Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Congress considers the H.R. 3873 Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act to continue to advocate for achieving greater nutritional benefits for the children and needy of the United States.

However, first I must commend the Committee on Education and the Workforce for making important structural improvements in federal child nutrition programs in the bill we are considering on the floor today. H.R. 3873 will eliminate barriers to participation for low-income children and families in Federal feeding programs and will ensure greater access to critical nutrition programs. This bill also provides for an important pilot program to be implemented within the Women, Infant, and Children's (WIC) program to allow participants greater access to nutritionally valuable fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, I believe that the Committee has missed an important opportunity to address a national health epidemic facing our nation's children: the dramatic rise in childhood obesity. Obesity has recently become the leading cause of death among Americans. Furthermore, commitment to a healthy lifestyle begins at a young age and particularly among disadvantaged Americans. School feeding and other nutrition programs, often provide the only opportunities for the consumption of healthy foods. Quite simply, our Federal feeding programs have failed to keep pace with modern nutritional standards and have not provided full access to healthy choices critical to combating chronic diseases and obesity.

The are many bills currently pending before Congress, including one authored by myself and my colleague Representative Adam Putnam from Florida, which mandates the use of scientifically proven nutritional guidelines such as the 5-A-Day program in school breakfast and lunch programs. As only 15 percent of elementary school students are currently consuming the required 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables, stronger language in H.R. 3873 could have ensured that the foods available to children are nutritious, healthy and provide children with choices necessary to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally I believe that all WIC participants, not just those participating in the pilot program outlined in H.R. 3873, should have complete access to fruits and vegetables. It is unfortunate that since its inception almost 30 years ago, the WIC program has changed little in its dietary science. Consuming nutritionally rich foods has been proven time and again to combat disease and obesity we should be encouraging not discouraging WIC mothers to purchase these items for their families.

Again, I commend the legislation under consideration today for reducing barriers to accessing Federal nutrition programs, but I also strongly urge my Colleagues and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remain vigilant in the challenge we face in providing America's children and needy individuals healthy nutritional choices.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 52 and 53, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker on rollcall Nos. 54, 55, 56, and 57, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 1997.

Under current Federal law, a person who commits a crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child. This is unacceptable.

In my district, the death of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, shook the community of Modesto and the Nation. As much as we all hoped to find Laci alive and well, we now hope for justice. It is disturbing to think that in cases like hers, real justice cannot be achieved under existing Federal law.

Fortunately, California already has a similar unborn victims of violence law, as do 28 other States. But the Peterson case underscores the need for congressional action. After meeting with Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, I agree that we cannot allow the gap in Federal law to persist.

The simple fact is that pregnant women are vulnerable, and we must do everything we can to protect them--and everything we can to punish those who do the unthinkable. We must be tough on crime, and especially tough on heinous crimes. This is an issue of justice. To me, there is no other issue here.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American inventor from Modesto, California, Mr. Andrew Toti. Mr. Toti has invented a number of household items, and has over 200 United States and foreign patents to his credit. He is a perfect example of the ``can-do'' attitude that Americans possess. His ingenuity has created the vertical blinds which many of us have in our office windows, to a device that helped save lives in World War II.

In a 1995 interview with Parade magazine, Mr. Toti stated that the most important element to successful inventing is defining a need for a new product or identifying a problem, then finding an elegant solution. Mr. Toti has been finding solutions to problems, and inventing new products almost his entire life. He credits his parents for nurturing and supporting his craft, and giving him advice on how to become a success.

At the young age of twelve, Mr. Toti created a new kind of combination lock, however it was not marketed very well. He learned quickly from this mistake. Mr. Toti has always been able to admit to mistakes, and this is one of his greatest qualities. When Mr. Toti was sixteen, he had built a boat with a very powerful motor. His mother was worried he would drown, so he began making a life vest using duck and goose feathers. He noticed that these vests were a bit bulky, so began filling them with compressed air. The War Department was told of his invention, and paid Mr. Toti $1500 for the rights. This life saving device soon became the Mae West life vest. This is the same life vest that President George H.W. Bush was wearing when he was shot down over the Pacific Ocean. Without this life preserver, President Bush might not have survived his ordeal in the ocean.

