Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to honor the memory of highly regarded, fourth-generation wine grower Paul Eagan Dolan, III, who passed away on June 26, 2023.

Born in Oakland, California in 1950, Paul spent his childhood summers at his family's Asti Villa in Sonoma County. His mother's family heritage includes Pietro Carlo Rossi, the Italian immigrant who founded the Italian Swiss Colony Winery. Paul's summers in Asti inspired his passion for winemaking.

Paul graduated from Bishop O'Dowd High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Santa Clara University while also serving in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). After three years of military service, Paul moved to Fresno, CA, where he earned a Masters in Enology at California State University in 1977.

Upon graduation, Paul started his first winemaking job with Fetzer Vineyards, where he worked for 27 years, eventually serving as President. The business flourished under his leadership. In 1991 Fetzer was rebranded as Bonterra Wines, the first national brand made from 100 percent organically grown grapes. Paul's notable achievements included being named Winemaker of the Year by the LA Times in 1991. During this period, he also founded a small distribution of wine under the Dolan Vineyards brand.

Paul passionately believed business could be a force for good, and throughout his life, he demonstrated beneficial practices for sustainable wine production. In 2002, he held the first biodynamic symposium in the United States, which was joined by winegrowers from across the globe. After helping to establish the Wine Institute's Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance, and becoming its first chairman, he helped introduce the Code of Sustainable Wine Growing. In 2003 he memorialized his theory for business as a positive force in his watershed book titled ``True to Your Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution.''

Paul continued to share his commitment to organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming as he became Chairman of the Wine Institute in 2006. Paul would go on to serve as Chairman of the Demeter USA board, where his influence on winegrowing expanded to international audiences through the International Biodynamic Wine Conference. He was the first wine industry representative on the Regenerative Organic Alliance.

Paul's legacy includes powerful demonstrations of the benefits of biodynamic principles, including the transformation of a run-down 156- acre hillside property in rural Mendocino County into the vibrant, lush, and sustainably farmed Dark Horse Ranch; and the more recent creation of Truett-Hurst Winery, home to

26 acres of biodynamic certified estate vines, set amid a remarkable backdrop of a restored creek and riparian areas, home to fish, fowl, and wildlife.

Mr. Speaker, Paul's passion for biodynamic and organic farming was rooted in his deep respect for natural cycles, his reverence for the land, and his belief that agricultural business has responsibility beyond generating profit to preserving and restoring land. We respectfully ask that you join us in extending deep condolences to Paul's family and many friends, and in expressing our strong appreciation for Paul's decades of leadership in responsible winemaking and sustainability.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that due to contracting the COVID- 19 virus, I was unable to be in Washington, D.C. from July 25, 2023 to July 27, 2023 to cast the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 365; YEA on Roll Call No. 366; NAY on Roll Call No. 367; NAY on Roll Call No. 368; YEA on Roll Call No. 369; NAY on Roll Call No. 370; NAY on Roll Call No. 371; NAY on Roll Call No. 372; NAY on Roll Call No. 373; NAY on Roll Call No. 374; NAY on Roll Call No. 375; NAY on Roll Call No. 376; NAY on Roll Call No. 377; NAY on Roll Call No. 378; and YEA on Roll Call No. 379.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 380, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 381, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 382.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Kevin Mullin, to commemorate Charles (Charlie) Strickfaden upon his retirement from the National Park Service after 39 years of extraordinary public service.

Charlie began his career with the National Park Service (NPS) as a seasonal interpretive ranger at Lava Beds National Monument in northern California. Over the years, he worked in 27 different park units across the United States including Biscayne, the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Denali, in a variety of roles including law enforcement, fire management, education and living history, and resource management.

In each of his leadership roles, Charlie has demonstrated a commitment to improving the public's experience with the national park system. This was evident in his work as Chief Ranger of the Flagstaff Area Monuments, which includes the Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments in northern Arizona, and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. At Fort McHenry, he contributed to the NPS response to 9/11, organized multiple presidential visits, and oversaw a large park and military events program.

