Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it's time to get to work. When Congress recessed for the election, we left much undone, including the farm bill, which is critical to the economy of my district and to our country.

Just this weekend, The Fresno Bee got it right when they wrote:

There are some in Congress who suggest delaying the farm

bill until after new Members begin serving in January. That's

the easy way out, but it does not serve the interests of the

Nation's farmers.

It also doesn't serve the families in need and children who depend upon the nutrition programs in the farm bill. It's time to get back to representing the interests of our constituents, not partisan politics. Dairymen are having a tough time in California. Our farmers need certainty, and only a 5-year farm bill can provide that. Both versions of the farm bill also save billions of dollars.

We have bipartisan agreement on this bill. We need to pass this bill so that we can go to conference committee to resolve the differences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Veterans Education Program at California State University, Fresno. This outstanding program is for veterans who served overseas and are transitioning into the next phase of their lives.

An inexcusable number of veterans are coming home to a hard hit economy and find that they have few options when it comes to finding a job. The Veterans Education Program was created to fix that problem. In many cases, our veterans need time to transition once they are home, and the program helps with the shift from military to civilian life.

Fresno State will welcome its first class in January of 2013. Each six week class will have up to 25 veterans, and students will receive six units of transferable credit. In addition to taking a refresher course in English and mathematics, students will also develop skills to help with obtaining a career and managing their finances. The last couple weeks are individualized, so students can create a plan to fulfill their goals after leaving the program.

The Veterans Education Program is specifically designed so that veterans can be successful after the course is completed. Some might continue on with their education at Fresno State, and others may enter the workforce or do an internship that relates to their future career. The program has partnered with several veteran support organizations who are interested in providing opportunities for veterans in the workplace or in school.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me recognizing the Veterans Education Program at California State University, Fresno. As a nation we cannot ignore the needs of our veterans when they come home from being overseas. They deserve our unwavering support and gratitude. The program will provide opportunities for thousands of veterans living throughout the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Biola, California's founding. Biola is a small community located in the Central Valley with a population of about 1,600 people. The community was founded in 1912 by William Kerchoff, and it was incorporated in 1921. Biola has gone through tough times in the past 100 years, but they have proven to be a society that thrives and fights to always be better than the previous year.

Biola is known for its sense of community and comradeship. Families have lived in the same few square miles for generations. Neighbors are like family in Biola, and there is no question that there is a sense of loyalty between everyone.

In 1936 the Biola Raisin Day Festival began. It is a time for the citizens to come together, appreciate their town, and enjoy each other's company. This year marks the 56th Raisin Day Festival, and for three days, there will be entertainment, fun, and delicious food. The Biola Chamber of Commerce has made this weekend one of their top priorities. 100 percent of the profits that are made at the festival will go to bettering the sidewalks in the community.

Improving the quality of life in Biola is extremely important to its citizens, especially young people. A Biola Youth Group has been created so young men and women can be involved in making their community a better place. They participate in city cleaning projects, fundraising activities, and they support local events. The citizens in Biola understand that change does not happen on its own, and that a community engaged is vital.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one of California's most close-knit communities. The citizens of Biola must be commended for their hard work and dedication to making their small town a wonderful place to live.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Rona Ramon, a teacher, healer, mother, friend and partner. Originally from Tel-Aviv, Rona served as a medic in a parachute unit with the Israeli army before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education at Wingate Institute and becoming a respected teacher. In 1986, Rona married Ilan Roman, an Israeli fighter pilot who later became Israel's first astronaut.

Logging over 4,000 flight hours over his 14-year career, Ilan was a highly respected Colonel in the Israeli Air Force. In 1981, he was the youngest pilot flying in Operation Opera, the successful Israeli mission to destroy a nuclear reactor being constructed in Iraq. Ilan continued to dedicate his life to science as a Payload Specialist astronaut by using a multispectral camera to record and study desert dust among other research projects. His commitment to the advancement of science has positively impacted the people of Israel, the

United States, and space exploration programs throughout the world.

The couple moved to Houston, TX, in 1998 and started a family. As Ilan trained for his space missions, Rona continued on a new adventure of her own: holistic medicine. The new surroundings gave Rona the opportunity to expand her knowledge of holistic medicine by studying new techniques, including the treatment of astronauts.

