Senators on the California State Senate floor asked the chamber to adjourn in memory of Samantha Alex Robles Hahn, Issa Rashad and former Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates during a solemn session, according to floor remarks.

Senator Archuleta rose to request an adjournment in memory of his grandchild, Samantha Alex Robles Hahn, saying, “For these reasons, I ask that we adjourn in the memory of my grandchild, Samantha Alex Robles Hahn.” Archuleta said Samantha, who he said was 30 years old, was killed by a drunk driver on Dec. 23 at approximately 8:30 p.m. He described her education and work: she attended the Academy of Language and Performing Arts and Lewis Center Academy of Excellence, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, and a master’s degree in family therapy from Pacific Oaks College, and worked with children and families through the child-welfare organization 5 Acres. Archuleta said Samantha was “ready to take on a career serving the unfortunate” and advocated for foster and LGBTQ youth.

Senator Gonzales asked the senate to adjourn in memory of Issa Rashad, saying, “I rise today to adjourn in memory of a beloved community member, Issa Rashad.” Gonzales said Rashad was co-owner of the B Room in downtown Long Beach, was active with the Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition and the Downtown Business Association, and was known for organizing benefit events for LGBTQ youth. Gonzales said Rashad was 38 years old and is survived by his mother and other family members.

Senator Romberg asked the chamber to adjourn in memory of Brad Gates, saying, “I rise to honor the life and memory of sheriff Brad Gates, former Orange County sheriff who passed away this past October.” Romberg said Gates served as Orange County sheriff for 24 years, led modernization efforts in the department, and was involved in regional antidrug efforts and school programs. Romberg described Gates’s local roots and family survivors.

Members asked that the names be brought to the desk so they could be formally memorialized; the transcript records requests to adjourn in memory and the clerical request to bring names forward but does not include a recorded roll-call or other formal vote on the adjournments. The senate recessed after the memorial requests; the transcript records the next scheduled floor session for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 9 a.m.

The remarks occurred during a somber portion of the floor session that also included a moment of silence and a chaplain’s prayer earlier in the proceedings.