As Superintendent of Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico, Charlie created the park's first youth preservation team, increased and prioritized the inclusion of Jicarilla Apache and other indigenous peoples in interpretive activities and performances, and introduced the park's living history program to the State

Legislature. During his time in New Mexico, Charlie also served as Acting Superintendent of 2 new National Park Service units: the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

In 2018, Charlie joined the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where he has served as the Chief of the Division of Communications, External Affairs, and Special Park Uses. His management of communications and relationships throughout the Bay Area has kept elected officials, their staff, and the public well-informed during difficult events such as visitor fatalities, the COVID-19 pandemic, and park closures. His professionalism has positively contributed to the reputation of NPS across the country. We and our staff have personally worked with Charlie as an ambassador for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and value his partnership, knowledge, and skills.

Mr. Speaker, Charlie Strickfaden is a dedicated public servant who is committed to improving the accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of our national parks. I respectfully ask that we join in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Charlie upon his retirement from the National Park Service and in expressing appreciation for his decades of good work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christopher Raker who passed away at the age of 78 on July 5, 2023. Christopher was a longtime resident of Mill Valley and beloved member of the community.

Born in San Francisco to John and Elda Jane Raker, Christopher, nicknamed Chris, lived in the Palace Hotel where his grandfather was a general manager. The family later moved to Concord, Massachusetts and Chris enrolled at Columbia University before joining the Navy and serving as a lieutenant during the Vietnam War. After his military service Chris earned a master's degrees in English Literature from the University of Virginia, and a master's degree in architecture from Harvard University. He settled in Mill Valley, California in 1975.

In 1989, Chris opened Raker Architects in Mill Valley. The firm contributed to key modernizations in Southern Marin, including the Corinthian Yacht Club, Mill Valley Lumber Yard, and most notably, Mill Valley Miller Avenue Precise Plan, which resulted in the development of a pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration

of the prominent and highly trafficked Miller Avenue. Beyond his architectural profession, Chris made notable contributions to the town as a Planning Commissioner. After 2 years, he served on the Mill Valley City Council from 1996 to 2007, including as its mayor.

Chris also served as president of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco chapter and board president of the Corinthian Yacht Club. In his free time, he was active in the performing arts and enjoyed skiing, swimming, and time spent as a soccer coach.

Chris was known by his colleagues on the Planning Commission and City Council for his direct and open-minded approach to difficult issues and great sense of humor. He was a respected mentor to many. He is survived by his daughter Bianca Raker, wife Donna Raker, brother Edmond Raker, and 3 nephews.

Mr. Speaker, Christopher Raker was a dedicated public servant and active community member who was committed to improving the quality of life for Mill Valley residents. I respectfully ask that my colleagues join me in extending condolences to Chris's family and friends and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of good work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Anne Holcomb's twenty-two years of service as the executive director of Humboldt County's food bank, Food For People.

Ms. Holcomb grew up in Alfred, Maine, and attended the University of Maine. She began her decades of service helping people with disabilities transition into community life, and served as the executive director of Southern Maine Parent Awareness. She moved to Humboldt County in December 2000. During her tenure as executive director of Food For People, Ms. Holcomb helped dramatically improve the scope of the food bank's services. The food bank expanded warehousing, trucking, and direct services to reach the far corners of rural Humboldt County.

Under Ms. Holcomb's leadership, Food For People grew to operate 18 unique programs for children and adults at more than 85 locations. These programs included the Backpacks for Kids weekend hunger relief effort, Children's Summer Lunch and Food Box Program, Mobile Produce Pantry, Free Produce Markets, and Senior and Homebound programs. A large network of pantries for localized response, nutrition and education programs, and CalFresh outreach was developed under Ms. Holcomb.

In 2000, Food For People's main facility in Eureka was closed due to a major sewage leak. This preceded the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the community's need for food resources surged. The food bank continued operating to meet this need through creative problem- solving and hard work on the part of Food For People's staff, board, and dedicated volunteers. During this time, Ms. Holcomb launched a major capital campaign to build a new state-of-the-art food bank, warehouse, and office facility. This newly opened facility will allow Food For People to better serve the community, especially in times of crisis.

