Transcript Highlights:

• Bitter, close us out. Thank you for inviting me here today. I'm Chris Bitter.
• So I'm going to close by offering a couple of options, things that we might be able to do to help grape
• But I would say that the rest of the nation is not been our primary competition.
• , which represents the growers in the region's wineries, laid off all their staff and effectively closed
• It may not be the most fun part of the hearing, but it is a good way to, I think, to close our panels

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry held its first meeting at Napa Valley College, with opening remarks from Chair Senator Christopher Cabaldon and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry emphasizing the industry’s importance to California’s economy and communities. The chair said the hearing was intended to gather information and ideas, not to vote on legislation, and to inform future policy, budget, and oversight work. The first panel focused on research and trends, with speakers from Sonoma State, UC Davis, and Terrain describing the industry as facing structural change rather than a temporary downturn. Panelists said California wine is confronting falling consumption, rising costs, labor shortages, housing pressures, tariffs, and competition from imports. Dr. Damien Wilson argued the industry has relied too heavily on premiumization and must focus on attracting new consumers, especially younger generations, through more accessible products, better marketing, and evidence-based decision-making. UC Davis’s Ben Mumpeteet said grapevine disease, extreme weather, and water shortages require long-term research investment and stronger university-industry-state partnerships. Chris Bitter, a wine economist, reported that California wine sales are down about 25% since 2019, that large amounts of grapes have gone unpicked, and that vineyard removals and falling vineyard values reflect a severe supply-demand imbalance; he urged regulatory review, trade competitiveness analysis, and transition support for growers. The committee then heard from industry representatives. Michael Miller of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers described a crisis in which growers can produce high-quality fruit but have no buyers, leading to abandoned or removed vineyards, lost farm revenue, and pressure to restore market balance. Honor Comfort of the Wine Institute presented the Share Wine Co-Lab, an open-access marketing platform designed to help wineries better reach younger consumers through data-driven, collaborative outreach. Jane Lisa Tamayo of Family Winemakers of California discussed the burden on smaller wineries and growers, including regulatory and market challenges. Members and witnesses also discussed changing consumer preferences, the need to adapt to younger drinkers, and concerns about tariffs and trade policy, with the chair warning that broad tariff calls had harmed export markets such as Canada. A final panel addressed tourism, farmworker impacts, and water regulation. Visit Napa Valley’s Lindsay Gallagher said tourism remains strong in Napa but is increasingly dependent on broader destination marketing beyond wine, while international visitation has declined. Sonia DeLuca of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation said declining sales and rising costs reduce hours and income for farmworkers and urged targeted relief, wage-loss support, and continued bilingual training. State Water Board official Annalisa Kihar outlined the 2021 Winery General Order for winery process water, saying it was designed to streamline permitting, improve consistency, and reduce burdens on small wineries while protecting water quality; she reported 56 wineries enrolled and 122 under review, and said the board is working with industry partners on technical support and sustainability-based compliance pathways.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a frightening experience, but fortunately, my close friend and the school staff responded right
• I think there are some ALE programs that operate for primary school.
• He said local effort assistance has long been the state's primary tool for reducing funding disparities
• Felicia Kern said that this bill would effectively close their doors at the end of the year, putting
• But, he said, in closing, this is a harmful bill.