As you know Mr. Speaker, the San Joaquin Central Valley is a lush agricultural area, and our farmers grow anything from peaches to wine grapes, and raise cattle and poultry. Mr. Toti's ingenuity has helped two major industries in the area. First, in 1951, Mr. Toti patented his feather-plucking machine. This machine uses thousands of rubber ``fingers'' to remove the feathers of poultry. Twenty-one years later, he assisted in designing a grape-harvesting machine for Ernest and Julio Gallo, two of the most prominent viticulturalists in the nation. Recently, Mr. Toti developed an endotracheal tube, which aids physicians with rapid intubation of the trachea in situations where the tube needs to bend due to anatomical variations in the body.

I ask all of my colleagues today to help me recognize and thank Mr. Toti for his contributions to our nation. It is my honor to represent such a fine constituent in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend to the 18th Congressional District, the State of California, and our Nation, Mr. Dale Butler, Jr. Dale is retiring from his 33-year tenure with Stanislaus County, and he is a living example of how the American dream is alive and well today.

Dale was raised on the Westside of Stanislaus County, a predominantly agricultural area in the San Joaquin Valley. His first job as a migrant farm worker gave him a work ethic that has followed Dale his entire life. The first major leadership role Dale took on was serving our nation in the U.S. Navy as a personnel specialist from 1962 to 1966. He then took his leadership abilities to the Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant as a production control scheduler. In 1971, Dale graduated from California State Stanislaus with a bachelor of arts degree in political science.

Following graduation, Dale began his career with Stanislaus County. From 1971 to 1999, Dale held a variety of administrative and management positions with the county. He has been involved in budgets, legislation analysis, recruitment selection, discipline, labor relations, training, and Equal Rights. He has held positions as a Principal Analyst, Senior Management Consultant in the Chief Executive Office, and Senior Personnel Analyst. He has also served Stanislaus County as the Equal Rights Officer from 1972 to 2001. Currently, he serves in the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office as the Deputy Executive Officer, overseeing purchasing, central services, and fleet services divisions.

Not only has Dale served our Nation, but he has a deep commitment to the betterment of our Central Valley as well. Currently, he is the president of the Stanislaus County Fair Board, a member of the Stanislaus County Latino Community Round Table, the Stanislaus County Hispanic Leadership Council, the Mabuhay Club, and the Modesto Bee's Hispanic Advisory Council. Dale has also founded a number of organizations such as the Stanislaus County Latino Community Round Table, El Concilio de Stanislaus County for the Spanish-Speaking, Inc., and the Stanislaus County Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living. There have been a number of honors bestowed upon Dale such as, the Stanislaus County Latino Community Round Table's Outstanding Latino of the Year, the California Association of Physically Handicapped's Humanitarian of the Year, the American GI Forum's Hispanic of the Year, and the Volunteer of the Year from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Dale is married to Corazon Butler, and together they have three children, Christine, Diana, and Dale III. I am proud to recognize all of Dale's accomplishments, and to call him my friend. Today I call upon my colleagues to help me thank Dale for his service to the Central Valley, and to wish him a very happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander William Atkinson of the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Commander Atkinson has been with the department since July 6, 1976, when he began his career as a correctional officer. He was responsible for the overall security of the Merced County Rehabilitation Center.

Commander Atkinson's work ethic was recognized, and he quickly moved up the chain of command. In 1979, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and was reassigned to the Merced County branch jail. After being assigned to the Merced County main jail in 1981, Commander Atkinson was responsible for supervising booking procedures and the health and welfare of the inmates. For 5 years, Commander Atkinson gathered statistics for a work furlough program and supervised a work- in-lieu pilot program, which required him to submit the policy and procedure to the Merced County Board of Supervisors.

Commander Atkinson continued to demonstrate his work ethic for the department and was assigned to the Main Jail Division as a facility manager in September 1995. He assumed all duties and responsibility for the division, as well as ensuring the facility was in compliance with the Board of Corrections guidelines, exceeding Health Department standards and State fire marshal inspections.

