Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lewis Jordan who is being honored for his exemplary service as Executive Director of the Housing Authority for the County of Marin from 2012 to 2021.

For nearly a decade, Mr. Jordan led the Marin Housing Authority (MHA) in its mission to improve housing opportunities for low-income families, seniors, and children and confront systemic inequities related to generational poverty and racial disparity in Marin County. During his nine-year tenure, Mr. Jordan managed an annual budget of approximately 50 million dollars. He fostered robust financial viability across programs and increased opportunities for additional funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Mr. Jordan's collaborative work with other community groups including businesses, government entities, and community-based organizations produced results. He increased access to resources for Marin's vulnerable residents through partnership with Marin Homeless Continuum of Care and by ensuring access to specialty vouchers for veterans, the unhomed, and survivors of domestic violence. The landlord partnership program he developed increased MHA's voucher utilization rate to more than 95 percent, and the program has since become a nationwide model.

When the COVID-19 pandemic increased the threat of homelessness and placed a subsequent strain on housing, Mr. Jordan and his team at MHA effectively distributed 117 Emergency Housing Vouchers to at-risk community members and organized the issuance of HUD waivers to provide critical relief to tenants enrolled in their subsidized programs.

My staff and I have worked closely with Mr. Jordan through his tenure with MHA, and I have seen first-hand his skills and commitment to improving the quality of life for our community in Marin County and the extended region.

Lewis Jordan is a man of conviction. His values and many good deeds are appreciated and worthy of special recognition. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Lewis Jordan for his hard work and accomplishments and extending to him best wishes in his next endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Linda Jacobs upon her 20-year anniversary as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL).

Over the past 20 years, Linda has directed CVNL through significant growth, encouraging nonprofit development and volunteerism by empowering local communities, bolstering leadership, and championing innovation throughout the Bay Area. With 26 years of Executive Director experience and over 40 years as a leader in the nonprofit space, Linda brings a unique depth of knowledge in nonprofit governance and board development that has propelled CVNL through multiple mergers.

Linda has served on numerous boards throughout her prolific career, including on Marin County's School to Career Partnership Board of Directors and nationally for the Points of Light Global Network Affiliate Assembly.

Linda is the powerhouse behind the scenes of CVNL, working tirelessly to develop effective and strong nonprofit leadership throughout the North Bay and extended region. Her work to elevate others and create monumental and positive impact through nonprofit leadership is renowned and appreciated by numerous colleagues, her staff, and the many nonprofits she serves.

Linda's commitment to the Bay Area community has been, and will continue to be, productive and enduring. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Linda for her enduring commitment to public service and extending heartfelt congratulations on her 20th anniversary with the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, and best wishes for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Congressman Mike Thompson in recognition of the 80th birthday of Martha Barra and her lifetime of work building the Barra family wine business of Mendocino County into an industry leader in sustainable, organic wine production.

Born on December 14, 1941, Martha's career in the wine industry began in 1980, when she married the late Charlie Barra, a trailblazer in Mendocino County's early wine industry. Under the stewardship of Martha and Charlie Barra, Barra of Mendocino and Girasole Vineyards broke new ground, setting the standard for ecologically friendly wine grape growing and wine making techniques, and becoming leaders in Mendocino County's nascent environmentally conscious `green' wine industry.

Martha Barra learned the wine business from the inside out, exploring ecologically conscious agriculture and production methods long before these practices were well known. She went on to directly-manage the winery's organic certification process herself for nearly 30 years. Today, all of the grapes grown on the 325 acre Barra vineyard in Mendocino County's inland valley are 100 percent certified organic. Thanks to her pioneering efforts in eco-friendly agriculture, close to 25 percent of the vineyards in Mendocino County are also certified organic.

Barra of Mendocino and Girasole Vineyards remains an independent, family-owned and operated business under Martha Barra's leadership. As the matriarch of a multi-talented family, Barra employed the skills of her adult children to continue to elevate the business. Today, her son and daughter assist her in growing nine different varietals, producing and marketing two wine brands, operating a 2.8 million gallon custom crush facility, and running a uniquely charming events center located along Highway 101.

Originally designed to look like an inverted wine glass, the 5,000 square foot Barra Winery Event Center hosts private events enjoyed by both Mendocino County residents and visitors from near and far. The Barra Winery Event Center reflects Martha Barra's community-minded values by also providing a uniquely beautiful space for fundraising opportunities to support local nonprofits, and her BARRA of Mendocino donates to a range of charitable organizations, with a special dedication toward causes of promoting and supporting the needs of children, cancer research, awareness, and patient support and improving our local community.