Bills: SB6222 , SB6263 , SB6118 , SB6261 , SB6320

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: public education, technology access, surplus hardware, digital divide, student resources, school district, public bidding, bid limits, procurement, public works, construction contracts, competitive bidding, lowest responsible bidder, small works roster, quotations, school purchasing, Washington-grown food, local food, inmate work programs, Department of Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Chief, your testimony says that VFW members prefer the VA to remain the primary provider of their health
• Today, we close out our annual series of joint hearings with the Veterans Service Organizations.
• Be able to go to your primary care, be able to stop by, you know, an orthopedics appointment, then be
• Before we close out this panel and transition to our second panel, let me again thank you com- I often
• It was not until Sean's father fell and broke five ribs that he even came close to qualifying.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you closed the gates? And they said, yep, we've closed the gates. And they took off.
• Committee, just in closing, I think the last testifier said it pretty well.
• Would you like to close? Yeah, first I'd like to have Mr.
• We'll have you close in a bit. Ryan McEldrick, we do have a lot signed up.
• Case closed, we're there. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 20 and February 23, 2026. It then introduced several RS measures, including RS 3313-C-1 on Idaho Housing and Finance Association reporting and transparency, RS 33525 relating to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game gun club-related alternative, and RS 3344-1, a trigger bill concerning machine guns if the federal ban is repealed or overturned. Each of those motions passed without opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1326, a private property/warrant bill sponsored by Senator Harris. The bill would generally require government agents to have a warrant, exigent circumstances, or consent before entering private land not open to the public, while preserving certain exceptions for law enforcement, water rights, drones, weed control, and abatement districts. Supporters, including landowners and the Idaho Farm Bureau, described experiences with government officials entering private property without permission; Fish and Game and the Idaho Association of Counties opposed the bill, arguing it would hinder routine compliance checks and enforcement. After testimony and questions, the committee voted to send SB 1326 to the 14th order for possible amendment. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Nichols, which would regulate paid non-accredited assistance for veterans’ federal benefit claims. Supporters said the bill would protect veterans from aggressive marketing, unclear fees, and misuse of personal information while preserving access to free help and allowing contingent-fee arrangements under set rules. Some veterans testified in favor of consumer protections, while one veteran said the bill could limit his ability to choose paid help that had worked for him. The committee approved a motion to send SB 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 103, sponsored by Senator Adams, proposing a constitutional amendment to create a trust for certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government and to bar their sale, with revenues used for land management, county payments, and education-related purposes. Supporters framed it as a way to protect public lands from sale and preserve access, while opponents from Conservation Voters for Idaho and the Wilderness Society warned it could create financial uncertainty, wildfire costs, and management problems without a clear state structure. The transcript ends during continued testimony on the resolution, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seawide with the PSR with our bond reconciliation, with our project close out, we're trying to tie all
• Right sizing the Memorial Building and closing the Sierra Vista facility.
• Uh, this is also Luna, uh, Luna's primary function and one of their primary functions in the community
• Uh, September 30th will then be the close of the application cycle where awards will then, staff will
• OK, let's move on to close out. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
• With no witnesses, public testimony on House Bill 610 will close.
• At this time, we'll close public testimony on House Bill 4623.
• Public testimony will close on HB 4.
• Hearing none and seeing none, public testimony is now closed.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• burden, the Commonwealth currently offers a non-refundable Title V septic tax credit that allows primary
• burden, the Commonwealth currently offers a non-refundable Title V septic tax credit that allows primary
• homeowners in non-refundable Title V septic tax credit that allows primary homeowners to deduct eligible
• hand tied behind our backs, unable to make these local contributions to projects that we deem are of primary

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to transportation, telecommunications, and utilities, with Senators Eldridge, Rausch, and Jehlen and House members including Co-Chair Madaro, Leader Donato, Representatives Paulino, Wells, Gómez, and Plouffe present. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, deadlines for written testimony, and the new joint rules governing action on bills. No votes were taken; the hearing was for testimony only and was adjourned after public comment. Testimony began with strong support for Senate Bill 1998 and House Bill 3230, An Act Enhancing Renewable Heating Solutions for the Commonwealth. A representative of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas said the bill would help decarbonize heating by allowing utilities to use renewable natural gas and other qualified renewable fuels, while also supporting jobs and local economic development. The committee then heard support for House Bill 4082, which would make the Title V septic tax credit refundable; the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee said this would better help lower- and middle-income homeowners facing costly septic upgrades or sewer connections in nitrogen-sensitive coastal areas. The committee also heard opposition to House Bill 4080 and Senate Bill 1924 from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which argued that higher aviation fuel taxes would not be justified without a clear aeronautical use for the revenue and noted federal restrictions on aviation fuel tax proceeds. In contrast, a coalition opposing private jet expansion supported Senate Bill 1924, saying a higher jet fuel tax would better align tax policy with climate and public health goals and help address aviation emissions. Finally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported House Bill 3050 on regional ballot initiatives, arguing that local revenue tools could help cities and towns fund transportation projects and reduce pressure on state transportation dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:03.040><c> But</c> place were to close. But place were to close.
• ><c> the</c><00:30:34.399><c> doors</c> some, that meant closing the doors some, that meant closing the
• </c><00:30:42.640><c> While</c> closed as a direct result. While closed as a direct result.
• I was trying to bring pretty close.
• Paul who helped close down, right?

