Video & Transcript : 'Santa Cruz' :

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker: The lady from Santa Fe. Representative from Santa Fe: Mr.
  • The lady from Santa Fe. Representative from Santa Fe: Mr.
  • Speaker: The lady from Santa Fe. Representative from Santa Fe: Mr.
  • The lady from Santa Fe. Representative from Santa Fe: Mr.
  • Gentle lady from Santa Fe. Representative from Santa Fe: Mr.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Cruz County, Santa Barbara County, the cities of Santa Maria, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and two communities
  • Cruz and Santa Barbara.
  • Chair, members, Jean Hurst, here today on behalf of the counties of Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara.
  • Cruz as well as Santa Barbara.
  • Cruz as well as Santa Barbara.
Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard several bills, mostly related to Proposition 19, voluntary tax checkoffs, and local tax authority. SB 288 would clarify that the one-year residency and exemption deadline for inherited homes held in probate begins when legal ownership is established; it received support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and others, no opposition, and was referred to suspense. SB 974 would explicitly include special needs trusts in Prop. 19-related inheritance rules; it had support from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. The committee also heard SB 575, which would restore the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund for voluntary tax return donations to sea otter conservation. Supporters cited sea otter recovery, research, and habitat protection needs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 999 would delay the Franchise Tax Board’s annual report on the health care individual mandate from March 1 to June 1 to allow more complete data; Health Access California supported it, and it passed 5-1 to Appropriations. SB 762 would authorize certain cities and counties, including Hercules, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara, to seek voter approval for local transaction and use taxes to address budget pressures, public safety, infrastructure, and safety-net service cuts. Local officials, labor groups, and health advocates supported it, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposed it; the committee adopted the urgency clause and then passed the bill to Local Government with urgency, with some no votes. SB 1073 would create a voluntary tax contribution fund to support the Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District; arts advocates and community supporters backed it, and the bill passed unanimously to the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee as amended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 8th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cruz County, Santa Barbara County, the cities of Santa Maria, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and two communities
  • Cruz and Santa Barbara.
  • Cruz and Santa Barbara.
  • Cruz as well as Santa Barbara.
  • Cruz as well as Santa Barbara.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 7th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ladies and gentlemen, the Senate, I'm presenting SB 949, which would declare the Santa Cruz Mountains
  • The Santa Cruz Mountains hold significant ecological value as a vital hotspot for biodiversity along
  • California's Central Coast, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.
  • I just want to say, as the other person that represents the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is an important
  • I just want to say, as the other person that represents the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is an important
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Representative Art de la Cruz.
  • Not just Santa Teresa, but also Columbus.
  • And not only that, but for Santa Teresa as well.
  • So thank you, Chair Dela Cruz.
  • Cruz Bridge.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Governmental Organization Committee Jun 9th, 2026

Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • The other six would be reserved for cities in southern Santa Cruz County, such as where I represent,
  • I'm Gene Hurst here today on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, a proud co-sponsor
  • Santa Cruz County, as you can imagine, a tourist destination, has reached its population-based cap on
  • Thank you. ...morning on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Cruz. Thank you.
  • Senator Lori Johnson, on behalf of the City of Watsonville, we want to thank the author and Santa Cruz
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • State costs are minimal, if any, since all costs to Santa Cruz County will be reimbursed by Metro.
  • And with me to testify in support is Michael Pimentel, representing Santa Cruz Metro.
  • Michael Pimentel here on behalf of Santa Cruz Metro.
  • Chair and members, Michael Pimentel here on behalf of Santa Cruz Metro.
  • Santa Cruz Metro spelled it in the statute, and we just encourage your aye vote today. Thank you.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Santa Cruz County.
  • I'm a second district supervisor in the County of Santa Cruz.
  • Currently, the city of Santa Cruz proper, which has a very similar population to the city of Watsonville
  • Tourism in Santa Cruz County is... Tourism is the leading industry in Santa Cruz County.
  • I just wanted to add that the current distribution of Type 47 licenses in Santa Cruz County is not aligned
Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 8th, 2026

Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • Santa Cruz County.
