves to be appointed to this commission.

She was approved by the rules committee on June June twenty fourth on a unanimous vote. Respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Laird.

Thank you, man Mister President. I can't, miss the opportunity that whenever Senator from Bakersfield says we strongly agree on something to acknowledge it on this floor. And she, sheriff Nieto, is just a glass ceiling breaker in every possible way and one of the most competent people that we can appoint. And I'm pleased to join in asking for an Aye vote.

Seeing no other Members wishing to be recognized, Senator Grove, did you wish to close?

I'll refrain. No. You know what? I made the great comments about my colleague, sheriff, and he still insisted on talking, but I appreciate his comments.

Alright. Secretary, please call the roll on file item 25.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 35. No, 0. The appointment is confirmed. File item 26, Senator Grove.

Thank you, Mister President. Colleagues, the last file item for governor's appointments we have today is file item 26, the confirmation of Benjamin Theriault for appoint reappointment to the Commission of Peace Officer Standard and Training. He serves as a sergeant sergeant at Richmond Police Department and first joined commission in 2024. He was approved by the rules committee with a five o vote on June 24. Respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Arreguin. Senator Arreguin, you're very nice.

Thank you, Mister President. I wanna join the Senator from Bakersfield in support of this appointment. Sergeant Terry is a constituent and a sergeant in the Richmond Police Department. I'm proud to represent the city of Richmond in the California State Senate. He's also the president of the Richmond's Police Officers Association and is a leader not just in the Bay Area around public safety, but also a statewide leader as the vice president, Porak, and he is an exceptional leader.

I'm very grateful to support his appointment today and urge your Aye vote.

Seeing no other Senators wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll on the oh, Senator Grove, would you like to close?

No. Thank you.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 35. No, 0. The appointment is confirmed. We'll proceed next to unfinished business beginning with file item 52, Senator Arreguin. Since he's stepping forward, Members, this is A, 2 thirds vote bill, so, please remain on the floor so we don't have to conduct too many roll calls.

Senator Arreguin, you are recognized. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 762 by Senator Arreguin, an act relating to taxation and declare the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Thank you, Mister President, Members. SB 762 is back on concurrence. Amendments taken, the Assembly added new jurisdictions to this bill, including Santa Cruz County, Santa Barbara County, the cities of Carpinteria, Santa Maria, Palo Alto, Santa Rosa, Roanoke Park, the city of San Pablo, located in my own senate district. SB 762 responds to the fiscal pressures facing cities and counties across the state, driven by rising costs of health care and public safety, as well as the need to maintain and modernize aging infrastructure.

Due to their legal mandate to administer social programs, California's counties are faced with the difficult decision of diverting money from other public services, fiscal needs of these respective cities and counties, SB 762 establishes a limited process that authorizes eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the current statutory cap.

Colleagues, this bill does not impose a tax increase. Rather, it gives the voters of these jurisdictions the ability to decide, to decide for themselves whether additional revenue tools are appropriate for their communities. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote on SB 762.

Seeing no members wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, Noes 8. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Ayes 27, Noes 8, on the urgency. Next, we'll proceed to file item 49. Senator Choi.

Thank you, Mister President. SB 927

Senator Choi, may I sorry for the interruptions. It's, presiding officer's fault. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 927 by Senator Choi, an act relating to adoption.

SB 927 provides, a pathway for, intercounty adoptees in California who are now adults to finalize their adoption if their adoptive parents or adoption agency did not complete the necessary steps to finalize their adoption by the legally required deadline of their sixteenth birthday. The amendments taken in the Assembly assure that adult petitioning for their own adoption provides evidence of their identity and specify which documents the courts may accept in the absence of the deceased parents or closed adoption agency.

For too long, foreign adoptees have been deported due to their parents' and the government's failure to finalize their adoptions. This bill has passed with unanimous support, and for these reasons, I respectively ask for Senate to concur in the Assembly's amendments. Thank you.

Seeing no members to be recognized, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call without objection. Seeing no objection, ayes, 35, nose, zero. The resolute... the bill passed. The amendments are concurred in. Moving to item 50, SB 1126, Senator Choi, you are reco...

Senate Bill 1126 by Senator Choi, an act relating to local government.

Senator Choi, you are recognized.

Thank you again. Now, SB 1126 is back on concurrence. The bill the bill requires local agencies to to post their audited financial reports in a publicly accessible location within thirty days of filing and to retain those records online for at least three years. Amendments taken up in Assembly removed the local education agencies from the bill's financial posting requirements. For these reasons, I ask for your aye vote.

Seeing no members to be recognized, this item as well is eligible for unanimous roll call without objection. Seeing no objection, Aye 35, no zero. The amendments are concurred in. Members, we are moving to item 53. I'm sorry.

Item 63, SCR 190. Senator, secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 190 by Senator Cabaldon relative to Larry Et Leonte.