During her long career with Food For People, Ms. Holcomb always put nutrition first, ensuring that households, children, and seniors have access to high quality food distributed in a dignified manner. She has been a champion for hunger relief statewide and was also a mentor for staff and a committed community partner.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Holcomb has dedicated decades of her life to serving people in need and addressing hunger and poverty. Her exemplary service to Food For People and the people of Humboldt County has been meaningful and will have a positive effect for many years. Therefore, please join me in congratulating her on her years of inspiring work and wishing her the best on her next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Judge William Stephens, who passed away at the age of 88 on May 17, 2023. Judge Stephens was a beloved member of the community and dedicated public servant.

Born in New Orleans in 1935, Judge Stephens moved to Sacramento during World War II. After graduating high school at age 16, he attended San Jose State University, becoming the first in his family to attend college. He worked for the California Water Board for eight years before enrolling in Hastings Law School. After graduating in 1967, Judge Stephens joined the National Labor Relations Board and later became a public defender for Contra Costa County.

In 1969, Judge Stephens moved to Mill Valley and joined Bagley & Bianchi law firm. After three years, he established his own private practice in Sausalito. As an attorney, he served numerous organizations, including as Director of the Marin County Bar Association, President of the Marin County Legal Aid Society, and Chairman of the Marin County Human Rights Commission. Dedicated to supporting disadvantaged groups. Judge Stephens lent his legal counsel to low-income Spanish-speakers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the Marin City Community Services District.

For more than 30 years, Judge Stephens also mentored youth enrolled in Marin City's Performing Stars' enrichment program. Beyond Marin County, he volunteered with Village Baptist Church's Better Africa Foundation, supporting educational, medical, and cultural initiatives in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Judge Stephens developed a reputation for his commitment to fairness and restoring public trust in the legal system. Judge Stephens's journey to public office began with his campaign for the Marin County Municipal Court, narrowly losing the election in 1976. He was then appointed to the Court by Governor Jerry Brown in 1979, becoming the Court's first Black judge. After nine years on the Marin Municipal Court, he was easily elected to Marin County Superior Court where he served another eleven years until his retirement.

Judge Stephens leaves behind his sons Stuart, Patrick, and Haynes Stephens, and his granddaughters Sabrina, Britainy, and Madison Stephens.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Judge Stephens's family and friends, and in expressing deep appreciation for his decades of public service in his community.

Mr. Chairman, this is an extreme solution in search of a problem that does not exist. The Department of Defense is not asking for this huge loophole from the Endangered Species Act. They have never asked for this, and they don't need it.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Since its enactment, the ESA has provided that all agencies of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense, should conserve threatened and endangered species.

This amendment undermines that commitment, essentially writing the Department of Defense out of the ESA. It broadly excludes all DOD activities, including activities of defense contractors, from ESA requirements.

It also constrains other Federal agencies from designating critical habitat, one of the most essential tools under the Endangered Species Act. This is habitat that is necessary for the recovery of an endangered or threatened species.

There is zero evidence that the ESA is negatively impacting military activities. In fact, in many cases, setting aside areas around military bases for conservation actually helps the military by limiting other types of development and uses around essential military areas.

Further, the Department of Defense already has a lot of flexibility on how they can comply with the ESA.

We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, and the Endangered Species Act continues to be an essential, visionary, and critical tool for keeping species from going extinct. It is a sad testimony to the extremism of the House Republican majority that they are turning this historically bipartisan NDAA into a bonfire of hate, bigotry, and ignorance, and this amendment throws another log on that fire by trying to use NDAA to gut one of our most vital and essential environmental laws.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this terrible amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Sandra Blauvelt, who passed away at the age of 81 on April 18, 2023. Sandra was a beloved member of the community and devoted public servant.

Born in 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio, Sandra, fondly known as Sandy, grew up the youngest of 7 children. An ambitious and intelligent young woman, she attended Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, where she served as the president of her high school class, won junior skating championships, and was admitted to Wellesley College. Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Gerrit Blauvelt, and they traveled across the country with their growing family while he finished medical school. After 2 years in the Navy, the family moved from Virginia to Larkspur, California where Sandy quickly began her decades of service to the Larkspur community.