In 1999, Commander Atkinson was nominated by his peers for Officer of the Year. His years of hard work for the Merced County Sheriff's Department did not go unrecognized, and his peers selected him as their 1999 Officer of the Year. Soon after, he was promoted to sergeant and reassigned to the Sandy Mush Adult Correctional Facility as a shift supervisor, and then in May of 2001 he was promoted to senior sergeant. He displayed true dedication while supervising the Work Release/ Classification Unit and was responsible for reviewing applications for eligibility for work release programs.

Finally, in November 2002, Commander Atkinson was promoted to his current rank and supervises the activities and employees of a correctional facility for the Merced County Sheriff's Department. As commander, he provides direction to subordinates and is responsible to take necessary action when alerted to emergencies or potentially dangerous situations.

Commander Atkinson will retire on January 23, 2004. I ask all of my colleagues to help me thank Commander Atkinson for his devotion and loyalty to the Merced County Sheriff's Department, the State of California, and our Nation. I am honored to call Bill my friend, and I wish him a very happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a model citizen from the 18th Congressional District, Ms. Dawn Kinney. She is being honored by the Merced County Chamber of Commerce for her service as their president for the past year. I know Dawn has worked hard on their behalf, and for the betterment of local businesses in Merced County. It is my pleasure to help the County Chamber recognize a wonderful woman, and a very good friend.

Dawn was born in Albany, Georgia and was raised throughout the United States while her father served in the United States Air Force. While living in Bossier City, Louisiana, she graduated from Bossier High School, and then went on to attend Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Soon after, Dawn moved to

Merced, California in March of 1975 to attend Merced College.

In May of 1978, Dawn was hired by Mr. Bob Ayers to work for Transamerica Title. Dawn had previously been employed as a legal secretary in Louisiana and California before joining Mr. Ayers and his staff. She worked hard with Mr. Ayers, and was asked to remain a part of the team after the company was purchased and renamed Transcounty Title. Currently, she is the Vice President and County Manager of Transcounty Title Company.

Since 1987, Dawn has been a member of the California Escrow Association, and was designated as a Certified Senior Escrow Officer by the Association in June of 1989. She became more involved with the Association and served as State Director of the California Escrow Association from 1995 to 1997. For her determined work ethic, she was awarded the Olga Mitchell Rookie Director of the Year Award in 1995.

Always one to take on a new challenge, Dawn participated and graduated from the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce Leadership Merced Program in June of 1999. This is a vital, voluntary program open to business leaders in Merced County. She has been involved with the County Chamber for many years, as a member on the Board of Directors, and holding a number of vital posts such as Secretary, Vice President, and finally as their President. Dawn's son, Christopher, is a junior at Merced High School and is a Varsity swimmer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues help me honor Dawn today for her hard work as President of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, and commitment to ensure Merced County has a bright and prosperous tomorrow. I am honored to call her my friend, and to recognize her for all of her accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John S. Pazin. John is not only a wonderful friend to Merced, California, but to my family and I as well. The Merced County Chamber of Commerce is awarding John's business, Pazin and Myers, Inc., with the 2003 Business of the Year award, and I know this fine honor is well deserved.

Born and raised in Merced County, John has always put his family first. He married Nada in October of 1954. Since then, John has spent the last fifty years as a faithful husband, loving father, and mentor to his four children. John also makes time to spoil his eight grandchildren.

John's second love is for his country and community. In 1951, he decided to serve his country, and enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War, and for his service and courage in battle he was awarded the Bronze Star.

When John returned to the United States, he went to work on his family's dairy in Merced, California. He worked on the dairy until the early 1960's when he felt it was time to begin a new chapter in his life. He was led to a local fuel company, and began transporting fuel to customers. He worked for the company until 1963 when he was able to purchase his own fuel business.

