Senate Floor Session

Strickland, Humberg, Valadares, Wahab, Weber Pearson, Wiener.

I invite you to join me, each in your own way, as we enter a moment of prayer or mindful presence. Creator God, source of life and wisdom, we receive June's arrival. Daylight stretching, fields of flowers turning toward the sun Communities gathering in celebration With June marking pride Remembrance and hope Poet Audrey Lord wrote It is not our differences that divide us It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences May her insight accompany us today May we recognize that every person we serve carries a story we do not fully know. May we remember that disagreement need not diminish dignity or beauty. May we find the courage to approach what we learn from one another. May we choose curiosity. Where there is fragmentation, may we become the waymakers of community. May this chamber in this new season be guided not only by what is politically possible, but by what is worthy of the people whose lives are touched by his work. And may we leave this day, this time and this season transformed willingly. Enter June into our hearts. Shalom.

Do you mind, Madam President, if I go to the majority leader's desk?

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today on, I'd like to introduce former Senator and State Board of Equalization member George Renner to the floor. George has dedicated his decades of service to help people of California serving in local government as a Lancaster City Council member and mayor, in the state assembly, in the state senate, representing the 17th Senate District, and later on the California State Board of Equalization. Throughout his time in public service, George has built a reputation of incredible advocate for taxpayers, fiscal responsibility, and accountable government. From his years in the legislature to his statewide office on the Board of Equalization, George consistently worked to ensure California families, businesses, and taxpayers had a strong voice in state government. His public service to the state of California and his career reflects not only his leadership but his experience, but also his commitment to communities that are represented across the state of California. I'd also like to take a moment to recognize his beautiful wife, Pamela Runner, and congratulate her on the publishing of her brand new book that's titled Grief, Grit, and Glory, and the reason why they're here today and we're on the assembly floor being recognized for a disease that affected her young son, Johnny. I know that this book will inspire many through her message of perseverance, faith, and overcoming life's most difficult moments as a mother's journey from heartbreak to hope. Also joining them on the floor today is her son, Johnny, who was the inspiration and the love for this story and this book. It's a privilege to recognize George Renner and thank him for his years of service and welcome his family to the floor. Thank you, and will you please welcome George and his family.

President, thank you, Madam President. And I, too, just want to raise my mic and welcome the giant from the Antelope Valley, George Runner, former senator from my Senate district. He is not only a legend in our community, but he's done so much in community service across the Antelope Valley, High Desert, and for the people of California. And I just want to welcome him again. Thank you.

I apologize.

