Senate Floor Session

Secretary, please call the roll. Allen, Abragoo Gil, Archuleta, Araguin, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Daly, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limon, McGuire, McNerney, Menjavar, Nilo, Ochoa Bog, Padilla, Perez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Sayarto, Smallwood Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umber, Baladaris, Wahab, Weber Pearson, Weiner. The 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 Wilton Rancheria and Ralph Troy Hatch, after which please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Thank you. Please join in the Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic of which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all

Well, thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I rise today to extend my congratulations to Shantanu Narayan. After 18 years of exceptional leadership, Mr. Narayan is transitioning out of his CEO role at Adobe, but remaining as chair of the board. Our headquarters is located in the heart of our downtown, San Jose, and in the heart of Senate District 15. Mr. 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. Mr. Narayan 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 billion people touch Adobe projects that happens products not projects products the actual products and that's happening every day. Mr. Narayan's success is also a credit to his values. As the CEO, he prioritized 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 Mr. Narayan's example in the future. Still, Mr. 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 U.S.-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 Mr Noron 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 welcome them to the Senate earlier today Colleagues, please join me in welcoming all of them to the California State Senate. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President and members. Good afternoon, everyone. I rise today with tremendous pride to recognize two extraordinary young men from my district, Jonathan Alfaro Sarabia and Christopher Torres Alfaro of Mendota High School. Mendota is a rural agricultural community built by hard-working immigrant families 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 changemakers. Thank you Mr. 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 in 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 De Mayo. 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 can 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 prove 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.

All right, Senator Occioleta. 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 sharing that loss with you. And I believe you all cried with me somewhat, and you felt the pain that I felt in 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 got to get tough. And I think California is doing this. So today I have the representatives from MAD with me today, Mr. 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 not 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 MADD does. They're calling out to all of us to share in their grief, but also share in the experience 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 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. Kara Aguirre, mother of Ryan Aguirre, who was killed by a drunk driver. and they're suffering every single day now. Joban Dangerfield, father of Cameron Dangerfield, his loss every single day. Jennifer Livy, mother of Ron Livy, 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 he'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.

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

Thank you, Mr. 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, Javon Dangerfield is my constituent, and his incredible son 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 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 4, 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 have left this world to go to heaven.

Well, thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. But before I introduce my guests, I want to 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 I brought here to the floor today. I'm pleased to introduce the 34th Senate District's young senators who are in our gallery today. This group of young people, young high school students, has 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 their 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 be down here on the floor and at least I 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.

Colleagues, I have five kids, five spouses, and 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 love it. And how old are you? Three. And who do you love? Dad. Thank you. Mr. President, with all due respect, I forgot one. He reminded me. Grandma's kisses are? Magic. That's right, magic. All right.

Yes, thank you. I have two items, but first I'm going to bail out my colleague from Bakersfield who forgot her daughter, Kristen.

First of all, Mr. President, members, I move that Joint Rule 62A be suspended to allow the Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments amendments to hear AB 1923 this week without sufficient notice and I ask for an aye vote. Senator Valadares. Thank you Mr. President. I rise in opposition and ask for a no vote.

Caballero. Aye. Cervantes. Choi. No. Cortese. Aye. Dally. No. Durazo. Aye. Gonzalez. Aye. Grayson. Aye. Grove. No. Hurtado. Jones. Laird. Aye. Limon. Aye. McGuire. Aye aye McNerney. Aye Aye. Aye. Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye

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

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to move file item number 47, SB 799-Allen back to the Assembly for the purposes of amendments.

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.

Senator Sayarto. Thank you, Mr. 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 second is I request at the request of the authors, I request that file item 216, which is AB 2397, and file item 220, which is AB 2280, be removed from the consent calendar for purposes of amendments.

Thank you, Mr. 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.

