Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Supervisor Cassandra James as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Representing Greater Vallejo as Supervisor for Solano County's First District, Cassandra exemplifies leadership grounded in equity and inclusion. Contributing more than a decade of experience working to improve housing stability and strengthen safety-net programs and continues to serve as a tireless advocate for California's most vulnerable communities.

Cassandra began her advocacy career with the San Francisco Youth Commission, where she championed economic justice for historically marginalized communities. She continues to draw on this expertise to advance policies that amplify community voices throughout Solano County and ensure that people have a meaningful role in decisions that affect their lives. Her years as a member of the Service Employees International Union have further strengthened her commitment to advocacy and community agency. Cassandra has also held countless leadership roles in community organizations, serving on the board of Vallejo Together, as Vice Chair of the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, and as Membership Committee Chair for the Solano County League of Women Voters. Throughout her career, Cassandra has demonstrated a passion for educating and empowering our community, serving as a champion for unhoused, formerly incarcerated, low-income, and others whose voices are often overlooked.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Cassandra James for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cathy Rojas as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A lifelong Vallejo resident, Cathy was born and raised in the community she continues to serve today. A graduate of St. Vincent's High School, she built both her family and professional life in Vallejo and has become a trusted and familiar presence throughout the city.

Cathy has worked as a full-time realtor since 2004, earning a reputation for professionalism, honesty, strong communication, and dedication to her clients. Her leadership in the real estate profession has included serving as President of the Solano Association of REALTORS, and she has received numerous professional honors throughout her career.

Cathy's impact, however, extends far beyond real estate. She is an active member of Soroptimist International of Vallejo and has served as the club's president, helping advance its mission of improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and opportunity. She has also served on the board of St. Patrick-St. Vincent Catholic High School and is an alumna of Leadership Vallejo.

Those who know Cathy also know her for her generosity and willingness to step forward whenever her community needs support. She gives freely of her time, resources, and energy and remains a dedicated champion for local organizations, causes, and neighbors throughout Vallejo. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor her as a 2026 Woman of the Year and recognize her many positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lori Peterson Grundman as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Since retiring from a career in the semiconductor industry, Lori has dedicated herself to serving the Benicia community. Through her extensive volunteer work, she has helped protect the environment, support residents in need, strengthen public safety, and encourage civic engagement.

Lori leads the Benicia Litter Pickers, a volunteer organization she has grown to more than 400 members. Through neighborhood cleanups and community events, the group has removed thousands of pounds of litter, helping keep Benicia's streets, parks, and waterways clean. She also serves with the Benicia Lions Club, helping organize community traditions such as the annual Lions Crab Feed, Classic Car Show, and Oktoberfest. After serving two years as Club Secretary on the Lions Club Board of Directors, Lori continues to give her time to local causes, including St. Paul's Community Meal Program, which provides hundreds of hot meals to residents in need each week.

Lori's commitment to her neighbors also includes emergency preparedness and civic responsibility. She serves on the Benicia Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team and is expanding her public safety knowledge through the Benicia Police Department's Citizen's Academy. For many years, she has also served as a poll worker with the Solano County Registrar of Voters and as an Inspector coordinating a local Adopt-A-Poll precinct, helping ensure elections run smoothly for Benicia residents.

Through her consistent dedication across so many areas of community life, Lori has made a lasting difference in Benicia. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Lori Peterson Grundman for her outstanding service and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Toni Condit as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As co-founder and Board Chair of Future Leadership Solano (FLS), Toni has dedicated herself to expanding opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and become active participants in their communities.

Since its founding, the program has provided leadership training and community engagement opportunities to nearly 80 local youth, connecting them with civic, business, educational, and nonprofit leaders. Through these experiences and hands-on service projects, participants learn how their communities operate and how they can make a meaningful difference.

Beyond her work with FLS, Toni remains actively involved in civic and community organizations, including the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. She also supports the annual Vallejo Fourth of July Parade and serves on the board of Vallejo Waterfront Weekend, helping bring residents together to celebrate their community and strengthen local connections.

