Senator Gaines and panelists discuss efforts to prevent catastrophic wildfires in the Tahoe Basin.

Senator Gaines holds up report card giving Tahoe Basin fire safety a "C-" grade.

Senator Gaines presents several Roseville Rotary Club members with a resolution on the Senate Floor.

Senator Gaines, joined by Senators Doug LaMalfa (far left) and Jean Fuller, welcome Luis Palau to the Senate Floor.

Senator Gaines presents the "Senator Trophy" to Chuck Petrie for his '40 Ford Pick-up.

Senator Gaines thanks 98-year old Lt Col Edward "Doug" Doughty for his service to our country at the Memorial Day celebration in Roseville.

Senator Gaines recognizes California’s young scientists on the Senate Floor at the State Capitol.

Senator Gaines and Congressman Dan Lungren take in the 44th Annual Hangtown Motocross Classic.

Senator Gaines and LTC Christopher Dexter, Commander, check out the Army’s mechanized vehicles.

Senator Gaines poses with the winners of the 38th Annual Capitol Frog Jump.

Senator Gaines and Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters support volunteers at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.

Senator Gaines honored Lisa Montes of Orangevale as the 2012 Woman of the Year for the 1st Senate District during a Town Hall Meeting in Orangevale.

Senator Gaines speaks to constituents at a Town Hall Meeting in Fair Oaks.

Senator Gaines presented advocates George Visger, Paula Daoutis and Dan Bunz with certificates of recognition for their brain injury education and awareness efforts during Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Senator Gaines presented Richard E. Tuttle with a Senate Resolution to recognize his achievements and service to the state of California.

Senator Gaines toured Intel to learn about new and exciting emerging technologies.

Senator Gaines, along with fellow legislative Republicans, announce Assembly Bill 1506 (R-Jeffries), a measure to repeal the fire tax.

Senator Gaines joined the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Parks and Recreation as well as many federal, state and local electeds to celebrate the signing of a 25-year partnership pact to maintain operations at the Folsom and Auburn State Recreation Areas.

Senator Gaines hosted the Union Mine High School Girls Volleyball Team at the State Capitol where he recognized them on the Senate Floor for their CIF Division IV state volleyball.

Senator Gaines hosted the Truckee High School Girls Volleyball Team at the State Capitol where he recognized them on the Senate Floor for their third-straight Nevada 3A state title.

Senator Gaines hosted the Del Oro High School Football Team at the State Capitol where he recognized them on the Senate Floor for their second straight California Interscholastic Federation Sac-Joaquin Section Championship.

Senator Gaines joined Rotary Youth Exchange student Francisco Martinez (left) and El Dorado Hills President Jeff England (right) during a speaking engagement at the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills.

Senator Gaines hosted the Truckee High School Football Team at the State Capitol where he recognized them on the Senate Floor for their third-straight Nevada 3A state title.

Senator Gaines attended the grand opening of Zephyr Lodge at Northstar California where he recognized the occasion by presenting Bill Rock (Northstar COO) with a Senate certificate.

Senator Gaines visited J.E.I., a company located in Cameron Park that manufacturers communications recording systems, voice logging recorders, and custom audio equipment for public safety and military intelligence applications.

Senator Gaines partnered with California American Water for the 20th annual “Operation Gobble” program – an event that provided more than 900 Thanksgiving turkeys to local non-profits in the Sacramento area.

Senator Gaines joined the California Department of Transportation for a ribbon cutting ceremony as they officially reopened the westbound Donner Safety Roadside Rest Area to the motoring public.

Senator Gaines served more than 400 veterans and their families over 1,000 pancakes at his 3rd Annual “Salute to Veterans Pancake Breakfast” honoring active and retired servicemen and women on Veterans Day.

Senator Gaines hosted a Town Hall Meeting in Auburn where he received great comments, suggestions and feedback from all who attended.

Senator Gaines presented a certificate recognizing the efforts of the Placer County Veterans “Stand-Down” event, which helps homeless veterans get back on their feet.

Senator Gaines served as an honorary co-chairman for the third annual Great Sierra River Cleanup event where he and other volunteers collected trash and other debris at Folsom Point/Folsom Lake.

Senator Gaines ventured out on Lake Tahoe with the Tahoe Regional Planning Authority to get an update on the agency's invasive species prevention measures.

Senator Gaines presented a resolution on the Senate floor recognizing the “National Day of the Cowboy” and the contribution of ranchers, cattlemen, and the “cowboy” to the formation of our state and heritage.

Senator Gaines toured Kaiser Permanente’s Roseville Medical Center to learn about the latest innovations in health care technologies to better serve patients.

Senator Gaines hosted a “Community Discussion on Public Safety” at the State Capitol along with law enforcement leaders and victims’ rights organizations, to explore deficiencies in state law and identify potential legislative solutions to prevent violent criminals from reoffending.

Senator Gaines hosted the Jesuit High School Robotics Team at the State Capitol where he recognized them on the Senate Floor for winning the 2011 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) International ROV competition.

Senator Gaines attended the Folsom Pro Rodeo where he participated in the “Grand Entry” ceremonies and watched the wild roping and riding action.

Senator Gaines presented long-time Auburn businessman Steve Snyder with a Senate Resolution to recognize his contributions to the economy on California Small Business Day.

Senator Gaines presented off-roading legend Mark A. Smith with a Senate Resolution to recognize his contributions in pioneering a major hobby enjoyed by thousands of Californians.

Senator Gaines presented Paul J. Lunardi with a Senate Resolution to recognize his long and valiant history as a public servant to the state of California.

Senator Gaines posed with the winners of the 37th Annual Capitol Frog Jumping Contest, which he hosted at the State Capitol to spread the word about the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee.