Monday, April 7th is an unforgettable day. It was a beautiful day with a lot of people visiting the Capitol Building. I felt responsible and eager to learn about things outside of our political science textbooks. As a group, we all looked sharp and attentive. Our focus today was on the legislative in our Californian government. Our first task was to take a private tour of the California State Building. The tour was incredibly eye-opening because our tour guide gave the tour with an emphasis on our state’s history. Many parts of the building were not original and added on throughout time. The symbolism and architecture of the interior had an effect on me. The statues and paintings were breathtaking. Each individual piece of art had significant meaning and were inspired by other cultures. After the tour, we took a photo with Assembly Member; Das Williams. We were also given a special treat to see the Assembly session. My view from the gallery was spectacular and unforgettable. The discussion in the Assembly meeting (AJR 35) was emotional and brought a sense of togetherness in the Assembly room (floor and gallery). The bill is related to the Armenian Genocide that killed 1.5 million people on the month of April in 1915. AJR 35 brought the theme of promoting awareness and education of genocide. This measure would designate a week of remembrance to which will bring an effect onto the national level. After the Assembly meeting, we all joined together by The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial to meet with political strategist David Townsend. Mr. Townsend gave us all valuable information on the steps for a successful political campaign. Afterwards, we met with Brian Ebbert who is an Assistant Chief Clerk and presented us a political discussion about the Assembly and how the political process operates. We were gratefully given two books on the Assembly and California Legislature. I have never thought that I would ever be given the chance to meet such influential people for our government. My brief view is that the legislative process is worth seeing! In any case, all California political science majors should know about their state’s legislative process. I am thankful to see politics in action and I plan to pursue educating others about our state’s government. California takes Lincoln’s phrase, “government of the people, by the people, for the people” seriously and therefore, I will continue to embrace our democracy.
- Primitivo Gonzalez
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