In the face of changing and challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic, Martha Barra has led the family business to continue to prosper, offering COVID-safe wine tasting to guests at their winery, as well as virtual tasting events and wine distribution in 35 states and several countries.

Martha Barra currently spends most of her time overseeing the vineyard operations, doing local tastings and events, working with the winemakers to set flavor profiles, and managing the organic certification processes. At wine events, she is known fondly for handing out shiny stickers of bees, representing her commitment to the importance of sustainable agriculture. From learning the intricacies of organic wine production, to food and wine pairing, studying architecture and remodeling houses, Martha Barra is a person of many talents.

Martha Barra's enduring commitment to protecting the environment and the people of Mendocino County, while also producing premier, award- winning wine, is remarkable and a benefit to the region. Madam Speaker, please join us in recognizing Martha Barra for her many contributions and wishing her a wonderful birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Randal (Randy) S. MacDonald, who died unexpectedly on October 6, 2021. Randy is deserving of recognition for his life-long commitment to protecting our environment, and his passionate efforts to educate and inspire action to address the existential crisis of climate change.

Randy was born in Alameda, California and was raised in a family that valued the importance of environmental activism. From a young age, he was passionate about politics, the environment, and social justice. Randy went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Oregon, in 1990, with a degree in Political Science.

While in Oregon, Randy was an elected City Councilor in Eugene, Oregon, and worked as Director of Legislative and Community Affairs at University of Oregon. He is remembered there for his leadership in successful efforts to restore state funding for public higher education, and for winning voter approval of funding to build and improve local fire department facilities.

Randy returned home to California in 2000, settling in scenic Comptche, California, in the heart of Mendocino County. Always a steward of the environment, Randy planted 2,800 redwoods on his 50 acres to aid its return to the natural conifer forest it once was. He served on many committees and boards of groups fighting for action on climate change, including as Chair of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club's Climate and Energy Committee. In his professional work, he served as partner/owner and COO of a successful online business offering continuing education for health care professionals.

Randy's community service was both deep and broad. Randy advocated in Washington, D.C. for all rural communities to have high speed internet connectivity, and he succeeded in bringing this to Comptche in 2009. He was an active volunteer with the Comptche Volunteer Fire Department for twenty years, still holding the position of Safety Officer at the time of his death.

Randy is survived by his wife Janis, stepson Jonathan, father James and his wife Carol, siblings Charlotte, Gail, and Mark, stepbrother Rande, and stepfather Ed, five nieces, and one nephew.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Randy's family and many friends, and in expressing our deep appreciation for Randy's extraordinary dedication throughout his life to the betterment of our natural environment and the broader community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Russell (Russ) Colombo as he retires from a distinguished career in financial services spanning more than four decades and culminating in his role as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bank of Marin.

Russ grew up in Marin County, CA where he graduated from San Rafael High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Management from the University of California, Davis and his Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from Golden Gate University. After twenty-nine years in banking at Comerica Bank, Security Pacific, and Union Bank in San Francisco, Russ joined Bank of Marin as Executive Vice President and Branch Administrator in 2004. After only a year at the company, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As President and CEO since 2006, Russ led Bank of Marin's growth into a prominent business and valued community bank in Northern California.

During his 15 years at the helm, Russ has become the face of the Bank of Marin. Under his leadership, the Bank championed honorable values of high-quality service, community engagement, and employee wellbeing. Through his local relationship-building efforts and strategic planning, including four acquisitions, Russ oversaw the growth of Bank of Marin's assets by more than $4 billion. Throughout this period of expansion, he continued to prioritize reinvesting in the local community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Russ jumped in to meet the needs of the community, facilitating the lending of critical federal relief loans and protecting economic vitality in the region.

In a personal capacity, Russ continues to serve as Chairman of the Citizens Oversight Committee of Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART). He is also a member and former board chair of the Board of the Western Bankers Association, and a former Audit Committee Member of Hanna Boys Center.

Through seasons of prosperity and difficult times, Russ never wavered from improving Bank of Marin's performance and its core mission of serving the local community. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in honoring Russ Colombo for his many years of effective professional and community service to Marin County and extending to him best wishes on his next endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Raymond Mattz, who passed away at the age of 79 on September 2, 2021. Raymond was a revered elder of the Yurok Tribe who fought for his people's fishing rights and their reservation, including in a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Raymond grew up in Requa, at the mouth of the Klamath River. Though his Yurok ancestors had signed a treaty with the U.S. government in 1855, it was not ratified, which led the state of California to open the Yurok Reservation to white settlement in 1892. This meant tribal fishermen had to obtain permits to fish, which severely limited the catch that the Yurok people had depended on since time immemorial. After being cited by a game warden for fishing, Raymond contested his case in state court, and then finally in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973.

