Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Hans Smith of Fresno, California who passed away at the age of 66 years old. Hans is survived by his wife Janet and his sons Chris and Esben along with their families.

Hans was born on February 16, 1942 in Sacramento, California to Frank and Josephine Smith. Hans grew up in Sacramento and attended local schools graduating from Sacramento High School in 1959. He next graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Industrial Technology. Upon graduating he went to work for IBM in San Jose, California. While at Fresno State he met his future wife, Janet. Following Janet's graduation, they married and made their home in Los Gatos, California. While living in Los Gatos, Hans and Janet had their two sons, Chris and Esben. Wanting to raise their children in a less stressful environment, Hans and Janet moved to Raisin City, California in 1975. Hans became a farmer when he and Janet bought 40 acres of prunes.

Hans worked for his father-in-law, who was also a farmer, while getting his own farm started. Hans' farm was truly a family farm. Hans and his wife and sons could often be found working together in the orchard. Hans joined Sunsweet Growers in 1975. He remained a loyal Sunsweet grower for the next 33 years. Hans planted another 80 acres of prunes in 1980. When the new orchard came into production, Hans was able to stop working for his father-in-law. The farm was still a family affair with Hans and his sons taking care of most of the work.

Hans was elected to the Board of Directors of Sunsweet Growers in 1985. He served on the board for the next 23 years, until his death. Hans was a tireless promoter for the prune industry and Sunsweet in particular. He was always available to any grower who had questions about prunes. He gave help and advice to many growers when they entered into

the prune industry. Beginning in 1998, Hans diversified into the raisin and almond industries. He farmed 180 acres at the time of his death.

It goes without saying that Mr. Hans Smith was an honorable man with a commitment to family, friends and Sunsweet that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. John Philip Larson on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Phil and Joyce Larson were married 50 years ago on March 21, 1959 in Kingsburg, California. They raised two children and have three grandchildren.

Phil Larson was born on September 5, 1933 in San Francisco, California. His parents moved to the Central Valley where he was raised in the beautiful Fresno County countryside near the town of Kerman, California. Phil graduated a proud Kerman High School Lion in 1951. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and was deployed to Korea on December 22, 1953. In 1956, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps and remained in the U.S.M.C. Reserves until 1961. After serving his country, Phil returned to the family farm. While continuing to farm with his father, he joined the Wilbur-Ellis Company in 1963, and after 38 years he retired in 2000. In 2001, Phil won the seat for District 1 Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Now serving his second term, he is a very influential leader for San Joaquin Valley agriculture. Phil is a true and exemplary public servant to his constituents and the Central Valley.

Joyce Larson was born on May 16, 1935 in the ``Raisin Capital of the World,'' Selma, California. She grew up in the nearby town of Parlier. Joyce graduated a proud Selma Bear in June 1953. She attended California State University, Fresno and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics in Fresno at Roosevelt High School between the years of 1957 and 1962 and then taught another year at McLane High School. After raising her children she spent 13 years at Tranquility High School as a Special Education teacher. Joyce also received her Master's Degree in Special Education from Fresno Pacific University in 1994. She retired in 2000.

Phil and Joyce met through their church, which has been a foundation for their love and family. Phil proposed to Joyce in August of 1958 and they were joined in marriage on March 21, 1959. They have lived and raised their children near Kerman, California for the past 50 years. They were instrumental in the founding of the Kerman Covenant Church in 1970. The highlight of their marriage has been their two children, Timothy John and Lisa Renae, who have blessed them with three grandchildren, Lindsey Goodell, Tanner Torrano and Haylee Torrano.

Nothing has been more important than their sense of family and putting God first in their marriage. The love and respect Phil and Joyce have shared has been a tremendous example to everyone who has known them. They are highly esteemed in the communities where they have lived and served, helping many in need.

