Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria del Rocio Martinez Luna as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Maria is a dedicated community leader and longtime advocate for Richmond's 23rd Street corridor whose life reflects resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Maria immigrated to the United States with her mother and sister and was raised in a single-parent household. She witnessed her mother work tirelessly to support their family while navigating the uncertainty of their immigration status. Despite these challenges, Maria remained committed to her education and, in 2009, became the first person in her family to graduate from high school. For the past 13 years, Maria has worked at Rigo's Auto Sales, where her dedication and leadership helped her become Secretary of the 23rd Street Merchants Association. In this role, she works closely with merchants, residents, community organizations, and public agencies to strengthen one of Richmond's most important cultural and commercial corridors. Maria helps organize major community events, including Richmond's annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, she has also assisted with immigration forums that provide residents with reliable information about their rights and available protections, drawing on her own experience to help immigrant families feel informed and supported. Her commitment extends to public safety. Maria works with local merchants, residents, the Richmond Police Department, and City partners to address traffic, speeding, pedestrian safety, parking, and other neighborhood concerns. Much of Maria's work takes place behind the scenes and her leadership strengthens businesses, supports immigrant families, and brings people together. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Maria del Rocio Martinez Luna for her outstanding contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Vanessa Magali Oden as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. The first Spanish-speaking administrator at Elite Public Schools in Vallejo, where she has served both as Vice Principal and Assistant Director of Multilingual Affairs, Reverend Oden has broken down many barriers to education for bilingual students. To ensure that every voice is heard, she has engaged extensively with students, their families, and the surrounding communities.

Reverend Oden has helped pave the way to academic success for many students through her efforts. Following the damage caused in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria, she and her ministry led water relief efforts for those impacted. They have assisted in many other crises, from providing aid to women and children in nations impacted by conflict to helping supplying food to displaced families on the border of Colombia and Venezuela. During the Pandemic, she also organized online counseling for women across the globe while also assisting during AIDS crises in Mexico, Uganda, and Rwanda.

A champion of service, Reverend Oden has spearheaded efforts to feed local unhoused individuals and families while emphasizing unity through multilingual outreach. Her work has improved the lives of many in Solano County, uplifting those most vulnerable and strengthening our communities. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Reverend Vanessa Magali Oden for her extraordinary commitment to education, humanitarian service, and uplifting vulnerable communities both at home and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Grogan as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Kathleen has made a profound impact in the Solano County community as a volunteer for the non-profit organization End 68 Hours of Hunger for more than five years.

Each week, she directs a group of volunteers to pack 500 bags of food for children from schools in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Dixon. Because of their hard work and her passionate leadership, the organization provided over 16,000 bags of food during the 2025 to 2026 school year. End 68 hours of Hunger addresses the roughly 68 hours between Friday's school lunch and Monday's school breakfast. The program is 100 percent volunteer based with 95 percent of the funds going directly to elementary school students in need. It is the only chapter in California and west of the Mississippi River.

In 2016, Kathleen visited three schools in Uganda, touching the lives of more than 1,500 children. She helped raise more than $5,000 for pumps that carry water from wells to

schools for cooking, bathing, and gardens that help feed students. In 2018, she raised another $5,000 for water sanitation systems, bringing safe drinking water to the schools and the local hospital.

Kathleen's leadership and generosity have fed children, brought clean water to communities, and inspired others to volunteer. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Kathleen Grogan for her extraordinary dedication to serving children and families, both in our local communities and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stacey Martinez as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A Vallejo native, Stacey has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Beginning her career as a Respite Care Provider in 1998, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to live independently and lead fulfilling lives.

Stacey currently serves as Executive Director of The Arc-Solano. Her career reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Stacey is an active community leader. She serves on the North Bay Regional Centers' Vendor Advisory Committee, participates in the California Conference of Executives of the Arc of California, and serves on the NBRC Board of Directors' Public Policy Committee.

