Rosenda's Day

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That May 25, 2025, be declared as Rosenda’s Day; and be it further

House Resolution No. 40, introduced by Assembly Member Lackey, May 05, 2025, amended in the Assembly on May 12, 2025

Bill Title: Relative to Rosenda’s Day

Spectrum: Broadly Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2025-05-27 - Read. Adopted. [AR40 Detail]

Download: California-2025-AR40-Amended.html

Bill Text

WHEREAS, Rosenda (Rose) Elizabeth Smiley was a miracle from the start. Her parents had been told that they would never have children, but against all odds, Rose arrived on December 5, 2009, strong, healthy, and full of life. From the moment she was born, she carried a rare and radiant light, bringing joy, laughter, and boundless love to all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Rose’s personality was as unforgettable as her dazzling smile. She was funny, loving, intelligent, stubborn, witty, kind, compassionate, brave, and vibrant. Rose was a true force of nature. She had a sharp mind, an undeniable presence, and an ability to make anyone feel seen and valued. She was fiercely independent, always standing up for herself and others, and unafraid to speak her mind with honesty and warmth. Her energy was contagious, and her enthusiasm for life was limitless; and

WHEREAS, Rose traveled the world, visiting five continents, over a dozen countries, and more than one-half of the states. She had a deep love for the arts, holding season tickets at the Pantages Theatre for years, with Hamilton as her favorite play. She delighted in attending concerts, exploring museums, experiencing amusement parks, and immersing herself in performances that inspired her. She embraced adventure in all forms, never shying away from new experiences that broadened her horizons. Rose liked mushrooms, sunsets, the ocean, butterflies, hummingbirds, dogs, cats, flowers, and her favorite stuffed animal was a fluffy bear; and

WHEREAS, Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a period notorious for a surge in impaired driving crashes according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving; and

WHEREAS, Drunk driving continues to be a major cause of preventable accidents and fatalities in California; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a total of 42 deaths over Memorial Day weekend; and

WHEREAS, Rosenda (Rose) Elizabeth Smiley, at 14 years of age, was one of the 42 people killed when she was struck by a drunk driver; and

WHEREAS, On May 25, 2024, Rose’s life was stolen in an instant. While at the beach with friends, she stepped into the crosswalk where all lanes of cars had stopped to let her, her friend, and her stepsister pass. But before they could make it across, a reckless drunk driver swerved into the right turn lane to bypass traffic, killing Rose instantly. The driver, who had his eight-year-old daughter in the car, had two prior convictions for driving under the influence; and

WHEREAS, Her story is tragic and it must be told, not only to honor her but, to bring awareness to the preventable choices that led to her death. Rose was so much more than what happened to her. She was a free spirit, a kind and compassionate soul who saw the good in everyone. She lived life fully, embracing each experience and loving without hesitation. Her presence was magnetic, drawing people in with her warmth, courage, and unwavering sense of self; and

WHEREAS, Her legacy lives on, not only through the memories of those who loved her but, through the lasting tribute of Rosenda’s Gift, a charity founded in her name to ensure that lives lost to tragedy are honored, remembered, and never erased. Rose’s life was extraordinary, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled; and

WHEREAS, Grief is the price of deep love. We mourn her because we were so incredibly lucky to have loved her. While the pain will never fade, neither will the gratitude for the gift of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, a name that will never be forgotten, and a smile that will forever be missed. Rose’s mother, father, brother, boyfriend, family members, friends, and all those who loved her deeply are still trying to find a way forward in a world without her. The weight of her absence is immeasurable, and learning to navigate life without her feels like an impossible task that they will carry with them always. Yet, in grief there is also love, and through that love her spirit endures; now, therefore, be it

WHEREAS, In 2024, the CHP made 1,106 driving under the influence arrests and issued 31,941 citations; and

WHEREAS, Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on May 24, 2024, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on May 27, 2024, the CHP had a maximum enforcement period (MEP) aimed to curb dangerous driving behaviors and ensure road safety across the state. During the MEP, the CHP averaged one driving under the influence arrest every four minutes over the 78-hour period; and

WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; and

WHEREAS, Every 85 seconds in the United States, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash; and

WHEREAS, Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That May 25, 2025, be declared as Rosenda’s Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.