Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 25 year career of retiring Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives, John V. Sullivan.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and former Air Force Judge Advocate, John exemplifies public service. He began his career in the House of Representatives by serving as counsel to the Committee on Armed Services, and soon transitioned to the Office of the Parliamentarian. John took on the role of Parliamentarian in 2004, after seventeen years in the Office of the Parliamentarian.

Serving as only the fourth Parliamentarian in modern history, John has consistently conducted himself in the most professional, non- partisan manner. He has been a constant through multiple Congresses, and under Speakers of both parties. John's knowledge of House procedure and traditions is unparalleled, and he was a model of decorum and even temperament. His service will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I have enjoyed calling John a colleague throughout my time in the House, and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Sacramento African-American Art Collective (SAAAC), which serves to enhance cultural and artistic experiences in the Sacramento area community. SAAAC came together in 2010, and offers great opportunities for African-American artists to showcase their work in collaboration with local businesses. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the artists, organizers, and businesses involved in this valuable cultural resource.

SAAAC was founded as a means to increase the exposure of African- American artists to the Sacramento community, and likewise to allow the Sacramento community to enjoy the unique messages and perspectives offered by African-American artists. Since its inaugural 1st Saturday Art Tour in February, 2011, SAAAC has become an integral part of the monthly art experience in Sacramento. Local businesses continue to volunteer their time and space to exhibit the work of these artists, all of whom are locally-based.

In honor of Black History Month, and in collaboration with the California Governor's office, SAAAC exhibited several works in the Governor's Annex at the California State Capitol. The collection, co- sponsored by the California Legislative Black Caucus, was titled ``Family: Those We Love!'', and was available to enjoy from February 20th, to March 2nd, 2012. This was the first such exhibit in the Governor's Office to acknowledge the contribution of African-American artists to the distinct cultural milieu that makes Sacramento great. The collection is now on display at the Kuumba Collective Art Gallery in Sacramento.

Among the artists and community leaders I'd like to recognize are Gerry GOS'' Simpson, Frank Blackwell, Milton Bowens, Warren Spirling, Lawrence Sullivan, Daphne Burgess, Shonna McDaniel, Gene Howell, Mallory Knight, Lumumba, Marichal Brown, David Alexander, James and Renee Sweeney, John King, Kanika Marshall, Constance King, Marshall Bailey, Frankie Edwards-Lee, Cynthia Brooks, Janis Wade, and Daneshia Johnson. I would also like to recognize the dozens of businesses and sponsors that have collaborated with SAAAC, including the Sacramento Central Labor Council, AFL CIO, The Brickhouse Gallery, Crave The Spotlight, Pacific Housing Inc., and many others.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these community members and their priceless contributions to the rich and diverse cultural experience that Sacramento offers. As artists, friends, and community leaders gather at the Kuumba Gallery, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Sacramento African-American Art Collective and its partners for helping to enrich our lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Congressman Donald Payne.

Today, we lost a dear colleague and friend in the House of Representatives, and the American people lost a dedicated leader. I am honored to have served with Congressman Payne, and am deeply saddened by his passing.

Donald spent his life fighting for those less fortunate, and was a committed advocate for education, civil rights, and social justice-- both at home and abroad. He was a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word, and his passion was both inspiring and contagious. As the first, and only, African-American from New Jersey elected to Congress, Donald was a

trailblazer. His achievements are a testament to the hard work, patience, and determination that became the hallmark of Donald Payne's career in public service.

As a senior member of the Education and Workforce Committee, Donald was a steady and effective representative for working men and women across America. His efforts on their behalf led to tangible gains in the areas of worker health and safety. Donald also lent his voice in support of early education, working tirelessly to ensure that every American child receives a first-class education, regardless of financial circumstance.

As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Donald won the admiration and respect of his colleagues for his extensive and unrivaled knowledge of international affairs, especially concerning Africa. His humanitarian efforts to secure international aid for populations ravaged by war and disease are a tribute to his compassion and unwavering resolve to improve the lives of the downtrodden. Madam Speaker, Donald's legacy and long list of accomplishments will continue to provide a lasting example for my colleagues and I going forward. My sincere condolences go out to Donald's family, friends, staff, and constituents. He will be missed in this House.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this rule and to this bill. The issue of water in California has been debated for many decades because it is such a critical issue for our States. As a daughter of a California Central Valley farmer, I grew up on a farm; and I deeply understand the value of and the controversy over water.

