Senate Adjourns in Memory of Congressman Doug LaMalfa and Several Community Leaders

The California State Senate used part of its Jan. 29 floor session to adjourn in memory of several public figures, led by tributes to Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Multiple senators recounted personal memories and LaMalfa’s public service, emphasizing his advocacy for rural California on issues such as water storage, fire management and agriculture. Senator Strickland recalled LaMalfa’s longstanding friendship and described him as “a champion for the North State,” while other senators cited bipartisan respect and his mentorship of colleagues. Senator Grove noted LaMalfa was 65 and said a medical emergency took his life.

Senators also asked the chamber to adjourn in memory of Barry Delbono, a San Jose community leader and founder of Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen; Alan Stewart Hammond, professor emeritus and former holder of an academic chair at Santa Clara Law School; and Jeb Bing, founding publisher of the Pleasanton Weekly. Speakers highlighted each person’s civic contributions — from homelessness services and teacher-housing efforts to contributions to local journalism and legal education — and asked that their names be brought to the desk to be properly memorialized.

The tributes were personal and varied in length; senators from both parties recounted stories of mentorship, public service and community impact.