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• employees who chose the PERA DB plan overwhelmingly cited the guarantee of lifetime income as the primary
• reason, and employees who chose the PERA DC plan overwhelmingly cited portability as the primary reason
• </c><00:33:48.080><c> reason,</c> lifetime income as the primary reason, lifetime income as the primary
• 52.720><c> the</c> overwhelmingly cited portability as the overwhelmingly cited portability as the primary
• </c> primary reason. primary reason.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary ways we do it is to answer questions from legislators and staff.
• Library staff work closely with other legislative staff for the smooth functioning of the Legislature's
• Library staff work closely with other legislative staff for the smooth functioning of the Legislature's
• Library staff work closely with other legislative staff for the smooth functioning of the Legislature's
• </c><00:36:02.680><c> to</c> at least close to at least close to 100%<00:36:04.920><c> um</c><00:36:05.240

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't need to close? No close. Okay.
• This does not affect the attorneys being the primary lien holder.
• Rebrenberg had last year more closely. I have no idea what he had last year.
• You may have a primary insurer and an excess insurer.
• Representative Mellering, close on your bill. Thank you, members. I appreciate it.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended. House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no. Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't need to close? No close. Okay.
• This does not affect the attorneys being the primary lien holder.
• Rebrenberg had last year more closely. I have no idea what he had last year.
• You may have a primary insurer and an excess insurer.
• “Representative Mellarine, close on your bill. Thank you, members. I appreciate it.

Bills: HB79 , HB437 , HB646 , HB1089 , HB1099 , SB173 , SB180 , SB260 , SB424 , SB476

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: carbon capture, damages, environmental liability, legal liability, site restoration, expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not even getting close to that.
• Close quote.
• In closing, this proposal is not vague and open-ended.
• It would seem a shame to close that valve off. I hope that answers your question.
• It would seem a shame to close that valve off. I hope that answers your question.

