Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleague Congressman Ro Khanna to recognize Fremont Firefighter Anthony Ganzler, on the occasion of his passing on March 17, 2025, at the age of 42.

Anthony joined the Fremont Fire Department in 2019, serving on the Department's Special Operations Task Force. Prior to joining the Fremont Fire Department, Anthony worked at the El Dorado County Fire Protection District as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician from 2015 to 2019.

Predating his time as a firefighter, Anthony served in the United States Army's 173rd Airborne Division for more than eight years. Throughout his service he was stationed in Hawaii, Alaska, and a number of other locations throughout the country.

Anthony was one of many firefighters in the department who raised awareness about men's health issues during the month of November each year. His enthusiastic support for the campaign titled ``Movember'' is apparent in his most recent fire department photo, which now memorializes his notorious sense of humor.

Anthony was known as a lion of a man with a big heart and warm personality. He will always be remembered as a kind and selfless individual who dedicated his life to serving others.

Our communities will miss his presence deeply. He had a deep devotion to public service and his passing is an immeasurable loss for everyone around him, including his colleagues at the Fremont Fire Department.

We send our deepest condolences to Anthony's wife, Erin, and his two daughters, Savannah and Abigail, as well as his other surviving family, friends, and fellow firefighters who were lucky to have Anthony in their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Michelle Smith-McDonald, who has been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the 2025 Curt Gowdy Media Award. Her induction into the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her decades-long commitment to advancing women's sports journalism and her influential voice within the world of basketball.

A trailblazer in her field, Michelle Smith-McDonald became ESPN.com's first-ever regular women's basketball columnist in the 1990's. Over her distinguished career, she has covered women's professional and collegiate sports for some of the Nation's most prominent outlets, including ESPN, the San Francisco Chronicle, AOL Fanhouse, and espnW. Her dedication to elevating women's sports through insightful reporting and compelling storytelling has spotlighted generations of athletes, coaches, and programs, contributing to the growth and visibility of women's sports nationwide.

Michelle's contributions extend beyond her work as a journalist. She also has demonstrated her leadership and service in public relations at San Jose State University and the Alameda County Office of Education. Her dedication to public service further includes her tenure as an elected official on the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has rightly recognized Michelle Smith-McDonald as a trailblazer and visionary whose work has broadened opportunities and raised the profile of women's sports. As a resident of the Bay Area for over three decades, Michelle also has celebrated and supported the talent emerging from local programs like Stanford, Cal, and the newly launched Golden State Valkyries of the WNBA.

It is my honor to acknowledge Michelle Smith-McDonald's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame and to commend her for her lifelong dedication to sports journalism, advocacy, and service. She has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball and inspired countless individuals along the way. We join her friends, family, colleagues, and admirers in celebrating this extraordinary achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my former chief of staff, Michael Reed, who will leave the House after many years of service.

From 2019 to 2021, he served my office. Every Member of this Chamber would be lucky to have Michael serving them. He is a mentor to any staff who work under him. He is a lover of the institution and the rules that guide us, and he is a believer that this is still the best place for us to resolve our disputes.

He led us particularly during COVID and January 6. On January 6, I remember Michael finding every vending machine he could in the building to bring food to the Members at the evacuation site where we huddled, and then he counseled our staff who were waiting to know what would happen next. He predicted to me, stick around in this room because Speaker Pelosi would later gavel us in. He was right, and she was right to hire him a few months later from my staff to work for her.

We will miss Michael and his service, but he never could have done it without his partner, his wife, also a former chief of staff, Keenan. The two of them will continue to serve in other ways, but this House will miss Michael Reed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Apolinario Ysit, Jr., a dedicated community leader, loving husband, father, and grandfather, on the occasion of his passing on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born in Sacramento, California, on January 18, 1938, Apolinario, ``Ario,'' grew up on his family's 13-acre ranch, where he learned the values of hard work and service. In 1948, he moved with his family to Niles, California, where he attended Niles Elementary and Washington High School while actively participating in the Boy Scouts of America.