On February 1, 2003, tragedy struck when the space shuttle Columbia, carrying Ilan and 5 others, disintegrated upon re-entry. Columbia was commanded by Rick Husband, an alumnus of my alma mater, California State University, Fresno. Facing not only a personal, but also a national loss, Rona found herself in the midst of international events and memorials, representing not only herself, but the entire nation of Israel.

While still coping with the passing of her husband, Rona also lost her brother in a battle against leukemia. Shortly thereafter, Rona and her four beautiful children, Asaf, Tal, Yiftach and Noa, returned to Israel, where she found solace in her holistic healing practice and earned an MA in Holistic Health at Lesley College.

In 2009, Rona's eldest son Asaf, a gifted pilot, was tragically killed in an F-16 training accident. Once again, Rona was forced to deal with the death of a loved one, yet found the strength to continue her passion for helping others.

Today, Rona continues to inspire people across the world with her public speaking on loss and healing. She works with several organizations and foundations including her own Ramon Foundation, an organization that promotes educational and communal values through space and scientific studies.

On October 20, 2012, a film honoring Ilan titled ``An Article of Hope,'' will be shown in Palo Alto, CA, with Rona speaking in memoriam of her husband. This special event will be held in remembrance of the Columbia disaster nearly 10 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the strength and compassion of Rona Ramon, a woman who has turned tragedy into an opportunity to promote good throughout the world, and who continues to be an inspiration to myself and others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthdays and 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Mary Cardoso. The life that Tony and Mary have built together over the past sixty years is an inspiration to all of us. Their story is reflective of the American Dream, working hard to create better lives for themselves and their children.

Anthony Bernard Cardoso was born in Lemoore, California, on October 16, 1922. When Tony was 20 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the height of World War II. He proudly served our country for six years, spending time overseas on the Marshall Islands and Hawaiian Islands as an aviation mechanic. Tony was honorably

discharged from the Marines in 1948 as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his return home, he went into the dairy business with his brothers.

Mary Dorothy Couto was born in Kerman, California, on October 18, 1922. In the 7th grade, Mary was pulled out of school, so she could contribute all of her time and energy into the family farm. In 1944, Mary bravely joined the Navy where she served our country for two years. In 1946 she returned home; a few years later, she met Tony at a local dairy.

Tony and Mary were married on October 18, 1952. In the early years of their marriage, Tony and Mary owned a dairy farm. The farm was sold in 1959, and they opened a liquor store in Biola, California. Over the years, they experienced great success and had the opportunity to expand their store, which was aptly named the Biola Variety Liquor Store. Tony and Mary were proud owners of the store for over 20 years. They worked long hours and were open seven days a week.

In the past six decades they owned and operated three businesses, raised their children, Antoinette and Charles, remained active in the community, and have acted as loving and caring grandparents and great grandparents. Clearly, their marriage not only reflects a partnership filled with deep affection and love, but also one that enjoys the intelligence of two business savvy people.

Tony joined the Biola Chamber of Commerce in 1959, and was a past president in 1963. He was a past commander of the Biola VFW Post. Tony is extremely proud of a veterans' memorial that was put up near an elementary school in Biola. He believes it is a perfect location because children can walk by and better understand the sacrifices men and women make to serve our country. Tony is also a member of the Biola American Legion Post and the Kerman American Legion Post. He has proudly served as Grand Marshal at the Biola Raisin Day Parade.

The Cardosos retired in 1979. They stay busy by working in their vegetable garden, being involved in the community, and spending time with family. Having a cohesive and close-knit family is very important to Tony and Mary. As a grandmother, Mary made it a point to bring all of her grandchildren together whenever possible, so all the cousins would have close relationships. Mary and Tony truly understand what is important in life. On a personal note, Mary and Tony have served as exceptional role models for me--their nephew. Their work ethic and commitment to service allowed me to witness first-hand the best of what our nation has to offer and encouraged me to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Mary Cardoso for their 60 years of commitment to one another and for their long lives that exemplify the genuine meaning of hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Francesco ``Frank'' Vitucci, who passed away on September 26, 2012 at the age of 74. Frank will be remembered in the hearts of many as a generous and ambitious man whose drive gave him unprecedented achievement in business. His memory will live on through his family whom he loved deeply.

