Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. If we had truth in labeling, this bill would be called the methane pollution and higher energy prices act.

I am simply amazed that this MAGA Republican majority in this Congress, which really makes the 1948 do-nothing Congress look like a paragon of productivity. This Congress can't find time to bring critical national security funding bills to the floor for a vote. They won't even bring a bipartisan border solution bill to the floor for a vote. But there is always time for another sop to the fossil fuel industry.

So here we are with a bill that is transparently dishonest. It is an effort to fast-track dirty energy projects, throw environmental justice communities under the bus, completely ignore the climate crisis, and expedite permitting for LNG facilities so that Big Oil can ramp up unnecessary exports of this harmful fossil gas.

Let's do some fact-checking. The United States is already the world's largest LNG exporter. We are on track to double that with existing projects that have already been permitted. So we do not need more of these methane bombs.

Second, experts have crunched the numbers, and new LNG export facilities are going to increase the cost of energy prices here at home. That is a fact.

Third, our allies are not asking for this. They are on record asking for clean energy, not more LNG. So let's stop putting words in their mouths. They don't want to go from being dependent on Vladimir Putin to being dependent on the United States fossil fuel industry. They want clean energy.

LNG is a climate bomb. This is well documented. I sent a letter several weeks ago to the Biden administration asking them to develop meaningful tests to ensure that they are truly protecting the public interest here, not the interests of greedy corporations when they approve these projects.

I am thankful that they have just announced that they will do exactly that with new LNG permitting decisions.

This pause is the first step in overhauling how we permit these projects, but it is an important one, and we shouldn't be wasting time sacrificing communities at the altar of Big Oil in this attempt by Republicans to reverse a sensible, smart decision that puts people over politics.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cindy Machado upon her retirement from the Marin Humane Society (Marin Humane) after 40 years of extraordinary public service.

A longtime Northern California resident, Cindy has been fighting for the rights and welfare of animals with Marin Humane since 1984. At that time, the animal service officer role was dominated by men, but Cindy's knowledge of animal science, equines and livestock made her an effective enforcer of animal control and cruelty laws. She was quickly promoted to Field Services Sergeant in 1985 and assumed the role of Animal Services Director in 1996, a position she held until her retirement.

Cindy's impeccable leadership was critical to establishing Marin Humane as a highly respected organization locally, and at the regional, national, and international levels. She was instrumental in creating the Animal Law Enforcement Academy, a program hosted by Marin Humane through Santa Rosa Junior College, in partnership with the California Animal Welfare Association (Cal Animals). She also served the Academy as an instructor on issues including animal cruelty investigations, animal hoarding, and inspections, and managed an annual Advanced Academy program for almost two decades.

From pet shops and cock fighting rings to circuses and amusement parks, Cindy has worked tirelessly to end animal cruelty. She has led investigations, testified in court, and participated in many legislative hearings. Her influence has been far reaching as an advocate and educator, leading trainings and workshops on behalf of Marin Humane across the world, including at the Brazilian Animal Welfare Congress in 2000, in Taiwan with the Humane Society of the United States in 2001, and in Mexico with Compassion Without Borders in 2005.

Cindy has also been an animal advocate in preparation and response to natural disasters. She co-founded the Marin Horse Council's Equine Evacuation Committee in 2006, represented Marin Humane with Marin's Emergency Operations Center since 1996, and spearheaded a Marin County Veterinary Medical Association and Marin Humane joint committee to educate the community on impacts on animals. When a disaster hit, Cindy was always quick to act. She deployed to Houston during Hurricane Katrina to assist with animal evacuations, the 2009 Cosco Busan oil spill in San Francisco Bay, and nearly every wildfire in the region.

Among her numerous commitments, Cindy is a member and former chair of the Marin Humane Advocacy Committee, member and trainer of the CalAnimals Training Committee, Advisory Member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, and co-founder of the Marin County Hoarding Alliance Taskforce. Cindy was also pivotal in creating a non-lethal predator control model in collaboration with Marin's Agricultural Commission and Project Coyote, which remains in use today.

Mr. Speaker, I have personally witnessed Cindy in action and can attest to her knowledge, skills, and commitment to animal welfare. As Cindy Machado retires after 40 years of service, she leaves an indelible legacy of good deeds for animals in Marin County and the extended region. I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing heartfelt gratitude to Cindy for her generosity of spirit, innumerable achievements and in sending her best wishes on her next endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to make the following vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 705.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to recognize the outstanding tenure of Cynthia Murray as President and CEO of North Bay Leadership Council (NBLC).

Born in New York, Cynthia grew up in New Jersey where she earned a BA in History from Rutgers University. After relocating to Marin County, California in 1978, Cynthia began her substantial and impactful career in public service, community advocacy, and professional leadership in the North Bay.

Over a span of 15 years, Cynthia honorably served the people of Marin County as Novato City Council Member, including one term as mayor, and Marin County Supervisor. Known for her passion and fortitude, Cynthia played a pivotal role in creating greater transparency and accessibility to local government, advancing public health services, and bolstering countrywide emergency response initiatives.

As President and CEO of North Bay Leadership Council, Cynthia successfully shaped NBLC into an influential advocacy organization to address the issues impacting employers and their employees in the North Bay. Under her direction, NBLC became an effective champion for public policy issues including comprehensive quality education from preschool to higher education, workforce development, public transportation, affordable housing, and workforce retention. Known for her ability to foster collaboration and promote equity, Cynthia successfully brought together stakeholders from the public, non-profit, education, and private sector to address and solve challenges in the North Bay. Her leadership has been vital to the region's advancements in economic development and prosperity, as well as environmental sustainability.

Outside of her many professional accomplishments, Cynthia's volunteer work is far-reaching, and she never shies away from thorny issues. She serves on many boards including the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, First 5 Sonoma County Commission, Sonoma County Health Action Council, Marin Schools to Careers Partnership, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Policy Advisory Council. She also is chair of the Marin County Housing Crisis Action Group.

Cynthia has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to education and mentorship to future generation of leaders by serving as an adjunct professor at Dominican University and Sonoma State University. As a fearless advocate for labor and education, Cynthia has been awarded numerous accolades in recognition of her achievements, including the 2010 Women in Business award by the North Bay Business Journal, and the 2017 Champion for Children award by the North Bay Children's Center, among others.

Mr. Speaker, the indelible positive contributions of Cynthia Murray cannot be overstated. With an outstanding record of public service spanning over three decades, Cynthia has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of the residents and employees of the North Bay. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her legacy of accomplishments which will benefit the region for generations to come.

Mr Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to recognize the enduring work of Ann DuBay on the occasion of her retirement from Sonoma Water.

Ann began her long-standing career in public service in 1981 as a seasonal firefighter at the California Department of Forestry. She then pursued the California State Fellowship Program and subsequently assumed the role of policy consultant at the California State Senate's Office of Research. Returning to her roots in Sonoma County, Ann became the Vice-President and Government Affairs Coordinator at the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, before transitioning to a distinguished career in journalism as an editorial writer and columnist for nearly a decade at the Press Democrat.

Ann was hired by Sonoma Water in 2008 as Public Information Officer, and she became the Community and Government Affairs Manager there in 2018. In these roles Ann demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the community and sustainability at Sonoma Water. Ann's good deeds extend to the greater region through her work as the administrator for the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, and Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, while also spearheading outreach and communication for all Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.

In addition to her professional commitments, Ann has played a pivotal role in several community organizations. She served as Board member for the Ceres Community Project. And she is currently on the board of directors for the Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa, where she was president from 2020 to 2022. In addition, she volunteers with Riebli-North Firewise Community as well as the California Groundwater Coalition where she helps guide water suppliers throughout the state meet the water supply needs of California residents.

Notably, Ann is more than a public servant; she is a mentor and inspiration to many. When she and her sister simultaneously faced breast cancer, Ann exhibited exemplary strength and determination. Ann is also known for her love of reading, biking with her husband Jeremey Olsan, and spending time with her son Jake.

Mr. Speaker, it's clear that Ann DuBay has been an extraordinary public servant making meaningful contributions to the community through both her professional and volunteer work. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her legacy of accomplishments which will benefit Sonoma County and the region for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, upon reflection I regret having cast a no vote for Roll Call No. 578, H. Res. 798. I wish to reflect that my vote for H. Res. 798 should have been yes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marjorie Macris who passed away at the age of 88 on October 16, 2023. Ms. Macris was a beloved community leader in Marin County.