Congratulations again to Phil and Joyce Larson. Their story is reflective of the American Dream, working hard and playing by the rules to create better lives for themselves and their children. As a result, they have made their community, their church, and the Central Valley a better place to live for future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize, before my esteemed colleagues, an exceptional woman whose contributions to the California dairy industry epitomize the tenacious spirit of industriousness and persistence found often in our Agricultural communities across this country. I would like to recognize Mary Atsma- Cameron, who on February 10th, 2009 was awarded the ``2009 Outstanding Dairy Producer of the Year'' award by Western Dairy Business magazine at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.

This indeed is a great honor. In an industry predominated by male ownership, Mary has distinguished herself as a force to contend with. According to her own words, ``I'm a 'dairyman' and I say that because I've always worked like a dairyman, right alongside the men. I don't ask for special favors because I'm a woman.'' Mary has been in the dairy business now for 53 years and can still be found engaged in the day to day operations of the business; from driving tractor to managing the finances, purchasing feed and/or even assisting in ``pulling'' calves for cows struggling to deliver. Mary estimates that she has assisted in over 1,000 calf deliveries to date.

Not only has Mary Atsma-Cameron been an excellent hands-on ``dairyman'', Mary has also been a very active spokesperson and advocate for the dairy industry. Those who know Mary best, confirm that she is passionate and outspoken when it comes to dairy issues. Mary can be found continually urging local, state and federal officials concerning policy decisions affecting all dairy producers. From efforts to expanding the school milk programs to addressing supply management issues, Mary has a lengthy resume of involvement. Mary is a member of Kings County Dairywomen serving as president in 1981-82. She was a member of the National Dairy Board from 1994-2000 and was reappointed in 2003 where she continues to serve. Mary

was the first, and thus far, the only woman director to serve on the Board of Western United Dairymen Association. She has also served as secretary of Dairy Management Inc., and as director of Dairy Council of California from 1992-2004. Mary is presently on the board of directors for the Kings County Farm Bureau. Her awards include Kings County 2001 Agriculturalist of the year, the 2003 Woman of Distinction award by Soroptomist International of Hanford, CA and the 2003 Common Threads Honoree by California State University of Fresno.

Mary is truly a remarkable woman; always persistent, always engaged. Mary is definitely the sort of advocate that the dairy industry needs on its side. So I congratulate Mary Atsma-Cameron today on the receipt of this distinguished honor and to commend her before you, my colleagues, for her on-going contributions the dairy industry of California, indeed, the nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and County Supervisor Judy Case for their heroic actions taken on Wednesday February 11, 2009, to save the life of a heart attack victim in the Capitol South Metro stop.

When Sheriff Mims and Supervisor Case came upon the victim who had collapsed on the floor of the Metro station, they immediately leapt into action by organizing an emergency response from the surrounding onlookers. Sheriff Mims who is trained in first aid and Supervisor Chase, a registered nurse, then began giving chest compressions and breaths to the victim for fifteen minutes until paramedics arrived. Their heroic efforts were captured by Fresno news stations as well as The Fresno Bee and McClatchy newspapers.

While the life-saving actions of Sheriff Mims and Supervisor Chase were both courageous and heroic, they were not unfamiliar--in both their careers, they have never hesitated to help those in need. While the victim remains anonymous to them, Margaret and Judy have touched the life of an individual in a most profound way and I commend them for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 129, recognizing

the historical significance of the Merced Assembly Center in California, which will be unveiled February 21st 2009. I thank my distinguished colleague and fellow San Joaquin Valley Representative, Dennis Cardoza, for his leadership and perseverance on this issue.

As we all know, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Executive Order 9066 authorizing the forced internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans, placing tremendous hardship on the innocent that in many cases resulted in the loss of their jobs, businesses, property, and dignity. The Merced Assembly Center was the reporting site for 4,669 Japanese Americans, before they were removed to more permanent war relocation centers.

A dear friend of mine and a beloved Member of this body, Congressman Mike Honda, arrived at the Merced Assembly Center with his family as a young boy. As Japanese Americans, they were forced to endure years of hardship at an internment camp in Colorado. Congressman Honda fought against the odds, and despite prejudice and adversity, has risen to become a great leader in this nation.

