Senate confirms multiple gubernatorial appointees; several bills moved to inactive file

The California State Senate confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointees and noted motions to place several bills on the inactive file during floor proceedings.

Sen. Brian Grove introduced the confirmation of Lisonbee Ganter to serve as inaugural director on the custody death review for the Board of State Community Corrections, saying in part, “This appointment is extraordinarily qualified. Prior to this role, she has been serving as the board of deputy director. Her career at the BSCC started 24 years ago as a field representative.” The roll call that followed resulted in “Ayes, 34. Nos, 0. The appointment is confirmed.”

The Senate then considered a package of gubernatorial reappointments. Grove listed reappointments including Kim Craig and Willie Pilote to the Cal Expo State Fair Board; Tiffany Alvidrez to the State Lottery Commission; and Anthony Bertram, Tanya Far Fairley, and Yolanda Jimenez to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Those appointments were confirmed by roll call; the transcript records the result as “Ayes, 34. No, 0. That appointment is confirmed.”

During the second confirmation package, Sen. Caroline Choi said she would support the appointments but asked for follow-up from board staff: “My staff reached out to the board, on May 8 and May 21, and my office has still not received a response. I support these appointments, but, if they could direct, their staff to provide, my office with a timely response, I would greatly appreciate it.” Choi’s request is recorded in the transcript but no formal order or deadline appears; the desk noted the comment.

Separately, Sen. Scott Wiener asked the desk to move three bills to the inactive file for further work—SB 607 (file item 21), SB 747 (file item 20) and SB 310 (file item 19)—saying the moves were related to forthcoming budget discussions and committee work. The desk noted the request. Sen. Mark Cabaldon also requested that SB 299 (file item 14) be moved to the inactive file; the desk noted that request as well. The transcript records those motions as procedural requests with the desk noting them rather than recorded roll-call outcomes.

After the confirmations and procedural motions, the Senate returned to other business on the daily file.