Born in Chicago and raised in the Midwest, Ms. Macris attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1956, where she received a degree in journalism and graduated co-salutatorian. The following year, she completed her master's degree in journalism and urban planning as one of only a few women in her class. After school, Ms. Macris worked for Chicago's planning department until 1969 when she moved to Marin County with her family.

Joining Marin County's planning department, she became the primary author of the countywide plan adopted in 1973. This plan significantly impacted the landscape of the county, restricting urban development to the Highway 101 corridor and maintaining Marin's central and western areas for smaller communities, agriculture, and recreation. From 1978 to 1984, Ms. Macris oversaw the execution of this plan as the county planning director, encouraging new collaboration among cities, towns and unincorporated communities.

Beyond emphasizing inter-jurisdictional planning, Ms. Macris advocated for and prioritized environmental conservation. Many Marin leaders credit her with protecting the environment during a critical period of growth. And as one of the few women employed in urban planning at the time, she became a role model and mentor for other women.

Ms. Macris's commitment to conservation extended throughout her adult life and well beyond her employment with the County. She was a valued contributor to the Marin Conservation League, Sierra Club Marin Group, Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, and Marin Baylands Advocates.

Ms. Macris was known by her colleagues for her wit and innovative thinking, and to her family and friends as a great adventurer. She traveled from Algeria to Pakistan and Patagonia, traversing desert and trekking through mountains. Ms. Macris also took up running and completed the Boston Marathon three times. She is survived by her brothers Roger Wiegand and David Wiegand; her daughter Natalie Macris; her granddaughter Charlotte Keilman-Macris; and her former husband Dean Macris.

Mr. Speaker, Marjorie Macris was a dedicated public servant and active community leader who left an enduring legacy in Marin County. I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Ms. Macris's family and friends and in expressing my appreciation for her decades of good work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. David Wain Coon upon his retirement as the President and Superintendent of the College of Marin after 13 years of exceptional professional service.

Dr. Coon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University, Master of Education degree from Western Washington University, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University. He served in prominent administrative roles in colleges throughout Washington State before moving to the California Community College system. After five years as the President of Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, Dr. Coon joined the College of Marin in 2010.

Dr. Coon led the College of Marin into a new era. He fostered positive relationships with students, staff, and trustees. He oversaw two community-funded facility modernization projects with a budget of more than $515 million. Under his leadership, the college developed innovative programs including COMPASS and Summer Bridge that are models for other community colleges throughout California. He developed partnerships with Marin County's primary and secondary schools and nonprofits to strengthen pathways to higher education. Dr. Coon responded to many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative solutions and calm and collaborative guidance.

Dr. Coon has a deep commitment to equity and inclusion which extends beyond his work with the College of Marin both as the co-chair of the Marin Promise Partnership and member of the Board of Directors for the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. His accomplishments earned both the College of Marin and Evergreen Valley College prestigious accolades, including the Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award.

Known for his thoughtfulness, integrity, collaboration and good sense of humor, Dr. Coon exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. And it is no surprise that his years of service more than double the average tenure for community college superintendents. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Dr. Coon for his enduring commitment and invaluable contributions to the College of Marin and greater community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Alfred Poncia, who passed away at the age of 83 on August 28, 2023. Al was a farmer, conservationist, and respected community leader.

Born on February 2, 1940, Al grew up on his family ranch in Marin County. He graduated from Tomales High School in 1958 and joined the Army National Guard. He later moved back home to work at his family's dairy and study at Santa Rosa Junior College. While attending college, he met Cathie Brandeburg; they married in 1964 and settled down on the Poncia family farm in West Marin.

While working on his farm, Al also took on leadership roles in both the county and state farm bureaus. He served 18 years on the Marin County Farm Bureau's board of directors, including three years as board president. For decades, Al has been both a formal and informal leader in the local agriculturist community, notably leading efforts to protect open space and family farms in Marin County during successive attempts to develop rural West Marin.