What once was a place of loss, hatred and fear now will be transformed into a place for remembrance, healing and hope. The Memorial would not be possible without the dedication, diligence and passion of my college and friend, Congressman Dennis Cardoza, and I commend him for his efforts to this end. I would also like to recognize the efforts of the Merced Assembly Center Commemorative Committee. Two years ago, the Pinedale Assembly Center Memorial Project established a similar memorial in Fresno County which recognizes the historic tragedy that took place at that site. Its been said that, ``Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.'' This memorial will help us learn.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and congratulate the distinguished public service of Mr. Jon Rachford. Jon Rachford was honored as ``Man of the Year'' by the community of Corcoran, California at a reception held by the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce on January 28, 2009.

Mr. Jon Rachford was born on July 5, 1939, and grew up in Lindsay, where he attended school through his junior year in high school. In 1956, Mr. Rachford moved to Hanford, California where he graduated from high school. Upon graduating from high school Jon received a National Reserves Officers Training Corps scholarship to Stanford University. Upon graduating from Stanford University with his bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering he moved on to serve a Regular Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Following Basic School he received Military Occupational Specialty as an infantry officer.

After six years of service in the Marine Corps, Jon and his wife Cathy moved to Corcoran where he was employed by the J.G. Boswell Company as a civil engineer. Between the years of 1972 and 1978, Jon worked in the Boswell Company in Los Angeles, California as an Administrative Assistant to Mr. Jim Fisher and Jim Boswell. During his time in Los Angeles he served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Pasadena, California as a Level 1 Officer. In 1978, Jon moved back to Corcoran and continued to work with the Boswell Company's processing office.

In 1984, Mr. Rachford received his final discharge from the Marine Corp reserves, retiring as a Major. Soon after that in 1986 Jon started a new career and went into business with Bob Lyman and Terrell DeVaney as Cal-Econ Consultants and Cal-Econ Realty. He also managed and had partnership interests at South Lake Farms and White Ranch.

In 1992, Jon started his public service when he was elected as a Councilman with the Corcoran City Council. While on the Corcoran City Council he also served on the board of the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority. He also worked with many other local residents to bring a second prison to the community of Corcoran. Jon was also involved with the Corcoran Rotary Club.

After eight short years Jon was elected to the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Jon also served on a couple of committees such as the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority, Tule and Kaweah River Enlargement Committee, where there was much success on bringing additional water storage to Terminus Dam. Jon is also a member of the board of the Corcoran Community Foundation, serves on the Foundation's Executive board as Treasurer and volunteers as a member of the finance committee. In 2001, Mr. Jon Rachford retired from his public service but still continues to stay active in his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jon Rachford for his recognition as ``Man of the Year.'' Upon this very much deserved award, we thank him for his service and we wish him continued success and best of luck for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague from California Mr. Nunes to commend and congratulate Mary Ann Riojas upon being honored by ABC's reality show ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.'' Ms. Riojas and family were surprised by Ty Pennington and crew on January 8, 2009 at their home in central Fresno located on East Robinson, Fresno, CA, at the heart of the Central Valley.

Ms. Riojas was born without legs and only one fully developed arm. As a child, Mary Ann was placed in foster care and grew up in an unstable household and poverty. Even though Mary Ann was no stranger to adversity her challenges continued after expanding her family with four children. In financial distress she turned to public assistance to keep her family afloat.

Regardless of Mary Ann's disabilities and financial struggles she continued to live life to the fullest. Her vibrant determination led her to become the first in her family to earn a college degree when she graduated in 2002 from San Joaquin Valley College with an associate degree in Business Administration. She also obtained a drivers license in 2002 which gave her the ability to drive a special hand-controlled vehicle.

Determined to excel, Mary Ann not only became an employee of Easter Seals but also served as a State and national Ambassador. She has traveled all over the country with the Easter Seals program, spreading her joy and enthusiasm for life. Mary Ann eventually switched jobs and decided to help others in her community and that is when she began working for the Fresno Housing Authority as a counselor to other families who are struggling with life's adversities.