Across her many roles, Toni demonstrates a genuine commitment to service and inspiring others to give back. Her leadership has helped grow Future Leadership Vallejo into Future Leadership Solano, extending opportunities for young people throughout the county. By encouraging the next generation to take an active role in shaping their communities, Toni is helping cultivate future leaders whose contributions will continue for years to come. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Toni Condit for her dedicated service, commitment to youth leadership, and lasting contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Samar Bannister as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed Master Mariner, Captain Bannister serves as Master of California State University Maritime Academy's training ship Golden Bear III and Director of Marine Programs. A member of the Class of 2000, she returned to her alma mater in 2022 as its first female training ship captain.

Under her command, Golden Bear III has safely traveled more than 50,000 nautical miles, representing Cal Maritime and the United States at 19 domestic and international ports while providing hands-on training to more than 1,100 future maritime officers. Through her leadership, Captain Bannister is helping prepare the next generation of mariners for successful careers in a vital industry.

Captain Bannister has also played an instrumental role in advancing the Boat Basin and Pier Expansion Project, the future home of the training ship Golden State II. As construction progresses and Golden Bear III operates from Mare Island, she has coordinated alternative training arrangements to ensure cadets can continue meeting their academic requirements and U.S. Coast Guard credentialing standards. Her efforts to establish shoreside watch stations, facilitate safe access to training vessels, and relocate instructional equipment demonstrates her commitment to student safety and educational excellence.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Captain Bannister is a dedicated mentor and role model who supports cadets in their academic, leadership, and extracurricular pursuits. Her leadership and service are helping strengthen maritime education and advance the future of the maritime industry not only in Vallejo but throughout the greater San Francisco Bay and Delta region. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Captain Samar Bannister for her outstanding leadership and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Ada Brown as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Ada is a dedicated leader, community advocate, and nonprofit executive committed to creating opportunities for young people and families in underserved communities throughout the Bay Area.

In 2018, following four years of community-focused work, Ada formally established the Lady Echelon Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development. Through Lady Echelon, she has worked to provide young people with educational resources, job-readiness training, and essential life skills. Recognizing the importance of preparing students for emerging industries, her organization partnered with the Solano County Workforce Development Board in 2025 to host a biotechnology career fair at Solano Community College's Vallejo campus. The event connected more than 200 local high school students with industry professionals and potential career pathways.

Drawing from her own experiences, Ada has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for others. As a young mother who grew up in an under-resourced community, she understands the barriers that can limit access to opportunity. These experiences have shaped her commitment to empowering young people and families, a mission she continues to advance through her work.

Her leadership reflects resilience and a firm belief that every young person deserves access to opportunities, regardless of their background or economic circumstances. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Ada Brown for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Teresa Tate as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For more than 25 years, Teresa has served the Chinese American Association of Solano County (CAASC), helping provide scholarships to over 400 students totaling more than $300,000. As the organization's treasurer for over a decade, she has helped maintain its financial stability and ensure its continued ability to support students and serve the community. Beyond her work managing the organization's finances, Teresa volunteers on numerous CAASC committees, including those dedicated to scholarships, silent auctions, and raffles. Her commitment to education has helped sustain annual scholarship opportunities for Solano County students, while her service has also supported community outreach efforts, including card-making activities for seniors during the pandemic.

Teresa has also played an important role in celebrating and promoting Chinese and Asian American cultures throughout Solano County. Through her involvement in organizing Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations, as well as ensuring CAASC's participation in Vacaville's Fiesta Days Parade and Fairfield's Fourth of July Parade, she has helped strengthen cultural visibility and bring the community together.

Through her decades of dedicated service, Teresa has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to education, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. Her contributions have strengthened CAASC and helped create meaningful opportunities for residents throughout Solano County. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Teresa Tate for her longstanding service and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Dr. Sabrina Robertson as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Sabrina has dedicated over 25 years of her career working directly with adolescent girls in substitute care, veterans in transitional housing, justice-impacted individuals, families involved with courts, and vulnerable patients in behavioral health systems. Sabrina is a trauma- informed therapist and delivers emotional support across various community settings. Her role as a doctor spans across Solano and Contra Costa counties, reflecting a commitment that crosses geographic boundaries and serves multiple populations. She mentors Master of Social Work students and associate clinicians, emphasizing integrity, cultural humility, accountability, and excellence.