A passionate advocate and an adept communicator, Al worked with a variety of agricultural groups and committees dedicated to conservation, sustainable farming and ranching. He helped lead the Marin County Committee on Small Family Farms, a collection of both conservationists and agriculturists interested in developing solutions to water problems and fair milk prices. In 1971, Al participated in the California Agricultural Leadership Program, an advanced leadership development program for California agriculturists, where he had the opportunity to travel around the United States and the world, meeting with global leaders in farming to learn more about national and international agricultural policy.

In 1981, Al became a founding board member of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), the first farmland trust in the nation, representing a broad coalition of ranchers, environmentalists, and community leaders who were dedicated to protecting farming in Marin County. His expertise, insight, and passion were critical to MALT's success at preserving local Marin County farms.

Al is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cathie; three of their children, Jennifer, Melissa, and Loren; and eight grandchildren. Al was predeceased by his daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law, Bill. While he will be greatly missed, Al's legacy will live on through the positive impact he had on his community and beyond.

Today, thanks to Al's lifelong dedication and hard work, Marin County stands as a national example for sustainable agriculture and open space preservation. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Al's family and friends, and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of work for the public good.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Rep. Jamie Raskin, to honor the memory of Woody Kaplan, a civil rights champion, freethinker, and philanthropist who passed away at the age of 80 on August 3, 2023.

Woody was a prince of a human and a trusted friend. It is impossible to fully capture how much he contributed to our Nation and to furthering the secular movement.

Woody's fierce advocacy for freedom of expression, church-state separation, reproductive freedom, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and other causes spanned decades.

A lifelong atheist who fought for every person's freedom of conscience, Woody co-founded the Secular Coalition for America, the largest coalition of national atheist, humanist, and secular organizations in the United States.

Under Woody's leadership, the Secular Coalition for America went from representing four disparate national organizations to uniting 21 organizations in a formidable political movement. The Secular Coalition for America also established the first full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C. representing atheist, humanist, and secular Americans.

Woody also served admirably in leadership and advisory roles at organizations including the Defending Dissent Foundation, American Atheists, American Humanist Association, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), and the Secular Student Alliance. As a former member of the ACLU's National Board of Directors, he helped establish the organization's endowment fund. As a young man, Woody traveled to Mississippi to work on voter registration drives.

Woody is survived by his wife Wendy Kaminer, an author and lawyer who shares Woody's passions and beliefs; his daughters Abigail and Emily; 11 grandchildren; his sister Nancy Fischman and her husband Steve; and many other family members, friends and admirers who he touched with his formidable life.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join my colleagues and me in extending condolences to Woody's family and friends, and in expressing our collective appreciation for his decades of work for the public good.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Dave Cort's 32 years of service as the San Geronimo Valley Community Center's Executive Director.

Dave became the Community Center's first executive director in June of 1991. This part-time job was the first paid position for the organization and came with only three required qualifications: owning a truck, being able to lift 100 pounds, and possessing people skills. His role and the services provided by the Community Center expanded exponentially over the next 3 decades.

Dave ensured the Community Center was a successful resource for the San Geronimo Valley residents. He reformed the local delivery service, partnered with Lagunitas School District to facilitate after-school and daycare programs, and managed the expansion of senior services to include a new Senior Lunch program in the early 2000s. Understanding the need for recreation opportunities to promote community wellness, Dave also worked to build the Community Gym in 2010.

In 2019, Dave rallied community donors to seed the Deepening Roots Endowment with $2 million. A year later, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for financial security for the Center in order to provide critical services to the San Geronimo Valley community emergencies. During the pandemic, Dave assembled the Community Center's resources to bring vaccines, tests, food, emergency funds, accurate information, and a sense of community to the residents of West Marin.

Today, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center has a staff of 22 people and a comprehensive mission to foster healthy communities within the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio. Thanks to Dave Cort's dedication and leadership, the organization has become integral to the quality of life for the community, ensuring local residents have access to quality programs in the arts, youth services, senior services, community events, and more.

Mr. Speaker, Dave Cort exemplifies what it means to be a community- minded public servant. His contributions to the San Geronimo Valley Community Center and the people of West Marin are extraordinary and appreciated. Therefore, please join us in congratulating him for decades of inspiring work.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for doing such a great job steering this Regional Leadership Council through our work so that we can highlight how Democrats are investing in America and putting people over politics.