  • I'm a second district supervisor in the County of Santa Cruz.
  • Cruz.
  • Currently, the city of Santa Cruz proper, which has a very similar population to the city of Watsonville
  • Tourism in Santa Cruz County is... Tourism is the leading industry in Santa Cruz County.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Jean Hurst, here today on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in support.
  • In 2022, the Santa Cruz... Yes, thank you. My second bill.
  • In 2022, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, known as Metro, worked with communities across
  • Failure to secure additional funds will impact service to residents of Santa Cruz and Watsonville and
  • Brendan Rikki, on behalf of Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. You're sponsoring AB 1919.
Summary: The committee heard several election and democracy-related bills. AB 1116 would expand California’s online voter registration system to allow eligible voters without a DMV-issued ID to register using the last four digits of their Social Security number and an uploaded signature image. Supporters said it would improve access, reduce paper processing, and save money; opponents, including the Secretary of State’s office and county officials, raised concerns about cybersecurity, implementation, and identity verification. The bill was moved on a 2-1 vote to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 1539 would require political party representatives to certify, under penalty of perjury, that presidential and vice presidential nominees meet constitutional term-limit requirements. Supporters framed it as a safeguard against attempts to place ineligible candidates on the ballot, while opponents called it unnecessary and politically motivated. The committee voted 2-1 to send the bill to the Committee on Public Safety. The committee also approved AB 1562, which would let counties randomly select registered voters to serve as poll workers if their board of supervisors approves, and AB 1664, which would require prompt notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General when election records or voting systems are subject to warrants, subpoenas, or investigations. AB 1562 passed 2-0 to the Committee on Transportation, and AB 1664 passed 2-1 to the Committee on Public Safety despite opposition from sheriffs’ representatives who argued it raised separation-of-powers concerns. Later, AB 1853, which would restrict candidate statements in voter information guides to factual background and qualifications and bar hateful or misleading content, passed 2-1 to the Committee on Rules for further consideration in Judiciary. AB 1919, allowing voters in the Santa Cruz Metro district to decide on transit funding procedures, and AB 2484, allowing San Diego MTS voters to authorize a local transit tax through initiative, also advanced on 3-1 votes to the Committee on Transportation. The committee additionally approved a consent agenda containing AB 1789, AB 2592, AB 2655, and AB 2785.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • of California at Santa Cruz.
  • I am Cynthia LaReeve, Chancellor of the University of California at Santa Cruz.
  • At UC Santa Cruz, I see the benefits of research every day.
  • At UC Santa Cruz, I see the benefits of research every day.
  • California, Santa Cruz, or San Francisco, and a proud member of UAW 4811.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 7th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm presenting SB 949, which would declare the Santa Cruz Mountains
  • The Santa Cruz Mountains hold significant ecological value as a vital hotspot for biodiversity along
  • California's Central Coast, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.
  • There are currently no statewide policies that formally recognize the distinctiveness of the Santa Cruz
  • I just want to say, as the other person who represents the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is an important
Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several floor items. AB 108, a budget bill, was presented as a one-time $25 million grant program through HCAI to help severely distressed nonprofit and public hospitals with less than 10 days cash on hand and limited other options, along with a technical fix for the property tax postponement program. Senators Laird and Jones spoke in support, and the bill passed 36-0 with immediate transmittal granted. The chamber then adopted a series of resolutions recognizing CASA Appreciation Day (SCR 162), California Wildfire Preparedness Week (SCR 165), California Rail Month (SCR 84), the National Day of Prayer (SCR 153), and Mother’s Day (SCR 167). Floor remarks highlighted the role of CASA volunteers, year-round wildfire risk and local preparedness efforts, rail’s importance to mobility and climate goals, faith and prayer as sources of guidance, and the contributions of mothers and mother figures. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 153 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also passed SB 1175, which moves lobbyist registration and related filings directly to the Secretary of State to improve timeliness and transparency; SB 949, designating the Santa Cruz Mountains as a landscape of statewide significance; SB 1038, strengthening CalPERS audit notice requirements for unions; and SB 965, making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain library cards without a parent physically present. Each measure received supportive remarks and passed on strong roll calls. Later, the Senate adopted SR 106 marking Black April Memorial Month and honoring Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community, with members speaking about the fall of Saigon, refugee sacrifice, and the community’s contributions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Dan Hughes, a former reserve officer, firefighter paramedic, and longtime parks district board member. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, May 11, 2026.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it's in the arc of history, because when I marched the first time in Santa Cruz Pride in the 1970s
  • And we have that many in my home area of the Monterey Bay Area, including the chair of the Santa Cruz
  • I am pleased to recognize and honor Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez.