She challenges new professionals to fully embrace their responsibilities and models best practices in her field. Dr. Robertson also facilitates a weekly court-approved anger management program and provides parenting education focused on healthy development and co- parenting. She has also shared her knowledge by authoring The Pain of My Inheritance: My Mother's Wound, a book about healing and restoration. Sabrina is valued not only for her formal achievements but also for her everyday impact on those she supports, mentors, and inspires.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Dr. Sabrina Robertson for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Anjurle Duchaussee as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Through profound youth advocacy, years of civic volunteerism, and steadfast public service across Solano County, Anjurle exemplifies the absolute best of community leadership and compassion. As a dedicated volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Solano County, Anjurle champions the mission of supporting Fairfield's underserved youth, families, and seniors. She is consistently the first to arrive and the last to leave, spearheading the logistics and physical setup for critical community initiatives.

Anjurle also serves as the Administrative Lead for the Fairfield Fire Department, where colleagues and leadership view her as the foundational glue holding department operations together. When the department faced the heartbreaking loss of a firefighter who died in the line of duty, Anjurle stepped forward with tireless compassion to support donation drives and support networks for the family and agency, earning formal recognition and deep gratitude from the Fairfield Firefighters Association.

Beyond her extensive public service and emergency management contributions, Anjurle is a loving mother and grandmother whose daily life is defined by quiet generosity and selfless devotion to others. She represents the best of Solano County and California's Eighth Congressional District and has fundamentally strengthened the safety, well-being, and heart of our community.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Anjurle Duchaussee for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Rami Muth as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A devoted educator and community leader, Rami has spent decades expanding opportunities for students and encouraging civic engagement throughout Solano and Contra Costa Counties.

Rami devoted 40 years to public education, serving in the Benicia, Fairfield-Suisun, and Martinez Unified School Districts. Her commitment to students and excellence in teaching earned her recognition as Mentor Teacher of the Year in 1995 and Solano Teacher of the Year in 1997. She later served as Director of Curriculum and, from 2008 until her retirement in 2016, as Superintendent of the Martinez Unified School District. In that role, she worked to strengthen student achievement while building meaningful partnerships among schools, families, and the broader community.

Rami's commitment to education and service has continued well beyond her retirement. Since 2016, she has served on the Executive Board of #hersmile, a nonprofit supporting healing and resiliency in the face of adversity. She also serves as a consultant and curriculum director for C4L, an online school that provides adults facing barriers to traditional education with a pathway to a high school diploma.

Her dedication to civic engagement is equally strong. Since 2020, Rami has served on the board of the League of Women Voters of Solano County and currently serves as co-president. Through this work, she has encouraged young people to become informed and engaged citizens, including helping launch a student essay contest inviting students to reflect on ``What Democracy Means to Me.''

Through her lifelong dedication to education, service, and civic participation, Rami continues to open doors for others and strengthen the communities she serves.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Rami Muth for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Donna Marshall as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For nearly three decades, Donna has served the Benicia community as a special education teacher and dedicated volunteer with numerous organizations, including Benicia Reads, Solano County Adopt-a-Poll, and the Lions Vision Clinic. In her current role as Co-Director of the Community Meal at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Donna exemplifies compassion and leadership through her work to address food insecurity and social isolation. By recruiting and training volunteers, coordinating meals, securing donations, and fundraising, Donna has helped grow the program from serving approximately 100 meals once a week to providing roughly 550 meals over two days each week. The Community Meal also distributes groceries and thousands of pounds of food each month to individuals and families in need. Donna has built meaningful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and food providers that help sustain these efforts. Just as importantly, she has fostered an environment where every guest is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Donna's service extends throughout Benicia. As Treasurer of the Benicia Kiwanis Foundation, she helps support scholarships, literacy programs, food assistance, and other local initiatives. Her dedication has previously been recognized with a Community Service Award from the Kiwanis Club of Benicia. Donna has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving others and building a stronger, more caring community.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Donna Marshall for her outstanding service and positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Alicia Carr as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For nearly 20 years, Alicia has dedicated her time and talents to serving others throughout Solano County. A military spouse and longtime community volunteer, she has worked to promote health, cultural pride, and fellowship among seniors, military families, and members of the Filipino-American (Fil- Am) community.