I apologize, Madam President. I do have extended runner family and Pamela's family up in the gallery. Just wanted to make sure they were recognized. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today we have the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegation from Portugal. Here on the floor with us today, Mr. Felipe Ramalhera, Portugal's Consul General in San Francisco, and Mr. Denise Borges, President of the California Portuguese American Association. You may wonder why I'm doing this introduction. and half my family is Portuguese. The Matos family, my great-grandfather was actually the night watchman of Hayward and an immigrant to this country from the Azores and I was lucky enough to be discovered as one of the few Luso-American legislators and so I'm honored to be here with my roots. They're visiting today here in conjunction with ACR 185, which is being presented on the Assembly for, which recognizes this month as Portuguese Heritage Month. California is the largest population of Portuguese Americans in the United States, with over 350,000 people of Portuguese descent residing here, many of whom have made valuable contributions to this state, including architect William Pereira, best known for designing the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, as well as Tom Hanks and Katy Perry, and me, as well as Assemblymember Macedo and Aguiar Currie and Senator Padilla, who unfortunately couldn't be with us here today, but also shares those same roots. The Senate has maintained a strong relationship with Portugal through legislative and governmental exchanges, as well as a sister-state relationship with the Azores dating back to 2002, and it is from the Azores that many Californians, like my family, trace their ancestry all the way back. I'm pleased to have the opportunity of recognizing them today in renewing this relationship between our institution and this important European region. So please join me in warmly welcoming our special guests to the Senate floor. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President and members. File item number one is the confirmation of William Muniz for reappointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. Prior to joining the board in 2022, he was the chief deputy administrator for the prison to employment initiative at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He is also a former warden and started his career as a correctional officer in 1994. He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam. In 2020, the legislature passed AB 3234, creating what many Californians now view as an elderly parole loophole. That law has been used to grant the parole consideration to some of the most dangerous offenders in our prison system, including individuals convicted of horrific crimes against children. I know there are measures currently moving through the legislature that would help address portions of this problem. I'm skeptical, but if enacted, that would be a positive step. Cases such as David Funston and Gregory Volgiseng, have raised serious concerns. These monsters committed violent crimes against vulnerable children, which commissioners voted to release these criminals. The governor won't tell us, but wants us to confirm them for another three years. As senators, it is our responsibility to evaluate whether their decisions reflect sound judgment and commitment to public safety. When parole decisions repeatedly place dangerous offenders back into our communities, particularly those who have preyed on children, it is appropriate for this body to ask difficult questions. The current Board of Parole hearings is clearly not doing a good job protecting children and should be replaced. I urge you no vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I will be speaking, and this is my speech for all of the following five board members that will be confirmed today. I'm just going to share it once, but they will be applicable to all five, Madam President. I rise in opposition to the appointments of these Board of Parole Hearing Commissioners. As a member of the Senate Rules Committee, I have reviewed their records, backgrounds, and voting histories. And as a result, I remain deeply concerned by the Board's ongoing lack of transparency and accountability. Initial parole hearings for inmates consist of a two-person panel with one appointed commissioner along with one civil service deputy commissioner. A transcript of that hearing is produced and clearly shows how that commissioner and deputy vote and whether they voted to deny or grant parole. Those transcripts are available to the public, and again, the votes of the commissioner and the deputy commissioner are made public. In cases where this initial two-person panel vote grants an inmate on parole, that process changes. Before parole can be granted, an in-bank hearing, meaning the full 21-person Board of Parole hearings, is supposed to meet to either confirm or deny the parole. When this panel meets, they do so behind closed doors. While Government Code 11126 allows the Board to meet behind closed doors, it does not require it. As a result, discussions about whether to release serial molesters and repeat rapists out of prison occurs entirely outside public view. But of more concern is that once the M-Bank meeting takes place, the prisoner is granted parole. The actual votes are never made public. I asked all five commissioners at our hearing if they would offer or support a motion to make their votes public. They all refused. This is viewed as a breach of trust and a disservice to the public. If you're not willing to publicly own and admit how you voted and release a serial child molester or repeat rapist you will not receive my vote for confirmation I urge a no vote on all five of these following confirmations Thank you Senator Laird you are recognized

Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

No, Hurtado, Jones, no, Laird, aye, Limon, aye, McGuire, McNerney, aye, Menjabar, aye, Nilo, no, Ochoa Vogue, no, Padilla, Perez, aye, Reyes, aye, Richardson, aye, Rubio, aye, Cillarto? No. Smallwood Cuevas? Aye. Stern? Aye. Strickland? No. Umber? Aye. Voladeros? No. Wahab? Aye. Weber Pearson? Aye. Wiener?

Blakespeare? Daly? Hurtado? McGuire? Padilla Ayes 25 nos 9 That appointment is confirmed We will now move to file item 2 Senator Reyes you are recognized Thank you Madam President Members file item number 2 is the confirmation of Michael Ruff for reappointment to the Board of Parole Hearings

Thank you, Senator Grove. You are recognized.

Permission granted.

specifically now talking about um someone who hasn't been presented yet could you wait and

Thank you. Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Senator Valladares, please stay on topic. You're veering off the subject.

Senator Valladares, can you please go back on topic? You're now veering off. I've given a lot of leeway, so can we kind of get back on topic?

You have now moved off from these individuals. We're currently on Michael Ruff, and you are now veering off completely into an area that we're not talking about on the floor. So what I'm asking you to do is to wrap up your comments, please.

What specifically was off topic by the chair? I want to know specifically where she's off topic. It's an appointment by the governor. I want to know specifically where she's off topic.

But there was no objection at that time?

So I couldn't object.

Or anyone couldn't object.

That is one problem.

anything else other than that she's on topic that's what I stated okay writing

to the reading of the governor's letter read the governor's letter number two

and I want to know—

As a sitting senator—

Right.

Yes, I'll do a parliamentary inquiry.

As a sitting senator, I felt she was on topic.

why she was off topic.

Yes.

State your parliamentary question at this time. My parliamentary question, as a sitting senator, I felt the speaker was on topic, and I would like to know from the standpoint of the chair what part of what she was talking about was off topic of this appointment.