Stacey's dedication extends to numerous local organizations, including Soroptimist International of Vallejo, the Cave Language Academy PTA, 100+ Women Who Care Solano County, Leadership Vallejo and the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce. Through her leadership and service, Stacey has made a lasting impact on individuals with disabilities, their families, and the broader Vallejo community. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Stacey Martinez for her outstanding contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sindy Lafages- McCree as one of

California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A devoted educator and advocate, Sindy has spent more than two decades strengthening early childhood education throughout Solano County.

Originally from Guadeloupe, Sindy is the founder of Les Petits Papillons French Family Day Care and Les Grand Papillons French Preschool. Drawing on her fluency in French, Creole, and English, she has created vibrant, multicultural learning environments that support young children and their families. Her commitment to early childhood education extends well beyond the classroom. Sindy played a leading role in reinstating the Solano-Napa Chapter of the California Association for the Education of Young Children and now serves as Chapter President. In this role, she works to expand professional development and continuing education opportunities for early childhood professionals throughout Solano and Napa Counties.

Sindy has also shared her expertise at the state and national level, presenting at multiple California Association for the Education of Young Children conferences, the 2025 California Child Care Resource & Referral Network Conference, and the 2026 National Association for Family Child Care Conference. She further supports local educators as a consultant, providing training in childcare business administration and helping strengthen program quality. Through her dedication to children, families, and educators, Sindy continues to advance educational excellence across the region. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Sindy Lafages- McCree for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Monique Sims as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her outstanding leadership in public health, maternal care, and community service. For more than 25 years, Dr. Sims has worked to improve the health of mothers, infants, and families, particularly in underserved communities.

She led the Solano County African American Community Baby Shower for 21 years, helping address disparities in maternal and infant health. Through her work in lactation education, she has trained nurses, doulas, health educators, and community members, while mentoring aspiring dietitians and lactation consultants. Dr. Sims has served as WIC manager, a California State WIC lactation trainer, and a long-term member of the Solano County Black Infant Health Advisory Board. She has also collaborated with Stanford Medical Center on community discussions about health disparities and helped develop breastfeeding education for Touro University students.

Beyond healthcare, Dr. Sims collaborates with Revival Center to provide essential supplies and support families. She founded the Melvin Thomson Center Walking Club in North Vallejo and offers free line dancing classes that bring neighbors together through movement and fellowship. Recognized for her advocacy and service, Dr. Sims continues to inspire others through her mentorship, compassion, and commitment to equitable care. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Dr. Monique Sims for her extraordinary contributions in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeannie Hamann as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her exceptional service to cancer patients and the families throughout our community. For more than 25 years, Jeannie has turned compassion into action.

As co-founder, president, and executive director of the Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation, she has helped provide more than $2 million in direct financial assistance to over 600 cancer patients across Solano and neighboring counties. The foundation helps families afford housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, and medical expenses during treatment. Jeannie's commitment began with the Hamann's Hearts for a Cure Relay for Life team in 1998. What started with grassroots fundraising grew into community events, including an annual dinner and auction supported by dedicated volunteers and local businesses. Her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 deepened her understanding of the challenges patients face and strengthened her resolve to help.

Jeannie has also been a respected real estate professional since 1987. She has served as president of the Solano Association of Realtors and the Benicia Downtown Business Association, contributing decades of leadership to her community. Through personal hardship and extraordinary generosity, Jeannie has remained a source of strength and hope for countless families. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Jeannie Hamann for her compassion, resilience, and enduring commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Nancy Dunn as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Nancy served as an educator for the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District for 25 years, teaching both elementary and middle school students. During this time, she built strong positive relationships with families and the community, fostering an environment that improved student success. Nancy also served as the President of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers Association for six years, including during the COVID-19 Pandemic, where she assisted hundreds of teachers as they educated students through distanced learning. In this leadership role, she worked to strengthen collaboration between educators and administrators to advance student achievement.