In 1955, he met the love of his life, Joyce, while she was working at the Niles Movie Theater. They married two years later at the Little Brown Church of Sunol and built a beautiful life together, raising their children, Victoria and Jeffrey, in their Kilkare Road home.

Ario proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1957 before embarking on a successful career as a general contractor.

Even in retirement, he remained deeply engaged in public service, serving on numerous boards, including the Alameda County Planning Commission, where he was named Commissioner of the Year in 2003, the Alameda County Fair Board of Directors, and the Alameda County Fire Commission.

His passion for his community earned him the title of the ``unofficial Mayor of Sunol,'' as he worked tirelessly to secure funding and resources for local projects. His leadership helped establish the Sunol Depot Gardens Park, and his dedication to civic engagement included work with the Citizens Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), the Sunol Business Guild, and the Sunol Community Advisory Committee, among many other organizations.

Ario's unwavering commitment to Sunol and Alameda County will be remembered for generations. He was more than a leader--he was a friend, mentor, and advocate who embodied the spirit of service. His legacy of generosity, dedication, and love for his community lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Apolinario Ysit, or Ario, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and leader in our community who passed away last month.

Ario learned values of hard work and service to others on his 13-acre ranch and as an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. He met the love of his life, Joyce, at the local movie theater, and they married in 1957.

Ario also proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and locally served on the Alameda County Planning Commission. He was named the Commissioner of the Year in 2003. He was also on our local fire commission.

He was considered the unofficial mayor of Sunol. He worked tirelessly to secure funding for local projects, developed the Sunol Depot Gardens park, and strengthened community organizations like the Sunol Business Guild.

Mr. Speaker, he will forever be remembered to me as a friend but an even bigger friend and public servant to the community of Alameda County.

May our dear friend, Ario, rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Teresa Cox in recognition of her service on the Fremont City Council, which concluded on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

The daughter of teachers, Teresa received a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Northwestern University, becoming the first African-American woman to do so in the Nation. She returned to school to receive her Master of Business Administration from the University of Rochester.

Teresa began her public service in Fremont as a member of the Economic Development Advisory Commission. During her eight years on the commission, she served as chair and spearheaded a mission to China to strengthen international economic ties.

Continuing to break glass ceilings, Teresa was the first African- American elected to the Ohlone Community College Board of Trustees in 2008, where she served for 12 years as vice chair. As a trustee, she worked to secure a multimillion-dollar bond passage to improve campus infrastructure, championed diversity through campus celebrations, and fought for the advancement of women and minorities in leadership roles.

In 2020, Teresa made history again the first African-American to serve on Fremont's City Council as a councilmember for the sixth district. There, Teresa supported affordable housing projects, led community clean-ups, and sponsored four National Night Out events. She was also appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce California District Export Council on Small and Minority Women-Owned Businesses under the Obama Administration with reappointments under Presidents Trump and Biden.

Teresa's years of support for public education and economic development have been critical to Fremont's success. As she enters this new chapter, I join the community in wishing Teresa well-deserved rest, relaxation, and quality time with her children, David and Jacqueline.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Valerie Arkin, a tireless public servant, in commemoration of her tenure on the Pleasanton City Council, which concluded on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Valerie obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from California State University, Northridge, and later returned to school to get a Master of Business Administration from California Lutheran University.

After moving to Pleasanton in 1993, Valerie quickly became involved in local campaigns and in Pleasanton public schools, which all three of her children attended.

In 2006, Valerie began her journey of public service when she became a Pleasanton Library Commissioner until 2014. In 2008, Valerie was elected to the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees, where she served as the Board President and advocated for fiscal responsibility until 2020.

Valerie was elected to the Pleasanton City Council in 2020, representing the constituents of the second district. During her tenure, she served on the City-School District Liaison Committee along with 11 different other local and regional committees, all while playing an active role in the League of California Cities' Environmental Policy Committee.

Outside her elected roles, Valerie remained an active volunteer with local nonprofits and served on the board of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council.