So the answer is that she can't read.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And of course, I did not actually read a letter. I mentioned that a letter was written, but I will most definitely make sure that should I need to read something, I will ask for permission clarified there. Thank you. This is about the governor's appointments, what we're discussing. And we're discussing the consequence of the appointments that he is making yet again of a board of parole that has let dangerous criminals onto our streets, that put our communities, our children at risk. This is the reality of who is being appointed. And let me just tell you, I have a nine-year-old daughter. I would not want any of just the few disgusting child-molesting rapists in my community, and I would hope that every member on this body would support children, would support families, would keep your communities safe through voting no on these commissioners who have released the worst of the worst into our communities. Thank you.

Yes, thank you. It should be noted that prior to suitability hearings, there is a rigorous, individualized, evidence-laden and multi-layered hearing. Commissioners conduct a multi-stage review using a structured decision-making tool that includes comprehensive risk assessment, institutional behavior, insight and remorse, parole plan. Prosecutors and victims are also part of this process. In each hearing, the commissioners hear input from DAs, victims and survivors to ensure their voices are heard and considered. Prior to release, the parole board attorneys review the grant to ensure it complies with the law. And finally, I would like to note that of those that are being proposed for confirmation, there is no record that has been shown that they have voted to grant parole to those people that have been mentioned specifically by my good senator from Bakersfield. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Allen. Aye. Avrato Gil. No. Archuleta. Aye. Aragon. Aye. Ashby. Aye. Becker. Aye. Blakespeare. Cabaldon. Caballero. Aye. Cervantes Aye Choi No Cortese Aye Daly Durazo Aye Gonzales Aye Grayson. Aye. Grove. No. Hurtado. Jones. No. Laird. Aye. Limon. Aye. McGuire. McNerney. Aye. Menjabar. Nilo. No. Ochoabog. Padilla. Claudia, Perez, Reyes, aye. Richardson, aye. Rubio, Cillarto, no. Smallwood Cuevas, aye. Stern, aye. Strickland, no. Umber, aye. Valadares, no. Wahab, Weber Pearson, aye. Wiener.

Blake Spear, Capaldon, Daly, Hurtado, McGuire, Menjivar, aye. Ochoa Bog, Padilla, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, Wiener. Ochoa Bog, no.

Blackspear, Capaldon, aye. Daly, Hurtado, McGuire, Padilla, Perez, aye. Rubio, Wahab, aye. Wiener.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, file item number 3 is a confirmation of Rosalind Sergeant Burns for appointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. prior to this appointment she was a senior deputy pardon attorney for the United States Department of Justice where she had served since 2008. She was approved by the Rules Committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm rising in strong opposition to the confirmation of the Board of Parole Hearings Commissioner Rosalind Sergeant Burns. We've heard the background of some of the most monstrous individuals here in California that had been released under this individual. and what I really want to do is I want to bring it home because I know every single person in here is wrestling with their vote as humans as mothers fathers family members you are wrestling with your vote Commissioners have the ability to be independent thinkers and to weigh an independent decision when they vote on the release of violent sexual predators. You all, we all, have the ability to make an independent voice and vote on every single appointment by the governor. That is what makes us different in the Senate than in the Assembly. we have the agency to ask the questions, to investigate, to interrogate, and to make a decision based on who is going to be protecting the victims of each and every one of our districts. Now, the people in my district, we sleep well at night, but we sleep locked and loaded, strong supporters of the Second Amendment. Why? Because of appointments like Commissioner Rosalind Sergeant Burns. When we give the power and authority through appointment to non-elected officials to make decisions about the welfare and safety of our children and families by releasing sexually violent predators back into the community, you better believe I will vote over and over and over again to protect Second Amendment rights for my constituents. When I read about people like David Allen Funston, who this commissioner voted to release, I have to ask myself, where was the independent decision-making? Although the full board upheld to grant release in February 2026, the law permits independent judgment for these decisions. Where was Rosalind Sargent Burns' independent judgment? For offender Gregory Volgensang, he was convicted of nearly 30 counts of kidnapping and sex crimes against children ages 5 to 11. 5 to 11. Children who many have not even began to menstruate. 5 to 11. the appointment of this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, weighs on the health of those children, over 30 counts of children ages 5 to 11, sentenced to 355 years to life. Yet this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, along with the board granted him parole in November 2025. I wonder how many of you are willing to have Gregory Volsang your neighbor. I am not. And as a representative of District 4, we are not. of Roberto Detrenand, an offender that this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, voted for release, he broke into the sleeping woman's San Francisco apartment in the middle of the night, climbing into her bed and sexually assaulting her while she lay unconscious. If we truly want to uphold public safety, for those who fear for their life the most, the law-abiding individuals of California. Not the Roberto Detranons, not the David Funstons, and not the Gregory Volkensands. We must question our vote today on the floor to continue to appoint a commission such as Rosalind Sergeant Burns, who granted Roberto Detranan early parole in January of 2026. He served less than nine years for a stranger home invasion sex crime. A stranger, invasion, sex crime. And you wonder why there are so many law-abiding gun owners in California. Current law is requiring independent judgment. Current law protects each legislature on this floor on independent judgment. It does not require that blindly following psychology reports and the liberal governor's push to free up prison beds, regardless of public safety. The law does not require you to vote on party lines independent of protection of your constituents. Stranger home invasions with sex crimes. your constituents going to sleep and Roberto Detrinand's early release from parole by Commissioner Sergeant Burns, re-offending. commissioners still decide whether an inmate poses an unreasonable risk to the public and i ask all of you today to ask yourselves that by your vote are you posing an unreasonable risk to your constituents you can say no you should say no to protecting serious sex offenders no one should have to live in fear that a serial child molester or violent predator could be released next door because commissioners choose leniency over protection of the law-abiding public I respectfully ask you to exercise independent judgment and vote no on this confirmation thank you

