Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Bruce and Linda

Taylor as the recipients of the Community Foundation for Monterey County's 2022 Distinguished Trustee Award. Bruce and Linda Taylor's philanthropy and leadership on the Central Coast is admirable and demonstrates an unwavering passion for the well-being of our local community.

As long-time residents of Salinas, Bruce and Linda are well-known for their generosity, both personally and through Taylor Fresh Foods, or Taylor Farms, and support of many non-profits that work to uplift our community. Bruce and Linda Taylor continue to support community development, including educational institutions like California State University, Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Palma High School, Notre Dame High School, and Rancho Cielo. Additionally, the Taylors support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, First Tee--Monterey County, Youth Orchestra Salinas, and Digital Nest. Because of their contributions, Monterey County youth have access to programs and facilities that play a vital role in their development.

Bruce and Linda Taylor, along with Taylor Farms, have impacted the lives of countless community members and their families. Through the Taylor Farms Scholarship Program, over 216 four-year scholarships-- estimated at $3.1 million--have been awarded to the children of Taylor Farms employees who plan to attend a four-year university. The Taylors' emphasis on supporting both their employees and their children is a testament to the generosity and compassion of Bruce and Linda Taylor and Taylor Farms. Efforts like these have made lasting contributions to Monterey County's social and economic climate. Additionally, since moving Taylor Farms' headquarters to Old Town Salinas, business activity in Old Town has increased, contributing to a thriving Salinas City Center.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Bruce and Linda Taylor as the recipients of the Community Foundation for Monterey County's 2022 Distinguished Trustee Award. I extend my sincere appreciation to Bruce and Linda Taylor for their philanthropy and for fostering a culture of innovation and compassion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Betty Goldenkranz. Mr. and Mrs. Goldenkranz exhibit strong values of family, commitment, and sacrifice, and their dedication to each other and to their life of service is well-deserving of recognition today.

Steve and Betty Goldenkranz both hail from Brooklyn, New York and came of age during the Great Depression. After Mr. Goldenkranz enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War in 1951, the two married on September 23, 1952, and soon relocated to Newfoundland, Canada for a military assignment. After another relocation to Virginia Beach, Virginia and a tour of service, the young couple returned to Brooklyn, and by 1957, were parents to their three sons Michael, Jeffrey, and Andrew.

After leaving the U.S. Navy, Mr. Goldenkranz worked for Lockheed Aircraft during the 1960s Space Race, while Mrs. Goldenkranz served their family as fulltime homemaker, filling the home with music and supporting their sons' education. Later, Mrs. Betty Goldenkranz earned her teaching credential, became a renowned educator, was recognized as the New York State Reading Teacher of the Year in 1987, and continued to mentor other educators through her work with Hunter University. After leaving Lockheed, Mr. Goldenkranz returned to higher education and graduated in 1974--the same year his oldest son graduated. While Working in the home furnishing industry until his retirement, he was an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of then-New York State Assembly member Chuck Schumer and has remained as such throughout his career in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Both Steve and Betty are forces of change in their communities, encouraging their children and neighbors to be active in their community. Together, they enjoy being patrons of the arts and attending the opera, ballet, and theater. In 2013, Mr. and Mrs. Goldenkranz relocated to Aptos, California, where they continue to engage with their community. Now, Steve is active with the Alzheimer's Association in an effort to best support his wife, and both work closely with local political organizations and their Temple Beth El community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Goldenkranz as they ring in their 70th anniversary. May they continue to honor the Central Coast and all who know them with their wisdom, humor, and generous spirit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the valuable contributions of Mr. Anthony Toney to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County as a mentor, coach, and role model for our community's youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County inspires and empowers youth to realize their full potential and become responsible, healthy, and productive citizens.

Mr. Anthony Toney leads by example, teaching us all that giving back to the community makes a real difference in people's lives. Raised in the city of Salinas, he graduated from North Salinas High School in 1981 and then attended Hartnell College. Mr. Toney's exceptional athletic and academic achievements afforded him the opportunity to study and play football at Texas A&M University, where he studied Industrial Education and graduated in 1985. After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986, Mr. Toney embarked on a five-year professional football career.