Senator Cabaldon, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Mister President. I am here to present SCR 190, which proclaims 10/25/2026 as Larry Itliong Day in California. Larry Itliong was a prominent figure in California's farmworker movement and really across the entire West Coast. Came to The United States in 1929 from The Philippines when he was 15 years old.

He began his his work as a labor organizer in the state of Alaska, where he organized cannery and agricultural unions, and would later organize workers in Washington, Montana, South Dakota, and then here in California.

He is fluent in many Filipino dialects as well as Cantonese, Japanese, and Spanish, and that allowed him to be both a strong orator but also an organizer to galvanize workers and emboldening them emboldening them with words of encouragement, hope, and action. In 1948, he along with Philip Veracruz and many other labor leaders participated in the '9 nineteen forty eight asparagus strike in the city of Stockton.

And for much of the twentieth century, the city of Stockton was the home to more Filipino Americans than any other city in the world outside of The Philippines. And the asparagus strike was the first major US agricultural strike after World War two, and he continued his work organizing the Filipino Farm Labor Union in Stockton shortly thereafter. It was work that had been built on so many Filipino immigrants coming here, from Alaska, but often from Hawaii on their way from The Philippines.

But bef unlike many groups before them, they arrived here trained in the work of of fighting the sugar plantation owners in Hawaii, and they were ready for to break the cycle of of, union busting and of work of, exploiting workers that had played California for so long. He asked to organize the agricultural workers organizing committee, which was newly chartered by the AFL CIO, and it was mostly Filipino, but it also included Mexican, Arab, black, and white workers within its ranks.

In 1965, in September, they organized more than 1,500 farm workers in the Delano grape strike of nineteen sixty five in partnership later with the Mexican American leader labor leaders and the National Farm Workers Association, sparking what became one of the greatest social economic and racial justice movements in the history of California and The United States, and it led to the establishment of the United Farm Workers of America.

The first union contract was signed in July 1970, and it was an enormous, enormous victory for farm workers and for laborers and for immigrants in California who had finally broken the cycle that had plagued California since its founding. 95% of the strikers had lost their homes, their cars, most of their possessions, but they had found themselves and their power.

The Delano boycott was incredibly successful, gained attention for more than for the nation's most forgot forgotten, laborers and won real gains for workers around wages and worker and working conditions. This is not a one man show.

The contributions of of Larry Itliong are representative of so many organizers, workers, volunteers, supporters, and allies that pushed so hard for foreign workers' rights in California, and they deserve the proper recognition for their accomplishments and for paving the way for the betterment of millions of workers, I would ask for an Aye vote.

Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise today on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, in support of SCR 190, which designates 10/25/2026 as Larry Itliong Day in California. Larry Itliong was a visionary labor leader whose courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice transformed the farmworker movement in California and across our nation. As a Filipino American immigrant, Itliong dedicated his life to organizing workers who too often labored in difficult conditions without fair wages or basic protections.

Long before the Delano grape strike became a defining chapter in our state's history, Larry Itliong was organizing farm workers throughout the West, empowering workers to stand together and demand dignity, respect, and a voice in their workplace.

On 09/08/1965, Itliong and the agricultural worker organizing committee, which included Cesar Chavez De Dolores Huerta led more than 1,500 Filipino farm workers in the historic Delano grape strike. Too often, Larry Itliong's name is not given the credit he is owed as an important leader in this entire chapter of our history. Understanding that lasting change requires unity, Filipino and Latino farm workers came together in a shared struggle for justice, proving that solidarity across communities is one of the most powerful forces for change.

Together, they built a movement that transformed later labor rights in California and laid the foundation for generations of workers to come. By proclaiming proclaiming October 25 as Larry Leon Day, we honor a leader whose legacy reminds us that our greatest progress has always come when diverse communities stand together in pursuit of justice.

This resolution helps ensure that future generations understand the indispensable role Larry Itliong played in advancing labor rights and the enduring power of collective action to create a more just and equitable California. Members, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on SCR 190.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Arreguin, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister President. I'm also proud to rise in support of SCR 190 and to also be a co author of this important resolution honoring the extraordinary life and contributions of Larry Itliong. I wanna thank the Senator from YOLO, the first Filipino American to represent California in the California State Senate, an incredible honor as well. A few months ago, we recognized Farmworker Day here in California.

We all know the story of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, but few know the story of Larry Itliong and Philip Veracruz, another important Filipino American labor leader.

And as a Filipino American immigrant, he dedicated his life to organizing workers who labored under difficult and often unjust conditions. Safe working conditions were not privileges, but rights that were worth fighting for. And his leadership was instrumental in the successful Delano grape strike and the founding of the United Farm Workers. And it was here that he formed a historic partnership between Filipino and Mexican farm workers, working alongside Dolores Huerta and countless others to build a movement that was rooted in solidarity across cultures and communities.

And that coalition transformed not just the labor movement, but made our state better as well.

