California Senate honors flood control leader and adjourns in memory of two longtime public servants

The California State Senate used part of its floor session to honor an engineer and longtime public servant and to adjourn in memory of two local leaders.

Senator Ashby presented a resolution honoring Rick Johnson for 46 years in public service, including 15 years as executive director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency. Ashby said Johnson previously worked at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and "implemented over $4,400,000,000 worth of flood infrastructure improvements for the people of this region." Ashby asked colleagues to join in recognizing Johnson's career and contributions to flood protection.

The Senate also adjourned in memory of Federal Glover, a Contra Costa County supervisor. Senator Grayson introduced the remembrance, noting Glover's decades of service, including time as Pittsburgh city council member and mayor, his role as the first African American elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and his work securing more than $1,000,000,000 for transportation projects such as Highway 4 expansion and the eBART extension. Several senators from the region joined Grayson in paying tribute.

Senator Weber Pearson asked the Senate to adjourn in memory of Arthur E. (Art) Madrid, a former mayor of La Mesa and a longtime local official who served multiple terms in city government. Senate remarks recounted Madrid's public service career and requested that the Senate adjourn in his memory.

The floor recognized the guests of the chamber for the tributes and offered condolences to the families.