Frank was born on September 29, 1937 in Pacentro, Italy and his family lived there until the German invasion during World War II. When Frank was only five years old his father, Paolo passed away, so his mother, Maria was left with two young children, Frank and his younger brother Roberto. When the war ended, Maria met Pasquale DiCicco. He was a widower with four young children: Nick, Alberto, Giuseppina, and Lucia. Shortly after meeting, Maria and Pasquale married and conjoined their families.

In 1952, Frank and his younger brother Roberto made the journey to America to join the rest of their loved ones as well as three new additions to the family: Giulia, Paul, and Rosaria. After living in Detroit for a few years, the DiCicco's uprooted their lives again and moved to Fresno, California.

Frank and Alberto washed dishes at Maselli's Italian Restaurant. Money was tight, but with hard work and dedication, Frank, Roberto, Alberto, and Nick seized the opportunity to buy Maselli's Restaurant when the owner, Sam Maselli was looking to sell.

Subsequently, the four brothers became widely known as the Four Sons of Italy. Frank was in charge of the pizzas while his other brothers handled the other functions of the business. DiCicco's Italian Restaurant quickly became a family business requiring long hours of hard work. Successfully, Frank and his brothers were able to open various locations across California for a total of 15, twelve of which are in the San Joaquin Valley.

In 1972, Frank married Lindain, which resulted in a 40-year marriage with four children: Greg, Ron, Mario, and Joanna.

In his final years, Frank spent time most of his time with family, playing with his grandchildren, and catching up with close friends. One of Frank's greatest joys was traveling, and he did it very often. Going back to his hometown, Pacentro, Italy, was something Frank loved to do. His roots were there and even though he was a part of a successful restaurant business in America, he never forgot where he came from.

Frank exemplified the American Dream through his hard work, dedication and compassion. A lasting legacy has been built not only by his business achievements but because of the generosity and endearment created by all those who were blessed to enjoy his companionship. As the last of the DiCicco's founders passes on, we shall not forget the legacy and impact Frank has had on the community. A model to follow, Frank will be remembered for his kind gestures and enthusiasm for creating a better life for his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Betty Pia, who passed away on September 24, 2012 at the age of 95. Betty will always be remembered for her kind heart, intelligent mind, and go-getter attitude.

Betty was born on May 29, 1917 in the beautiful state of Georgia. She moved to Southern California for a period of time, and in 1965, Betty and her husband Joe settled in Madera, California. Together they raised their daughter, Nancy.

To say Betty led an exciting and fulfilling life is an understatement. She served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's nurse, was close friends with President Jimmy Carter, served on Congressman George Radanovich's Education Committee, and owned and operated Magic Heart Guest Home for almost 40 years. It is evident that serving others was a key focus of Betty's life.

Betty Pia paved the way and opened doors for thousands of women in America, and it was easy for her to do so because her morals and principles always led her in the right direction. She was a lifelong Democrat, but her party affiliation never interfered with her respect for people. Compromise and hard work were values that she taught by example to those that had the privilege of working with her.

Betty's efforts in politics were complemented by her deep commitment to community organizations. A natural leader, she was involved in the Local Women's Improvement Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Madera Chamber of Commerce. As a resident of Madera for over 49 years, she was always a strong advocate for the Central Valley. Up until the day she passed, Betty never slowed down, and the citizens of Madera and the Central Valley will be forever thankful for her work ethic and her contributions to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Betty Pia, one of Madera's most distinguished public servants and a true champion for the people of the San Joaquin Valley. Her leadership and community service made her a role model and a source of pride for our community. Betty's caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a sad and heavy heart to honor the life of one of Central California's most treasured public servants, Mr. Al Wagner of Wasco, California. Al led an exemplary life filled with a strong faith in God and a reverence for service. His dedication and loyalty to the people of the San Joaquin Valley, coupled with his warm and caring nature made him a true source of pride for our Valley. We say goodbye to Al as a son, brother, friend, mentor, and dedicated public servant.