Valerie's over 30 years of support for local initiatives, public education, and advocacy among stakeholders have been a critical factor in the development of the community. As she enters this new chapter, I join her friends and colleagues in wishing Valerie well-deserved rest, relaxation, and quality time with her husband, Brian.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Pete Snyder, the first mayor of my hometown of Dublin, California, on the occasion of his celebration of life after his passing on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the age 89.

Pete moved to Dublin with his wife and the love of his life, Priscilla, in 1961 after he served three years in the United States Army. They put down roots quickly and raised their family while becoming more and more involved in the community.

Shortly after arriving, in 1962, Pete became a charter member of the Dublin Host Lions Club and he later became a member and president of, what was known at the time as, the Murray School District. His commitment and acumen were noticed, and he was asked to join a committee that was looking into the feasibility of the incorporation of Dublin.

Of course, with Pete at the helm, the incorporation efforts were successful and he was chosen as the new City of Dublin's first-ever mayor in 1982. He served on Dublin's city council for twelve years, including two terms as mayor between 1982 and 1994.

When the community decided that they wanted to continue seeing Pete in a leadership role, they elected him to the board of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). He served our community there for another eight years, expanding access to work and fun for residents of the city he helped found, as well as our neighbors.

While his service as mayor, member of city council, and the BART board may be his most notable roles, his service in other aspects of local governance is almost too voluminous to count. Included on his resume would be service to the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, the Alameda County Economic Development Advisory Board, and United Way of the Bay Area. He also founded the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation and the Dublin Sister City Association.

Pete made a profound impact on not only my hometown, but the entire Tri-Valley region. He gave his life to public service, first to the military, and then to his community. We would be well-served to model our leadeiship and political dexterity after someone like Pete.

My thoughts and gratitude remain with his wife of 68 years, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I hope they know that Pete's legacy lives on in the entirety of the thriving community he helped create.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Beverley Roberta Sulzberger, a dedicated Floridian, trailblazer in the modeling industry, and philanthropist, on the occasion of her passing on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, on September 22, 1936, Beverley's family relocated to South Florida during her teenage years in the 1950's. Her remarkable beauty and charisma led her to a career in print and photo modeling, where she gained widespread recognition for her grace and charm.

In the 1950's, Beverley became one of the pioneering Tupperware ladies and models, an image immortalized in Alison J. Clarke's book, ``Tupperware: The Promise of Plastic in 1950's America,'' published by the Smithsonian Institution Press. Her presence was also a familiar sight on billboards along Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, and promoting tourism for Nassau, Bahamas, as a swimsuit model.

Beverley's cinematic journey included a role in Frank Capra's ``A Hole in the Head,'' and her modeling career took her to New York, where she graced the runway for renowned designers, including Lilly Dache.

In 1962, Beverley met Judge Eugene W. Sulzberger, her future husband, and their whirlwind romance led to marriage in 1963 at Church by the Sea in Bal Harbour, Florida. They built a life together in North Miami, raising two sons.

Beverley's passion for real estate culminated in her election as President of the Miami Beach Association of Realtors in 1992. Beyond her professional achievements, Beverley's philanthropic efforts included co-founding the Women's Auxiliary at St. Thomas University and funding nursing scholarships at the University of Miami and Barry University. Her dedication to education and community welfare left a lasting impact on many.

Beverley's legacy is one of warmth, love, and unwavering support for her family, who deeply cherish her memory. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Eugene W. Sulzberger; her sons, Eugene C. Sulzberger and Eric W. Sulzberger; her sister, Patricia Kyle; and her brother, Edwin Leonard.

Mr. Speaker, along with my colleague Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, I rise to recognize Senator Steven (Steve) Glazer of California's 7th Senate District for his dedication to public service to our shared constituency.

Steve was born in Sacramento, California, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University. His roles in leadership started while he was a student when he served as president of the associated student body and chair of the California State Student Association.

In 1983, Steve began his career in public service as a press secretary for then-Assemblyman Gray Davis. Steve played a pivotal role in raising awareness for missing children by championing the movement to put their faces and stories on milk cartons, bus stops, and billboards.