Thank you, Madam President. It was clear from the hearings that each of these who were up for confirmation listed public safety as their number one concern, and their answers to the questions began with public safety. Basing parole decisions on the original offense undermines rehabilitation. Predetermining the outcome of a parole hearing based solely on the original offense eliminates the entire incentive structure that promotes people to engage in programming, taking accountability, or change their behavior. Furthermore, denying parole supervision and continuing to incarcerate someone who has demonstrably transformed and cleared every suitability requirement solely because of what they did decades prior is a waste of taxpayers' dollars that could be better used to fund other crime-fighting strategies. It should be noted that people who go through parole review process and are granted have extremely low recidivism rates. People granted elder parole are the group least likely to recidivate, and only half of 1% are convicted for a felony crime against another person after being granted parole. Public safety is their number one concern and I want to reiterate what I said earlier regarding these cases as noted by my colleague from Bakersfield Those who are being asked to be confirmed today did not vote. There is no public record of their vote on granting this parole. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

No, Laird. Aye. Limon. Aye. McGuire. McNerney. Aye. Menjabar. Nilo. No. Ochovo. No. Padilla. Perez. Reyes. Aye. Richardson. Aye. Rubio. Cillarto. No. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Stern. Aye. Strickland. No. Umber. Aye. Volodaris. No. Wahab. Aye. Weber Pearson. Aye. Wiener.