As the son and grandson of farm workers, I know that California strength has always come from the contributions of people who arrived here seeking opportunity and who worked tirelessly to build build a better future for their families. And Larry Itliong's story is honestly California story. One of courage, perseverance, and collective action. SCR 190 gives us an opportunity to celebrate finally a pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire workers, organizers, and advocates for justice across California. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

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

Thank you, Mister Speaker. I rise as a proud coauthor to SCR 190 to honor Eleri Itul Young. I'm proud to represent historic Filipino town. SCR 190 is special because it honors a hero whose name deserves to be spoken in every classroom, in every union hall, in every place where justice is sought. He was a labor organizer, strategist, and champion of the most vulnerable in our fields fields workers in our fields.

In September 1965, yes, he made a decision that would change history. He led Filipino farm workers in the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to walk out of the grape fields of Delano in spite in spite of the tremendous intimidation that they faced. They demanded a dollar 40 an hour, but they deserved basic dignity. He helped launch the Delano grape strike, a movement that transformed labor rights for everyone in this country. But let's be clear.

Filipino farm workers didn't just participate in the movement. They started it. They started it. Larry Tiliang and his fellow Manongs, many of whom couldn't become citizens, They couldn't own land. They couldn't even marry who they loved because of the racist laws.

These men stood up anyway. They fought anyway, and they won. Mexican farm workers joined them and the United Farm Workers and created a more powerful and more effective movement. Today, as we see workers across many industries still fighting for working conditions, safe conditions, respect, His legacy reminds us that our community stands on the shoulders of organizers like Larry Etillon. Members, let's not just remember him.

Let's be like him. Let's stand with workers. Let's continue to build the world he fought for. And let me end with something that the farm workers and the Farm Workers Movement taught us, the unity clap. During the grape strike, workers would clap together in rhythm to show their solidarity and their strength with each other.

It's a simple act, but it reminds us that when we move together, we are unstoppable. Qebiva, Larry, Thillong, thank you, and I urge an Aye vote for SCR 190.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise today in support of SCR 190 as Senate labor Chair and also standing, in with the legislative black caucus. We honor Larry Itliong today, a Filipino American labor giant whose courage helped us transform California fight for worker justice has always been multiracial. It was Itt'i long Itt'i long and the Filipino Manag's who ignited the nineteen sixty five Delano grape strike before joining Chavez and Dolores Huerta and the Mexican farm workers to build what would become the United Farm Workers.

He understood something that remains true today.

The people who feed America are too often the people America exploits. Filipino workers came to California because they believed in the promise of opportunity. Instead, many found themselves trapped in industries built on exploitation, working in the fields, an industry that the black community understands dehumanize the workforce. They also worked in fisheries. They worked in canneries for poverty wages, and they endured dangerous conditions, basic labor protections that other workers enjoyed.

Their experience tells us that while slavery officially ended, America continued to build industries that depended on workers who were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, whether they were treated as disposable, or whether

they were treated as disposable, or whether they were treated as on workers who were treated as disposable. Whether through sharecropping, convict leasing, exclusionary immigration laws, or exploitive migrant labor systems, too many workers of color were denied the dignity and the freedom their labor deserved. And Larry Itlion was about stopping that injustice. We are here to support and lift up labor leaders who made a different who difference, who transform lives, and made California a place where we have some of the strongest labor laws in the world. We praise this contribution.

We praise essential workers, and we know that the fight continues to ensure that this crisis of exploitation of all workers and the discrimination of that limits the opportunity for most workers can be resolved. And it's this day. These are the things that we lift up and celebrate as we honor this great leader. And with that, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other members to be recognized, Senator Cabaldon, would you like to close?

Simply to express my profound gratitude for the the inspiring, powerful, profound, full of meaning comments that all the members of the Senate that spoke today on the floor. This is a story that has should have been told many times before, and now it now it is. And thank you so much for this, and I would urge an Aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Aye. 35. No zero. The resolution is adopted. Members, we're moving to item 64, SR 120.

Secretary, please read.

Senator resolution one twenty by Senator Cabaldon, what relative to Filipino American History Month.

Senator Cabaldon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister president. For the first time in the history of California, I'm excited to be the first Filipino Senator to present the Filipino American History Month resolution. This would, proclaim October 2026 as Filipino American History Month. Now why do we why is it October? Well, it was on October 18, '18 I'm sorry, 1587 that a group of Filipinos arrived in California for the very first time.

1587, this is the third landing of any non native peoples in the state of California. They didn't come here on their own. They didn't come here at their of their own volition. They were they were the crew for one of the Spanish galleons, traveling between Mexico and Manila. And they were intended to go to Acapulco Acapulco and they ended up in Morro Bay here in California.

They became the first, to land on the Central Coast Of California because their Spanish captain said, you go out first. You get off the the the boat first, and we'll be right behind you. And, they were already called the the in the Luzones Indios because the Spaniards had named them Indians, which was fitting because they arrived in the the first day.

They and finally when the Spanish got off the ship, they brought they went to the top of the peaks over the hills in Morro Bay and saw no one, And so they planted their flag claiming claiming this entire land for for Spain. But it turns out the land was not unoccupied.

And so the Chumash tribe of California came and they met, they exchanged food, and then it became clear that the Spanish intended to make more of this accidental visit than there was. And there was a there was fighting, there was death. And then the Indios of Luzonis in The Philippines said, maybe we should leave. Maybe unlike our own place, our own home, we should leave this plant this place for the Indios of California and that they did.

And so this is not one of those stories where it resulted in wars and conquest.

It resulted in simply the potential colonists realizing, thanks to their Filipino crew, this place was already home to a people. So that was 1587. It was would be another four hundred years till the next Filipinos came to California. This time invited by the new government of California, to work in the fields, to work in the canneries, to work in so many other places.

And then after The United States took control of The Philippines, California agriculturalists realized that they Filipinos could come to California without being subject to the same immigration quotas because they were a Filipino US territory.

And so they did. That's when my grandparents came, the Manong generation, came in the turn of the century through the twenties and the thirties. Virtually no women, but the men could not date or marry. My parents couldn't have weren't allowed to legally marry in most places in this country, including California, until the sixties. And they made their home and they made their unions and they made community.

And all over California, there were little Manila's, in communities of Filipinos, some farm workers, some like my own family, probably illegal Bookie operations underneath the ice cream shop in Downtown Stockton, contributing to their communities. And so, we've talked already about the agricultural history of Filipinos in the state, but Filipinos have been a major part of California for that entire time.

We have been, every single decade, the largest or the second largest Asian American group in the state, and one of the most adaptive, whether it's Bruno Mars or Her, from my own district, the synergy between the African American community of California in particular and the Filipino community is undeniable.

If you would like a time capsule into New Jack Swing and R and B from the late nineties, for example, there is no place on the planet where you will find more dedication to to those to that those songs and dances, to that feeling, to that culture than in The Philippines. At the same time, my community is the and this is what we've been called by books and others, the Latinos of Asia or the Mexicans of Asia, because of that Spanish heritage.

And so in California, we Filipinos have been welcomed by other communities and we formed partnerships and we shared our culture and our futures together. And so I'm very proud to present today's resolution. Yes, Filipinos are we're widely known for our lumpia, for our ... dance, the the bamboo sticks dances.

We are known for our karaoke and American Idol, prowess, but we have also contributed so much to the culture of this state, to the economic success to of this state in particular as California and United States pivot to the Pacific, the Northern And Southern Pacific, Filipinos look forward to continuing a part of that.

And so I want to, it's my pleasure today that we Filipinos were became chief justice of the California Supreme Court, lieutenant lieutenant governor of California, and attorney general of California before any Filipino American had ever been elected to the California State Senate.

It is a both it is a tremendous honor to serve here, and I would respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 120.

Senator Wiener, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister president. I rise in support of SR 120. I wanna thank, my colleague from West Sacramento for his leadership and for, for what he adds, to, to this great body. I'm honored to represent San Francisco in Daly City, two cities with some of the largest and oldest Filipino communities in California. Daly City is known as New Filipino town for its rich history, as a home for the Filipino community.

About a third of Daly City's population, is, Filipino, making it among the densest Filipino communities in the country and contributing greatly to the city's culture and unique spirit. San Francisco was historically home to Manila Town, an early community of Filipino immigrants who developed institutions that uplifted and improved San Francisco. It's also important to acknowledge some of the ugly history, in our state, in terms of the treatment of our Filipino, neighbors.

This includes the forced displacement of residents from San Francisco's Manila Town and violent raids and evictions of Filipino residents, at the international hotel, the I Hotel, which was a watershed, moment for the Filipino community, but also for renters in San Francisco in terms of the lack of rights in terms of stability of housing.

The I Hotel now provides low income senior housing and services a testament to the enduring spirit of Filipino community and our entire community in turning a very bad situation ultimately into something that supports the community.

Today, our Filipino community continues to invigorate San Francisco, Daly City, and so many other parts of California. In San Francisco, organizations like United Playas and West Bay Filipino Center provide amazing opportunities for youth to build community, and to highlight the importance of, the entire community for our city. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Arreguin, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister president. I rise on behalf of the California Latino legislative caucus in support of SR 120 celebrating Filipino American history month. And I just wanna recognize that history is being made once again here in this chamber with the election of our colleague, the Senator from Yolo, as the first Filipino American to serve in the California State Senate accompanying the first Assembly member, now our attorney general, attorney general Rob Bonta.

SR 120 and twenty recognizes the rich history and contributions of Filipino Americans to our state, all that they have done to shape our state through generations of immigration, hard work, family, and community. California's Filipino and Latino community share a proud history of standing up for working families, immigrants, civil rights, and equal opportunity.

Leaders like the late Alice Pena Bulos, who I was honored to meet many times, spent decades empowering underrepresented communities in the Bay Area, remind us that the fight for justice always crossed racial and cultural lines. We also see that solidarity in the farmworker movement, as we just touched upon the previous item, where Filipino American leaders, Larry Itliong and Philip Valle Cruz, stood alongside Mexican American workers to demand dignity, fair wages, and better working conditions.