Following her teaching career, Nancy continued her commitment to advocating for educational improvements and was elected to serve on the Vacaville Unified School District Governing Board. In this role, Nancy improved retention rates, enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms, and focused on stabilizing the School District's finances. She also served on the Vacaville Library Commission during its expansion of the Vacaville Cultural Center Library, highlighting the dedication Nancy has to the education of students of all ages.

Through her decades of service as an educator, advocate, and public servant, Nancy has helped strengthen local schools and expand educational opportunities for her community. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Nancy Dunn for her lasting contributions to education within our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Deborah Arana as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As the owner and lead teacher at Simply for Kids Daycare, Deborah has distinguished herself as an exceptional caregiver, mentoring young children with patience, compassion, and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, nourishing each child with homecooked meals, celebrating their birthdays, and coordinating enriching field trips. Deborah prepares her students for a life of civic engagement, instilling in each one the importance of cooperation, responsibility, and respect.

Deborah has also demonstrated remarkable perseverance, leading a small business through multiple community-wide crises that have placed a major strain on caregivers. Despite these challenges, Deborah remains committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for the children entrusted to her care. We celebrate Deborah for her tremendous contributions to uplifting families across our community, and for the vital role she plays in caring for and educating the next generation.

Deborah's impact in the community extends far beyond the children who walk through her doors. Her unwavering commitment to education, service, and civic responsibility serves as an exemplary model for childcare providers and organizations across our community. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Deborah Arana for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Ivonne Malave as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For 35 years, Ivonne has worked diligently as an advocate for youth, families, and underserved communities in both Solano and Contra Costa County. Her career has spanned from Juvenile Probation, Group Homes, and numerous community organizations, demonstrating her commitment to service, empowerment, and mentorship in our community.

For the past 16 years, Ivonne has partnered with multiple nonprofit agencies throughout the district and has served as a Recreation Aide with the City of Richmond's Community Service Department. In these roles, Ivonne has exhibited her devotion to the cause of uplifting our youth and preparing them for success in the future. In addition to these roles, Ivonne educates the youth in our community on job readiness. She ensures our young adults are exposed to a wide range of trades and careers, and are equipped with essential skills for workforce success.

Beyond Ivonne's service to our community in her professional capacity, she remains a symbol of joy in our community and works to connect with our community's youth. She frequently takes young people to sporting events or on outdoor excursions, which builds their self- efficacy through teamwork, outdoor skills, and shared experiences.

Ivonne Malave has consistently demonstrated her commitment to empowering and mentoring our youth, and has acted with both diligence and selflessness in her commitment to improving outcomes for young people in our district. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure and honor to recognize Ivonne Malave for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Dr. Dela Weeks-Morris as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For more than 25 years, Dr. Morris has strengthened our community through education, civic engagement, and public service. As Chair and Co-Chair of the Vallejo Human Relations Commission, she has worked tirelessly to foster meaningful relationships and engagement among residents, community groups, and city officials.

Through her service on the Vallejo Police Chief's Advisory Committee, she has advocated for public safety while instilling community trust in law enforcement. Education has long been a cornerstone of Dr. Morris's work. After earning her doctorate in education, she dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities, serving as a college instructor, graduate coach, and K-12 educational leader. Today, Dr. Morris manages a public assistance program focused on empowering low- income students and helping them to realize their educational goals.

Dr. Morris's commitment to diversity and inclusion is equally commendable. During her tenure at PG&E, she led the Black Employee Resource Group and received the President's Diversity Champion Award in recognition of her commitment to mentorship and community mobilization. She continues her service through leadership roles in the NAACP Oakland Branch, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, the Northern California UNCF Scholarship Planning Committee, and the National Panhellenic Council of Solano County. Her life of service epitomizes compassion, commitment, and humility. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Dr. Dela Weeks- Morris for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen Intintoli as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of

the Year. Helen's commitment to local culture was recognized in 2009 when the Vaca Arts Council honored her with a special award for individuals who ``go the extra mile for local culture.'' That distinction reflects what those who know Helen understand: she builds, nurtures, and sustains the artistic life of her community.