At the old Larkspur-Corte Madera school, Sandy organized parents and community members to volunteer at a new after-school enrichment program, sharing their personal passions and skills with students. Her community organizing skills assisted Joan Lundstrom in becoming the first woman elected to the Larkspur City Council in 1971. She also helps to raise funds for the acquisition of a section of Northridge as open space in 1977 and ran the successful campaign of Hal Brown for Marin County Supervisor in 1984. After his election, Sandy served as his aide for many years.

Sandy dedicated decades of service to Marin County, including as the founding President of the Larkspur Community Foundation, 42 years on the Larkspur Park and Recreation Commission, and as a longtime member of the Marin Conservation League. Her contributions earned recognitions and she was deservedly awarded Citizen of the Year in 2005 by the City of Larkspur.

Along with her political savvy, Sandy was known for her dedication to friends, family, and neighbors and for her active role as a grandmother. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on through the positive impact she had on her community.

Sandy was predeceased by her husband Gerrit and is survived by her daughter Molly Blauvelt, son Andy Blauvelt, grandsons Jonny and Sam Rank, granddaughters Sophie and Alice Blauvelt, and dozens of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Sandy's family and friends and in expressing deep appreciation for her decades of public service in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Theodore ``Dixon'' Long, who passed away at the age of 89 on December 11, 2022. Dixon was a writer, teacher, and community leader.

Born in Warren, Ohio in 1933, Dixon first entered academia at the nearby Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. He went on to earn a BA at Amherst College, an MA at Tufts University, and a PhD in Political Science at Columbia University. Throughout his life, Dixon pursued diverse career interests, including sailing, writing, teaching, and environmental conservation, and in, each of these areas he shared his experience and knowledge with the public.

Dixon served in the U.S. Army in Korea. After leaving the military, he embarked on a sailing expedition that took him across the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans on a boat he built with two college friends in Japan. He documented his experiences in a series of articles for his hometown newspaper, and later combined those writings to form the foundation of his book ``Westward Horne,'' This adventure shaped his perspective and set the stage for his future endeavors.

In academia, Dixon shared his wealth of knowledge as a tenured professor of political science at Case Western University from 1962 to 1985. His international experiences and expertise were invaluable as he guided his students and contributed to the field of political science. Alongside his teaching career, Dixon engaged in public affairs, producing reports for Congress on a wide range of topics, including science policy and the future of the Peace Corps.

Dixon's passions extended to environmental conservation, where he actively participated in organizations such as the Ohio Conservation Foundation and the Holden Arboretum. His contributions focused on protecting open spaces and raising awareness about the impact of technology on the natural world. Additionally, his passion for the arts led him to support cultural institutions like the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Ballet; he served as a docent at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and on the board at Marin Theatre Company.

Throughout his life, Dixon remained devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and the written word. He authored ten novels, including ``Brothers,'' ``A Very Rich Man,'' and ``Running Without Lights.'' His love for literature extended beyond his own work, as he actively supported and contributed to Zyzzyva, a magazine of writers and artists.

Dixon is survived by brothers Quincy and Jeffrey, son Sam, daughter Ali, stepdaughters

Anne Dickerson Lind and Julie Dickerson Byrne, four grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren. While he will be greatly missed, Dixon'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 Dixon'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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Donald Goodman, who passed away at the age of 83 on April 29, 2023. Don was a pillar of the community who dedicated his life to supporting youth athletics in Cloverdale.

Born in Mendocino County in 1939, Don grew up in Hopland and graduated from Hopland High School. He later attended Napa Valley College where he met his wife of 63 years, Neva Goodman. The couple later moved to Cloverdale, where in 1971, Don began volunteering with the Cloverdale Little League to coach their son's team. He continued to serve the children of the Little League as the administrator for California District 35, a position he held for 40 years. Don also assisted in the Little League World Series every summer. In recognition of his many years of supporting young athletes' success, he earned the W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award in 2018.