Senator Nilo. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise to present SCR 184, proclaiming the week of September 28th to October 4th of this year as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness 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 7 to 13 years after initial symptoms. FTD strikes people as young as 21 and as old as 80, but the largest percentage are in their 40s to 60s, and that renders people dysfunctional in their prime years of life. FTD imposes average annual costs associated with care and living with a disease that are approximately double those of Alzheimer's disease. FTD is the most common form of dementia for people under 60 years of age. Approximately 40 people with FTD have a family history of FTD or many times related conditions, particularly ALS. While there has never been a global epidemiology study of FTD, it is estimated that more than 60,000 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 Allen Alvarado Gil Archuleta Aragon Aye Ashby Aye Becker Aye Blakespeare Aye Cabaldon Aye Caballero Aye Cervantes Aye Choi Aye Cortese Aye Daly Aye Durazo Aye Gonzalez Aye Grayson Aye Grove Aye Hurtado Jones Laird Aye Limon McGuire. Aye. Aye. McNerney. Aye. Aye. Menjavar. Aye. Nilo. Aye. Aye. Ochoa Boat. Aye. Padilla. Aye. Aye. Perez. Aye. Aye. Reyes. Aye. Aye. Richardson. Aye. Aye. Rubio. Aye. Ciaro. Aye. Aye. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Starn. Aye. Strickland. Aye. Aye. Umberg. Aye. Aye. Voladeres. Aye. Aye. Wahab. Aye. Webber Pearson. Aye. Aye. Wiener. Aye.

Senator Neela, we are 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.

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 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 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 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 process I also like to recognize our guest chaplains today Chairman Jesus Chiranga and Mr 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, Mr. 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 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 forum 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, Mr. President. I too rise in support of recognizing California Native American Day on behalf of the California Legislative Latino Caucus. California is home to, as 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 improved the lives of native Californians. Among this year's honorees is Rowena Rina Ramos, the mother of our colleague from San Bernadino, Assemblymember James Ramos, and Kenneth Ramirez, former chair of the Jehavietam of San Juan 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 their 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 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, Mr. President, members. I rise in support of ACR 208. As our pro tem mentioned, this legislature has done a lot to recognize 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 5 and 1A. that 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 want to 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 want to add my voice as vice chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, Also, as chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I want to thank the Assemblymember 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.

Allen. Alvarado Gil. Archuleta. Aye. Aragon. Aye.

Caballero.

Cortese.

Cortese.

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 2026 Native American honorees. Betty June Dubois 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 Macarro, 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, Rincon v. 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, Corrine Nelson, Courtney Nelson, and his nephew, Wayne Nelson. Rowena Ramos. Rowena 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. Mrs. 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 Jr 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 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 Heredia-Cordova, and her son and Table Mountain Councilmember 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 November 20th of 2015 at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife Carrie, his sons Troy Fletcher Jr., Cody and Zachary, grandchildren and parents Jacqueline and Dawn 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 McAvee, and his sisters, Tammy Fletcher-Lada. Dr. 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. Dr. Stounson is an enrolled citizen in the Gidutikad Numu Fort Bidwell Indian Community in Northern California. She is a descendant of the Shaoshani Pi'at tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in O'wahee, Nevada. Members please join me in congratulating the 2026 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.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Colleagues, or thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. File Item 21 is Justin Doring for the reappointment of the Commission of Peace Officer 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 24th on a 5-0 vote. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Mr. 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 ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Mr. 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 the California Highway Patrolman Association. He was approved on the Rules Committee for a reappointment on June 24th on a unanimous vote. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Madam, or excuse me, Mr. 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 to the Appropriations Committee. He was approved by the Rules Committee on June 24th on a 5-0 vote. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

My deepest apologies, Mr. 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 an outstanding elected sheriff very well an incredible individual and deserves to be appointed to this commission She was approved by the Rules Committee on June 24th on a unanimous vote. We respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Mr. 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.

I'll refrain.