Mary Ann does not see herself as a person with disabilities. Mary Ann is a strong woman who has raise four children Nichole 18, Victoria 17, Angel 15, and Jessie 14, and she continues to inspire others on a daily basis. The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will forever change her life and make her home a better and more user friendly place for her to enjoy with her children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Mary Ann Riojas. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Riojas and her family many years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues from California Mr. Radanovich and Mr. Nunes to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of Bob Waterston. After 8 years with the Fresno Board of Supervisors, including two as Chairman and Vice- Chairman, Mr. Waterston is retiring as Supervisor for the 5th District in Fresno County, California. We thank him for his hard work on behalf of the county.

Bob is a lifelong Fresno native. Prior to embarking on his distinguished career with Fresno County, Bob was a twenty-nine year veteran of the Fresno Fire Department serving 4 years as a firefighter, 8 years as a driver and 17 years as a fire captain. He also served on the Clovis City Council as an elected member and then as a Mayor Pro Tem. Bob has also been a State certified paramedic for 24 years. His professional career includes Board Certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support Affiliate Faculty for the American Heart Association. Most recently he became a California State licensed Contractor specializing in swimming pool construction and has maintained his commitment to the community as a County Supervisor all while managing his home business.

Bob Waterston's involvement in his community has been far-reaching, ranging from Chairman of the America Health Walk in 1998 to the Fandango Advisory Board Committee in 1999 and as Community Advisor for the Junior League of Fresno in 2000 and 2001. Bob served on Community Services for the California League of Cities, and he was an Executive Board Member of the Sequoia Council Boy Scouts of America in 2004. Bob has also given back to his fellow firefighters by serving as a past Chairperson for the CPR Committee with the Central Valley Fire Agencies, and he is a founder of the annual ``Firefighters Creating Memories'' program at the Fresno District Fair.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bob Waterston has served on numerous boards and has given back to his community. He served on the board of directors of the Fresno Business Council, the Economic Development Corporation of Fresno County and the Fresno Regional Foundation. He is also a member of the ``Make a Wish'' Foundation, the American Heart Association Board of Directors, and the Public Education Committee for the Fresno City Fire Department. He is also a past board member for the Fresno Firefighters Association Benefit Fund and the South San Joaquin Division Committee on California League of Cities.

Bob's accomplishments were recognized as early 1989, when he was awarded the first Fresno Fire Department Employee of the quarter. He was also honored by Governor George Deukmejian for ``Recognition in Excelling in the Performance of Duty.'' In 1996 Bob was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as Peace Officer of the Year, and he was honored by Exceptional Parents Unlimited for his efforts to ``Silence the Violence.''

I commend Bob for dedicating his life to his family and his community. His accomplishments have touched the lives of many, and his impact on our community will be long remembered. I extend my best wishes for his continued health, happiness, and service. Bob Waterston is a distinguished member of the community, and it is with great pleasure that I recognize him today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my distinguished colleagues from California, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Nunes, and Mr. Cardoza to pay special tribute to Mr. Alan Autry for 8 years of distinguished public service to the city of Fresno, CA. Mr. Autry has completed the maximum numbers of years of service allowable by city charter as the mayor of the city of Fresno. He is to be honored at a Roast and Recognition reception on Thursday, December 18, 2008.

During his two terms, Alan has remained strongly committed to fulfilling the mission of Fresno, as a ``united city working together to ensure equal access to opportunity, education and quality of life for every man, women, and child, regardless of their race, religion, age, or socio-economic status.'' Mayor Autry's efforts have focused on crime reduction, educational reform, economic development, availability of affordable housing, addressing homelessness, raising awareness on the water issues of our Central Valley and on government reform.