  • nonprofit organizations offering health and family services in the Santa Cruz region.
  • Please join me in honoring Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez. Thank you.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state. The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations. The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Cities and counties, including Santa Cruz County, Santa Barbara County, the cities of Santa Maria, Santa
  • My name is Monica Martinez, and I'm currently the chair of the Board of Supervisors in Santa Cruz County
  • The County of Santa Cruz is the safety net for these communities, and these are communities that are
  • And just a few quick facts for you about the County of Santa Cruz: 83,000 people in the county are enrolled
  • The Pajaro River actually serves as the county line between Monterey County and Santa Cruz County, and
Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of local government, housing, transportation, and public safety bills. Early items included SB 762, which would give certain local governments a voter-approved path to seek additional local sales tax authority to address fiscal pressures; SB 1400, which would modernize Alameda Health System governance and give Alameda County more flexibility and oversight; and SB 1408, which would authorize Contra Costa County to place a renewal of its transportation sales tax on the ballot. Supporters for those bills included local officials, county representatives, labor groups, fire and police organizations, and transit advocates, while no organized opposition was presented on those measures in committee. The committee also heard SB 1272, which would give homeowners more time to correct certain inherited code violations and allow an affidavit process for buyers who did not know about the violation at purchase. The bill drew support from the California Apartment Association and opposition from code enforcement and county groups, who argued it would reduce local enforcement discretion and create health and safety risks. After questions about disclosure and enforcement, the committee approved SB 1272 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1055, dealing with procurement flexibility for Pajaro flood control and levee repairs, also passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee approved SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and create an independent medical examiner system. The author and supporters argued the change was needed for transparency and independence in in-custody death investigations, while opponents raised labor, cost, and governance concerns; some opposition was softened after the author agreed to employee-protection amendments. The committee also passed SB 1172, limiting consultant compensation and adding transparency rules for local tax-sharing agreements, and several housing bills from Senator Grayson: SB 1003 on pro-housing infrastructure financing districts, SB 1014 on early disclosure of infrastructure requirements for housing projects, and SB 1169 on extending tentative vesting map validity. The committee took votes on consent items and later add-ons, with most measures passing on bipartisan or unanimous votes and several being re-referred to Appropriations or Housing and Community Development as appropriate.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative De La Cruz, please make your way to the principal's office.
  • He's a junior at Santa Rosa High School.
  • The gentlelady from Santa Fe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
  • Respectfully submitted, Art De La Cruz, Chair. Mr.
  • Gentlelady from Santa Fe. Gentlelady from Santa Fe. Mr.
Bills: HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Cruz County to account for disparities in population. ...available just in Santa Cruz County to account
  • Joining me to testify in support is Jean Hurst, representing the County of Santa Cruz, who can tell you
  • I'm Gene Hurst here today on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, a proud co-sponsor
  • Santa Cruz County, as you can imagine, a tourist destination, has reached its population-based cap on
  • Senator Lori Johnson on behalf of the city of Watsonville, we want to thank the author and Santa Cruz
Summary: The Senate Governmental Organization Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of the Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case. Assembly Member Ta and supporters from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU described the case’s role in ending school segregation in California and influencing Brown v. Board of Education. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, and the bill was later approved 13-0. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a way to reach a human employee. The author and California Civil Liberties Advocacy said the measure is about transparency and public trust, not banning AI. The bill was moved forward and ultimately passed 12-1. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, drew support from the California Restaurant Association, a restaurant owner, and industry groups, who said it has helped small businesses and should continue; it passed 13-0. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, with licenses reserved for Watsonville and other communities to support small businesses and reduce inflated secondary-market costs. Supporters included Santa Cruz County and the city of Watsonville, and the bill passed 13-0. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, addressing a disparity at land borders; it also passed 13-0. Several items were initially held on call because the committee lacked a quorum, but after members returned, the committee completed roll calls and adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it's in the arc of history, because when I marched the first time in Santa Cruz Pride in the 1970s
  • And we have that many in my home area of the Monterey Bay Area, including the chair of the Santa Cruz
  • I am pleased to recognize and honor Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez.