Others have mentioned the legislative packages that we were able to put on President Biden's desk in the last Congress, all the transformative, historic bills--the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and much more.

We are bringing down inflation. We are growing the economy. We are rebuilding this country for the 21st century, lowering prescription drug costs, and a lot more.

During that incredibly productive 2-year period when President Biden had a Democratic House and a Democratic Senate, we also showed you can govern in Congress and do big things that matter to people, contrary to what we are seeing with this ``Keystone Cops'' episode and the Republican majority in this Congress.

Now, as the representative for Region 2, which is northern California, Alaska, and Hawaii, I have had a laser focus on bringing these investments home for some of the most consequential issues that we are up against. Today, I want to highlight two of those big priorities: Investments for Tribes and solutions to manage our increasingly difficult water challenges in the West.

I proudly represent a region rich with indigenous diversity. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked with Tribes to address the various issues affecting these communities, from critical infrastructure to revising ecosystems on the brink of collapse.

One element of critical infrastructure that has been neglected for way too long is broadband expansion. In today's digital age, access to affordable high-speed internet is not a luxury but a necessity. Yet, there is still a staggering digital divide, especially in Indian Country.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, we are beginning to change that. We have been building out broadband infrastructure to connect Tribes with internet access that is essential to economic development, education, public safety, and quality of life.

A lot of the grants are flowing to our communities, thanks to the $3 billion Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program that we created last Congress.

Just last month, I got to tour a local project in Covelo with the Round Valley Tribe, a very remote part of my district. They are working with this grant funding to expand broadband and connect 726 Tribal households, 3 Tribal businesses, and 7 Tribal community anchor institutions, including a health clinic. This is game-changing stuff.

The infrastructure law is also helping with a project that is incredibly important to Tribes in my region, restoring the Klamath River Basin. The Karuk, Hoopa, and Yurok Tribes' way of life has revolved around the Klamath River since time immemorial. Four dilapidated dams on that river have decimated it. With the help from the bipartisan infrastructure law, those dams are finally coming down. They don't impact anyone's water supply, but they are going to help bring this river back to life, thanks to the work that we have done.

On top of all that, the Interior Department just announced $150 million from the IRA to electrify homes in Tribal communities.

These are real results happening for populations that have been underserved and left to the wayside for far too long.

Now, let's switch quickly to talk about the looming crisis with water infrastructure and resiliency in the West.

Every community in our region, rural or urban, has to deal with the impacts of crippling droughts year after year. The climate crisis is driving severe conditions and historically low water allocations. We have our work cut out for us.

We need to prioritize equitable green and proven-to-work solutions that help communities adapt, like large-scale water recycling, and that is exactly what we are doing.

We included the largest investment in Western water infrastructure in decades in our work in the last Congress. To date, we have invested $310 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law for projects that advance water recycling and reuse. In fact, in the North Bay, where I represent a reuse authority program, we just received $6.9 million for these types of projects.

There are a lot of groundbreaking initiatives underway right now to combat drought in the West because of the work that we did. Under the IRA, we made a $25 million investment to fund a pilot project that just makes so much sense. In California, we have all of these aqueducts and canals that have evaporative water loss and could have solar panels covering them to reduce that loss and generate clean, renewable energy. We now have a pilot project to enable that kind of innovation, a win- win solution because of the work we did.

All of this is happening on the ground in our communities, and it is proof that investing in America pays off. We should all take note.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding time, and I thank the chairman and the ranking member for supporting this bill.

I appreciate the chance to just take a moment to talk a little more about the importance of this bill to my district.

The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is in northern California, part of it in my district and part of it in Mr. LaMalfa's district. It spans 246,000 acres and includes the Shasta, Trinity, Lewiston, and Whiskeytown lakes.

It is a recreation paradise. Every year, more than 3\1/2\ million people visit this area for all manner of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, horseback riding, swimming, paddling, backpacking, and more.

The area is a fundamental part of our regions' identity and our economy. It is one of our most popular tourist attractions, and it is obviously a very vital economic driver.

The U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service manage the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area and support a large variety of these recreation opportunities and improvement projects, such as boat ramp upgrades, public service announcements about boating and water safety, enhancing accessibility to the lakes for those with disabilities, floating restrooms, and interpretive and educational programs.