Allen. Aye. Blakespeare, Hurtado, Daly, McGuire, Benjavar, aye. Padilla, Perez, aye. Rubio, Wiener.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, file item number four is the confirmation of Mary Thornton for reappointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. Before her initial appointment in 2019, she was serving the Board as a Deputy Commissioner and Administrative Law Judge. She is also a former Deputy District Attorney that served in Madera County and Kings County. She was approved by the Rules Committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Madam President. I also rise in support of this confirmation. It's worth noting once again that the people we're considering today were not the ones who made the decision and the cases in question. But I do want to call attention to the fact that we did pass a bipartisan bill, a committee bill, which does several things in response to some of these cases. And we just say the issue of the release of sexually violent predators is a serious issue. And there is a process under current law for the evaluation of people and dealing with people who meet the criteria of sexually involved predator. But the action that we have taken, one, ensures that the decision of the Board of Parole hearings on bonk be made a public record. And two, ensures that for people that are indeterminately sentenced, that they can be evaluated and referred if they're a sexually involved predator. So I just want to call attention to the fact that we have, as a bipartisan effort, have taken action to clarify the law to ensure that in cases when people pose a public safety risk that they will be properly evaluated and dealt with outside of the parole process. But let's get back to the issue in question. These are not the people that made that parole decision They are applying the law as it is While we working to change the law I respectfully ask for an aye vote Thank you Senator Nilo you are recognized Thank you Madam President So I rise in opposition to all five of these proposed appointments. and frankly my comments and the rest of my colleagues comments are a reflection on the entire board of parole hearings. I initially learned about the elder parole program from my friend and former Sacramento District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert. She called me to let me know about that David Allen Funston, a frankly sick child, serial child abuser, whom she originally prosecuted and rightfully secured three life sentences, was going to be released early from prison. Her frustration was palpable. I've also heard from victims and families of victims who thought they never had to worry about Funston getting out suddenly having to relive their horrible trauma all over again. This is not how the state judicial and parole system is supposed to work. Thankfully, Mr. Funston is back behind bars due to a quick-thinking Placer County District Attorney, Morgan Geyer, who's pursuing an old charge that was never prosecuted before. And no thanks to the Board of Parole Hearings, who voted to let him out to live among your children and grandchildren. and I would just refer back to the comments of my colleague from Bakersfield relative to his testimony. So, my fellow senators, we all know that protecting children is nonpartisan. Former Sacramento District Attorney Schubert is a registered independent. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper is a Democrat. I'm a Republican. We have all worked together with a lot of other people in the Sacramento community to stop serial child molesters and repeat rapists from getting back on the street. Now, it's mentioned that these decisions are made within the law, and I won't dispute that. Initially, elder parole was 60 years old and 25 years in jail. This legislature, in its infinite wisdom, reduced the definition of elder from 60 to 50, and the time served to 20. I proposed a bill this year that would have taken that decision to release people like this.

Beg your pardon?

Can you bring your comments back to the appointment at hand? I am speaking to an issue of how we could guide the board of parole hearings with a bill that would restrict other people from being considered.

Secret votes and lack of transparency by the board of parole hearings and decisions that defy common sense and logic are profoundly troubling This has got to stop I'll be voting no on all five confirmations, and I am troubled by this entire board. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. Regarding length of incarceration, this body has passed legislation that determines length of incarceration relative to the offenses and age at the time of the crime and particularly relevant under California youth offender and elderly parole provisions. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Alan. I'm Ronald Gill. No, Archuleta. Aye. Aragene. Aye. Ashby. Aye. Becker. Aye. Blakespeare. Cobaldin. Aye. Caballero. Aye. Cervantes. Aye. Choi. No. Cortese. Aye. Daly. Durazo. Aye. Gonzalez. Aye. Grayson. Aye. Grove. No. Hurtado. Jones. No. Laird. Aye. Aye. Limon. Aye. McGuire. McNerney. Aye. Benjavar. Aye. Nilo. No. Ochoa Boak. No. Padilla. Perez. Reyes. Aye. Richardson. Aye. Rubio. Aye. Ciarto. No. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Stern. Aye. Strickland. No. Umberg. Wahab? Aye. Weber-Pearson? Aye. Wiener?

Allen? Aye. Blakespeare? Daly? Hurtado? McGuire? Padilla? Perez? Aye. Wiener?

Senator Reyes, you are recognized. Madam President and members, final item for confirmation is file item number five, Jack Weiss for reappointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. He was first appointed in 2022 and previously served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. He is also a former Los Angeles City Council member. He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I recognize that serving on the Board of Parole Hearings is an extraordinarily difficult job, and these commissioners make decisions with serious consequences every day. But I have some general concerns about the Parole Board hearings, and I have specific concerns about the individual before us, Jack Weiss, as a commissioner being appointed by the governor. I'd like to address this specific commissioner's concerns that I have in a few moments. Recent parole board hearings, including the involving Gregory Volsking and also David Allen Thunston, have raised serious concerns among victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other public about whether the board is applying the unreasonable risk standard with sufficient caution. I'm a believer of second chances, as I stated earlier. for those who have committed minor missteps along the way of life, but who have now sincerely working harder to better. themselves. My faith tells me that we've all fallen short of perfection and we should celebrate those who truly wish to reform their lives. I'm all for that. However, I don't believe that the case with sexually violent predators such as David Allen Funxton, I too have read the transcripts from his parole bird hearing and he has not changed and more importantly he does not want to change. permission to read.

I object.

I've got it memorized because I thought you request a roll call vote.

Senator Arrigine is asking for a no vote.