Being able to plan the next growing season is critical for farmers. Unless they can count on the water being provided, there is no assurance for their crops. Now, in northern California, we have balanced our watershed. We have provided water for our farms, our cities, and our sensitive habitats in a way that we can have sustainability. But this legislation throws out the ability of the people of California to decide their own water future.

Mr. Speaker, any real solution to California's water issues will need to be crafted with consensus within California, not in a partisan manner on the House floor the way H.R. 1837 has been written.

This legislation purports to have the support of northern California, but I'm here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. My district, the Sacramento region as a whole, the five delta counties, are among countless others who oppose this bill, and the list continues to grow.

Some of the strong concerns include the loss of the State's right to manage its own water, the decimation of environmental protections for our Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the ability to manage the Folsom Dam reservoir for the benefit of the lower American River, and, most importantly, the overall instability that this bill would create in California. The idea of usurping the rights of States to control their own water is incredibly damaging, not only to the Sacramento area but to California and even to our country.

For those of our colleagues who represent areas outside of California and plan to support the bill because they may not impact your State, I have news for you. This is not just about California. H.R. 1837 will set a precedent that will create a domino effect so that it could happen next in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and so forth. We don't need Federal legislation that only creates more problems for an already intractable problem. We cannot afford to give up California's right to control its own water future. The stakes are just too high.

I urge my colleagues to strongly reject this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I have always said that solutions to our country's resource problems must be based on sound science. To do otherwise is simply foolish and severely shortsighted.

Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1837 ignores years of scientific research on the health of California's watersheds. This bill pretends that science does not exist. We don't believe the Earth is flat, and we don't believe that thunder is made by bowling balls. We know better. Science has given us the answers to so many questions about the world in which we live.

We have used science and discovered the truth. H.R. 1837 will prevent the use of the best available science and adaptive management in the bay delta by permanently limiting agencies from acting on new scientific information developed since 1994.

The amendment before us would require us to use the scientific research that we have on California's natural resources. It would allow us to acknowledge what the research has shown us to be true. This amendment is critically important, not only to California, but to every State in this Union.

Mr. Chairman, lastly, I keep hearing that the Sacramento area supports this bill. I represent the Sacramento area, and I can tell you that both the city and county of Sacramento strongly oppose this bill.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to reject the bill.

I'd like to thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, this bipartisan agreement will ensure that 160 million Americans will not see a tax increase at a time when so many families are still struggling to make ends meet. The payroll tax cut provides American families an average of $1,000 annually to help pay their bills and for day-to-day necessities.

I am also pleased that this agreement will extend unemployment insurance. With the unemployment numbers in my district over 12 percent, continued unemployment benefits are important for so many to make ends meet while still trying to find work.

Additionally, providing for a Medicare physician payment fix will ensure that seniors have continued access to care. But I do urge my colleagues to continue working for a long-term solution to this critical issue.

I am supportive of the spectrum provisions in this bill, which will finally provide public safety with a nationwide interoperability network and ensure a path for continued American innovation. However, Madam Speaker, I do have reservations about other ways this package is paid for.

The second-largest job provider in my district behind the State government is the health care sector, employing nearly 30,000 workers. The Medicare bad debt reductions in this bill would seriously hamper the health systems in my district. For example, UC Davis Medical Center would lose $4 million over the next few years.

Additionally, I am greatly disappointed by the cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund--which I actively worked to get included in the Affordable Care Act--as prevention is the best way to improve public health.

While passage of this bill is critical for America's middle class, unemployed, and seniors, I have strong concerns that it should not be at the expense of our country's health care and Federal workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary. It is a great pleasure to recognize the Board's long standing dedication to flood protection projects and flood management in the Central Valley. As Board members, staff and agency partners gather to celebrate this milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the key role the organization plays in protecting millions of Californians from a potentially devastating flood.

The Central Valley Flood Protection Board was created by the California Legislature in 1911. The Board's role is to serve as a liaison between the State of California, local residents, property owners, cities and counties, and the United States government. The Board works closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that the Central Valley receives the highest level of flood protection possible, while addressing a number of financial, environmental, and engineering challenges.

Over the last century, the Board has maintained a wide variety of Central Valley flood protection systems and infrastructure along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and their tributaries. This encompasses 1,600 miles of levees, 107 million acres of land, and 1,300 miles of designated floodways. The Congressional District that I represent is home to the City of Sacramento, which sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. It is without doubt that the Board's investment decisions have helped improve the safety for each of us that call Sacramento home.