The Supreme Court overturned California's assertion that the reservation was no longer Yurok country. Following the ruling, the state turned jurisdiction of the reservation to the federal government, which banned fishing outright and led to the salmon wars of 1978. Raymond was a leader among fishermen who continued to fish despite being targets of federal agents who often violently accosted them and confiscated gear. His efforts helped lead to the establishment of the Yurok Tribe's fishing rights on the Klamath River. Raymond also served on the Yurok Tribal Council and was a member of the Yurok Cultural and Natural Resources committees.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Raymond's family, friends, and tribe; and in expressing our deep appreciation for his decades of contribution to tribal rights and the Yurok Tribe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with the honorable Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, and Congressman Mike Thompson in celebration of Soroptimist International reaching its centennial on October 1, 2021. A global volunteer movement with over 72,000 members in 121 countries, Soroptimist, later named Soroptimist International, was established to advocate for gender equality and human rights, a mission that it has stayed true to this day.

Founded in 1921 when women were still not permitted to join service organizations, Soroptimist began as an 80-member club in Oakland, California with a vision for a world where women and girls were provided the resources and support to achieve their individual and collective potential. The club's first project was Save the Redwoods, confronting logging companies, lobbying the legislature, and rallying public support to designate a portion of the forest as protected land, which remains today.

Within 5 years, the organization, renamed Soroptimist International, grew to 15 clubs throughout the United States. In 1924, the first Soroptimist club in Europe was founded in Paris and fueled the establishment of clubs throughout the continent. Several federations were established across the globe from Australia to Africa, leading projects to support refugees, secure housing for the impoverished, assist individuals with disabilities, and provide vocational training for women and girls. Uniting these federations, Soroptimist International Association was awarded consultative status in 1950 by the United Nations Economic and Social Counsel, an honor reserved for about 3,000 non-governmental organizations worldwide. UNICEF also granted the organization consultative status for service projects assisting children in 1966.

Today, Soroptimist International includes 5 federations worldwide: Africa, the Americas, Europe, Great Britain and Ireland, and the South West Pacific. Their current priorities towards achieving gender equity include strategically addressing child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, rights of older women, migration, and human trafficking.

Madam Speaker, Soroptimist International has continued to be an innovative leader in promoting human rights and gender equity worldwide. Through the unwavering dedication of its many members and its continually growing network, the organization has never lost sight of its original purpose to educate, empower, and transform the lives of women and girls across the globe. Therefore, please join me in congratulating Soroptimist International for a century of inspiring work, and in wishing them many more years of success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, in celebration of the life of Eric Jay Larson, who passed away at the age of 56 on August 17, 2021. Eric was a stalwart environmental scientist and advocate who worked for years with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other state agencies to conserve vital and sensitive natural habitats on the Northern California coast.

Eric was born in San Francisco on March 17, 1965. He graduated from Redwood High School and attended college in Minnesota and California. Eric worked for the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission managing and regulating sediment in the estuary. As Environmental Program Manager for the State of California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Eric protected and restored wetlands, riparian corridors, marine preserves, coastlines and opens spaces. He also worked to acquire wildlife green belts and managed fisheries. He was nationally recognized by Vice President Al Gore for the best managed fishery in the United States. This expertise allowed him to advise Southeast Asian governments on river and wetland restoration efforts.

Eric was a founding member of the Peace in Medicine cannabis dispensary--the first non-profit and permitted dispensary in Sebastopol. Along with his partner of 30 years, Mitcho Thompson, Eric owned a small certified medicinal herb farm in Sebastopol.

Eric was respected by many and known for his ``hands on'' approach to science and enjoyment for educating others. His dedication and passion has left the region, state and world with long lasting benefits and he will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friend and family. Madam Speaker, we respectfully ask that you join us in extending condolences to Eric's family and many friends and in expressing our deep appreciation for his decades of contributions to the environment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to honor Mrs. Sally Tanner in celebration of her extraordinary life and commitment to serving her community.

Marcella ``Sally'' Tanner was born in East Chicago, Indiana, the youngest of eight children born to Anton and Mary Zinski. She spent her childhood in Indiana, where she became politically engaged and active in her community. It was during this time that she planned her first political demonstration. After Sally graduated high school, she moved with her parents to Southern California, where she attended Pasadena Community College and the Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles. Shortly after finishing school, World War II began, and Sally decided to become a riveter to serve her country. After the war, Sally had her two sons, Christopher and Timothy, and began working as an administrative assistant for Assemblyman Harvey Johnson. Upon Assemblyman Johnson's retirement in 1979, she decided to run for his seat in the California State Assembly. She won the race and served as the Assemblywoman of CA-60 for 14 years.