Helen retired from Solano Community College and continues to work with students through music at the college and throughout the community. One of her most enduring legacies is the Madrigal Dinner events, blending music, dancing, storytelling, and theatrical artistry while inspiring students and delighting audiences.

Helen served as Choir Director at St. Vincent Ferrer Church for 24 years, encouraging singers to grow while maintaining a spirit of warmth, inclusion, and excellence. Her love for music is a lived mission. She and her ensemble, Well Tempered Voices, practiced for many years at her home, released two CDs and traveled to Japan to perform.

Helen joined Soroptimist in 2005, helping to improve the lives of women and girls locally and around the world. She served in several leadership roles, including twice as President.

Helen embodies excellence, perseverance, and service to others. She has spent her life strengthening community through music, culture, mentorship, and kindness. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Helen Intintoli for her outstanding contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa Edwards as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Melissa is recognized for her extraordinary dedication to youth, community service, and the people of Vallejo, California. Melissa has devoted decades to supporting young people in her community, she taught kids about wildlife at Marine World and later worked for the Child Support Division, ensuring parents were fulfilling their responsibilities to their children.

Melissa has spent a number of hours volunteering with the local Boy Scouts and continues to spend a few weeks every year planning a curriculum in addition to facilitating the fun science activities for the Scouts Day camps. Melissa has supported the Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Vallejo by providing home cooked meals for the students and has taught many kitchen skills and cooking classes for the youth. Through her business ``Enchanted Cottage Kitchen'', Melissa was one of the first home kitchen that was certified through Solano County, paving the way for future home kitchen businesses.

Beyond these contributions, Melissa has played an instrumental role in sustaining the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame, helping preserve the history of athletics in Vallejo and ensuring future generations receive the support they deserve for local sports programs. She has spent her life strengthening the community through support, teaching, resources and kindness. On behalf of the people of California's eighth Congressional District, I am pleased to honor Melissa Edwards for her unwavering commitment to service and her lasting contributions to the city of Vallejo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paula Bauer as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her exceptional leadership, environmental advocacy, and longstanding commitment to civic engagement in Vallejo and throughout Solano County. For decades, Paula has dedicated her time and talents to strengthening her community.

A longtime leader of the United Democrats, Solano County's oldest Democratic club, she has served in numerous leadership roles, helping sustain the organization and encouraging residents to participate in the democratic process. She currently serves on the Solano County Democratic Central Committee, where she continues her commitment to public service. Paula's passion for environmental justice has made a lasting impact on Vallejo. As an executive board member of Fresh Air Vallejo, she has worked to raise awareness of environmental concerns, encourage community participation, and advocate for responsible development. Her leadership has helped bring residents together to address important issues affecting health, safety, and future of their community.

Paula also serves on the Solano County Planning Commission, representing District 2, where she brings her experience as an attorney and community advocacy to important land-use and development decisions. Known for her dependability, compassion, and willingness to mentor others, Paula exemplifies the power of grassroots leadership and meaningful public participation. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Paula Bauer for her outstanding service and enduring contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Hunter as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her outstanding leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to the Vallejo community. As president of the NAACP Vallejo Branch, Patricia has strengthened community partnerships, improved communications, and encouraged greater participation in the organization's work. Previously serving as youth chair, she established Youth Unit 1742 in 2020, engaging more than 60 young people and helping sustain youth programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patricia has helped organize celebrations honoring local civil rights leaders and expanded opportunities for young people to learn Vallejo's history and fostered dialogue with city leaders on issues affecting residents.

Her commitment to public participation also includes organizing voter outreach and supporting youth involvement in elections. Her service extends to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she has held numerous leadership roles in Christian education, youth ministry, and lay organizations at local and regional levels. She also founded Thoughtful Thursday, a women's fellowship that grew beyond California during the pandemic.

Through her work with Black Women Organized for Political Action and the National Council of Negro Women, Patricia continues to champion community empowerment and meaningful civic involvement. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Patricia Hunter for her steadfast service, inspiring leadership, and lasting contributions to our community.