In 2007, the California Legislature and the governor signed legislation that changed the name of the Central Valley Flood Protection and expanded the Board's responsibilities and authorities. The Board remains responsible to the citizens of California to ensure that the flood management system within the Central Valley meets the ever-mounting challenges of the 21st Century. This includes working with the Corps of Engineers on vegetation management and the California Department of Water Resources on a new Central Valley Flood Protection Plan.

The Board is led by Chair Benjamin Carter, who serves alongside Jane Dolan, Teri Rice, Francis ``Butch'' Hodgkins, Emma Suarez, John Brown and Michael Villines. The Board's Executive Officer is Jay Punia.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board and their continuous commitment to providing the Central Valley with ever-improving levels of flood protection. The Board has contributed immensely to the safety and vitality of California's Central Valley. As Board members and staff gather to celebrate their 100th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their outstanding work in providing flood protection for the residents of the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a possible unintentional consequence of H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011. This legislation would add two categories of synthetic drugs to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.

While I am troubled by news reports involving these drugs and I support restrictions on the sale of these chemicals for purposes of illicit use, I am concerned about the impact the ban would impose on legitimate scientific research, including much needed medical advances.

To maintain our position in the world as the leader in the research and development of pharmaceuticals, we must ensure that researchers have access to the compounds necessary to discover and create new drugs. We cannot afford to stifle these advancements. At a time when other countries continue to make gains in medical research, we must make certain our researchers have all available means necessary to further their studies and uphold our competitive edge.

If enacted into law, should this measure hinder any progress in the arena of medical research, I would urge Congress to re-examine this issue in a way that protects public health while continuing to make much needed medical advancements possible. In the meantime, I would also urge my colleagues in the Senate to thoroughly examine this issue during any consideration of H.R. 1254 or a similar legislative proposal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Capitol Corridor train service, which connects the Sacramento Region to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a great pleasure to recognize the corridor's stellar track record of providing cost- effective, public transportation that stimulates economic development, reduces emissions, and promotes partnerships among passengers, private investors, and the communities. As the Capitol Corridors' supporters and partners gather to celebrate this milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the essential role that the Capitol Corridor plays in Northern California.

Since its inception on December 12, 1991, with a mere six trains between Sacramento

and San Jose, the Capitol Corridor has significantly grown and invested in infrastructure, increasing the number of weekday trains to thirty- two, weekend trains to twenty-two and expanding its corridor to span seven counties with a total population of 6.7 million. In addition to investing in railcars and tracks, it has established signaling systems and sixteen stations that directly connect its passengers to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority buses, and Sacramento Regional Transit light rails.

Over the past twenty years, the Capital Corridor has experienced a 600 percent increase in ridership, up to 1.7 million passengers in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. In all, it has carried nearly 19 million people to travel 1.3 billion miles. With this popular intercity train service, the downtown Sacramento Valley Station is now the seventh busiest Amtrak station in the country.

The Capitol Corridor has been managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) since 1998. Previously, the Capitol Corridor was a partnership between Amtrak and Caltrans. The CCJPA consists of a partnership of six transit agencies from the counties serviced by the Capitol Corridor. Operating funds for the CCJPA are provided by Caltrans. Administrative costs are kept down because of the strong partnership between Amtrak, BART, Caltrain, Caltrans, CCJPA and Union Pacific Railroad. In the past twenty years, the Capitol Corridor has stayed major accident-free and also improved lives by reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Capital Corridor, and its record of giving Northern Californians more transportation options, on their 20th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Capitol Corridor's outstanding work in providing the community with much needed services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center, a popular gathering location for Sacramento's seniors. It is a great pleasure to recognize the center's 50th Anniversary, as it has provided a positive environment that enhances and affirms older adults' dignity and promotes their independence. As the Hart Center's supporters and patrons gather to celebrate this milestone, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the center's leadership and service to the Sacramento community.

The Sacramento Senior Center was formed in 1961, and was later renamed the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center in honor of Hart's generous legacy to the city's senior community. From its earliest beginnings, the center has helped to foster a welcoming environment that supports older citizens' interests and needs, a place in which senior citizens feel a connection to each other and receive validation from the wider community.