It is evident through Sally's impactful career that she truly touched the lives of all those who knew her. Some of her many achievements in the California Assembly include becoming the first Chair for the Clean Air Clean Water committee, the Toxic Waste committee, and establishing the California Consumers Board. She wrote many influential bills, including the Lemon Law, which has helped thousands of California consumers of failing vehicles seek retribution. Sally was a fierce advocate for women and marginalized communities

and was a founder of the California Legislative Women's Caucus in 1985. That same year, she was appointed to Governor Deukmejian's waste, energy, and technology task force, where she was instrumental in composing a state waste management plan. Later in her career, Sally met Whittier's Superior Court Judge Patricia Hofstetter, who became her life partner. As a testament to her extensive service, Sally was named the First Assembly District's Woman of the Year. In addition, she has had one park and two streets named in her honor.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Sally Tanner is truly an exemplary civil servant. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Sean Castle, who passed away on June 28, 2021 at the age of 43 following an apparent heart attack. He was a beloved member of the San Rafael community and a dedicated music teacher at the local high school.

Sean was born on March 28, 1978 and attended San Rafael High School in Marin County. After graduating from UCLA, he returned to his hometown to teach music. Sean helped establish San Rafael High School's award-winning music program, dedicating his entire 20-year career to creating a supportive and enriching community for students, staff, and families. He helped develop and then manage the school's jazz band and a wind ensemble that played at homecomings and other events, and he organized the school's jazz choir and a percussion class called Steel Pans. He was respected by staff and aptly referred to as the ``musical soul'' of San Rafael High School. Sean's passion for music created an environment for youth to grow musically and emotionally while exploring their creativity.

Sean lived a full and vibrant life, demonstrating gratitude and generosity for all those with whom he crossed paths. He had a passion for camping, golfing, playing backgammon, supporting the Giants baseball team, and cooking meals for loved ones. Sean is survived by his fiance, Nicole Dube; his mother, Kris Castle; his father Kent Castle; and his brother Darren Castle.

Madam Speaker, Sean's positive impact on thousands of individuals will extend well beyond his short life. I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Sean's family, friends and innumerable loved ones for their unexpected loss and in expressing our deep appreciation for his work spearheading a program that will continue to educate and inspire students for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that this 5-year surface transportation reauthorization invests in a cleaner, greener transportation future while helping create great-paying jobs for American workers, but the INVEST in America Act does more than that. It finally restores Congress' Article I prerogative in controlling the power of the purse.

Through an open, transparent process, Member-designated projects will ensure that elected Representatives of the people have at least some say on which surface transportation projects get funding. And in my district that means expanding the SMART rail service into Healdsburg and further north, closing the gaps in a pedestrian and bike pathway along San Francisco Bay Trail, providing ADA accessibility and educational signage at the mouth of the Smith River Overlook, and planning for a safe pedestrian crossing at the San Rafael Channel.

The INVEST Act will also start planning for improvements along Route 37 to benefit both commuters and the environment in the face of rising sea levels.

I thank Chairman DeFazio for his leadership on this bill, and I look forward to sending it to President Biden's desk for his signature.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Christopher Yock, who passed away on June 8, 2021 at the age of 57 after battling a structure fire at San Francisco International Airport. He was a beloved member of the San Rafael community and a San Francisco firefighter.

Christopher was born on December 27, 1963 in San Francisco and was raised in the Westborough neighborhood of South San Francisco. Christopher began his journey in the fire service as a firefighter at the Alameda Naval Airbase Station and the Presidio Fire Department before finally achieving his dream of becoming a firefighter for the San Francisco Fire Department. Christopher loved his career in the fire service, and was a beloved firehouse chef who prepared amazing meals for his fellow firefighters.

Christopher lived a full and vibrant life, meeting and making lifelong friends along the way. He had a passion for traveling, cooking, photography, and music. Christopher was a seasoned world traveler, with some of his favorite destinations being Palau, Porto, Maldives, Tahiti, Bali and numerous family trips to Maui. Christopher is survived by his siblings, Jeffery Yock and Jennifer Yock-Lanthier, his son, Cayden Yock (Nancy Galvin), his brother-in-law, Sean Lanthier, and his nephew and nieces, Danielle Gracia, Alyssa Sozio, Adam Lanthier, and Ashley Yock.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Christopher's family and friends and in expressing our deep appreciation for his dedicated service to public safety and the San Francisco Fire Department.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chief Kenny Stevens as he retires from an outstanding career with the Stinson Beach Fire Department, spanning five decades of providing emergency response, rescue services, and peace of mind for residents and visitors.