Allen? No. Alvarado Gil? Aye. Archuleta? Archuleta, aye. Arrigine? No. Ashby? No. Becker? No. Archuleta? I don't know. Blakespeare? Cabaldon? Caballero? No. Cervantes? No. Choi? Aye. Cortese? No. Daly? Durazo? No. Gonzales? No. Grayson? No. Grove? Aye. Hurtado, Jones, aye. Laird, no. Limon, no. McGuire, McNerney, no. Benjavar, no. Nilo, aye. Ochoa Pog, aye. Padilla, Perez, no. Reyes, no. Richardson, no. Rubio, Cioto Aye Smallwood Cuevas No Stern No Strickland Aye Umberg No Paladarris Aye Wahab No Weber Pearson No Wiener

Blake Spear No Cobaltin Daly Hurtado McGuire Madia Rubio No Weiner

Thank you Would you like me to wait until the board changes? Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Like I said when I was interrupted on the vote, I have, too, read the transcripts. And thank God they're just brief. Commissioner Cassidy was presenting the transcripts before the parole board commissioners, of which these individuals, including Mr. Weiss, was present. She says, Mr. Funxton, are you still sexually attracted to minor children? Mr. Funkson said yes. Ms. Cassidy said you mean yes or no? Mr. Funkson said yes, yes ma'am. And she goes no you mean no And he goes no yes ma And then he proceeded to say after the questions were asked to him on the transcript which I am not allowed to read but the transcript and it said can you control those urges? And he said, yes, ma'am, I can splash cold water on my face. So part of Mr. Funkson's plan to reduce his urges are to simply splash cold water on his face so he doesn't sexually assault a child. There's not a single person in this chamber that would want this man to be alone with their children, grandchildren, or any of our constituents. But the board voted to let him.

You had some specific issues with Jack Weiss. Can we focus on those?

So can we please stick to your specific concerns with Jack Weiss? So I beg your pardon, Madam President, but you are misinformed. misinformed. Although the votes are not public, the members present are, and the vote was 18 to 0. And so only a few commissioners were missing off of that. I will get to my specific comments on Mr. Weiss, but first I want to talk about Mr. Funxton, who was released by this board after those comments were made on the transcript. And I'm stunned that commissioners would be fooled by a guy like this. Rehabilitation matters, and if we can't outweigh the credible evidence on ongoing risk, then these individuals need to resign and we not need to confirm individuals who would let sexually violent predators out, especially those that sexually assault and penetrate children as young as five years old, which these commissioners did. Now, to Mr. Weiss specifically, including all the board members that were present that day, but to Mr. Weiss specifically, three years ago on the rules committee, the senator from Yucaipa and I asked to delay the initial confirmation of this individual because complaints that received about him and how he conducts parole hearings, specifically speaking about Mr. Weiss. He's disrespectful to victims. He's dismissive of prosecutors, but only female prosecutors. He lets the men go on for a long time and then actually interrupts the female prosecutors. That was evidence on several hearing transcripts that were provided to us. We later sent a letter to the governor's office asking that they withdraw that commissioner. They delayed his vote for a period of time, but then eventually the commissioner Weiss was up for reappointment, and we still have those same concerns today. They're even worse because he's retaliating against those female prosecutors that brought this to the rules committee's attention. As I said, I appreciate the difficult job that most of these commissioners have and people and the individuals that do this job. There's consequences for the decisions that they make, specifically, like I said, releasing sexually violent predators into our community where Mr. Funxton thinks he's going to find a place to reside in Fresno. And we will do everything we can to stop that if he ever gets out of prison. Hopefully that won't happen because we have a bomb district attorney in Placer County that is picking him up on another charge that was dismissed in the interest of justice because she was one child that was not able to tell her story because they felt like they had enough with all the other individuals who were sexually assaulted by this individual. But apparently it wasn't enough for all these commissioners, including Mr. Weiss, respectfully ask for a no vote.