Over the last fifty years, the Hart Center has provided a wide variety of recreational and health services. The center's programs include flu clinics, legal workshops, the Friendship Cafe, computer classes, and a hearing impaired club. In addition, the Center's staff publish a monthly newsletter called the Hart Cornerstone that announces community events, and provide fitness classes that promote physical exercise and encourage healthy aging. The Hart Center has also partnered with a number of organizations to meet the needs of local seniors, including the Gray Panthers, Older Women's League, Sacramento Senior Legal Hotline, California Health Advocates, Social Security, the Franchise Tax Board, and many others.

As a member of Congress, I have had the privilege of visiting the Hart Senior Center on numerous occasions. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to speak at an Older Women's League monthly meeting at the Center, and talk about legislative proposals that affect Sacramento's senior community. Additionally, last summer the Hart Senior Center hosted a Social Security 75th anniversary party where we celebrated the program and reflected on its importance.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center on its 50th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Hart Center's role of providing the community with much needed services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Save the American River Association (SARA), as the organization's staff, volunteers, and supporters celebrate its 50th anniversary. It is my pleasure to recognize SARA's dedication to preserving the American River for future generations, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their leadership in protecting the American River.

Established in 1961, SARA, a grassroots non-profit organization, has grown to a group of over 600 members. Initially, SARA was founded to establish the American River Parkway. The American River is designated both as a state and national wild and scenic river. It is governed by the American River Parkway Plan, which is approved by the State Legislature upon recommendation of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.

The efforts of thousands of SARA volunteers who contributed countless work hours to maintaining and improving the parkway over the last 50 years are evident as the American River Parkway has come to be known as the ``Jewel of Sacramento.'' The American River offers a unique wildlife and recreation area that provides for fishing, boating, rafting, picnicking sites, golfing, and nature historic tours for Sacramento residents and visitors.

SARA has been able to ensure a clean, comfortable and safe environment along the river. Volunteers work to preserve the native habitat and vegetation, improve public safety, reduce the threat of fires and increase the public's stewardship of the American River.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Save the American River Association and the organization's continuous commitment to providing the public with access to the incredibly beautiful American River. Their past 50 years have been tremendously successful and I am confident SARA will continue to enjoy great success in the future. While the SARA staff, volunteers and supporters gather together to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring their outstanding work in keeping the American River the ``Jewel of Sacramento.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to honor the life of my friend Philip Samuel Heller, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 81. Phil was not only a good friend of mine and my late husband's, but a friend to many families in Sacramento.

Phil was born on November 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Sidney and Aida Heller. For the better part of four decades, Phil managed Sirlin Photographers in Sacramento and photographed many Sacramento area families. Phil's career in photography began when he worked at Bethlehem Steel in Redding, Pennsylvania, where he was an engineer and photographer. He obtained his degree in engineering at Lehigh University in Bethlehem and his early career took him to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he was a flight engineer instructor. Besides photography, one of Phil's passions was radio controlled model airplanes, which he enjoyed building, flying, and showing off.

Phil is survived by his wife, Cathie, his children Jeff, Mark, and Rana, along with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying honor to Philip Heller. He leaves behind the lasting legacy of a loving father and a photographer whose work hangs in the homes and offices of countless people. I hope that his wife Cathie and his family will find comfort in the fact that Phil provided so much love and kindness to those of us who had the honor to share in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr., as he retires from the United States District Court, Eastern District of California. A federal judge since 1997, Judge Damrell has served on the bench with distinction and integrity. As his family, colleagues, and community leaders all gather to honor his remarkable career, I ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to Judge Damrell's service to the federal judiciary and his unwavering commitment to increasing civic involvement amongst our nation's youth.

A native of California's Central Valley and graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and Yale Law School, Judge Damrell enjoyed an exceptional law career in both the private and public sectors prior to his 1997 appointment to the federal bench by President William Jefferson Clinton. He has been an active member of the federal judiciary and served on the 9th Circuit Education Committee, the Federal Judicial Branch Committee of the United States Judicial Conference, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, and a number of other important committees and commissions.

Since being appointed to the United States District Court of the Eastern District of California, Judge Damrell has remained steadfast in his advocacy for civic education. In May of 2002, he led a national summit in our nation's capital that brought together all major civic education organizations, to restore civic engagement in public schools. These organizations led a nation-wide effort to encourage public schools to educate students about each of our civic duties, responsibilities, and privileges. To help advance this crucial mission, Judge Damrell founded Operation Protect and Defend, a program that has connected high school students to the Constitution and helped them explore the responsibilities of citizenship.