The marina fees that they use to complete this work also support fire prevention patrols and fund 15 permanent staff members and 9 seasonal employees who make it possible for everyone to enjoy the recreation area.

It is clear how important these fees are to the continued operation of this regional treasure. My bipartisan bill on the floor today will extend the Department of Agriculture's ability to collect and hold these marina fees through the year 2029, allowing them to continue enhancing recreation and improving access.

This fee retention authority was initially granted back in 2008, and we have been fortunate enough to extend it through annual appropriations. That is pretty tenuous funding, and it is not a good basis on which to plan and implement important, longer-term projects.

The authority we are providing in this bill will provide that long- term stability. It will go a long way toward ensuring certainty and consistent funding for future projects.

Most of Trinity County is made up of Federally owned public lands, and its local economy is heavily reliant on the success of this national recreation area. It is essential that we extend this authority to collect marina fees and carry out the significant services that they support.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, especially Mr. LaMalfa, who has partnered with me on this legislation several years in a row now. I am grateful to colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working with us to support outdoor recreation in northern California.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Scott MacLeod upon his retirement as an English and Journalism teacher from San Marin High School. Scott dedicated more than 2 decades to educating and mentoring students.

Earning his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Harvard, Scott MacLeod spent 20 years working in marketing and advertising, including as Senior Vice President at J. Walter Thompson and DDB Worldwide. After a cancer diagnosis and recovery, Scott shifted career paths and entered public service, where he discovered his passion for education. He worked with at-risk youth in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, California before becoming the Director of Development for Breakthrough Collaborative, a National nonprofit

supporting low-income students on the path to college. Motivated by the transformative work he witnessed through this nonprofit work, Scott enrolled in night school at the University of San Francisco to earn his master's degree and teaching credential.

Over the past 17 years, Scott has taught Advanced Placement and Honors English courses and built an award-winning journalism program at San Marin High School in Novato, California. Drawing from his background in philosophy, Scott developed a philosophical inquiry approach to writing and critical thinking. He also coached the National High School Ethics Bowl team, created the school's first sophomore speech competition, and received a plethora of accolades, including most recently, the 2023 Teacher of the Year Award. Scott is beloved by his students, who, years after graduation, still recount how impactful his guidance and unwavering faith were to their education journey.

Outside the classroom, Scott is an active snowboarder and mountain biker, and he plays guitar and bass for his rock band, The Role Models. He is married to Linda Kislingbury, a Drama teacher at San Marin High School.

Scott MacLeod exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Scott for his enduring commitment to teaching, and extending heartfelt congratulations on his retirement and best wishes for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Judge Vernon Smith, who passed away at the age of 79 on July 29, 2023. Vernon served as a respected jurist and community leader throughout his professional career.

Vernon was born on December 7, 1943 in San Francisco, and moved to Sleepy Hollow in Marin County as a teenager. He attended Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, and then completed both undergraduate studies and law school at the University of San Francisco, finishing his studies in 1968. With a focus on public service, Vernon began his law career at the Marin County District Attorney's Office in 1969.

Vernon served as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office for five years before joining the Novato law firm Trumbull, Rush & Smith, where he would gain experience with both criminal and civil cases. During his tenure with private practice, he continued to build his reputation as a caring and competent member of the legal profession. Vernon returned to public service in 1982, when he was selected as a Marin County court commissioner.

After 5 years as commissioner, Vernon was elected to the Municipal Court as a judge. He was instrumental in the court consolidation process, and Vernon went on to serve as the first presiding judge of the newly consolidated Marin County Superior Court. As he rose in seniority, Vernon would serve as supervising judge for the civil, probate, juvenile, family law, and criminal divisions. His impeccable standing with the community led him to continued electoral success. He retired in 2007 after serving 25 years on the bench.

Vernon enjoyed more time with his family after retiring, but he also stayed engaged in his professional community. He served as a mediator with Resolution Remedies, a Sausalito-based legal dispute mediation service, and taught legal courses at the College of Marin and Dominican University of California in San Rafael.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda, his sons Brent and Ryan, daughter Claire, and 4 grandchildren. While he will be greatly missed, Vernon's legacy will live on through the positive impact he had on his community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Vernon's family and friends, and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of work for the public good and for sharing his life experiences with us.