Eric Swalwell

Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump promised that he would cut prices. Instead, his administration is killing people.

No Democrat should vote to give ICE another penny for public executions. ICE started by chasing people through the fields and factories where they work, then deporting U.S. kids with stage IV cancer, pulling women by their hair down the street, and now just murdering citizens in daylight. We have an unqualified, masked militia eager to escalate.

One lady who I met recently in San Jose asked me: We have only been through 1 year of this. How will we survive 4 years?

We won't. Not until we do the right thing. No other policy matters if we can't protect our people.

Today, let's send a message. That is why I voted to shut down their funding so that we never again see the murder of a nurse named Pretti or a mom named Good.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pete's Ace Hardware on the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service to the community of Castro Valley, California.

Founded in 1926 by Peter Selmeczki, Pete's Ace Hardware proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest business in Castro Valley. Peter and his wife, Mary, were hardworking Hungarian immigrants who built their livelihood through determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to their community. Together, they opened their store on historic Castro Valley Boulevard, where it remains a local landmark to this day.

In its early years, the business ambitiously offered both hardware supplies and automobile spray-painting services. While balancing these two ventures proved challenging, the Selmeczki family ultimately focused their full energy on the hardware business, laying the foundation for long-term success.

Initially serving local ranchers and farmers, the store evolved in tandem with the growing community. As Castro Valley expanded, so too did the business, adapting its inventory to meet the needs of contractors and homeowners. Throughout its growth, Pete's Ace Hardware remained deeply rooted in the community it served, thriving thanks to the loyalty of its customers and the support of trusted suppliers.

Pete and Mary's dedication to their business extended well beyond their lifetimes. Following their retirement and passing, their sons, Frank and Ernie, assumed leadership and guided the store through a period of growth and modernization.

Today, Pete's Ace Hardware is now a fourth-generation family-owned business led by Ernie's daughter Linda, her husband Jeff, and their son Jason.

As Pete's Ace Hardware celebrates this extraordinary milestone, I commend the Selmeczki family for their enduring commitment and entrepreneurial spirit. I extend my warmest congratulations to Linda, Jeff, and Jason as they continue to serve the Castro Valley community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Hayward Fire Department Interim Chief Eric Vollmer on the occasion of his upcoming retirement on December 30, 2025, after nearly three decades of exemplary service to the City of Hayward and to communities throughout California.

Eric grew up in Fremont, California, where he first developed a strong appreciation for community and public service. That commitment would later define a distinguished career in the fire service spanning nearly 30 years, including service with CAL FIRE, the Manteca Fire Department, and the City of Hayward.

Eric earned an Associate of Science in Fire Technology from Columbia Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from California State University, Hayward.

Eric began his service with the City of Hayward in 1999, where he rose through the ranks, serving as Firefighter, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief of Special Operations, prior to his current assignment as Interim Fire Chief. His leadership, professionalism, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the department and the residents it serves.

Before being promoted to management, Eric dedicated ten years as a member of the Local 1909 Executive Board, including four years as President, where he advocated for firefighters and worked collaboratively to strengthen labor-management relations.

Among his proudest accomplishments is his time in the Training Division, where he managed three recruit academies and helped shape the next generation of firefighters. Eric also worked to introduce local youth to the fire service through a partnership with the Eden Area ROP First Responder Program, expanding access and opportunity for students interested in public safety careers.

Eric played a critical role in renewing the department's Critical Incident Stress Management program, ensuring firefighters had the support they needed during challenging moments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also managed the Hayward Emergency Operations Center, providing steady leadership during an unprecedented public health crisis.

As Eric prepares for retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Mallory, and their daughter, Sloane.

We extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Vollmer as he embarks on this new chapter of his life, with utmost respect for his service and with the best wishes for his future endeavors.