In 1989, Steve founded his own public relations, media, and political consulting firm, Glazer & Associates. Steve served as senior advisor to Kathleen Brown's campaign for State Treasurer and Michael Woo's 1994 race for Secretary of State.

Steve also successfully campaigned for Proposition 46, which created a trust fund to provide shelters for battered women, low-income senior citizens, and unhoused communities.

An accomplished political strategist, Steve served on the City of Orinda Parks and Recreation Commission from 1997 to 1999. Steve was later elected to the Orinda City Council in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He continued his service to the City of Orinda and was elected mayor in 2007 where he served until his election to the State Senate to 2015.

Some of his notable accomplishments during his tenure in the Senate include authoring a truth-in-lending law requiring more transparency in the lending process for small businesses and co-authoring a law banning the sale of flavored tobacco in California.

Steve has remained steadfast to his principles and in his commitment to improving the lives of those in his community. With the utmost respect for his service and with best wishes for his future endeavors, we extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Glazer as he enters this new chapter of his life. We hope the conclusion of this chapter allows him to spend more time with his wife, Melba, and his daughters, Ariel and Alex.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the service of Special Agent James ``Pat'' McMonigle (Special Agent McMonigle), who retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in June.

Special Agent McMonigle felt the call to serve our country after the tragic loss of a colleague in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Following those events, Special Agent McMonigle devoted his career to the safety and security of the American people.

During his time with the FBI, Special Agent McMonigle served in multiple capacities at home and abroad, including several tours overseas in Mogadishu, Somalia and Kabul, Afghanistan. While most of his career was with the FBI, Special Agent McMonigle also served as a field collections officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency within the Department of Defense.

With degrees from Santa Clara University, Georgetown University, and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Special Agent McMonigle is well versed in the affairs he was asked to handle. He is exactly who I would want during a crisis or hostage negotiation, deployed abroad as a legal attache, supervising human intelligence operations, and working on international and domestic counterterrorism.

In addition to volunteering his time speaking with students about his career and encouraging them to find what drives them. Special Agent McMonigle also served to better the lives of his fellow agents through his service on the National Executive Board of the FBI Agents Association.

While Special Agent McMonigle certainly hasn't actually retired, I hope, with this transition, he's able to spend more time relaxing, completing his wood etchings, and enjoying more of life's milestones with his wife Catherine and their four children, Jack, Patrick, Maria, and Connor.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize George Mark Children's House, which will soon celebrate 20 years of supporting families and providing exceptional care for thousands of children with severe medical conditions.

George Mark Children's House (George Mark) was established in 1995 in San Leandro, California, as the country's first freestanding respite home for children. It was founded by Dr. Kathleen Nicholson Hull, who was inspired by the profound personal loss of her two brothers, George and Mark, to create a place where children and their families could receive comprehensive, compassionate care in a home-like environment.

George Mark is a model of compassionate care for children and young adults, provided in a fully furnished and comfortable facility. As the pioneer in the United States for providing pediatric palliative care in a residential locale, George Mark has led the way for additional homes to adopt their comprehensive approach to caring for children with serious medical concerns.

In 1999, the George Mark team broke ground, and with the support of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the late Wilma Chan, the county secured and leased the land for $1.00 a year. For two decades George Mark has helped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. George Mark's dedicated interdisciplinary team provides around-the-clock critical care and create an environment where their patients can still experience much of their childhood and make lasting memories with their families. George Mark prioritizes enrichment and finds ways to spark fun and joy for the families in their care.

For the past 20 years, George Mark and Dr. Hull have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in providing children with exceptional, loving, palliative care. I join the past and present teams of George Mark in celebrating the legacy they've created and wish them many more productive years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) which will celebrate 75 years of outstanding innovation and dedication to advancing the frontiers of science and technology today, October 22, 2024.

Sandia was established in 1949 in Albuquerque, New Mexico as a key component of the United States' commitment to developing and maintaining a safe and secure nuclear deterrent. Sandia has since evolved into a premier multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to solving the nation's most challenging problems. The dedicated scientists, engineers and staff at Sandia have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and innovation, contributing to the security and well-being of our nation and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world.