After retiring, Mr. Toney returned to the central coast of California and began working with Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey. After 22 years, Anthony Toney now represents the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County as the Seaside and Salinas Clubhouse Director, empowering Club members and staff to be the best versions of themselves. For the past ten years, the Johnson-Toney Football Camps, co-founded by Mr. Toney, have promoted healthy competition for athletes of all abilities and taught children and young adults the importance of being a well-rounded member of their community.

Throughout his career, Anthony Toney has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the community, including at the California State University, Monterey Bay Seventh Annual Celebration of Community. Additionally, he was honored as the Master of Ceremonies for the Gilroy Special Olympics Spring Games. Today, he is rightfully honored with the Luis Perez Community Service Award.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mr. Anthony Toney for his years of service to the Central Coast. I extend my personal appreciation to Mr. Anthony Toney as his efforts continue to inspire and support the Central Coast's young people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oaxaca by the Sea Celebration and the cultural partnership, between Seaside, California and Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico.

Many Seaside community members have Oaxacan roots, and Oaxacan culture can be found throughout Seaside. In July, the city of Seaside made an official visit to the southwestern capital city of Oaxaca de Juarez in Oaxaca, Mexico and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to recognize the Sister City relationship between the two cities.

The agreement between these two cities will solidify a long-term relationship between the people and businesses of both cities, enhancing the cultural connection for years to come. In addition to increased cultural awareness, this important relationship between the two cities will positively impact educational partnerships and developments, business, tourism, and trade.

Hosted annually, the Oaxaca by the Sea Celebration is a testament to the community's

desire to showcase the diversity of culture within Monterey County. The Oaxaca by the Sea Celebration provides community members an opportunity to showcase, celebrate, and educate our neighbors on the complex and dynamic cultural experiences held by Seaside residents of Oaxacan descent. This celebration preserves the roots and the culture of our community through dance, food, music, and art.

Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the organizers of the Oaxaca by the Sea Celebration and to the dedication of Seaside and Oaxaca de Juarez's governments to uniting our communities through their shared culture and customs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monterey Peninsula College as it celebrates 75 years of commitment to higher learning and service to the central coast of California. Since its establishment in 1947, Monterey Peninsula College has continued to provide transformative educational opportunities to students.

Monterey Peninsula College first began instruction in 1947 at Monterey High School. The next year, 280 students enrolled at the college's Fremont Street campus, and in 1949, 34 students were the first to graduate from this college by the Bay. By 1957, Monterey Peninsula College celebrated a milestone as it enrolled 1,000 students, and the College embarked on expanding its campus to include a library, arts and music center, athletic swimming pool, theater, and instruction buildings in the years that followed. The Library and Technology Center opened in 2003 and four years later, the College celebrated the first day of classes at the new Education Center in Marina.

Monterey Peninsula College continues to expand educational opportunities for its ever-growing student population. From 1971 to 1973, Monterey Peninsula College operated an extension campus at Fort Ord, which greatly benefitted Armed Forces personnel and their families. From 1982 until 1993, a partnership between the College and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula created the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing. This continued expansion of its facilities and programs ensures students at Monterey Peninsula College have access to high-quality education and post-graduate opportunities.

Monterey Peninsula College's illustrious history includes visits and recognition from many renowned educators, athletes, and activists. In 1960, the former First Lady and civil rights activist Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at the College, followed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the following year. American activist Rosa Parks also spoke at the campus in 1990, bolstering the impressive history of this institution as well as its goal to enrich students' educations.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Monterey Peninsula College and its remarkable rise from its humble beginnings in Monterey High School to becoming a respected institution. I personally extend my gratitude to Monterey Peninsula College's administration, instructors, leaders, and visionaries who continue to provide its students with life-changing opportunities and experiences.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Monterey County Film Commission and its 35 years of service to the Monterey Peninsula. The commission's mission to inspire, facilitate, and assist in film and media production in Monterey County is invaluable to our ability to showcase the pristine beauty of the central coast of California and create positive economic impact.

