David G. Valadao

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on its 50th anniversary and its historic impact on the Central Valley.

The namesake of the historic park, Colonel Allen Allensworth, was born into slavery in Kentucky in 1842. He escaped, served in the

U.S. Navy during the Civil War, and became an ordained Baptist minister. As a minister, he saw the need for African American chaplains in the armed services and was appointed Chaplain of the 24th Army Regiment, one of the Army's renowned Buffalo Soldier Units. By 1906, Colonel Allensworth retired as the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army.

By 1908, Colonel Allensworth and four other men with a similar vision established the town of Allensworth in Tulare County, the first California community founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Families throughout the country moved to Allenstown seeking the opportunity to own land, build schools, and govern themselves. Within a few years, the town grew into a thriving community with a school district, library, church, farms, and several other flourishing businesses and public buildings.

The town of Allensworth persevered through many hardships after its founding. Due to the devoted work of former Allensworth resident Ed Pope and several other volunteers, then-Governor Reagan authorized the California Department of Parks and Recreation to establish the park in 1974. Just two years later, the department approved the plans, and the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park officially opened to the public, celebrating the preservation of California's only town founded and governed by African Americans. Today, visitors can still explore several preserved buildings and homes, allowing guests to experience the spirit of Allensworth firsthand. The dedicated State Park staff, local volunteers, descendants of original settlers, and community leaders have led the ongoing preservation and revitalization of the park, ensuring that the community can enjoy the park for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating 50 years of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and recognizing all who have kept its story alive. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Herman Porter as the 2026 Kern County Fair Person of the Year and to thank him for his decades of dedicated service to the community.

Mr. Porter first became involved with the Kern County Fair in 1955 as a high school FFA member showing beef cattle. In 1963, he married his wife, Jeannette Ansolabehere, who was also a fair exhibitor, showing sheep. Together, they raised two daughters, both of whom participated in local 4-H programs. During this time, Herman became a leader of the local Cawelo 4-H Club and later the Southwest 4-H Club, where he helped young people learn responsibility and succeed. Over the years, his experience and guidance have helped countless exhibitors, including the 25 Kern County Fair Grand Champions he helped select and mentor.

Mr. Porter's contributions extend well beyond the show ring. He has been a steadfast leader on the Junior Livestock Committee, helping raise funds, supporting local livestock auctions, and providing scholarships for community youth. Mr. Porter has also served on the Dairy and Clean Stall Committees, always willing to lend his time and experience to help make the fair a success.

For more than seven decades, Mr. Porter's dedication to the community and the fair has always been more than animal showing competition. He has encouraged young people, taught responsibility, and strengthened the agricultural traditions of the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mr. Herman Porter on being named the 2026 Kern County Fair Person of the Year and thanking him for his decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the Kern County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flood Ministries on its 20th anniversary and to honor years of steadfast service to the most underserved members of the Kern County community.

In 2006, dedicated volunteers from The Bridge Bible Church gathered to establish Flood Ministries under the belief that every person experiencing homelessness should be treated with dignity and respect. For the past 20 years, Flood has put that belief into action, providing quality care and support to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Through several key partnerships, Flood has expanded its reach throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. Working with the Bakersfield- Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, it has provided personalized case management and housing services for homeless individuals struggling with severe mental and physical health challenges. Flood has also partnered with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the County of Kern, Kern Health Systems, and the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative to establish Navigation Centers throughout the Central Valley. These centers offer dedicated housing support that helps individuals find and transition into permanent homes. Flood also works with local leaders and first responders to connect people in need with critical services.

For two decades, Flood has taken a hands-on approach to addressing homelessness. Its Welcome Home project provides vital household items to help turn empty spaces into safe and dignified homes, while its mobile and fixed shower services provide an important resource for people in need. These efforts, strengthened by Flood's partnerships throughout the community, have helped maintain a 90 percent longterm housing retention rate. Today, Flood is focused on early intervention through its Bakersfield and Rural Youth Homeless Demonstration Programs, providing personalized care to vulnerable young adults and stopping chronic homelessness before it takes root.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Flood Ministries on 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Kern County and in wishing it continued success for years to come.