Their shared struggle helped to build one of California's most important civil rights movements, arguably one of the most important civil rights movements in our country's history as well. The legacy of leaders like Alice Pena Bulos, Larry Itliong, and Philip Veracruz teaches us an important lesson, that our communities do not have to share the same heritage to share the same struggles. Filipino and Latino Californians have repeatedly stood together to make our state more just, inclusive, and equitable.

Lastly, SR 120 gives us an opportunity to not only celebrate Filipino American history, but to recommit to a California where every community's story is valued. The future of California is strongest when Filipino, Latino, and all communities continue working together to make the American dream possible for everyone. With that, I wanna thank the Senator from Yolo and the AAPI Legislative Caucus for your leadership and your work on this important resolution and encourage my colleagues to support SR 120.

Senator Becker, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister president. I rise as the vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in strong support of SR 120. Today, we honor the rich history, the vibrant culture, and many contributions of Filipino Americans whose leadership has shaped California and our nation in countless ways. I'm proud to represent a district with a thriving Filipino American community and represent most of San Mateo County in addition to the the strong community that Center for San Francisco and Daly City represents.

Their traditions, stories, and contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of the, the Peninsula.

Filipino and Jewish communities share many enduring values, especially the conviction that each generation has a responsibility to leave the world stronger than we found it. We also share a remarkable history of solidarity. At the onset of World War two, when much of the world shut their borders to, the Jews that were fleeing Nazi Germany, The Philippines opened their borders, welcoming over 1,300 refugees to safety.

That extraordinary act of compassion forged an important bond between our communities when we would encourage humanity and a shared commitment to protect those in need. I wanna thank the Senator from Yolo for that history.

And for this resolution. I strongly urge an aye vote.

Senator Choi, you are recognized.

Thank you, president and members. I rise today in proud support of Filipino American Day, a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Filipino Americans to California and our nation. As you may remember, January 13 is recognized as a Korean American day, and I stated that one hundred two first group immigrants came to Hawaii first as a, you know, plantation laborers. And then I hear the same story that they also worked on the sugar plantation.

For generations, Filipino Americans have enriched our communities through their dedication to public service, education, health care, the military, business, and the arts.

Their hard work, resilience, and the commitment to family have helped strengthen the fabric of our state. If you are hospitalized, most likely, you will be served by one of the Filipino origin nurses. California is one of the largest Filipino American population in The United States, and their contributions continue to shape our economy, our culture, and our shared future.

As we celebrate Filipino American Day, let us also reaffirm our gratitude for the enduring friendship between The United States and The Philippines and honor the countless Filipino Americans whose service and the sacrifice have made California a better place to live. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Senator doctor Weber Pierson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister president. I also rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in support of SR 120. Our histories in this land are stitched together by the same hands that picked crops, built railways, and demanded justice. When we look back to the nineteen sixty five Delano grape strike, we see Filipino leaders that we've discussed already like Larry Itulong and Philip Vera Cruz standing shoulder to shoulder with black and brown workers, proving that our fights for fair wages were one and the same. You see, those leaders weren't just fighting for Filipino labor.

They were fighting the very same systemic exploitation that black activists were marching against in the South. We shared the same fight for dignity, the same fight for equal pay, and the same fight to just be seen as human beings. And when we look back further to the early nineteen hundreds, black voices like Ida Bill Wells spoke out against The US occupation of Philippines, seeing the clear parallel between imperial subjugation abroad and impression at home.

We share a legacy of resistance against erasure from the mill Milena men who jumped Spanish ships in the seventeen hundreds to build lives along the Gulf Coast to the youth in the third world liberation front locking arms on college campuses in 1968. Our communities know that freedom is a collective verb.

Celebrating Filipino history isn't just about recognizing a different culture. It's about honoring an ally in the ongoing struggle for human dignity. As one of their very famous saying goes, when one falls, we all fall. When one rise, we all rise. And on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 120. Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Wahab, you are recognized.

Thank you. As vice Chair of the API, Legislative Caucus, I'm proud to rise and support, Filipino Heritage Month, a celebration of courage, sacrifice, family, and hope. We remember those who crossed oceans carrying little more than faith, memory, and the dream of a better future. Through their strength, service, and love of community, Filipino Americans have helped shape the heart of our nation. We celebrate people whose resilience is quiet but powerful, whose generosity is deeply felt, and whose heritage continues to inspire generations.

I'm very proud to be able to represent a very large, Filipino American, community. May we honor that legacy not only with words, but through respect, remembrance, and a promise that every Filipino story belongs in the American story. Thank you.

Thank you. Seeing no other members to be recognized, Senator Cabaldon, would you like to close?

Yes. Thank you, Mister president. Arriving here on the floor of the Senate to tell my community story, has been incredibly heartwarming, but no less so than today's floor discussion because any one of my colleagues that spoke today could could speak for the Filipino community as just as powerfully as I do. And I wanna say thank you, to each of you, for that. The story I'm incredibly proud of.