  • nonprofit organizations offering health and family services in the Santa Cruz region.
  • Please join me in honoring Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez. Thank you.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2022, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, Metro, initiated Reimagined Metro, a plan for
  • State costs are minimal, if any, since all costs to Santa Cruz County will be reimbursed by Metro.
  • And with me to testify in support is Michael Pimentel, representing Santa Cruz Metro.
  • Michael Pimentel here on behalf of Santa Cruz Metro.
  • Santa Cruz Metro spelled it in the statute, and we just encourage your aye vote today. Thank you.
Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up a large consent calendar. It moved a set of bills to the Assembly Floor consent calendar by unanimous vote, including AB 1773, 1785, 1828, 1873, 1918, 2001, 2085, 2173, 2412, 2536, 2644, and 2781, and separately approved another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent, including AB 1544, 1555, 1614, 1621, 1637, 1704, 1816, 1933, 2529, 2559, 2663, and 2731. The committee then heard several individual bills, with each author describing the measure and witnesses generally testifying in support; no organized opposition was recorded on the bills discussed. Among the measures heard, AB 2393 would create fixed statutory damages for certain false imprisonment and arrest claims, while exempting peace officers, custodial officers, and public entities. AB 1697 would delay implementation of a recently enacted prohibition on employment contracts that require workers to repay employer debts if they leave a job, and AB 2534 would extend Domestic Violence Prevention Act restraining order protections to attempted forced marriages and survivors of forced marriages. AB 1608 would strengthen the High-Speed Rail Inspector General’s office by adding staffing and contracting authority, requiring public reports, and allowing limited temporary confidentiality for sensitive information; the bill drew questions from members about transparency and whether information could be withheld, but the author and Inspector General said the measure would increase accountability and only allow narrow, time-limited confidentiality. The committee also approved AB 1916, which would allow American Sign Language interpreters to participate in the same collective bargaining process as other certified court interpreters, and AB 1803, which would require anti-hate speech training as part of workplace harassment prevention training for employers with five or more employees. AB 1821 would change Public Records Act response timelines from calendar days to business days, with local government sponsors arguing it would better reflect actual processing time for broad and complex requests without reducing access. AB 1919 would establish election procedures to let voters decide the future of Santa Cruz Metro service funding after a one-time grant expires. Each of these bills was moved forward on due pass votes, with some members not voting on certain measures. The committee then approved a long suspense file, and the remaining suspense bills were deemed approved without further discussion.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Failure to secure additional funds will impact service to residents of Santa Cruz and Watsonville and
  • I'm bus operator 783 with Santa Cruz Metro and a proud member of Local 23 SMART.
  • Good afternoon, Brian Ramos, bus operator, Santa Cruz Metro, member Local 23, in support. Mr.
  • I'm bus operator 783 with Santa Cruz Metro and a proud member of Local 23 SMART.
  • Brian Ramos, bus operator, Santa Cruz Metro, member Local 23, in support. Mr.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 30th, 2026 at 07:51 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We just walk across the street here to Santa Fe, this historic district of Santa Fe that we all found
  • Chairman De La Cruz... Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Chairman De La Cruz.
  • On the Airbnb question, I know in Santa Fe, all of the...
  • I'm from Santa Fe and the North End.
  • And it sounds like the areas of Santa Fe and Albuquerque are actually addressing... ...in Santa Fe and