On Friday, June 19th, the California Capitol was lit in the colors of red, green and black to commemorate Juneteenth. The colors demonstrate the state’s commitment to delivering equality for all. Friday was the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.

Senator Jim Nielsen adds his name to plywood panels in the "Swing" building construction trailer. These panels will be integrated into the structure of the Legislative and Executive interim offices being built near the Capitol. This interim building will house the Legislative and Executive branches during the construction of a new Capitol Annex. 

Senator Steven Bradford kneels during a moment of silence on the Senate floor

Senate Budget Committee Chair, Senator Holly Mitchell presents the budget bill for consideration on the Senate floor. State lawmakers met their constitutionally-required responsibility of passing a balanced budget by June 15, 2020

Senator Jim Nielsen

Senator Mike McGuire

Senator Bill Monning

Senate President pro Tempore, Toni Atkins

Senator Jerry Hill

Because of strict social distancing protocols on the Senate floor, Senate members take desks that were formally used by staff members

Senator Maria Elena Durazo

Senator Bob Archuleta

Senator-elect Melissa Melendez, with her husband Nico Melendez at her side, is sworn into office by Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Senator Melissa Melendez signs her Oath of Office

The state Capitol is illuminated with blue light to support first responders and health care workers during the coronavirus crisis.

Senator Lena A. Gonzalez convened the first hearing of the Senate’s special committee on Pandemic Emergency Response to hear directly from state and local government officials, academics and other experts involved in COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. All Senate committee hearings have implemented strict health protections and social distancing procedures. 

Senator Anna Caballero

Senator Connie Leyva chairs a hearing of the Senate Education Committee

With health and safety precautions implemented in the Capitol building, the Senate resumed legislative hearings on May 11, 2020.  Senator Anthony Portantino presents legislation in a controlled hearing room.

Senator Richard Pan

Senator Bill Monning, Senate Health Committee

Senator Mike McGuire chairs the Senate Governance & Finance Committee

Senator Jim Nielsen

Senator Jim Beall

Senator Bill Dodd chairs the Senate Governmental Organization Committee from the Senate chamber dais

Senator Jerry Hill

On April 16, 2020, Senator Holly Mitchell convened the Senate's bipartisan Special Budget Subcommittee on COVID-19 Response to review expenditures and provide legislative oversight of the $1 billion COVID-19 appropriation passed in March.   

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye is escorted to the Senate dais by Senators Bill Monning and Tom Umberg and Assemblymembers Reginald Jones-Sawyer for her annual State of the Judiciary address to the Legislature. 

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye delivers her State of the Judiciary 2020 remarks to the California Legislature.

Senator Connie Leyva congratulates Cal State San Bernardino women's volleyball team for winning the 2019 Division II volleyball national championship

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson meets with members of the Ventura County Leadership Academy on the Senate floor

Senator Bill Monning is joined by pro Tem Toni Atkins and Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson in welcoming Jeffrey Armstrong, President of Caifornia Polytechnic State University to the Senate chamber. The Cal Poly students are being honored for their success in their respective academic disciplines.

Senator Scott Wilk speaks with members of Future Farmers of America. FFA is a youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

John L. Harmer (28 April 1934 – 6 December 2019) Served in the California State Senate from 1966 to 1974. Governor Ronald Reagan appointed Harmer Lieutenant Governor of California in 1974.

Senator Jim Nielsen presents a memorial resolution to the family of former Senator John Harmer.

Hubert Leon Richardson (December 28, 1927 – January 13, 2020), also known as H.L. or Bill Richardson, served as a California state senator from 1966–89. He represented the San Gabriel Valley, and later, parts of western San Bernardino County, the Mojave Desert and Inyo County.

Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his second State of the State address before a joint convention of the California Legislature

Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon deliver the Democratic response to the Governor's State of the State address

Senator John Moorlach and Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron provide the Republican response to the State of State address.

Senator Ben Allen marks the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation. Over 1 million Jews perished at Auschwitz. "On this 75th anniversary, we honor their memory, reflect, and educate about the Holocaust" 

Senator John Moorlach adjourns the Senate in memory of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant as well as the 7 others killed in a helicopter crash in California: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli and Alyssa Altobelli; Christina Mauser; Sarah Chester and Payton Chester and the pilot Ara Zobayan.

Senator Maria Elena Durazo dons an LA Laker's #24 t-shirt in memory of the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant

Senator Brian Dahle presents a resolution recognizing Randy Robbins, winner of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual photo contest. The image shows a bald eagle snatching a trout from Antelope Lake in Plumas County. 

Senator Steven Bradford presents a resolution honoring the 91st birthday of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2020.

Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins welcomes the Senate back into session after the interim recess

Senators Hertzberg, Bradford, Rubio, Caballero, Hurtado and Archuleta on the first day back to Capitol after the interim. 

Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove 

Senators Brian Jones and Anthony Portantino

Senators Susan Rubio and Tom Umberg

Senators Brian Dahle and Mike Morrell