In 1956, Sandia opened its second site in California's Livermore Valley, growing from a small group of scientists to what is now over 1,600 staff, along with 300 contractors, postdoctoral fellows, and students, broadening the scope of the work and playing a vital role in Sandia's overall mission. Sandia has fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence, working closely with neighboring Lawrence Livermore National Lab, government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to address complex technical challenges and deliver groundbreaking solutions.

Sandia's impact extends beyond their immediate research endeavors, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers, and playing a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape of our nation.

For the past 75 years, Sandia has demonstrated unparalleled excellence in engineering, research and development, driving advancements in areas such as renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. I join the past and present teams of scientists and supporting staff at Sandia National Laboratories in celebrating the legacy they've created and wish them many more productive years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, to recognize former California State Senate Majority Leader, San Leandro Mayor, and East Bay Regional Parks Director, Ellen Corbett, on the occasion of her passing on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the age of 69.

Born in Oakland in 1954, Ellen was raised in San Leandro. She attended Chabot College, California State University, Hayward, and the University of California, Davis, earning a bachelor's degree in political science before earning her law degree from the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law.

Ellen began her career as an attorney, community college professor, and civic activist before seeking public office in 1990 on the San Leandro City Council. Four years later, in 1994, she became San Leandro's first-ever directly elected female mayor.

In 1998, Ellen was elected to the State Assembly, representing California's 19th district in the chamber until her term expired in 2004. In 2006, she began her time at the California State Senate, representing District 10 until 2014. Ellen continued to blaze trails in the Senate as only the second woman ever to serve as the California Senate majority leader for 4 years.

Under her tenure, Majority Leader Corbett authored over 160 bills that were signed into law tackling issues faced by everyday Californians. Those issues included infrastructure for public schools, expanding EV charging, child safety, marriage equality, and the California Homeowner Bill of Rights.

Continuing her career in public service, Ellen was elected to the East Bay Regional Parks District Board of Directors, representing Ward 4 until her passing. In this position, she was a fierce advocate for accessible open space. Serving as President of the Board, the Parks were in her capable hands during the first year of the pandemic.

Throughout her life and career, Ellen was a tireless advocate for the communities she represented. She was a fierce environmentalist and a serial breaker of glass ceilings. Ellen was a person of consequence with a genuinely meaningful public service career. Our communities will deeply miss her presence. We send our deepest condolences to her son Ryan, as well as her other surviving family, friends, and former staff who were lucky to have her as their boss and mentor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Manuel ``Manny'' Moreno, president of PJMB Commercial, Inc, for his recently confirmed position as 2024-2025 Chair of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International.

As president of PJMB Commercial, Inc. Manny oversees a 25-building portfolio of more than 560,000 square feet in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been an active member on the BOMA California Board of Directors for almost a decade and is a past president of the BOMA Pacific Southwest Region.

Manny served a two-year term as president of BOMA/Oakland-East Bay from 2014 through 2015 and he remains involved in the local association's Nominating Committee. In 2018, Moreno served as vice chair of BOMA International's BOMAPAC Council and participated in the Daniel W. Chancey Leadership Academy.

At the BOMA International level, he also has also been involved in a variety of initiatives, including the Standard Methods of Floor Measurement Committee, the Office Building Standard Revision Task Force and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

Manny also serves on the Board of Managers for the Commercial Real Estate Certification Institute (CRECI), an independent certification body created by BOMA International and BOMI.

A dedicated community member, Manny serves as a Director on the Mountain House Community Services District Board of Directors. Giving back to his community, with a focus on its future, is a passion of his and he looks forward to his continued community involvement and service.

Manny is a husband to Ruby Moreno and a father to Lauren Moreno and Dominic Moreno.

Manny is focused, driven, and passionate about the commercial real estate industry, BOMA, and his community. Making a difference and having a positive impact on these areas are his guiding principles. I congratulate Manny on his new position as Chair of BOMA International and wish the best to him and the BOMA community.