Summary: The subcommittee heard several California transportation and public safety budget proposals. Caltrans requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to continue replacing its aging fleet and build out zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Caltrans said the funding would replace about 1,100 vehicles, including many heavy-duty units, and acknowledged its overdue report on zero-emission fleet efforts would be delivered by mid-to-late April. The LAO said the request raised no concerns, but one senator strongly criticized the cost and policy emphasis on making the fleet the “greenest” rather than prioritizing road maintenance. The chair pressed Caltrans to submit the overdue report within 30 days, saying it was necessary for oversight before the request could be considered. The committee also discussed a Caltrans proposal tied to SB 150 and the High Road Construction Careers Program. Because federal highway funds could not be used as originally intended for workforce training, Caltrans and the Department of Finance proposed replacing the federal dollars with $30 million in state Highway Account funds. The Workforce Development Board said the program had a track record of connecting participants to apprenticeships and jobs, while one senator questioned why the original $50 million federal set-aside had not been implemented and asked for more detail on where the remaining funds would go. Finance said the state funds were already set aside and expected to begin flowing in May over a two- to three-year period. The California Highway Patrol presented two requests. First, CHP sought $60 million from the Motor Vehicle Account for equipment and operating costs, citing inflation, higher vehicle prices, and the end of its ability to cover costs through vacancy savings as hiring improved. The LAO recommended rejection, arguing the costs were not new, CHP still had a substantial equipment budget, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces insolvency by 2028-29. Second, CHP requested $885,000 ongoing to fund seven crime analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force. CHP said the task force had reduced freeway shootings from 477 in 2021 to 179 last year, though some data categories had changed over time. The LAO did not object, but noted the request would create a permanent funding commitment. The DMV presented two modernization items: the State-to-State verification system required for Real ID compliance and the DXP system to replace aging legacy technology. The LAO raised no concerns with either, but noted DXP has had cost overruns and delays and will require continued legislative oversight. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data-sharing concerns in the State-to-State system, especially the use of Social Security number digits and the role of the AAMVA network. DMV said the system is required for Real ID compliance, uses encrypted data, and is intended to prevent duplicate credentials across states. The committee also discussed customer service improvements from DXP, with DMV saying the project should better integrate systems and improve service delivery by the end of the calendar year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Representative Crane, would you like to give us some hard close?
• So last, close. those. So last, close, catastrophic fires cost everyone.
• Again, we worked with the department closely.
• Yeah, close. Mr.
• This will be a virtual testimony, maybe. in high needs primary care areas.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked very closely with them. We have a… IA. They're a national organization.
• We have worked very closely with them.
• Infrastructure versus online, page 187, the $12 million for primary care in Taos, primary care facility
• And, Chairman, I know we have to work closely... Do we know a rough amount?
• And, Chairman, I know we have to work closely to get things scheduled.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am closely affiliated with the division. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Oh, the primary provider at the juvenile detention center.
• What other fields are close enough? For the question, I would say critical.
• In that capacity, I have two primary roles.
• Our next presentation—we're close to time, very close to on time.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As the primary architect of the Wisconsin law, I could not be more pleased.
• But Congress must take action and permanently close the spigot of FRSs.
• I'll close by saying we're dealing with fentanyl and the deadly Of that drug, and we're also dealing
• It doesn't stop illicit fentanyl incentive, but it closes the spigot of fentanylated substances.
• A big mistake, and I'll close with a question to Dr. Farfan.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine your child's school closing because the money to fund it was frozen.
• Imagine your child's school closing because the money to fund it was frozen.
• Clinics are being forced to close.
• I’m prepared to close. You’re ready? I’ve got a couple more speakers if you want to reserve.
• The gentleman from Kentucky is now prepared to close.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:10.319><c> ones</c> that issue permits uh the primary ones that issue permits uh the primary
• </c> year before further enrollment is closed year before further enrollment is closed to<00:35:16.960
• I think I'm close to that.
• I think I'm close to that.
• ><c> to</c><01:17:30.480><c> covering</c> wouldn't even come close to covering wouldn't even come close

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee first took up Senate Bill 63, which Representative Maguire described as a straightforward bill setting funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism. He said it was not controversial. The committee voted to retain the bill by roll call, with one no vote and one member absent, and the motion passed 23-1-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 74, dealing with annual reporting requirements for state departments that issue permits. Representative Maguire explained Amendment 2282 would shorten the reporting burden by requiring summary data on delayed permits rather than listing every permit, and would delay the first report until 2027 so agencies would not have to reconstruct old data. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill was then approved as amended by a 24-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 241 on construction of a public pier at Hampton Beach. Representative Sweeney moved inexpedient to legislate, saying the project was ambitious and lacked public support. The motion passed unanimously 25-0, sending the bill to consent. Division Two then took up Senate Bill 145, a replace-all amendment to the education freedom account bill. Supporters said the amendment clarified the bill, kept the policy intact, removed a reimbursement program and an open-ended appropriation, and established a cap of 10,000 students with priority for current students and certain other groups. Opponents argued the measure was still a major expansion, would increase spending after crossover, and that the cap was not meaningful. After discussion, Amendment 2301H was adopted and the bill was approved as amended by a 25-0 vote, with members noting it could go on consent because no money remained in it.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should like to close.
• Would you like to close? Yes.
• Would you like to close? I'd like to close. I will keep it short and brief.
• You may close. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I feel like you closed for me. So thank you so much.
• Would you like to close?

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.