Alicia began volunteering at the Fairfield Senior Center in 2006, assisting with senior activities and participating in line-dancing classes. After being encouraged by her instructor to help lead the class, she eventually stepped into that role and later took over the program following his passing, continuing in his memory. Since joining the Filipino American Community of Fairfield, Suisun, and Vacaville, Inc. in 2017, Alicia has volunteered weekly as a line-dancing instructor while organizing cultural performances, fundraisers, and large community events. Beyond her work as an instructor, Alicia has served as Assistant Secretary, Secretary, and currently as a member of the Board of Directors. Her fellow members describe her as a dependable leader and the person they turn to when something needs to get done.

Through her many roles, Alicia's service has positively impacted Filipino-American families, military families, and seniors throughout Solano County. Alicia's unwavering commitment to the community brought people together and strengthened connections, fostering a greater sense of unity and belonging.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Alicia Carr for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christina Strawbridge as one of

California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For more than three decades, Christina has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to strengthening the City of Benicia through public service, small-business leadership, historic preservation, and community involvement. Christina owned and operated a successful downtown Benicia business for more than twenty years, contributing to the vitality of the city's historic downtown while mentoring and supporting fellow entrepreneurs. She later served two terms on Benicia's City Council, where she championed economic development, historic preservation, and initiatives that improved residents' quality of life.

Among her most significant accomplishments was helping lead efforts to protect Benicia's two State Parks from closure during California's budget crisis. Her advocacy helped preserve important public spaces and historic resources, including the Benicia State Capitol, Fischer-Hanlon House, and Benicia State Recreation Area. Christina also played an important role in revitalizing the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, helping transform the historic landmark into a community gathering place.

As publisher of Benicia Magazine, Christina highlighted the people, businesses, artists, and organizations that make Benicia unique. She is also a founding board member and current President of Benicia Main Street, where she supports small businesses, promotes tourism, organizes community events, and works to preserve downtown Benicia's character. Christina's decades of leadership have strengthened Benicia's economy, preserved its history, protected public spaces, and inspired others to serve.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Christina Strawbridge for her outstanding contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Norma Fulinara Placido as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Originally born in the Philippines, Norma earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education before immigrating to the United States to join her husband, who was serving in the U.S. Navy.

In 1971, she studied Information Technology and Data Processing at Peralta College in Oakland, California, and went on to build a 32-year career. A lifelong advocate for public service and leadership, Norma currently serves as President of the Vallejo Sister City

Association and Sister City Commissioner, promoting cultural exchange and community partnerships. She also served as President of the Filipino Community of Solano County, Inc. for 20 years, leading fundraising efforts for cultural, charitable, and community development initiatives.

Throughout her service, Norma has held leadership positions with numerous other community organizations, including the Solano County Fair Association and others throughout Northern California. Her dedication has earned her numerous honors, including being named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Filipina Women's Network and the first-ever Outstanding Filipino American Women Award, among several other leadership, volunteer, and community service awards. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Norma Fulinara Placido for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Askari Sowonde as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. A longtime Vallejo resident, Askari has dedicated decades to strengthening her community through the arts, education, and civic engagement. Throughout her years in Vallejo, Askari has created opportunities for residents to come together, celebrate culture, and engage with important community issues. Through her production company, Askari Sowonde Productions, she has organized festivals, concerts, youth programs, and community events that have enriched Vallejo and fostered greater connection among its residents.

One of Askari's most enduring contributions is the Annual Vallejo Community Kwanzaa Celebration. For more than 20 years, she has helped sustain this important local tradition, which remains Vallejo's only communitywide Kwanzaa celebration. Her work has also included Black History Month programs, art showcases, peace rallies, and events for children and families.

Askari has also contributed to Vallejo through public service. She served on the City of Vallejo's Commission on Culture and the Arts, where she supported programs that expanded cultural and artistic opportunities, and with the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, helping preserve and share the city's diverse history. In recognition of her longstanding commitment to the community, the Vallejo Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women presented her with its Woman in Action Award in 2019.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to recognize Askari Sowonde for her decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the Vallejo community.