Most notably, Don volunteered as the public address announcer for Cloverdale High School for half a century and was considered ``the voice of Cloverdale.'' Don was known to ensure that every student athlete felt special and empowered when announcing for the football, basketball, baseball, and softball teams of Cloverdale High School. Throughout the seasons, hundreds of young athletes have benefitted from Don's generosity, work ethic, and dedication to making a positive difference for others.

Beyond student athletics, Don served on the Cloverdale School Board of Trustees where he demonstrated an exemplary commitment to academics and high-quality education. He also served many years on the Board of Directors for Cloverdale's annual Citrus Fair, helping showcase the bounty and talent of the community.

While he will be greatly missed, Don's legacy will live on through the innumerable positive impacts he has had on his community. Don is survived by his wife and children, Doug, Tom, and Nanci, his four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending deep condolences to Don's family and many friends, and in expressing my deep appreciation for his decades of public service in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Representative Mike Thompson in recognition of Mendocino College on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary, and in appreciation for decades of quality education provided to the communities of Mendocino County and Lake County.

Over the last half century, Mendocino College has transformed from initially offering instruction in spare classrooms at Oak Manor Elementary School in 1973 to the dynamic institution we know today, proudly serving an area encompassing more than 5,207 square miles, including 51 towns and cities and 14 federally recognized Indian reservations.

Mendocino College was founded in 1972 by a vote of the citizens of Anderson Valley. Laytonville, Potter Valley, Round Valley, Ukiah, and Willits Unified school districts. The first students would attend classes in Ukiah in 1973, making the College the first and only public institution of higher education in Mendocino County. The College would go on to serve over 1,000 students at temporary facilities at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, and by voter initiative in 1974, expanded to serve communities across both Mendocino County and Lake County. By the 1980s, the College began offering distance learning options in response to community needs. The Ukiah campus opened its doors in the summer of 1985 and is still in operation today.

The College has continually invested in its educational infrastructure over the decades, with the strong support of the surrounding community and public funding. In 2012, the College completed construction of the Library and Learning Center, an innovative 48,000 square foot facility on the Ukiah campus. Always striving to reach as many potential students as possible, Mendocino College welcomed its newest satellite campus in 2017, the Coast Center in Fort Bragg.

Mendocino College has been a pioneering institution in our region for decades, renowned for its strong dedication to student success and equity. In 1984, Mendocino College President Dr. Lee Lowery, with education advocates Sybil Hinkle and Gabrielle Thomas, formed the Mendocino College Foundation, an independent organization dedicated to helping students in need. Today. the Mendocino College Foundation supports students with hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, directly contributing to the College's mission of creating opportunities and enriching students' lives.

Mendocino College continues to adapt and innovate to provide programs to support students from rural communities, including English language learners, veterans, and Native Americans. Through its federally funded High School Equivalency Program and College Assistance Migrant Program, the College is delivering significant and impactful services to underserved, Latino, and migrant students. The College was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education in 2014, and was just awarded a $2.6 million Hispanic Serving Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education through a highly competitive process.

Over the last five decades Mendocino College has awarded nearly 15,000 students with degrees and certificates and supported nearly 350,000 students on their academic journeys. A vital institution of higher learning for Mendocino County and Lake County, Mendocino College is worthy of highest commendation. Mr. Speaker, please join us in recognizing Mendocino College on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and offering the College our best wishes for another 50 years of serving the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Louis (Lou) Bartolini, who passed away at the age of 91 on April 2, 2023, to recognize his extraordinary contributions to Marin County.

Born in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco in 1932, Lou grew up in the Bay Area, learning French as his first language. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory and the University of San Francisco before joining Merrill Lynch. where he served a long career as a broker. From San Francisco, he relocated to the Black Point neighborhood of Marin County with his wife Margaret Bartolini, whom he married in 1991.

After retiring, Lou dedicated his time, skills, and funds to the community. He joined the Board of Westamerica Bank, served as a district governor with the Rotary Club of San Rafael, participated as a member of the Marin Forum, and managed the campaign of former San Rafael Mayor Al Boro. Lou's local leadership, however, was most prominent in the arts.