I made the great comments about my colleague, Sheriff, and he still insisted on talking, but I appreciate his comments.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, the last file item for governor's appointments we have today is file item 26, the confirmation of Benjamin Theriault for reappointment to the Commission of Peace Officer Standard and Training. He serves as a sergeant at Richmond Police Department and first joined the Commission in 2024. He was approved by the Rules Committee with a 5-0 vote on June 24th. Respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to join the Senator from Bakersfield in support of this appointment. 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 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 of PORAC. And he's an exceptional leader. I'm very grateful to support his appointment today and urge your aye vote.

Thank you, Mr. President and 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, Rona 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 or find ways to stretch general funds to cover gaps. Despite these efforts, fiscal challenges persist. To address the 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 for themselves whether additional revenue tools are appropriate for their communities. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SB 762.

Allen, Alvarado Gil, Archuleta. Aye. Aragon. Aye. Ashby. Aye. Becker. Aye. Blakespeare. Cabaldon. Aye. Caballero. Aye. Cervantes. Aye. Choy. No. Cortese. Aye. Aye, Grayson. Aye, Grove. No, Hurtado. Jones. Laird. Aye, Limon. McGuire. Aye, McDernie. Aye, Menjabar. Aye, Nilo. No, Ochoa Bo. No, Padilla. Aye, Perez. Aye, Reyes. Aye, Richardson. Aye, Rubio. Aye, Ciarto. No, Smallwood Cuevas. Aye, Stern. Strickland? No. Humbert? Aye. Voladeres? No. Wahab? Aye. Weber-Pearson? Aye. Wiener? Aye. Limon, aye.

Allen, Alvarado Gil, Blake Spear, Hurtado, Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. SB 927.

Senate Bill 927 by Senator Choi, an act relating to adoption. SB 927 provides a pathway for inter-county 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 16th 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 adopters 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 respectfully ask for Senator to concur in the Assembly's amendments.

Seeing no members to be recognized, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call without objection. Seeing no objection. Ayes 35. Nos 0. the bill passed. The amendments are concurred in. Moving to item 50, SB 1126. Senator Choi, you are... Secretary, please read.

Senator Choi, you are recognized.

Seeing no members to be recognized, this item as well is eligible for unanimous roll call without objection. Seeing no objection, I-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 Cobaltin relative to Larry Iliong Day senator Cobaltin you are recognized thank you so much mr president I am here to present SCR 190 which proclaims October 25th 2026 as Larry Itliang Day in California

aye vote. Senator Reyes you are recognized. Thank you Mr. President. I rise today on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus in support of SCR 190, which designates October 25 2026 as Larry Itleong Day in California Larry Itleong was a visionary labor leader whose courage determination and unwavering commitment to justice transformed the farm worker movement in California and across our nation. As a Filipino-American immigrant, Itliang 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 Itliang was organizing farm workers throughout the West, empowering workers to stand together and demand dignity, respect, and a voice in their workplace. On September 8, 1965, Itliang and the Agricultural Work Organizing Committee, which included Cesar Chavez, the Dolores Huerta, led more than 1,500 Filipino farm workers in the historic Delano grape strike. Too often, Larry Itliang'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 labor rights in California and laid the foundation for generations of workers to come. By proclaiming October 25 as Larry Leong 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 Leung 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, Mr. 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 Itliang. I want to 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 Itliang and Philip Vera Cruz, another important Filipino American labor leader. Larry Itliang is one of the greatest labor leaders in our state's history, and as a Filipino American immigrant, he dedicated his life to organizing workers who labored under difficult and often unjust conditions. He understood that dignity on the job, fair wages, and 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 a 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 a better future for their families And Larry Itliang's story is honestly California's 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, Mr. Speaker. I rise as a proud co-author to SCR 190 to honor Ileri Iti-Liang. 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, workers in our fields. In September of 1965, yes, he made a decision that would change history. He led Filipino farm workers and the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to walk out of the great fields of Delano. In spite, in spite of the tremendous intimidation that they faced, They demanded $1.40 an hour, but they deserved basic dignity. He helped launch the Delano Great 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 Chiliong 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 Great 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. Que viva Larry de Leon. Thank you, and I urge an aye vote for SCR 190.

Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today in support of SCR 190 as Senate Labor Chair and also standing with the Legislative Black Caucus. We honor Larry Itiong today, a Filipino-American labor giant whose courage helped us transform California and whose story reminds us that the fight for worker justice has always been multiracial. It was Iti Long and the Filipino Manags who ignited the 1965 Delano Grape Strike before joining Chavez and Dolores Huerta and the Mexican farmhouse. 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 dehumanized the workforce. They also worked in fisheries, they worked in canneries for poverty wages, and they endured dangerous conditions, discrimination and exclusion from many of the 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 through sharecropping, convict leasing, exclusionary immigration laws, or exploitative migrant labor systems, too many workers of color were denied the dignity and the freedom their labor deserved. And Larry Ileon was about stopping that injustice. We are here to support and lift up labor leaders who made a difference, who transformed 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 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.

Simply to express my profound gratitude for 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 should have been told many times before, and now it is. Thank you so much for this, and I would urge an aye vote.

Allen, Alvarado Gill, Archuleta, Aye. Arreguin, Aye. Ashby, Aye. Becker, Aye. Blakespeare, Aye. Cabaldon, Aye. Caballero, Aye. Cervantes, Aye. Choi, Aye. Cortese, Aye. Daly, Durazo, Aye. Gonzalez, Aye. Grayson, Aye. Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Aye. Aye. Limon, Aye. Aye. McGuire. Aye. McNerney. Aye. Menjavar. Aye. Nilo. Aye. Ochoa Boak. Aye. Padilla. Aye. Perez. Aye. Reyes. Richardson. Aye. Rubio. Aye. Ciaro. Aye. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye. Stern. Aye. Strickland. Humber. Aye. Aye. Weber Pearson? Aye. Weiner? Aye. Grove? Aye.

Allen Alvarado Gil Daly Hurtado Jones Reyes aye Strickland aye

Senate Resolution 120 by Senator Cabaldon relative to Filipino American History Month.

Thank you, Mr. 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 is it October? Well, it was on October 18th, 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 of their own volition. They were the crew for one of the Spanish galleons traveling between Mexico and Manila. And they were intended to go to 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 boat first, and we'll be right behind you. and they were already called the Luzones Indios because the Spaniards had named them Indians, which was fitting because they arrived the first day. They, and finally when the Spanish got off the ship, they went to the top of the peaks of the hills in Morro Bay and saw no one, and so they planted their flag claiming this entire land 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 fighting, there was death. And then the Indios of Luzones in the Philippines said, maybe we should leave. maybe unlike our own place, our own home, we should leave this place for the Indians 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 would be another 400 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 Filipinos could come to California without being subject to the same immigration quotas because they were a U.S. territory. And so they did. That's when my grandparents came, the Malong generation, came in the turn of the century through the 20s and the 30s. Virtually no women, but the men could not date or marry. My parents weren't allowed to legally marry in most places in this country, including California, until the 60s. And they made their home and they made their unions and they made community And all over California there were little manilas in communities of Filipinos some farm workers some like my own family probably illegal bookie operations underneath an ice cream shop in downtown Stockton, contributing to their communities. And so we've talked already about the agricultural history of Filipinos in this 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 this 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&B from the late 90s, for example, there is no place on the planet where you will find more dedication to 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, 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 widely known for our lumpia, for our tinikling dance, 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 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 became Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, 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 tremendous honor to serve here, and I would respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 120.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I rise in support of SR120. I want to thank my colleague from West Sacramento for his leadership and for what he adds to this great body. I'm honored to represent San Francisco and 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 Delhi 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 Manilatown, 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 iHotel now provides low senior housing and serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Filipino community and our entire community in turning a very bad situation ultimately into something that supports the community.

Thank you, Senator. We join in the condolences,