Chief Stevens moved to Stinson beach in 1966. After his father joined the Stinson Beach Fire Department, Chief Stevens joined the department as a junior firefighter and later became an official volunteer at the age of 16. Even while enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Chief Stevens still participated in drills when visiting home. After his discharge from military service, Chief Stevens returned to the Department as an assistant fire chief and was later promoted to lead the organization.

From responding to the Grand Hotel fire in 1971 to being first on scene to a building explosion last summer, Chief Stevens' has served the public with courage and professionalism. Chief Stevens built a reputation as a strong mentor who prioritized training and professional development. He created opportunities for young volunteers to run drills, ensured they earned certifications, and helped them establish careers with other departments. Chief Stevens also raised funds for an annex building to supplement the Department's resources. With tourism steadily increasing over the years, having Chief Stevens' leadership to keep both the local community and visiting beachgoers safe has been invaluable to public safety.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending congratulations on Chief Steven's well-deserved retirement and in expressing our deepest appreciation for Chief Stevens' many years of service to residents of West Marin.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Al Aramburu, who passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 87. Al was a remarkable community leader who spent decades building bipartisan consensus and protecting the North Bay's natural resources.

Al was born on February 16, 1934 in East Los Angeles. After finishing high school, he answered the call to serve our country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. Al graduated from California State University Northridge in 1960. He later moved to the Bay Area as a manager for Pacific Telephone and began his career in local government as a volunteer on Tiburon's Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission.

Al was a strong advocate for Marin's vibrant Latino community and a champion for sound environmental policy while serving as Mayor of Tiburon and during his three terms on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. He led a successful campaign for a ballot measure opposing offshore oil drilling in Marin and helped create the Richardson's Bay Regional Agency to advance cleanup and rehabilitation priorities. To preserve an area of landmass for seals haulingout in Richardson's Bay, Al had a 17-acre section separated from Strawberry Spit, now known as Aramburu Island. Al's leadership also helped to designate Tiburon's Ring Mountain preserve, establish McKegney Green and protect Horse Hill in Mill Valley. Al was also a leader in the nonprofit sector and volunteered his time and talents to the Mill Valley Film Festival, Teatro Campesino, La Familia Center of Marin, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce among others.

With his favorite adage ``good government is boring government,'' Al was known as a classic workhorse public servant who measured successes by bringing people together. His thoughtfulness, compassion and hard work ethic demonstrated all the right qualities of a good leader. Friends, family, and colleagues loved Al for his wit, deadpan sense of humor, and propensity to pick up a guitar and sing.

Al leaves a legacy to be revered. His many years of hard work made a lasting positive impact on the North Bay's people, places, and wildlife. Al Aramburu is survived by his wife, Margit Hind; siblings Ray, Henry and Angela; children Bert and Katie; stepson Jackie; and four grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolence to Al's family and friends and in expressing our deep appreciation for Al's extraordinary career and life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Adam Kolton, who passed away on April 26, 2021. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he lived in Bethesda, Maryland with his family and their dog, Riley. He is survived by two sons, 17-year-old Jacob and 14-year- old Sam, as well as his wife, Laura; his parents, Chet and Carol; his sister Lisa; mother-in-law Priscilla; and brother-in-law Sandy.

A tireless environmental advocate, Adam spent much of his career fighting oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At the beginning of his career, he oversaw a vital period as the Arctic Refuge Campaign Director at Alaska Wilderness League from 1997 to 2002, spearheading the fight to block Congress and the Bush administration from opening the refuge's coastal plain to drilling. Following that, he spent 15 years at the National Wildlife Federation, eventually overseeing its 40-person Washington, D.C. office as Vice President of National Advocacy and leading staff in countless conservation wins, including another high-profile Arctic Refuge battle in 2005. In 2017, he returned to Alaska Wilderness League as its Executive Director and led the organization's work to protect Alaska's public lands and waters through the politically challenging years of the Trump administration. His passion for bringing people together to protect the Arctic Refuge was highlighted by his dedication to elevating the voices of impacted Indigenous communities like the Gwich'in.

As a northern New Jersey native, Adam was an unapologetic fan of the New York Mets and the forever hapless New York Jets. Early in his life, he and a friend formed Sports Fans United--``the largest nonprofit fan advocacy group in the country''--and Adam even testified before Congress in a hearing on revoking baseball's longstanding exemption from antitrust laws.

It is my honor to recognize Adam Kolton, an individual wholly dedicated to the protection of our nation's wildest places like the Arctic Refuge. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of this remarkable advocate for conservation.