His many contributions to the San Joaquin Valley and California were exemplified through his work in the California State Legislature, which began in 1998 when he served as Chief of Staff for then Assembly Member Dean Florez, and subsequently as District Director for State Senator Michael J. Rubio. Upon retiring from public service with elected officials, Al went to work at Valley Baptist Church, where he also worshipped.

Al genuinely cared about people and it was reflected in his superior moral character and advocacy work. He was a dependable and effective champion for the people he most cared about and always maintained a commitment to fighting for what was right, meritorious, and fair. He was fluent in American Sign Language and Spanish--further indicating his true dedication to service. Al also managed to find time to do business-related work for Baptist missions in poor villages and orphanages in Central and South America, as well as Eastern Europe.

A valued political strategist and community activist, Al served as a friend and mentor to many up-and-coming politicos, including several members of my staff. Al willingly shared his expertise and leadership in hopes of developing the next generation of leaders for our Valley, State, and Nation.

Al will be best remembered by those who knew him for his wit, love of people, and simple generosity. He gave of himself freely, and for that selflessness, we honor him.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Al Wagner--a faithful public servant, friend, and great American.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Marvin Meyers for earning the distinction of being named the 2012 ``Top Dog'' Distinguished Alumnus by the Fresno State Alumni Association. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors a former Fresno State student whose leadership, service, and work ethic embody the mission and vision of the university. Marvin's role as a Successful almond farmer, water conservationist, and enthusiastic Fresno State Bulldog make him most deserving of this honor.

Marvin graduated from Fresno State in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He has owned and operated Meyers Farming I-IV, Oxford Farms, Inc., and Meyers Farm Family Trust since 1982. He is a member of the Western Growers Association, the Farm Bureau Safe Harbor Committee, and the Drought Advisory Panel.

Illustrating his dedication to education and his beloved alma matter, Marvin has generously shared his success. His contributions have helped Fresno State construct the Meyers Family Sports Medicine Center to enhance the Bulldog student-athlete experience.

Marvin has also maintained a keen awareness of the importance of educating our future leaders when it comes to conservation and being responsible stewards of our resources. Marvin established a state-of- the-art water banking project near Mendota, California, that draws an array of wildlife and has become an important resource for student and teacher education on the environment and water conservation. More than 1,000 San Joaquin Valley children visit the Meyers Water Bank and Wildlife Project each year. In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger gave the Meyers Water Bank and Wildlife Project California's top environmental leadership award for its approach to sustainable agricultural practices. Marvin's farming accomplishments and his commitment to our Valley speaks volumes about his superior moral character.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Marvin Meyers and thanking him for his commitment to education, conservation, and agriculture. As a proud Fresno State alumnus, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge my fellow Bulldog for his years of service and much deserved success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nancy Osborne of Fresno, California, as she celebrates her retirement as reporter and news anchor on ABC 30 Action News, Central California's number one news station. For over 30 years, Nancy has served as a local icon for the Central San Joaquin Valley. Watching Nancy on the evening news is something that viewers from all over the Valley will truly miss.

As a child, Nancy lived in different military bases across the United States and in occupied Japan while her father served in the United States Army. Nancy graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico and then went on to attend New Mexico State University for three years. After taking a short hiatus from school, Nancy and her daughter Rachel moved to Fresno. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University, Fresno, and in 1977 Nancy was hired at

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Walter Vladimir Cucuk, who passed away on September 22, 2012 at the age of 80. Walt will always be remembered for his faith, his devotion to family, and his strong affection to farming.

Walt was born on March 20, 1932 in Fresno, California, and spent his entire life in the Fresno Lone Star area. After graduating from Sanger High School and Reedley College, Walt served our country for two years in the

United States Army at Fort Ord near Monterey, California. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara Erickson, and together they raised four children: Chris, Sheryl, Lori and Karen.

Community service played an important role in Walt's life. As a Veteran, he served on the Fresno Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, Selective Service Board, National Guard Commission and the Association of the U.S. Army. Walt was also elected to the Sanger Unified School Board of Trustees, and served on the Fresno County Planning Commission, the Fresno Regional Foundation Board of Directors, and the Fresno Chamber Board, representing agriculture. In addition, Walt was an active member for the Sanger Lions Club and the Serbian Men's Club.

