California Senate confirms two gubernatorial appointees to state boards by unanimous recorded votes

The California State Senate on Thursday confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to state boards with unanimous recorded votes.

In file item 5, the Senate reappointed Chief Kirk Haines and appointed Sheriff Eric Taylor to the Board of State Community Corrections. Senator Grove introduced the item, noting the appointments had been approved by the rules committee on a 5-0 vote, and asked colleagues for an aye vote. The confirmation passed by recorded vote, 34 ayes, 0 noes.

Chief Kirk Haines was identified in the floor presentation as the Fresno County chief probation officer and a current member of the Board of State Community Corrections since 2021. Sheriff Eric Taylor was identified as the sheriff-coroner for San Benito County and described as new to the board. The rules committee had forwarded both nominations on a 5-0 recommendation prior to the floor vote.

Later under file item 7, the Senate confirmed Heather Birkenoff to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Senator Grove introduced the nomination, saying Birkenoff is a project manager and tribal liaison with the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, an enrolled member of the Yaqui Nation, and operates a small ranch in western Mariposa County. Senator Alvarado Gill spoke in support on the floor. That confirmation also passed by recorded vote, 34 ayes, 0 noes.

Both confirmations were announced following roll-call votes recorded on the Senate floor. The Senate recorded the results as 34-0 for each appointment. No members rose to oppose either nomination during the floor consideration.

The confirmations conclude the Senate's formal action on those appointments; the Senate returned to other business after the votes and later recessed until its next scheduled floor session.