Thank you, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I was planning only speaking once for all five commissioners in opposition to all five, but I feel compelled to address some of the comments. And my comment will be with Mr Wise as being part of that process So on all five commissioners that I interviewed during the Rules Committee my comment, as mentioned earlier, was whether or not they would be in agreement to making the votes public. There's been some concerns as to the fact that, expressed by my colleagues on the other side, that we don't know who voted for whom at what point, which is why the relevance to asking whether or not they would be open to making these votes public was important. But one of the concerns that I really want to also address is that there's been a constant comment made with regards to these commissioners are following the law that this body passed. They are following a framework in which, you know, they're making a decision that personal opinions do not matter. And I beg to differ. I beg to differ along with Commissioner Wise. With all of these commissioners, there's an element of discernment that has to come at the very end in which these individuals have to decide, based on the framework that they're following, the evidence and the laws, they have to personally make a decision on whether or not these folks qualify or not to move forward with or granting parole. Within that framework, as mentioned earlier by my good colleague from Bakersfield, evidence is raised. Questions are asked whether or not someone has fantasies or whatever it may be with crimes. And although they're not looking at crimes when at the time that it was committed, they're looking at the evidence as who, where they are now, this is why it's important. Because although they're following the law, they're following a framework, they have to assess and make that judgment called on whether or not these folks pose a safety threat or not. And this is where the problem lies, that all of these individuals are not willing to, one, make their vote public, and number two, they're deflecting to the framework rather than owning their own judgment on making a decision, including Mr. Wise. So it's their conduct, it's their decision-making that is of relevance here today. And it's there where we are opposing their appointment because we do not believe that they have the judgment or questioning their ability to discern whether or not someone is qualified to be granted that decision. So based on that, their decision-making ability or lack of and willing to be transparent and accountable to those decisions is why we're opposing every single one of these commissioners today. And with that, I respectfully ask for a no vote on Mr. Wise.

Yes, thank you, Madam President. During the rules hearing where we were making a decision whether or not to move these appointees to the floor, it was noted by the minority leader who sat in that hearing of May 20th. He says I do not envy these commissioners and that this is one of the toughest jobs in the state I couldn agree more This job is challenging It filled with anguish and emotion And these commissioners take several cases each day and continue to serve. Four of these commissioners are reappointments. I do want to confirm there was a question about who voted and who didn't vote. there were only two members that are being asked to be confirmed who were present. We do not know their votes. Three of those, including Mr. Weiss, was not even at the Funston en banc panel hearing. In closing, I do want to say that I absolutely understand the public perception about aligning outcomes of parole hearings based on the gravity of the original offense. But because of court cases and legislative decisions, that is not how the state has chosen to handle parole. These commissioners are applying the law as it exists. I ask for your aye vote.

Alan. Hi, I'm Roderick Hill. no Archuleta aye Aragin aye Ashby aye Becker aye Blakespeare Cabaldon aye Caballero aye Cervantes aye Choi no Cortese aye Dally Durazo aye Gonzales aye Grayson aye Grove no Hurtado Jones no Laird aye Limon aye Aye. McGuire. McNerney. Aye. Menjabar. Aye. Nilo. No. No. Padilla. Perez. Reyes. Aye. Richardson. Aye. Rubio. Ciarto. No. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Stern. Aye. Strickland. No. Umber. Aye. Voladeros. No. Wahab. Aye. Aye. Weber Pearson. Aye. Weiner.

Blakespeare, Daly, Hurtado, McGuire, Padilla, Perez. Aye. Rubio. Weiner.

Senate concurrent resolution 179 by Senator Nielo relative to Celiac Disease Awareness Month.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present SCR 179, which recognizes May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac disease is not just a dietary preference. It is a serious autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Everyday foods such as wheat, rye, and barley can trigger harmful reactions for individuals living with celiac disease. Celiac disease affects an estimated one in 100 people worldwide. Yet millions of Americans remain undiagnosed. Individuals may experience many different symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, anemia, skin rashes, neurological symptoms, depression, musculoskeletal problems. Maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods, medications, vitamins, cosmetics, and other everyday products. Cross-contamination is a major concern. Even small amounts of gluten transferred through shared preparation services can trigger harmful reactions. Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants and food handlers have made daily life safer and more manageable. Continued public awareness and education are essential to improving diagnosis rates, supporting families, and ensuring people living with celiac disease can safely participate in everyday activities. recognizing May 2026, even though it was last month, as Celiac Disease Awareness Month, helps elevate understanding of this serious condition and supports the millions of individuals and families affected by it. I respectfully ask your aye vote. Thank you.