This resolution is very meaningful. And, immediately upon adjournment, we do have a reception that has been co hosted by myself and the Assembly member from Los Angeles, Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina first woman Filipino elected to the California state legislature immediately upon adjournment here at the Stanford Mansion. With that, ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Members, this resolution is eligible for unanimous roll call without objections. Seeing no objection or hearing no objection, ayes, 36, Nos, zero. The resolution is adopted. Members, we are moving to Assembly third reading, item 181, AB 1919.

Secretary, please read.

A Senate Bill 1919 by Assembly Member Pellerin, an act relating to Transportation, and the currently urge thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator Laird.

Thank you, Mister President. I rise to present Assembly Bill 1919 on behalf of Assembly Member Gail Pellerin. This creates a statutorily defined election procedure for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District to propose a qualified voter initiative. This is a district bill. It simply gives the voters in my district the power to decide the future of their transit system through a citizen initiative.

Failure to secure additional funds, with impact service to residents of Santa Cruz and Watsonville and will lead to significant metro employee layoffs and route cancellations. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Seeing no Members of the Senate wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

All the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 27, Noes 8 on the bill. Ayes 27, Noes 8 on the urgency. Alright. Proceeding next to the second day consent calendar. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 2153 1828.

Does anyone wish to remove an item from the consent calendar? Seeing none, secretary please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, Noes 0. Sorry. Ayes 36, Noes 0.

On File Item 223 and will apply vote to the remainder of the Consent Calendar. The Consent Calendar is adopted. Returning Members to motions and resolutions, this is the time to address request by Members of the Senate to adjourn in the in the memory of distinguished Californians.

So please, devote your attention to the Members that are presenting at the now, beginning with Senator Caballero.

Thank you, Mister president. Today, I rise to adjourn in the memory of James Brian Finnegan, one of the Salinas Valley's most respected attorneys whose distinguished legal career and civic leadership spanned more than six decades. Mister Finnegan dedicated his life to serving the people of Monterey County and the California Central Coast through his expertise in land use, environmental, and real estate law.

Born in the Pacific Northwest, he earned a bachelor of arts from Gonzaga University, a master of arts from San Francisco State University, and later a Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings College of Law. After his admission to the State Bar, he was recruited to move to Salinas by the late Doctor Etienne Haas of the law firm of Nolan, Hammerly, Etienne and Haas.

What began as a professional opportunity became a lifelong commitment to the Salinas community. Over the course of an extraordinary sixty year legal career, Mr. Finnegan became a trusted advisor to public agencies, businesses, agricultural interests, and property owners throughout the Central Coast. He earned a reputation for meticulous legal analysis, practical problem solving, and unwavering professionalism, helping to guide important projects that shape the growth and development of Monterey County.

Among his professional accomplishments was his successful representation in Mapstead versus Acheundo, a significant California elections law case that established important legal precedents regarding petition signatures and voter registration.

His impact extended far beyond the courtroom through decades of civic engagement and community service. He was recognized as the Salinas JC's Young Man of the Year for his early leadership and later the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year, honoring a lifetime of service to the Salinas Valley. Throughout his life, Brian Finnegan exemplified the highest standards of legal excellence, public service, and civic responsibility.

He dedicated his life not only to his profession, but also to serving others through generous volunteerism and community leadership. He contributed his time and talents to numerous nonprofit organization, public agencies, and provided pro bono legal services to those in need.

His face with faith was a guiding force throughout his life and his service to the Catholic Diocese of Monterey was especially meaningful. He shared his love of music as choir director at Sacred Heart Church in Salinas where he built many lasting friendships. He also served as a dedicated member of the Monterey Cathedral Choir until Parkinson's disease made it impossible for him to continue singing. Despite his many professional community obligations, Mister Finnegan's greatest devotion was to his family.

He was a loving husband to his beloved wife, Carol Lee, whose passing in 2002 was a profound loss.

My connection with Brian spans my service as mayor of the city of Salinas, as a member of the State Assembly and later now as a Senator. Throughout those years, Brian Finnegan was a constant presence in the community, a person whose integrity, generosity, and commitment to public service earned the respect of all who knew him. He was a voice of reason when the city of Solinas faced difficult growing pains and conflict.

And there were numerous times that I reached out to him for his contacts, wisdom, and assistance to help. On behalf of the, California State Senate, I extend my deepest condolences to the Finnegan family, his friends, former colleagues, and those all around Monterey County whose lives were touched by his kindness and leadership.

We joined them in mourning this loss and in celebrating a life that was spent serving others. And today, I'm honored to adjourn in the memory of Brian Finnegan. And I'm also pleased to have, my colleague, John Lair share a few words. Maybe not. We ask that the Senate adjourn in the memory of Brian Finnegan.