Since its creation in 1987, the Monterey County Film Commission has been a leader in the media industry, attracting and assisting the production of hundreds of movies, television shows, commercials, documentaries, and still photography productions. Over the years, the Commission's work has generated over $126 million in revenue for our community. Most recently, the Peninsula was home to HBO's critically acclaimed Big Little Lies, filmed in Monterey and Pacific Grove. Other productions have included, Ratched, filmed in Salinas, Big Sur, and Monterey; All the Old Knives, filmed in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur; and Malcolm & Marie, filmed in Carmel Valley--notably one of the first movies completed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The creation of this organization was not without its challenges, but with years of hard work and perseverance, the Commission is the foundation of our local media industry and serves as a liaison for producers, government entities, and local businesses. Additionally, the Commission serves our community by highlighting desirable filming locations through domestic and international tradeshows, sales outreach, and direct public advertising campaigns.

The Commission, through its artistic and generous spirit, strives to inspire and educate the next generation of filmmakers. The hard work of the staff and Board of Directors continues to provide our community and our country with successful and critically acclaimed productions set on the breathtaking Central Coast that we are all fortunate enough to call home.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the history, dedication, and contributions of the Monterey County Film Commission. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Monterey County Film Commission as an exceptional group of community and artistic leaders who strive to showcase the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula to the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vibrant life of Mrs. Helen B. Rucker as we celebrate her 90th birthday. Mrs. Rucker is a pillar of the Monterey Peninsula and her dedication to social equality cements her legacy in the history of the Central Coast.

Since 1964, Mrs. Rucker has been a civil rights activist, educator, and community leader in the city of Seaside. Through her varied roles as a member of the School Board and City Council, a leader of the Monterey County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and founder of the Seaside Voter Education Center, Mrs. Rucker's work has been a testament to her passion for the well-being of her community.

Mrs. Rucker's efforts to combat social injustices dates back to her days as a librarian and teacher. Throughout her tenure as an educator, Mrs. Rucker provided opportunities for students to learn and grow. She and her husband, Mr. James Rucker, went on to open a library, where students receive free tutoring and a work environment free of distraction. After retiring in 1988, Mrs. Rucker served on the Seaside City Council and participated in major policy decisions regarding water management, transportation, and Fort Ord Military Base. Additionally, in 2005, Mrs. Rucker was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, where she took on leadership roles in programs like After School Tutoring and the California State University, Monterey Bay Service-Learning Institute.

Mrs. Rucker's efforts to advance the rights and well-being of Monterey Peninsula residents has earned her consistent recognition and admiration from her community. In 2015, Mrs. Rucker was honored as the 29th Assembly District Woman of the Year for ``enriching the lives of so many residents in the Monterey Bay Area through her selfless and tireless work to teach students, boost civic engagement, and participate in governance.'' In February of this year, in recognition of her lifelong community work and activism, Mrs. Rucker was given an honorary key to the city of Seaside by Mayor Ian Oglesby. In April, California State University, Monterey Bay revealed the University's Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence. This center provides additional resources and support to students of the African diaspora.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mrs. Helen B. Rucker in celebration of her life's work in education, civil rights, and community leadership. Mrs. Rucker will continue to serve as a model for selflessness and compassion for our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of the city of Hollister, California. For the last 150 years, the city of Hollister has been shaped by the people who call it home. Hollister is a strong and vibrant community that serves as the San Benito County seat and is an integral part of the fabric of the Central Coast.

In 1868, the San Justo Homestead Association purchased the San Justo Ranch from Colonel William Welles Hollister, a major landholder for whom the town would be named. The Homestead Association divided the San Justo Ranch into plots to be auctioned to settlers and set the boundaries of what would then become the city of Hollister. On August 6, 1872, residents submitted a petition to the Monterey Courthouse for a town charter. Hollister held its first election for the city's Board of Trustees just eleven days later, on August 17, 1872.