Allen. Aye. Alvarado Gil. Aye. Archuleta. Aye. Aragon. Aye. Aye, Ashby. Aye, Becker. Aye, Blakespeare. Aye, Cobaldon. Aye, Caballero. Aye, Cervantes. Aye, Choi. Aye, Cortese. Aye, Daly. Durazo. Aye, Gonzalez. Aye, Grayson. Aye, Grove. Aye, Hurtado. Jones. Aye. Laird. Aye. Limon. McGuire. McNerney. Aye. Menjabar. Nilo. Aye. Ochoa Bog. Padilla. Perez. Aye. Reyes. Aye. Richardson. Aye. Rubio. Aye. Ciarto. Aye. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Stern. Strickland. Humbert. Aye. Valadares. Aye. Wahab. Aye. Weber-Pearson. Aye. Weiner.

Aye. Padilla, Stern, Strickland, Wiener.

Thank you, Madam President. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee will meet immediately upon adjournment of session in room 447.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Human Services will be meeting in the swing space 2200 immediately after adjournment.

Thank you, Madam President, and ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Marty Arnold, a gifted educator, community leader, and advocate whose life was marked by service, resilience, and a passion for helping others. Marty began her career in commercial and industrial interior design before bringing her talents into the classroom. She taught interior design at Santa Monica High School, and over the next 35 years, educated students throughout Los Angeles County, a natural communicator and mentor. Marty inspired generations of students through her creativity, wisdom, and ability to connect with people. Her talents earned her a communications award from the RAND Corporation. After retiring to care for her mother, Marty returned to teaching and became widely known for her presentations on the color key system in color psychology. She later taught at UCLA, lectured aboard Princess Cruises, and instructed courses in fashion, merchandising, and retail sales. In 2015, Marty faced severe health challenges and was told she might never walk again Through determination and perseverance she regained her mobility and dedicated herself to helping others She became a regional director for women against child trafficking and later joined the Covina Women Club where she served as membership chair and remained an active community leader. She also served in leadership roles with the Domestic Violence Action Committee. Marty was known for her intelligence, her warmth, and engaging spirit. Though she passed away before her 94th birthday on July 14th, her legacy lives on through students she taught, the classes she championed, and the many lives she touched. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of our dear friend, Marty Arnold. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President and members. I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Jim McAllian, President and CEO of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association. Jim was a visionary leader whose impact on the city of Long Beach and the world of motorsports cannot be overstated. As one of the founding members of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Jim dedicated more than five decades of service to building what has become one of the premier street racing events in the world. Under his leadership, the Grand Prix in Long Beach grew far beyond a sporting event. It became a defining tradition in our city, generating economic activity, tourism, entertainment, and much more. Jim's contributions extended well beyond the racetrack. He served numerous boards and organizations, including the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach, and the Los Angeles Sports Council, helping strengthen the region's sports, tourism, and civic landscape. But above all, Jim will be remembered for his humility, his dedication, and love for family and community. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and sons, Bob and Mike. Jim McAllian's vision and leadership helped shape Long Beach's identity, and his legacy will continue to be felt each year at the Grand Prix. We extend deep consultances to his family.

Thank you. Colleagues, I rise to honor the life of Pat Gogoskos, a beloved Filipino-American community leader in Union City. Pat was a dedicated public servant, an outspoken leader, and above all, a compassionate individual. No matter who you were or where you came from, Pat cultivated genuine connections, treating people with the dignity and respect they deserved. Her devotion to the community was extraordinary. During her more than 15 years on City Council Pat created spaces of belonging ensuring that every voice was heard One of her greatest achievements was founding the Union City Friends of Sister Cities and establishing nine sister city partnerships around the world. As a proud Filipina, Pat worked tirelessly to increase Filipino representation and promote Filipino culture. While Pat is no longer with us, her legacy will live on through the countless people she has inspired to lead with care, compassion, and respect. Pat is revived by her son, Joe, and her daughter, Roseanne. Colleagues, I ask that we adjourn in her memory. Thank you.

Thank you, members. I want to acknowledge how difficult some of the decisions that were made today regarding our parole commissioners were, and the role that both parole commissioners and that this House has to take in order to strike the right balance between constitutional safeguards and the risks who are most vulnerable, all with one goal, keeping the public safe and protecting the public. The parole decisions are not taken lightly by this House nor by any members. As a mother, I know how important it is to ensure that the public has confidence in the decisions that this body makes. This House is advancing bipartisan legislation. That legislation is already in the other house to ensure that we're adding discretion and reviewing the work of commissioners to ensure transparency for public safety purposes.

Thank you.