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Here are the most discussed topics in California this week:
- Lunar New Year Celebrations: Both the Senate and Assembly passed resolutions recognizing the Lunar New Year, specifically the “Year of the Fire Horse,” on February 17, 2026. Senate Resolution 72 was presented by Senator Wahab and received unanimous support in the Senate. Senators Weber-Pearson, Choi, Cabaldon, Durazo, and Weiner spoke on its cultural significance, themes of family and renewal, and the historical context of celebrations in San Francisco dating back to the 1850s, as well as challenges faced by Asian American communities (31:13, 34:14, 35:21, 36:52, 39:08, 41:44). In the Assembly, House Resolution 80 was presented by Assemblymember Fong and adopted with 62 co-authors. Assemblymembers Carrillo, Ramos, and Nguyen, along with a representative from the LGBT Caucus, spoke in support, emphasizing the year’s symbolism of energy, courage, passion, and innovation, and celebrating California’s diverse communities (66:50, 71:17, 72:17, 73:13, 73:48, 75:44).
- LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency and Future: The Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency held an informational hearing on February 18, 2026, to address the corridor’s current state and challenges. Discussions focused on the critical need for accountability, improved service reliability, and maximizing funding for capital projects, including maintenance and electrification. Concerns were raised about the unfinished SB 1098 report, which is essential for assessing ridership and fiscal solvency (07:20, 08:17). Senator Archuleta highlighted public safety issues (40:54). Representatives from CalSTA and Caltrans reported over $25 billion allocated for resiliency work, including significant investments for emergency work in San Clemente (07:20, 08:17). The committee discussed efforts to restore service levels and the transition to zero-emission trains, particularly hydrogen fuel cell technology, acknowledging the potential for green hydrogen production in California (46:36, 47:39). There were concerns about stalled projects, declining ridership, and the fiscal challenges facing operators like Metrolink (17:21).
- Youth Engagement and Civic Education: Both the Senate and Assembly floor sessions featured introductions of youth groups involved in civic programs. On February 13, 2026, the Assembly welcomed participants from the California YMCA Youth and Government Programs, including its Leadership Team, board members, and students from Glendora High School, Crenshaw YMCA, and Wilmington YMCA (57:44, 59:53, 60:43). On the same day, the Senate welcomed delegates from the YMCA Youth in Government program, noting its 78-year history. On February 17, 2026, the Assembly introduced the Youth Leadership Institute, and the Senate introduced Hubert Humphrey Fellows from UC Davis.
- Tributes and Memorials: Both chambers observed moments of silence and adjourned in memory of several notable individuals throughout the week. Reverend Jesse Jackson was honored in both the Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions on February 17. Other individuals memorialized included James Armstrong (community pillar and veteran) by Assemblymember Gibson (63:10), comedian TK Carter by Assemblymember Rubio, Dave Hodges (founder of the Belly Up Tavern) by Assemblymember Berner, Terrence Allen (community leader, AIDS crisis advocate, and cannabis policy figure) by Senator Weiner (61:16), environmental advocate Niles Telenius by Senator Becker, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster by Senator Gonzalez, Superintendent Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake Senior by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, Joseph Anthony DeMaria by Senator Cortese, Marine Corps aviator Major Tyler R. Bracconi by Senator Blakespeare, Babatunde Akinloye (film and education) by Assemblymember El Juarez, and Harold Tripp (Karuk tribe) by Assemblymember Rogers.
Sources:
CA Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency (2026-02-18)(video)
CA Assembly Floor Session (2026-02-13)(video)
CA Senate Floor Session (2026-02-17)(video)