Hollister is a strong and resilient community. On October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake left much of the downtown area in ruins and caused millions of dollars in damages. But Hollister took the disaster in stride and rebounded. The community of Hollister has more than doubled since the earthquake, and it boasts a vibrant downtown, including many civil society groups such as the San Benito County Historical Society and the Hollister Downtown Association.

Famed for its wineries, ranchlands, and the high-quality 75 different vegetable, vine, and orchard crops it produces, Hollister continues to be a regional center for agriculture. As it was when it was founded, Hollister's verdant fields, vineyards, and pastures augment the natural beauty of the Central Coast. The region is renowned for its breathtaking vistas, from Pinnacles National Park to Hollister's picturesque hills. These unparalleled views attract thousands of visitors every year who come to appreciate all the beauty that Hollister has to offer.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the city of Hollister for 150 exceptional years and in wishing Hollister continued success in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Monterey County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as they celebrate 90 years of service to the central coast of California. Since its inception in 1932, the NAACP of Monterey County has fiercely advocated for the expansion of civil rights. It has been at the forefront of all struggles and movements to defend and extend the political, social, and economic rights of all those who were the victims of injustice.

The Monterey County branch was originally founded as two separate branches. Both were created with the shared goal of raising awareness to racism and racial discrimination in all its forms. In 1932, Reverend Wellington Smith, Sr., then Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pacific Grove, took a step toward equality by founding the Monterey Peninsula branch. Seven years later, Mr. William Greenwill founded the Salinas Branch with the same goal of ridding the county of its most abject forms of racism and discrimination. Despite enduring long periods of threats to their members and families, both branches never faltered in their quest to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure political, educational, and social economic equality.

Before merging in 2006, each respective branch spearheaded decades- long battles in fighting against racist police practices, barriers to accessible housing, and employment discrimination. Over the years, both branches have received numerous national awards for their outstanding work in fighting for equality. Most recently, in 2012, the Monterey County Branch was awarded the Claude Hudson Award, which honors a local branch that exemplifies the NAACP standards. That same year, Mr. Jim Black, treasurer of the branch, was named Treasurer of the Year for his honorable work in the organization. In 2013, the Branch was awarded the Ruby McKnight Williams Award, which recognizes branches with the largest percentage increase in membership.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize this historic milestone. I personally extend my gratitude to the members of the Executive Team and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to become one of the most effective civil rights organizations in Monterey County and the State of California.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Rick Johnson from his position as Executive Director of the Old Monterey Business Association and Administrator of the Lighthouse District. After more than twenty years of dedicated service, Mr. Johnson is the longest serving leader of any business association, not just on the Central Coast, but in the state of California.

The Old Monterey Business Association strives to promote Old Monterey's economic vitality and preserve its community spirit, as well as enhance its one-of-a-kind downtown. The Lighthouse District is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and over 100 intriguing specialty shops, restaurants, and nightlife establishments.

Born in Minnesota, Mr. Johnson was stationed at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey in 1968 at the age of 19. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Mr. Johnson began his civilian career in Monterey, earning $1.35 an hour at the Regency Theatre on Alvarado Street. After briefly leaving the Central Coast to pursue higher education, he returned to Monterey and continued to foster strong relationships in the community.

Mr. Johnson's expertise and knowledge of the Central Coast, paired with his sense of humor, served him well during his time with the Old Monterey Business Association and the Lighthouse District. In his capacity, he frequently provided the Business Association with in-depth knowledge of government infrastructure and local businesses, guided decision making, and oversaw the day-to-day relations between hundreds of local businesses and city government. Mr. Johnson is no stranger to disaster, and led the business community through flooding, a 2007 fire on Alvarado Street, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and time again, Mr. Johnson's leadership served as a catalyst for positive engagement and economic recovery and improvement.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Rick Johnson for his decades of service. His leadership and dedication to public service have shaped Monterey and greatly influenced the role of the Business Association in the community. I extend my personal appreciation to Mr. Rick Johnson and his dedication to our local economy and business community.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act.