John's company has experienced some great changes over the years. From name changes and buyouts and even structural reconfigurations, the one thing that has remained a steady fixture and pillar of strength to his company is John. He, along with Mr. Jim Myers, has developed a successful and dependable business in Merced County, Pazin and Myers, Inc. They are the model for other business owners in the area as they have learned to endure the best and worst that owning a business can offer. Their work ethic and positive attitude has made them business leaders in Merced County.

Not only is John a dedicated family man and business leader but he is passionate to make Merced County a better place to live for future generations. As past President and member of the Merced Boosters, and Past President and Member of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, John is able to combine his business experience and his commitment to community to lead Merced into the 21st century. As a member of the Merced Elks

Lodge, he was awarded their 2003 Member of the Year Award, again proving that he is an invaluable asset to our county. John was appointed by Governor Pete Wilson to serve on the 35th Agricultural Fair Board. This position allowed John to give back to the agricultural community in Merced County.

I am delighted to recognize all of John's achievements and thank him for his service to our community, the State of California, and our country. As a family man, businessman, and civic leader he truly is an example for others to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend not only to the 18th Congressional District but to my family and I, Mr. Mike Salvadori. The Merced County Chamber of Commerce is honoring him as the 2003 Ambassador of Goodwill, and I know this is a well-deserved honor.

Mike was born on December 2, 1936 in Merced County. He had the good fortune to be raised on his parent's dairy. Dairy work is not easy, and Mike quickly learned he had to work hard to be a success. Along with his brother and two sisters, the Salvadori family was taught to value and respect their neighbors and surrounding community. These two important life lessons are what have shape Mike into a caring citizen.

After attending Modesto Junior College, Mike made the decision to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army, and he served our Nation for 2 years. Soon after, he met his wife Jeanne and the two were married in 1960.

The Salvadori's made a home in Merced County and worked on his father's dairy where they enjoyed the experience of milking cows and riding horses together. Continuing his interest with the dairy business, Mike took a job with Berkeley Farms and the couple moved to San Jose.

After a brief stint at Berkeley Farms, the two moved back to Los Banos, California where Mike then took a job with Wonder Bread. In 1963, Mike and Jeanne bought Bi-Rite Liquor Store in Merced, California. Mike and Jeanne were dedicated to turning their new investment into a success. They stayed focused and were soon able to open a new store.

While Mike was now successfully running his own business, he became interested in real estate. Through his good friend, Lou Gonella, he was able to begin selling real estate in Merced County. Always the entrepreneur, Mike opened his own real estate office in Merced--Century 21 Salvadori Realty in 1975.

Not only is Mike a very successful business man, but he is an incredible leader in our community. Always willing to lend a helping hand to any organization or charity, he has earned himself the respect of all of his neighbors and friends. As part of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, the Italo American Lodge, and Kiwanis, he and his family have proven their dedication to all in our community.

Mike's second passion in life is cooking. Merced residents know that if there is a large community event, they will find Mike cooking his famous pasta. Local organizations can always count on Mike to help cook for their events. He truly has a warm place in the hearts of locals who couldn't go without his services, or his wonderful meals.

Along with his wife and two sons, Michael and Paul, I am honored to recognize the dedication of Mike to our community. He is truly an

example for others to follow and I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Keith Schneider for his work as President of the Building Industry Association of Central California.

As outgoing President of the Building Industry Association of Central California, it is only fitting that I take a moment to honor Mr. Schneider's life-long commitment to our community and to the building industry.

Born on November 14, 1948, Mr. Schneider's dedication to his profession has only been surpassed by his dedication to his family. Raised in Eureka, Illinois with his two sisters and parents, Mr. Schneider excelled at school. As a member of the Boy Scouts he was able to earn the merit of Eagle Scout. Mr. Schneider participated in many other activities as he played the banjo and participated in musical competitions and he was also a member of his high school track team and the debate team.

In 1966, Mr. Schneider attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he graduated with a degree in journalism. After graduation, he entered law school in Chicago in 1970. During this time, Mr. Schneider served two years in the Navy, stationed in San Diego and at the Great Lakes in Chicago.

