The dome of the state Capitol in Sacramento is awash in golden light in honor of the lives lost to COVID-19. At the Presidential Inaugural Committee's invitation, cities and towns around the country were invited to illuminate buildings and ring church bells in a national moment of unity and remembrance. 

Senator Steven Bradford presents a resolution to honor the late civil rights icon Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and commemorate what would have been his 92nd birthday on January 15, 2021. King's birthday is a federal holiday in the United States and will be observed on Monday, January 18, 2021.

Senator Connie Leyva

Senate Majority Leader Robert Hertzberg

Senator Susan Eggman

Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove

Senator Richard Pan speaks on behalf of the Asian-Pacific Island caucus in recognition of Dr. King's contributions to the civil rights movement.  

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh reads the opening prayer as the Senate reconvenes for the 2021-2022 Legislative session

Senator Scott Wilk 

Senator Dave Cortese

Senators John Laird and Dave Min greet each other with an elbow bump before the start of session

Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins welcomes members back to the Senate for the start of the new year.  

Senators Jim Nielsen, Shannon Grove and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh

Senator Scott Wiener

Senators Mike McGuire and Dave Min

Senators Bill Dodd and Bob Wieckowski

Senator Jim Nielsen

Senator Susan Eggman

Senators Anthony Portantino and Ben Allen

Senators Richard Pan, Nancy Skinner and John Laird

Senator María Elena Durazo

Senators Anna Caballero and Richard Roth

Senators Josh Becker and Susan Eggman

Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins convened the 2021-22 legislative session with a constitutionally-required organizational session that included the swearing-in of new and re-elected Senators, the election of Senate officers, and the opening of the Senate Desk for bill introductions.

Senate President pro Tempore Senator Toni G. Atkins

This year's organizational session was streamed online and modified to include several COVID-19 safety protocols, including health screenings, mandatory masks, physical distancing, and air filtration. 

In the abbreviated ceremony, 17 senators were sworn into office, including new and re-elected members; three others will be sworn in at a later time. In compliance with county health directives, family members and guests were not permitted on the Senate floor.

Justice Martin Jenkins administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected and re-elected Senators. Justice Jenkins was sworn in as  California Supreme Court Justice in December 2020.   

Senator Susan Eggman, Senate District 5 

Senator Josh Becker, Senate District 13

Senator Dave Cortese, Senate District 15

Senator John Laird, Senate District 17

Senator Monique Limón, Senate District 19

Senator Dave Min, Senate District 37

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senate District 23

Senator Connie Leyva presides during the last day of the 2019-2020 Senate session

Seats in the Senate Gallery are marked off to enforce social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Senator Tom Berryhill served California's 8th Senate District from 2010-2018. He was a farmer and small business owner who also represented the 25th Assembly District (2006-2010) and most recently as the 4th District representative on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. Berryhill's father, Clare Berryhill served in the Senate in the 1970s, and his brother, Bill Berryhill served in the Assembly, alongside his brother, from 2008-2012

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

Senator Mike McGuire

Senate President pro Tempore, Toni Atkins

Senator Bob Archuleta