Let me, of course, thank Representative Neguse for his strong leadership on these issues, as well as Leader Hoyer for getting this bill to the floor.

I also acknowledge and understand my good friend Mr. Westerman's complaints about regular order, but I also know that he understands how urgent of action is needed, especially when it comes to us getting a grip on the conflagrations, the devastation, and the destruction that we are experiencing in the American West when it comes to wildfires.

Right now we have a record drought that has led to record levels of dryness. Dead and dying fuels have created vast swaths of wilderness that are flammable, ignitable, and combustible just from a single spark, a simple downed power line, a smoldering campfire, or a strike of lightning that can absolutely wipe out not just our forests and our parks, but lives and livelihoods.

This legislation contains a number of bills that would help reduce that threat, including my Save Our Forests Act that would authorize the Forest Service to hire more employees to help manage not just forests but the people who visit our forests.

Eighty percent of wildfires are caused by humans, so more Forest Service personnel are needed to manage humans acting like humans.

Additionally, the Wildfire Emergency Safety Act, which I authored with Senator Feinstein, provides a strategy and the authority to start thinning out the undergrowth of overgrown forests and then set prescribed burns to eliminate those dead and dying fuels.

This bill would do that at the national level with large-scale restoration projects, and it would do that at the local level with non- Federal lands through partnerships with our Federal stakeholders.

Let me also make one thing clear to our environmental allies. This is not a slippery slope to clear-cutting or commercial logging. This is not about timber harvesting for economic interests. This is about smart, science-based, commonsensical stewardship for our forests. It is a solution to deal with our drought and a strategy to not just suppress wildfires, but, also, to do everything we can to prevent them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Sergeant Aaron Delgado from the Monterey Police Department after 28 years of service to the security of the community of Monterey. Sergeant Delgado's legacy of dedication to his community and the Monterey Police Department will last far beyond his tenure and continue to serve as a prime example of an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of others.

Born in Inglewood, CA, Sergeant Delgado graduated from Seaside High School in 1990, and began his career in 1993 as a Police Services Technician. After six years, Sergeant Delgado was accepted to the Police Academy and was sworn in as a Police Officer in May of 1999. His elevation in the Department led to a vast new horizon of assignments and responsibilities.

As a Police Officer, Sergeant Delgado served in a myriad role within the department, including Patrol Officer, Detective, Field Training Officer, and Community Action Team Officer. He also led trainings and instruction in the use of firearms, tasers, and chemical agents for new officers. The versatility of his service demonstrates his enthusiasm for the field and a desire to assist and serve.

Furthermore, Sergeant Delgado was instrumental in many police calls and emergency situations over the course of his career with the Monterey Police Department. In 2004, Sergeant Delgado successfully located and arrested the suspect of a shooting in downtown Monterey. In 2009, he located the suspect responsible for making threatening phone calls to women and was fundamental in making sure the suspect was taken into custody.

Mr. Aaron Delgado's promotion to Sergeant in 2011 cemented his legacy as a dedicated public servant to the people of Monterey and his fellow colleagues in the Monterey Police Department. His spirit of service is one that is essential in policing and in his retirement, his career will serve as a model to new generations of police officers in our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Sergeant Delgado's decades of service to this community. I extend my personal appreciation to Sergeant Delgado and his love and commitment to the people of Monterey.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the half- century of service Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula has provided to the community of Monterey County. This organization has worked for the last fifty years to enhance the health and well-being and provide a sense of community for homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans on the central coast of California.

Ms. Sally Judd Griffin, Ms. Vivica Lohr, and Ms. Christine Winge have admirably led Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula and contributed to the last 50 years of the organization's development, growth, and progress. These community leaders have positively impacted the lives of countless local community members and enhanced the social fabric of Monterey Peninsula communities by paving the way for other agencies to provide services for seniors.