In 1973, Mr. Schneider worked at the Civil Defense Agency in Springfield, Illinois. He met and married his wife, Carol, two years later in 1975. While in Illinois, he joined the Home Building Association.

In 1981, Mr. Schneider moved to Modesto, California where he became the Executive Officer of the Building Industry Association of Central California until 1990. In 1990, he then joined the staff of the Oakwood Builders until 1993. Mr. Schneider then accepted the position as Development Coordinator for the Diablo Grande and continues in this role by providing housing for this destination resort.

Mr. Schneider's commitment to the building industry as well as to our community is undeniable. He certainly lives up to the motto of the California Building Industry: ``We're yesterday's shelter providers, today's problem solvers, tomorrow's dream builders.''

It is an honor to recognize all of Mr. Schneider's achievements and to thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Larry D. Plants as he retires after 25 years of service as a member of the University Police Services at California State University, Stanislaus.

Born on July 1, 1952, Chief Plants has spent his life as a public servant to our community. After obtaining an Associates Degree in Police Science from Butte Junior College he went on to receive a Bachelors Degree from California State University, Stanislaus in Organizational Communication.

As a police officer with the City of Modesto Police Department and then with the City of Reno Police Department, Chief Plants earned the respect of his fellow law enforcement officers. Always a professional, he was then hired by CSU, Stanislaus as a member of the University Police where he excelled and earned the respect of students, faculty, and fellow officers. He was then promoted as Chief and Director of Public Safety. At this post, he was responsible for the Office receiving nearly $1 million in grant funds.

Not only has Chief Plants been a dedicated member of the CSU Public Safety Department but also to his profession. He is a member of the Central Sierra Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement. Chief Plants has also been the Past President of the Stanislaus County Peace Officers Association and served as the 2003 President of the Stanislaus County Law Enforcement Executives.

Chief Plants is an extremely dedicated member of the community. Further evidence of this commitment is his involvement in civic organizations such as the Civitan Club, Theta Chi Fraternity, and the Evangelical Free Church.

Chief Plants' career as a dedicated police officer and community leader is a testament to his character. While being Chief of his Department was his second biggest honor in life, he quotes his first biggest honor as his family.

As a fellow brother of Theta Chi Fraternity it is my honor to recognize all of Chief Plants' achievements and to congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Energy Training Center, which was established by Pacific Gas and Electric in 1978 to help California's low-income residents cope with rising utility costs, thus becoming the first utility company to offer energy education to members of the community.

Mr. Speaker, more than 46,000 people have been trained in the principles of energy efficiency, including employees from local community service agencies, private contractors, education specialists, and builders. Also, the Energy Training Center has provided training to employees of Pacific Gas and Electric Smarter Energy Line, which has assisted well over three million customer calls.

The Energy Training Center's innovative teaching techniques utilize hands-on experience. This has helped students perform more than two million energy surveys for single-family households and conduct site surveys on common-use areas serving more than one million multi-family units. All of this hard work has created more energy efficient households, and has conserved over 264 million kWh and over 34 million therms of energy, which has prevented more than 276 million pounds of carbon dioxide from polluting our environment.

Our community has greatly benefited from the Energy Training Center over the years, not only regarding energy conservation, but also from partnerships with local agencies. Throughout its years of operation, the Energy Training Center has made successful partnerships with the California Conservation Crops, California Energy Commission, and San Joaquin Delta College.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my colleagues, I send my congratulations on the Energy Training Center's 25th Anniversary, and for setting a fine example of cooperation between private enterprise and the people it serves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary William (Bill) Edward James Lyons, the V for his service to our Nation and to his community. Bill was born in Modesto, California to William, the IV, and Mary Lyons on July 4, 1950. He attended school at Modesto High School in Modesto, California. Bill then attended college at California State University, Chico where he received his bachelor's degree and secondary teaching credential.