Beyond encouraging students to learn about their civic responsibilities, Judge Damrell has been a strong proponent of higher education and served on the boards of various universities. He was a member of the Board of Regents of Santa Clara University, Board of Overseers for University of San Francisco, and the Board of Trustees for University of California, Merced. Judge Damrell has spoken in front of a wide variety of organizations to promote civic education and given insightful commencement addresses at the Santa Clara University School of Law and McGeorge School of Law.

Mr. Speaker, as Judge Damrell, his wife Ludy, their children Frank, Lia, Anne, and James, their grandchildren, friends, and colleagues celebrate his retirement, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of service. Judge Damrell has contributed immensely to the federal bench and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), as the organization celebrates its 65th anniversary. It is a great pleasure to recognize SMUD's dedication in keeping electricity rates affordable, providing customers with energy-efficient options, and supporting the deployment of renewable power. As SMUD's customers and employees gather to celebrate this milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the key role the organization plays in the Sacramento region.

SMUD was formed in 1946. In response to overpriced electricity, Sacramento voters opted to create a municipal utility district that would provide them with an alternative to investor owned power companies. This led to the formation of SMUD, a public utility company that measures success by how much money stays within the community through low rates, rather than going out to stockholders. SMUD has proven to be a success as their electricity rates are among the lowest in the state of California.

Over the last 65 years, SMUD has become the nation's sixth-largest public electric utility, serving nearly 600,000 customers and a population of 1.4 million. Residential and business customer satisfaction surveys consistently rank SMUD as the top provider of electricity in California, as well as one of the best in the nation.

SMUD is regarded across the nation as a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency. In 2010, SMUD became the state's first large utility to have 20 percent of its power from renewable resources. The figure has since climbed to 24 percent and is expected to reach the state mandated 33 percent mark by 2020. Taking into account the hydroelectricity generated in SMUD's Upper American River Project, nearly 50 percent of SMUD's power comes from non-carbon resources. SMUD's energy efficiency programs have helped customers reduce their carbon dioxide emission by over 3 million tons since 1987. SMUD has also provided more than $495 million in energy efficiency loans since 1990.

SMUD is led by a forward thinking Board of Directors, an energetic executive team, and 2,000 hard working employees. They are united in their desire to offer the Sacramento Region affordable power and an excellent customer experience.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Sacramento Municipal Utility District and their continuous commitment to providing the Sacramento Region with access to energy efficient programs, more energy choices, and affordable electricity. SMUD has contributed an immense amount to making Sacramento a better place to live, work, and do business. As SMUD's General Manager John DiStasio, Board President Renee Taylor, and others gather together to celebrate the organization's 65th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their outstanding work in providing the community with affordable electricity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas C. Gagen for his work and contributions towards improving the accessibility and affordability of health care to those living in the Sacramento region. For over a decade, Tom has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento (SMCS) and during that time he has been an outstanding civic leader. As Tom retires, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his service and leadership in our community.

After graduating from Purdue University, Tom went to Cleveland State University to receive his Masters in Business Administration. Before coming to Sacramento in 2000, Tom was a leader at a number of health care facilities, including the Carondelet Health Network in Tucson and then Scripps Health in San Diego, where he served as Senior Vice President. Throughout Tom's decade long tenure, he helped Sutter General Hospital and Sutter Memorial Hospital grow into one of Sacramento's largest not-for-profit organizations. During Tom's career leading SMCS, it was twice named as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation and it received the Sutter Health's President's Award for patient satisfaction. Tom played a key role in improving care at SMCS and across the Sutter Health system as a key member of Sutter's Blue Ribbon Team on Quality.

Under Tom's vision SMCS has shown incredible support of the community, donating over $20 million to dozens of local non-profit organizations. Tom served as the first chairman of Sacramento's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and has always worked to bring social services to the neediest. For his work with the homeless, Tom was the recipient of Cottage Housing's 2011 Beacon of Hope Award. Tom was also named the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Businessman of the Year, in part for his involvement with the Sutter's ``Triage, Transport and Treatment'' program, which addresses the needs of frequent emergency room visits by the uninsured.

Since being elected to Congress, I have come to know Tom as an incredibly intelligent and forward thinking leader. He cares deeply about improving the quality and access to health care in the Sacramento region and he cares just as much about our community. As he retires, Tom leaves a true legacy of accomplishments that will be felt in Sacramento for generations.

Mr. Speaker, as Tom, his wife Pat and their friends gather to celebrate his retirement, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of service. Tom has contributed an immense amount to making Sacramento a better place to live, work and raise a family.