Lou was a patron of the arts and champion of the local community. He and his wife, Marge, were the principal benefactors of the Marin Center's art exhibit, aptly named the Bartolini Gallery, a longtime dream of the community made possible in 2015 by the couple's generosity. With this public gallery, Lou envisioned a space to showcase local artists work and ensure ``arts for all.'' The 2.000 square-foot gallery prioritizes representation of diverse and underserved communities, from exhibits celebrating artists over the age of 80 to Marin City's 80th anniversary. Beyond visual arts, Lou was also a benefactor of the Marin Symphony and served as the organization's board president.

Along with his strong work ethic and effectiveness, Lou was known for his positive attitude, quick wit, and humble demeanor. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on through the positive impact he had on his community.

Lou is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marge; his three children: Paul, LeeAnn, and Mark; two stepdaughters: Leslie and Amy; 9 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Lou's family and friends and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of public service in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and exemplary life of public service of Janice Barry, who passed away on February 19, 2023.

Born in Casper, Wyoming in 1944, Janice spent her childhood outdoors, skiing, skating, and riding horses. She moved west to California to attend Occidental College, graduating in 1966 to pursue a degree in medicine from the University of Southern California. While in medical school, she met her husband Peter, to whom she was married for 50 years.

Janice and Peter traveled extensively after her graduation from medical school. After a short stint in the Bay Area, they relocated to Anchorage, Alaska where Janice worked at the Teamsters Clinic. Following this, they moved to Panama to provide public health services at Gorgas Hospital.

In 1979, the family moved to Ross, California, and Janice opened her internal medicine practice, which she ran for 50 years until her retirement in 2020. She also was a physician for the Marin County Jail for 15 years. In addition, she traveled to Guatemala numerous times as a medical volunteer.

Balancing motherhood and her full-time practice, Janice remained active, hiking, and running through Marin's watershed trails. Her love of the outdoors translated into conservation work that she pursued through her presidency of the Tamalpais Conservation Club and efforts to preserve Bald Hill, which she accomplished after three decades raising funds for its purchase.

Beyond her full-time commitment to caring for the community's health, Janice completed marathons and biking events, traveled the globe, and made everything from wrapping paper to chocolate truffles from scratch. She was known for her beautiful landscape paintings, knowledge of wildlife, and deep compassion. Janice leaves behind her husband Peter; her brother, Gary Brown; and her children, Christopher, Piers, Hillary, and Andrew.

Mr. Speaker, Janice Barry exemplifies the best traits for public service through a multitude of professional and volunteer contributions. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will endure through the positive impacts she had on communities across the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Rep. Mike Thompson, in recognition of Calvin Harwood for 25 years of exemplary public service to the Laytonville School District.

Mr. Harwood graduated from Laytonville High School and attended College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. Consistent with his family's tradition of public service, he joined the Laytonville School Board on December 4, 1997, where he has served as board president continuously since 2000.

Over the past 25 years, Mr. Harwood played a continuous and instrumental role in upgrading school facilities. Under his leadership, the district secured new property and the community approved two local funding measures for school facility improvements. His guidance was essential to the successful construction of the new high school in 2003. During this process, he spent countless hours traveling to Sacramento to address the State Assembly and worked with the Office of Public School Construction on behalf of the district. In 2020, he once again provided stellar leadership during the major modernization of the elementary school campus.

Fellow school board members and school administrators praise Mr. Harwood's honesty and note that he has earned the trust of the school community for always doing the right thing for Laytonville and its students. As Board President, he is valued for his ability to see the big picture and apply informed decision-making to ensure all decisions are focused on long-term benefits for the students. He has been a transparent and a clear communicator when making difficult decisions, including layoff-offs, school closures, budget cuts, school bus routes, curriculum implementation, expulsions, and not least of all, negotiations.

In addition to his work on the school board, Calvin has served as captain of the Laytonville Volunteer Fire Department, and he coached a variety of sports including little league baseball and basketball.

Mr. Speaker, Calvin Harwood exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded public servant. His continuous volunteer service has had an enduring and positive impact on the students and the community of Laytonville, California. Therefore, please join us in recognizing Laytonville Unified School Board President Calvin Harwood.