Alright. Thank you, Senator Caballero. If you please bring Mister Finnegan's file to the desk on behalf of yourself and Senator Laird, to assure that he will be properly memorialized. Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Mister president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Patricia Pat Ruth Herasti. Born in Orange, she was a dedicated educator and community leader who brought warmth, intelligence, and compassion to every thing she did. Pat, in her early years, attended Ballin Park High School where she learned to play clarinet, percussion, and string brass. She became a dedicated musician for the pep band.

Pat later attended the University of Rutland majoring in history, government, and English. She later met her husband, Emmoud, to West Covina. They had two children, Michael and Alicia. Together, they formed a company called Albert E Harris D Construction Company. Pat obtained a credential in special education.

She also taught as a kindergarten teacher at Bassett School in the San Gabriel Valley. She became well known for her love of teaching and her curiosity of the world. A dedicated and compassionate leader, Pat left an indelible mark on everyone she met and a legacy of service with the Covina Women's Club. She served as a president for two years. Her devoted service earned her the title of Covina Citizen of the Year.

Pat later retired and moved to San Diego to be closer to her family. Her leadership left a meaningful legacy and touched many lives in the San Gabriel Valley. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in adjourning in the memory of Pat Heresdie. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Rubio. If you please bring her information to the desk so that she can maybe properly memorialized. And please proceed with your next request for adjournment.

Thank you, Mister president. Ladies and gentlemen, men of the Senate, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of lieutenant Jim Mitchell of the Montclair Police Department, whose life exemplified dedication, leadership, and service to others through a remarkable career in both law enforcement and the military. In 1993, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in a in light infantry air assault unit. He deployed to Japan and Haiti. In 1996, he was honorably discharged.

The next year, he attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Academy. For twenty eight years, Lieutenant Mitchell worked for the Montclair Police Department, driven by an unwavering dedication to service and leadership. He was named officer of the year. He also earned the life saving award and became a two time recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award. In 2020 in 2013, he was promoted to sergeant.

He supervised the major accident investigation team, the field training program, the Detective Bureau, and managed major cases including assaults, robberies, and homicides. In 2018, he was then promoted to lieutenant. As both a support services and field service lieutenant, he oversaw the Detective Bureau, tech services, records bureau, the special enforcement team, the police explorer program, and was the department's post coordinator. An exemplary law enforcement officer, Lieutenant Mitchell left a legacy on the department and the community of Montclair.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of Lieutenant Jim Mitchell. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Rubio. Please bring lieutenant Mitchell's, information to the decks so he can maybe properly memorialized. Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Mister president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, it is with great sadness that I rise to adjourn in memory of Richard Dick Oliphant, the former mayor of Indian Wells who passed away on July 15 at age 92. His passing marks the loss of a visionary public servant, developer, and philanthropist whose leadership transformed Indian Wells from a small residential community facing an uncertain future into one of the world's premier resort destinations.

To say that Dick left an enduring mark on the Coachella Valley would be a dramatic understatement. Dick was born and raised in Iowa.

After graduating from the University of Iowa, he began a career in real estate development and construction. In 1960, Dick moved his family to Tucson, Arizona, where he took a job as general manager of the city's second largest building company. In 1962, the family moved to the Coachella Valley, where Dick and his business partner developed and constructed country clubs, housing developments, and commercial buildings.

In 1984, Dick was elected mayor of Indian Wells, a young city that was struggling in the aftermath of Prop 13 and the GAN initiative, leaving it with shrinking reserves and an uncertain future. Working through the city's newly formed redevelopment agency, he used the state redevelopment financing and municipal bonds to acquire land and build two municipal golf courses.

Under his leadership, Indian Wells became a fiscally sound desert community that is now a globally recognized destination for tennis, golf, and luxury hotels. While Dick did many great things as mayor from 1984 to 1992, he showed his heart of service long before that as Indian Wells' first fire chief, volunteering with the fire service for three decades. In fact, this fall, the city will be renaming one of its fire station in Dix honor. He will also be remembered for his commitment to education.

Through his leadership with the Desert Sands Unified School District Building Corporation, he helped oversee the construction of k 12 schools that continue to serve thousands of students each year.

In recognition, Richard Oliphant Elementary School in India proudly bears his name. In higher education, Dick helped secure more than $30,000,000 to make the Palm Desert campus of CSU San Bernardino a reality, and expanded college access to residents across the Coachella Valley. In 2016, Dick and Janice received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars, celebrating their significant contributions to the region.

I think the local TV station summed it up best, Few individuals have shaped the growth and development of Indian Wells in the Coachella Valley as profoundly as Dick Oliphant and his wife, Janice. Through decades of leadership, community involvement, and visionary development, the olefins have left an enduring mark on the region's landscape, education and civic life.

They could survive by Janice, their five children, and many grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. I wish his family friends family friends and residents of Indian Wells comfort during this time of deep sorrow. I would be honored if this body would adjourn in memory of mayor Dick Oliphant.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring Mister Oliphant's information to the desk so that he may be properly recognized. And Senator Wiener.

