Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
California Senate adopts multiple ceremonial resolutions, confirms three gubernatorial appointments
Loading...
Summary
The California State Senate on May 19 adopted resolutions recognizing National Safe Boating Week, Family Justice Center Day, Harvey Milk Day, Fairgrounds Appreciation Month and Contractor Fraud Awareness Week, and confirmed three governor appointments to state offices and boards.
SACRAMENTO — The California State Senate on May 19 adopted a series of ceremonial resolutions recognizing public-safety observances and community programs and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments.
The chamber approved Senate Resolution 39 recognizing National Safe Boating Week and highlighting boating safety statistics; Senate Concurrent Resolution 67 designating May 19 as Family Justice Center Day and recognizing the California Family Justice Center Network; Senatorial Resolution 38 honoring Harvey Milk Day; Senate Concurrent Resolution 65 declaring May 2025 California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month; and Senatorial Resolution 41 establishing Contractor Fraud Awareness Week for May 19–23, 2025. The chamber also confirmed Linda Sarazawa to be director of the Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission and confirmed Alan Driscoll and George Kinlein to the State Mining and Geology Board.
The resolutions passed without recorded opposition. Vote tallies recorded on the floor were: SR 39, 37–0; SCR 67, 37–0; SR 38, 29–0; SCR 65, 36–0; and SR 41, 36–0. Governor appointments reported as confirmed on the floor carried recorded tallies of 36–0 for the items taken in that sequence.
Senator Richardson, presenting SR 39, said boating accidents are predominantly caused by human error and alcohol, and urged life-jacket use. "Eighty-seven percent of reported boating accident victims who drowned in 2023 were not wearing life jackets," Richardson said on the floor.
Senator Grayson, sponsor of SCR 67, described Family Justice Centers as co-located, multiagency facilities that offer trauma-informed services to survivors of interpersonal violence and said the California Family Justice Center Network’s 27 centers serve more than 70,000 survivors annually. "Without an FJC, a survivor may need to visit up to 23 different locations to receive services and legal support," Grayson said.
The chamber also heard remarks supporting SR 38 from multiple members, including Senator Padilla and senators representing caucuses that linked Harvey Milk’s legacy to broader civil-rights work. Senator Padilla presented the resolution commemorating Harvey Milk, and floor speakers recalled Milk’s role in expanding political representation and fighting discrimination.
Senator Alvarado Gil presented SCR 65, which recognizes the role of California’s 77 fairgrounds as venues for community events, agricultural education through 4‑H and FFA, and emergency response staging areas during disasters. The resolution notes that fairgrounds hosted more than 44,000 events in 2023, drawing millions of visitors and generating economic activity in nearby communities.
Senator Nilo, presenting SR 41, described contractor fraud as a frequent post-disaster risk for homeowners rebuilding after wildfires and floods and urged consumer vigilance. The Senate recorded the week of May 19–23, 2025 as Contractor Fraud Awareness Week to highlight prevention steps recommended by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
On confirmations, Senator Grove presented the nomination of Linda Sarazawa to lead the CPUC Public Advocates Office, noting her 35 years of public service; the nomination was confirmed on the floor. The Senate likewise confirmed Alan Driscoll, a licensed geologist, and George Kinlein (listed in the transcript as Kinlein/Kinline) to the State Mining and Geology Board; both nominations were reported as approved by the Rules Committee before floor confirmation.
Votes at a glance
- SR 39 (Sen. Richardson) — Recognizes National Safe Boating Week; recorded vote 37–0; key floor point: boating drownings overwhelmingly involved victims not wearing life jackets.
- SCR 67 (Sen. Grayson) — Designates May 19 as Family Justice Center Day; recorded vote 37–0; sponsors noted CFJN’s 27 centers serve about 70,000 survivors annually.
- SR 38 (Sen. Padilla) — Recognizes Harvey Milk Day; recorded vote 29–0; multiple senators tied Milk’s legacy to ongoing civil-rights advocacy.
- SCR 65 (Sen. Alvarado Gil) — Declares May 2025 California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month; recorded vote 36–0; resolution cites 77 fairgrounds and 44,000 events in 2023.
- SR 41 (Sen. Nilo) — Declares Contractor Fraud Awareness Week, May 19–23, 2025; recorded vote 36–0; sponsors urged consumer caution after disasters.
- Confirmation, Linda Sarazawa — For director, Public Advocates Office, California Public Utilities Commission; recorded vote 36–0; noted 35 years in public service.
- Confirmations, Alan Driscoll and George Kinlein — Appointments to State Mining and Geology Board; recorded vote 36–0.
All actions were taken during the Senate’s floor session and were adopted without recorded opposition. The chamber recessed and scheduled its next floor session for May 23, 2025 at 9 a.m.