Throughout his career Bill has become a well-respected leader in the field of agriculture and is consistently sought out for his expertise. Appointed by Governor Gray Davis and confirmed by the California State Senate, Bill Lyons, Jr. served as the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, from January 1999 to November 2003. As a rancher and businessman, Bill brought nearly three decades of leadership and business expertise to the department. As Secretary, Bill was responsible for a Department of 2,300 employees, and a budget of $250 million. Secretary Lyons' key responsibilities included policy development and implementation of programs that support California's $27 billion agricultural industry. He was responsible and successful in implementing the marketing campaign of the ``Buy California'' program in the state. While Secretary, Bill served as president

of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture, chair of the Specialty Crop Task Force for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and chairman of the Agricultural Worktable for the U.S.-Mexico Border Governors' Conference.

In California's great Central Valley, the Lyons family has been engaged in production agriculture for more than 75 years. Secretary Lyons managed the 6,000-acre ranch located in the Modesto area from 1976 to 1999. The ranch produces a number of crop and livestock commodities.

Bill currently serves as a member of the California Water Commission and on the Board of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. From 1993 to 1999, Bill served as chairman of the USDA's Farm Service Agency state committee. Bill was also appointed by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to serve from 1996 to 1998 as founding director of the East Stanislaus and Toulmne County USDA Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, and the Stanisulaus/ San Joaquin Counties' Cattlemen's Association.

Bill is a widely respected member of his community and has greatly contributed to his state and nation. The USDA has honored Secretary Lyons on three occasions: in 1998 with a certificate of appreciation; in 1997 with an award for excellence; and in 1996 with a national environmental award. In 1995, the California Farm Bureau Federation recognized him with a service award. The United States Jaycees named him the Outstanding Young Man of American in 1984 and both the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County has awarded him with various service commendations. In addition, California State University at Chico awarded Bill in 2000 with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Secretary Lyon's illustrious career also includes various elected office positions in Stanislaus County such as: Member of the Central Catholic High School Board of Directors, Chairman, Doctors Medical Center, and Director, Modesto Irrigation District. Bill also worked as a Religion teacher at Saint Stanislaus elementary school, in Modesto California.

Throughout his lifetime, Secretary Lyons has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. Throughout the years, he has worked with countless community organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Way, American Cancer Society, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Sylvester, a local youth camp. Additionally, he has coached sports teams for nearly two decades.

It is my pleasure to join the Stanislaus community in recognizing Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. for his commitment to his community, state and nation. I have personally known the Lyons family for over two decades. Bill Lyons, Jr. and the entire Lyons family have a passion for California agriculture and for the values of hard work and community service in the San Joaquin Valley. Bill is a trusted and dear friend. I look forward to our continued friendship and to his wise counsel, and know that Bill's future path will continue to benefit California agriculture and all of us in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a pleasure to represent Bill and the entire Lyons family in the 18th Congressional District of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an ambitious and hard-working businessman, Mr. Larry A. Matos. Larry was born and raised in California's Central Valley, and was working hard on his parent's dairy at a young age. While growing up, Larry attended Turlock High School, and led his Future Farmers of America team to a 6th place finish at a national dairy competition. After graduating Turlock High School in 1992, he quickly received his Real Estate license at the age of 18.

In 1994, Larry was approached by Mr. John Melo to purchase a Century 21 Real Estate office. Always ready for a new challenge, Larry and Mr. Melo formed a business partnership, and turned a three-man office into eleven office locations in four counties, four businesses, and over three hundred employees and realtors. Currently, Larry is the President/Broker of Century 21 M&M and Associates. Not only is Larry dedicated to his business ventures, but to the Real Estate industry as well. He has served as a local Board of Director for the Central Valley Association of Realtors. This past year, Larry had the distinct opportunity to serve his fellow colleagues as President of the Central Valley Association of Realtors. He was one of the youngest to ever hold that position.

If not working hard with his business investments, Larry can be found spending time on his family's dairy, and being with his friends and relatives. He also dedicates his time to the community by serving on the Holiday Can Tree, and sponsoring a number of charitable events throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, Larry is a role model for our youth in the Central Valley. His positive attitude and work ethic have helped him achieve the American Dream. It is my honor to recognize him for his achievements, and to call him my friend.