One of Walt's greatest passions was farming. A proud grape, plum and citrus farmer, he became active in the Fresno County Farm Bureau in the late 1970's. Walt was encouraged to join the FCFB by members of the Lone Star Center, specifically his brother, Bill. Walt was honored to serve as President of the Fresno County Farm Bureau from 1984-1986. His love of the Central Valley and agriculture made him an exemplary leader at the Farm Bureau and during his tenure, the organization grew to 7,900 members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Walter Vladimir Cucuk, one of Fresno's most distinguished farmers and a true champion for the people of the San Joaquin Valley. His leadership and community service made him a role model and a source of pride to our community. Walt's caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nancy Hinds for her many years of service to our local community, our State and our Nation. As a young woman, Nancy resolved to become a nurse and spend her life caring for people. In 1981, Nancy brought her dream to fruition when she established Hinds Hospice, an organization often recognized as the premier provider of comprehensive end-of-life services in California's San Joaquin Valley. Her superior moral character and deep level of compassion truly make her a shining example of the best of what our Nation has to offer.

Nancy Hinds studied nursing at St. John's College in Cleveland, Ohio, where she developed an interest in missionary work. After working for a year in the intensive care unit at Cleveland Clinic Hospital, Nancy saved enough money to go on her first mission to the West Indies. Nancy's time as a missionary nurse in the West Indies solidified her desire to do missionary work in other parts of the world.

Following her year in West Indies, Nancy signed up with the Catholic Medical Mission Board. She was assigned to Nigeria, West Africa, providing aid to malnourished and neglected children. In 1969, Nancy met her future husband, Godfrey Hinds, a missionary doctor who had been in Africa for 20 years. They shared a deep love and affection for each other and held a high regard for a life of service. After Nancy finished her tour in Nigeria, she reunited with Godfrey in Ireland and the two were married. Nancy and Godfrey spent the following years of their lives doing missionary work while starting a family at the same time. They had three sons: Sean, Conor, and Patrick.

The strength and courage that Nancy possesses has helped her during the extremely difficult struggles in her life. Godfrey passed away from an untreatable cancer in March 1977, and months later her mother lost her battle with breast cancer. As a widow with three small children, Nancy pushed through and thrived without two of the most important people in her life.

After three years of living on her own in Ireland, she moved to Fresno, California near her father and brother. Nancy worked as an oncology nurse at St. Agnes Medical Center, and then decided it would be best to work from home so she could be with her boys. Nancy opened her first hospice home on Simpson Avenue in Fresno in 1981. The Simpson home provided care for over 72 patients and their families during the next four years. Unfortunately, in 1985 the home was forced to close by the Department of Health due to lack of a license to operate. No license of that kind was in existence in California.

For the next two years, Nancy fought for the right legislation to be created and finally obtained a license to provide quality, in-home, end-of-life hospice care. In 1987, she opened the second Hinds Hospice home. Clearly, Nancy's tenacity and perseverance made her

goal come about. Her persistent positive attitude coupled with her zest for life has been a blessing to our entire community.

Hinds Hospice has expanded to include outpatient care in Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties. A Pediatric Hospice Program has been created to help families with terminally ill children. Other programs include an Angel Babies Program, Center for Grief and Loss, Multicultural Outreach, Physician Education, Prison Hospice, and Thrift Stores. For over 30 years, Hinds Hospice has touched thousands of lives by providing support, compassion, hope, and comfort during some of the most painful times for a family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Nancy Hinds for her leadership, vision, and service. We thank Nancy today for her outstanding contributions to the San Joaquin Valley, and to the entire world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Jose Jimenez Gutierrez, who passed away earlier this month. His lifelong work ethic and deep commitment to family truly exemplified the essence of the American Dream and exhibited the resilience of the human spirit. His contributions to California and our nation will live on through his long-lasting legacy.

After migrating to the United States, Jose and his wife made Los Angeles their home, where they worked hard to ensure that they could provide the very best for their only daughter, Maria. Jose possessed a strong sense of responsibility and was a conscientious and trustworthy man.