Throughout his notable career, Alan has served on numerous commissions and boards at the local, State and Federal levels. He has been a part of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Education Standing Committee, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Arts and Entertainment Standing Committee, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Strengthening America's Communities Secretarial Advisory Committee, the League of California Cities Board of Directors, the California Partnership Board, the League of California Cities Housing Task Force, the Fresno County Transportation Authority Board and the Fresno County Council of Government Board. Mayor Autry was a founding board member of the Operation Clean Air Board and the Regional Jobs Initiative Board.

His service and work have been acknowledged through countless awards and honors, not the least of which is his recognition as one of the most effective advocates ever in terms of garnering a fair share of State and Federal resources for the Central Valley.

Madam Speaker, it goes without saying that throughout his career, Alan Autry has proven to be a highly motivated leader, striving for excellence in public service, keeping his city safe and making it the best city possible for all the residents of Fresno. As he gets ready to spend more time on other endeavors, we thank him for his service and wish him continued success and fulfillment in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congressmen Radanovich, to congratulate William Neufeld upon his induction into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr.

Neufeld will be honored at the 50th anniversary enshrinement dinner of the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 6, 2008.

Born third in a family of nine children in the Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century, William Neufeld moved to the United States and blossomed into a world-class track and field performer in the javelin and other throwing events. His father, a Mennonite minister, eventually settled the family in Reedley, California, where the 6-foot-2, 201- pound teenager played football, basketball, baseball and track and field in high school while earning money working in the fields. He went to Bethel College in Kansas where he played basketball and starred in track and field. Mr. Neufeld then decided to follow his brother Henry to the University of California, Berkley. It was a perfect match, as he dominated the throwing events and led the Bears to the national collegiate title in 1923.

The following year, Mr. Neufeld won the discus title at the collegiate nationals, but he was just getting started. He won the javelin competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by more than five feet, throwing for 191\1/2\ feet. Following a week-long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, he placed fifth in the javelin in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. William Neufeld was a familiar face at many Olympics to follow.

After coaching at Riverside College and Harvard, Mr. Neufeld entered the Navy during World War II and later returned to Harvard as the Director of Physical Education. When Neufeld's competitive career ended, he traveled the globe as a coach and athletics liaison for the U.S. State Department. He served as a liaison to the 1952 Japanese Olympic team and also coached sports in Iran, Taiwan and Africa. Mr. Neufeld passed away at the age of ninety-one in Riverside, California in 1992.

Madam Speaker, we rise today to posthumously honor William Neufeld's achievements and for his induction into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to join me in offering my congratulations in memory of Mr. Neufeld's many accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues from California Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Radanovich to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of Ray Steele, Jr. After 41 years, Ray Steele is retiring as publisher and president of the Fresno Bee in Fresno, California.

Prior to embarking on his distinguished career with the Fresno Bee, Ray worked at the Fowler Ensign and for the Associated Press Bureau in Fresno. In 1967, he began what would result in 41 years of service to the McClatchy Company. Mr. Steele worked tirelessly in various positions with the Fresno Bee, the Sacramento Bee and with corporate headquarters.

Ray started as a reporter with the Fresno Bee while he was still in college. During his time there he held several positions in the news room before moving to Sacramento in 1982 to take on the position of administrative director of the Sacramento Bee, and then later becoming publisher of community publications. In 1986, Mr. Steele returned to Fresno, California and became the General Manager of the Fresno Bee, with responsibility for all business operations. After only seven years Mr. Steele moved on to corporate headquarters where he held several different management positions. In 2001, he became publisher and president of the Fresno Bee.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ray has served on numerous boards and has given back to his community. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Fresno Business Council, the Economic Development Corporation of Fresno County and the Fresno Regional Foundation. He also serves on the board of governors of California State University Fresno Foundation as well as the advisory council of the Criminology Department. Ray has also been a lifetime member of the Fresno State Alumni Association and previously served on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art & Science.

His service and accomplishments were recognized by California State University, Fresno in 2005 when he received the Top Dog Award as the outstanding alumnus of the College of Arts and Humanities. In 2007, he was awarded with the Jim Tucker Media Service Award which is presented by the Mass Communication and Journalism Department at California State University, Fresno.

Throughout his career, Ray Steele has proven to be a highly effective leader who has always been committed to excellence in journalism. As he gets ready to spend more time with his wife Mary Lou, daughters and grandchildren, along with endeavors of interest to him, we thank him for his service and we wish him continued success and best of luck for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th birthday of Mr. Denis O'Sullivan, a wonderful brother-in-law, husband, and father. He is married to Elizabeth O'Sullivan, and has made his home in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey for the past 35 years.

Denis was born December 2, 1933 in New York City at Lennox Hill Hospital. He was educated in New York State Schools and was founder- owner of O'Sullivan Menu Publishing. His company started small, with a staff of less than 10, and grew to employ over 200 people in the United States and England.

O'Sullivan Menu Publishing had a ground-breaking impact on the airline industry by providing the first comprehensive service for the creation and production of printed menus. These international menus were translated into 84 different languages.

Since retirement in early 2008, Denis has been intently working for charitable and philanthropic causes. He currently serves on three individual boards in various capacities, including President. For many years he supported the fundraising activities of St. Clare's hospital in Denville, New Jersey. He is currently Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, and maintains special interest in their Alzheimer's disease support facility.

Denis is a loving and generous father of three as well as a step- father of three. His unstinting support of education for all of these children has produced six college educations and three post-graduate degrees. Denis' six grandchildren are an enduring source of love, pride, and pleasure in his life.

I thank Denis for the countless lives that he has touched through his many accomplishments. It is for these reasons that I join Denis O'Sullivan's family and friends in wishing him a blessed 75th birthday and continued health and happiness in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of community organizer Dolores Huerta. She has been selected as this year's honoree from the Center for Kern Political Education. For more than half a century, Dolores has devoted her life's work to ensuring economic justice for farm workers and their families as well as securing rights for women.

Dolores was born on April 10, 1930, in the small mining town of Dawson situated in northern New Mexico. She spent much of her childhood and young adult years in Stockton, graduating from Stockton High School. Dolores continued her studies at University of Pacific's Delta College where she received a provisional teaching credential. Soon after, she began a career in teaching where Dolores became acutely aware of the pressing need to address economic injustice.

During her post in leadership with the Stockton Community Service Organization (CSO), Dolores became christened as an organizer. In 1955, she encountered CSO Executive Director Cesar E. Chavez who shared in her vision of organizing farm workers, distinctively separate from the CSO mission. Thereafter, in 1962, Dolores and Cesar launched the National Farm Workers Association. In 1963, Dolores' lobbying and negotiating skills prevailed in securing Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and disability insurance for California farm workers. The Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975 was also enacted with her efforts.

Dolores wielded her powerful voice as the United Farm Worker's spokesperson to gain political power for farm workers. She helped in the election of many candidates: Robert F. Kennedy, President Clinton, Congressman Ron Dellums, Governor Jerry Brown, Congresswoman Hilda Solis, and, most recently, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Currently, Dolores acts as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation which principally serves to protect, organize and educate working poor immigrants.

In her honor, 5 elementary schools and a high school are named in recognition of Dolores Huerta. Among the countless prestigious awards received include the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from President Clinton in 1998, Creative Citizenship Labor Leader Award from Puffin Foundation in 1984, Kern County's Woman of the Year by California State legislature, and the 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century by Ladies Home Journal. Nine honorary doctorates from

universities throughout the U.S. have also been granted.

Throughout her life, Dolores Huerta has proven to be a highly effective community leader whose commitment to justice and public service has proven beneficial for farm workers, working families and women throughout the nation. At the age of 78, Dolores' relentless work continues. We thank her for her noble service and wish her continued success for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a past Agricultural Commissioner of Fresno County, a valued voice for agriculture in Fresno County. On Monday, November 10th, 2008, Cosmo Insalaco passed away from a sudden illness at the age of 72.

