SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SR 140
Office of Senate Floor Analyses
(916) 651-4171
THIRD READING
Bill No: SR 140
Author: Strickland (R), et al.
Amended: 8/17/26
Vote: Majority
SUBJECT: California Wildlife Day
SOURCE: KFI AM640
DIGEST: This resolution proclaims September 4, 2026, to be California Wildlife
Day in remembrance of Jackie the bald eagle, and that the Senate encourages
Californians across the state to celebrate in her memory and in recognition of the
importance of protecting California’s extraordinary wildlife for generations to
come.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) California is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the nation and boasts
the greatest diversity in climate, terrain, and geology of the contiguous United
States, all of which provide the wide range of habitats that support what may be
the most diverse selection of fauna in the country.
2) National Wildlife Day was first celebrated in September 2005 serves as an
opportunity to raise awareness and encourage conservation of different animal
species around the world.
3) In 2015, Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a webcam in a bald eagle nest,
through which the public got their first glimpse of a female bald eagle named
Jackie, who became an internet sensation as millions of viewers watched Jackie
find a mate, lay eggs, protect her family, nurture her children, and successfully
raise several eaglets over the last eight years, including eaglets Sandy and Luna,
who fledged just this summer.
4) Earlier this July, after successfully raising her final two eaglets, Jackie was
seriously injured, and despite the best efforts of the Ojai Raptor Center,
ultimately passed away on August 10. During her life, Jackie touched the hearts
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of people around the world as a fierce symbol of strength, freedom,
motherhood, and the wild.
5) As the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2026, the bald eagle
carries a particularly meaningful place in the American story as our nation’s
enduring symbol of freedom, strength, and resilience. Jackie’s life and legacy
offer Californians an opportunity to reflect on those ideals while celebrating our
responsibility to protect the wildlife and natural heritage entrusted to us.
This resolution proclaims September 4, 2026, to be California Wildlife Day in
remembrance of Jackie the bald eagle, and that the Senate encourages Californians
across the state to celebrate in her memory and in recognition of the importance of
protecting California’s extraordinary wildlife for generations to come.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/19/26)
KFI AM640 (source)
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/19/26)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171
8/20/26 9:23:25
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