His superior moral character was passed on to his daughter, Maria, who was perhaps Jose's greatest pride and joy. Jose always encouraged Maria to establish goals and go after them regardless of how impossible they seemed. Education was of great importance to the Gutierrez family. Maria was the first in her family to attend college, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Loyola Marymount University and her graduate degree from the University of Southern California. Maria went on to have a successful career with Univision and has become a staple in our community and California politics. It is clear that her father's encouragement, nurturing, and influence contributed greatly to Maria's success.

Jose's charisma, warm nature, and loyalty will undoubtedly be missed. His vibrant life filled with laughter and love was a genuine example of the attainment of the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Jose Jimenez Gutierrez, a respected and honorable man. His selfless nature and strong work ethic truly made him a source of pride for all Californians and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Coalinga Huron Library District on its 100th anniversary. The Coalinga Huron Library District has served as a great asset to the community as well as a historical site for the citizens of Coalinga and Huron to enjoy every day.

On June 25, 1912, the vote passed by the County Supervisors to form the Coalinga Huron Library District. After gaining overwhelming support for the Library District, they successfully received a Carnegie grant of $20,000. Today, the main library sits on 4th and Durian streets which is the site of the original purchase.

Libraries serve as the ideal place for people to read, study, and research; and beyond that libraries have turned into great venues for holding workshops, seminars, and events. The Coalinga Huron Library District is a place for people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the renovations done in 1955, 1994, and today, the citizens in Coalinga and Huron have beautiful libraries to visit.

Research and technology are vital components to education today, and public libraries are great tools for students to get research done for free. The Coalinga Huron Library District understands the importance of technology in our world today, and they are staying up-to-date with software programs. Members of the library have access to view books, e- books, periodicals, and historical documents.

Thanks to the public library system, citizens are provided access to books and computers that they normally would not have access to. Along with the access to books and reading materials comes literacy. The abilities to read and write can be overlooked by some people, but librarians and educators know that without the current availability of books, literacy rates have the potential to go down. The Coalinga Huron Library District is obviously aware of their importance and is committed to staying open. They should be commended for their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me recognizing the Coalinga Huron Library District for its numerous contributions to the cities of Coalinga and Huron and central California. The libraries serve as a great source for members, and the services provided will hopefully be available for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the Honorable Susan B. Anderson for her service, as she prepares to retire from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. She was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2000 and has been a reliable champion for the people of Fresno County for over a decade. During her tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Susan has served as a collaborative, creative, and innovative leader. Her participation on the Board will be sorely missed.

Born in Kansas, Susan and her family moved to California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley when Susan was three years old. By 1970, Susan and her family settled in Fresno, California. In 1987, Susan earned her law degree from San Joaquin College of Law, where she also served as president of the Student Association, and eventually the Alumni Association.

A long-time public servant, Susan began her career working as marketing director for the downtown Fresno YMCA for over ten years. With her leadership, the YMCA experienced an expansion in membership and community support--clearly exhibiting her role as an effective ambassador for the people of the San Joaquin Valley.

Susan has been an unwavering advocate for Central California's children during her entire career. Shortly after graduating from law school, Susan worked as a deputy district attorney in the Fresno County Juvenile Courts. She took it upon herself to ensure that abused, abandoned, and neglected children were represented fairly and passionately. Additionally, Susan has served on a number of Boards, including the Boy Scouts, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the YMCA. She also was at the forefront of the effort to create Focus Forward, a non-profit organization aimed at providing educational and enrichment services to the County's children. Susan's dedication to helping some of our most vulnerable citizens serves as a testament to her superior moral character and compassionate heart.

When Susan was elected to be County Clerk in 1990, she made history by being the first woman elected to a county-wide post. Her time as County Clerk was ample with accomplishments. During her service, she increased the efficiency of her department, ensuring timely responses and successful service.

As a County Supervisor, Susan has often shown thoughtful leadership, effective policy development, and keen fiscal and administrative oversight. Her work has touched the lives of thousands of Valley residents, and will ensure that her legacy lives on for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one of California's most principled leaders. Her loyalty to her constituents paired with her unmatched work ethic truly makes her a source of pride for our entire nation.