Thank you, Mister president. Colleagues, it is with great sadness that I rise today to ask the Senate to adjourn in memory of a true giant in San Francisco and in the world of music, to adjourn a memory of Michael Tilson Thomas who passed away on April 22 from brain cancer. Michael served as the San Francisco Symphony's music director for twenty five years and spent over fifty years affiliated with the symphony starting in 1974.

His artistic influence shaped an era of classical music in San Francisco where he exposed listeners, to an eclectic repertoire. He was a true global icon.

He mentored a generation of professional classical musicians, more than one generation actually, and touched the lives of countless individuals who came from around the world to attend his concerts. Michael was born in Los Angeles. He came from a family of film and theater artists. He started as a classically trained pianist and later transitioned to be a conductor. Before joining the San Francisco Symphony, he worked as a conductor at the Boston Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the LA Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Although Michael consistently featured pieces, by romantic composer Gustav Mahler, he also highlighted the works of little known artists who are now considered iconic. It's hard to overstate the impact, that Michael had on the San Francisco Symphony. It's hard to even talk about the San Francisco Symphony, without mentioning Michael, but also, the impact he had around the country and around the world. Over the course of his career, Michael won 12 Grammy Awards.

Michael spent fifty years with his partner, with his husband, Joshua Robeson, who died two months before Michael.

Michael was also, closest of friends, with, our former colleague. My my predecessor in the Senate, Mark Leno, who was they were just, good friends, since the nineteen seventies, and I know that this was Michael's death was extremely impactful on Senator Leno. Please join me in adjourning in memory of the remarkable life and legacy of Michael Tilson Thomas.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring Mister Thomas's name to the desk for proper recognition. And for the final adjourn in memory.

Thank you, Mister president. Colleagues, it's with great sadness that I rise today to ask the Senate to adjourn in memory of Clint Riley, who passed away on July 18 at the age of 79. And I will say today, this morning, a huge memorial was held for him in San Francisco. Clint was a true giant in San Francisco, a larger than life persona who impacted San Francisco for decades in very profound ways.

Clint will be remembered by San Franciscans for his dedication and passion for the betterment of our city and of the entire state of California.

He was born in 1947 in Oakland, the oldest of 10 children in a working class East Bay family. In his early years, Clint changed the trajectory of his life, from by, from studying to be a priest, in his early years to entering politics where he thought, correctly that he could improve people's lives on a broad scale. He said that he wanted to, quote, help make history, not simply bless it, end quote.

In 1982, Clint founded Clint Clinton Reilly campaigns, where he revolutionized the world of political consulting. For more than sixteen years, he worked tirelessly to manage some of the most high profile campaigns of prominent California Democrats, including, Senator senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, speaker emeritus Nancy Pelosi, and former LA mayor Frank Jordan.

Clint became known for reducing races to a few forceful themes and delivering them through polished and at some and at times, brutal advertising. He was not a consultant for the weak of heart. He was just incredibly powerful in how he ran campaigns. Clint was one of the most sought after political consultants, due to his political brilliance, his wit, and his deep understanding of California and San Francisco politics. His consulting firm, was described as one of the most successful in the country.

In 1995, Clint turned his attention to becoming, a commercial property owner, in Downtown San Francisco, a newspaper publisher, and a philanthropist. He purchased the historic Merchants Exchange Building in San Francisco's financial district, which houses the iconic Julia Morgan Ballroom. He also purchased the San Francisco Examiner, a newspaper he had once sued. His media portfolio also included over time the Nob Hill Gazette, Gentry magazine, and and SF Weekly. Beyond Clint's countless impacts on politics, he made an immeasurable difference in San Francisco.

He played a role in helping to keep the San Francisco Giants in our city. He helped pass a $52,000,000 bond to fund the creation of the Asian Art Museum, and he had donated millions of dollars to San Francisco schools, parks, clinics, and the arts. He founded the Bay Scholars in 2008, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to students from lower income families to attend private college preparatory high schools in the Bay Area.

Clint is survived by his wife, Janet Riley, who is a regent at the University of California, and their two daughters, Jill and Ava. On behalf of the city of San Francisco and on behalf of the California State Senate, I offer Clint's family our deepest condolences, and I request that the Senate adjourn in Clint's memory.

Thank you, Senator. We join in the condolences, and please bring Mister Riley's name to the desk so that he may be properly recognized. There being no further business to come before the Senate, president Pro Tem Limon, the desk is clear.

Thank you members. Our first session back, and for a really busy month. I wanna recognize our Filipino community and the contributions made to California that have shaped the cultural identity of this state. From the nineteen sixties, when leaders like Larry Itolong and Philip Veracruz helped to lead the farm worker movement to nearly sixty years later when Rob Bonta was appointed to our Attorney General, making him the first Filo Filipino American to hold this role.

Filipinos have held meaningful positions in our local communities and now in our state government, represented by the Senator from Yolo.

I am proud to work with our Filipino communities, and I look forward to celebrating Filipino Heritage Month in October. Our next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, August 6 at 9AM.

Members of the Senate is adjourned and will reconvene on Thursday, 08/06/2026 at 09:00am.