More than 10 million older Americans face hunger each year, and nearly 970,000 of those senior citizens reside in California, all of whom may be at a greater risk for developing a number of debilitating chronic health conditions if they experience persistent malnourishment and isolation. Powered by the commitment and expertise of its staff members and the dedication and magnanimity of its approximately 525 active volunteers, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula demonstrated its inestimable value for homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021 and in the midst of the pandemic, the Home Delivered Meals program provided 110,800 meals and its corps of volunteers generously contributed 21,800 hours for the purpose of delivering meals, providing a daily wellness check, and connecting with clients through shared moments of compassion and understanding.

Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula for its fifty years of vital service to our community members in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Salud Para La Gente and its healthcare staff for their contributions and efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Salud Para La Gente (Salud) has provided accessible healthcare to the central coast of California since its founding in 1978. What started as a single clinic providing healthcare to farmworkers has grown to 10 clinics on the Central Coast that serve a community of 28,000 people. During the pandemic, Salud proved their preparedness and capability by continuing to provide healthcare and services to the Central Coast.

The Incident Command team provided access to healthcare and specialized COVID-19 care every day of the week within the respective communities of Watsonville, South Santa Cruz County, and North Monterey County. Its COVID-19 care is extensive and comprehensive, including testing and tracing for almost 23,000 people and the administration of 47,000 COVID-19 vaccines through its 175 vaccine clinics. Salud ensures that it serves its community with its unwavering commitment to providing resources to every community member, regardless of background or financial status. Notably, it also offers the only infusion therapy clinic in Santa Cruz County to vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals infected with COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization.

Salud's dedicated team and numerous partnerships with local organizations have provided comprehensive COVID-19 care throughout the pandemic. With its partnerships, Salud provided proper resources to our Central Coast communities, focusing on important patient and community messaging, and distributing over $5.5 million in financial support.

Salud Para La Gente's prominence and importance in our community cannot be understated. In 2016, Salud became the only Medi-Cal Women's health provider in South County, and in 2017, was awarded Silver by the Central California Alliance for Health for its Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set from Santa Cruz County.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the great contributions and efforts of the Salud Para La Gente team. I personally extended my gratitude to its dedicated essential workers who have made many sacrifices to protect our communities' health.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize California's 29th District Assemblymember Mark Stone as a long-standing champion of the LGBTQ+ community.

Assemblymember Stone's efforts to combat social injustices dates back to his time as a Santa Cruz Country Supervisor. As a two-term Supervisor, he overhauled the county's child welfare system. The improved system increased family and community support for foster youth and provided more integrated care, including culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ youth. Engaging with stakeholders around this issue led to a long-standing partnership with the Queer Youth Task Force of Santa Cruz County. Additionally, he supported funding the Queer and Trans Youth Council of Santa Cruz County and has been a speaker at multiple LGBTQ+ youth-led events, where he encourages future leaders to create communities that celebrate diversity and pride.

Since his election to the California State Assembly in 2012, Assemblymember Stone's mission has remained consistent. During his tenure, he has authored successful legislation that prohibits dismissing prospective jurors based on gender identity and expression and removed gender terms from the Fair Employment and Housing Act, effectively ensuring that transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people are offered equal protection. Notably, Assembly member Stone co-authored legislation to add a non-binary gender marker on California birth certificates, drivers' licenses, and identity cards, as well as a bill to protect incarcerated transgender people.

Assemblymember Stone's efforts in advancing the rights and protections of all Californians have earned him consistent recognition by Equality California, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and the Courage Campaign, just to name a few. Taking full advantage of his time in office, Assemblymember Stone has honored outstanding members of the LGBTQ+ community in state commemorations, including Dayna Sinopoli, a transgender woman, as the Assembly's Women of the Year for the 29th District and Dr. Jen Hastings, the Assembly's first non-binary Person of the Year. Additionally, Assemblymember Stone proudly named Dr. Chris DiMaio, co-founder of the Rainbow Veterans of Santa Cruz County, as his 2015 Veteran of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Assemblymember Mark Stone on being commemorated by Santa Cruz County's 47th Annual Pride Festival. We are all so grateful for his leadership and his advocacy.