Agriculture continues to be California's number one industry with Fresno County ranking as the number one agricultural producing county in California. The fertile soils of Fresno County support over 300 different crops, valued at 5 billion annually to the economy of California. Much has contributed to these bountiful crops, but a significant factor in Fresno County's agricultural success in the 1980s and 1990s was the presence of Cosmo Insalaco as its lead advocate.

Mr. Insalaco was no stranger to agriculture. Raised on a family farm in Watterton, Massachusetts, Cosmo later attended the University of Massachusetts, where he earned a degree in Horticulture. He continued his studies in Public Administration in the California school system before entering the Air Force.

Prior to becoming Fresno County's Agricultural Commissioner, Mr. Insalaco served as Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in Santa Clara County, and as an Assistant Agricultural Commissioner for San Mateo County. While in Fresno County, Cosmo served as vice-president of Agribusiness in the Fresno County and City Chamber of Commerce. He was on the board of Directors of the California Agricultural Commissioners' and Sealers' Association. Always active in the community, Mr. Insalaco continued to return to Fresno each year to judge at the Big Fresno Fair in the agriculture building.

Mr. Insalaco received much praise over the years for his leadership. The crop disasters of

the 1990 and 1998 freezes were challenges he rose to meet. His tenure as commissioner saw major changes in technology and regulation unfold. While known for his strict oversight, Cosmo was also noted by one grower to be ``. . . the most cordial and professional . . .'' person they had ever met. Contemporaries and employees alike commended Mr. Insalaco for his friendship and his mentorship. Probably most noteworthy was reference to Cosmo Insalaco's vision. Mr. Insalaco was an ardent promoter of education concerning agriculture. Cosmo helped launch the Blossom Trail, a self-guided tour of the fruit and nut blossoms throughout Fresno County during bloom time. Over the years, this annual event has grown and now draws tourists from all over the region and state. This tradition will continue to bear witness to Cosmo Insalaco's influence in the Fresno region.

It is most fitting now to honor this man for his life and his dedication to friends, colleagues and especially agriculture. I urge my colleagues to join me now in celebrating this truly innovative man's life, accomplishments and to extend his family our thoughts. He will be, beyond a doubt, missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the distinguished career of Milton M. Younger of Bakersfield, California. After more than 52 years as a senior partner for the law firm of Chain, Younger, Cohn, and Stiles, Milt is stepping down to begin a new law firm, Younger and Lemucchi, with his long-time friend attorney Tim Lemucchi.

Milt was born in Bakersfield and has been a longtime resident of the city. He attended Bakersfield High School where he met his wife, Betty. Upon graduation, Milt attended Stanford University where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees. In 1956, he graduated from Stanford School of Law. After passing the California state bar, Milt became certified to practice law in 1957. Thereafter, he served as a JAG officer in the United States Army.

Between 1956 and 2008, Milt served as a senior partner for the law firm of Chain, Younger, Cohn, and Stiles. He joined the law firm, originally owned and operated by Morris B. Chain, in 1956. When Mr. Chain died in 1977, Milt became senior partner. During his tenure, Milt devoted his work to advocate for persons involved in accidents. Notable cases include representing burned Kern County oilfield electricians where he demanded safe machinery and equipment. In 2001, Milt argued on behalf of a three-year-old quadriplegic child whose car seat broke free from its seatbelt. As a result, infant seats are now required to undergo crash testing.

Milt has proudly supported organized labor for the past 45 years, representing firemen, policeman, correctional officers, California Highway Patrol officers, Naval Weapons Center employees, doctors, educators and senior citizens. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the Presidential Award of Merit by the Consumer Attorneys of California, Bench and Bar Award from the Kern County Bar Association, and honorary doctorate from California State University, Bakersfield attest to Milt's many accomplishments.

Through his public works and relentless community service, fighting on behalf of all injured persons, regardless of socioeconomic background, Milt has accomplished his lifelong endeavor of making the world safer. Known as one of Kern County's most trusted names in law, his significant contributions to the Valley will never be forgotten. Today, I take great pleasure in honoring, through these remarks, a good friend, valued advisor, and public servant Milt Younger.