Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Irmalee Schumacher as a woman of the year. She is a sensational educator and dedicated volunteer who has long devoted herself to the betterment of Colusa County. As a teacher for Williams Elementary School and Colusa Preschool, Ms. Schumacher's passion for shaping young minds has been an inspiration to her students and fellow educators. Over the past 21 years, she has led and coordinated the Super Seven Awards Program which recognizes the top seven 11th and 12th grade students from Colusa High School for their outstanding scholastic achievement. Ms. Schumacher takes the time to write each student a highly individualized biography to present to them at their awards dinner where her attention to detail and light-hearted touch always manage to bring the event to life. Furthermore, Ms. Schumacher has been instrumental in coordinating and executing the

Colusa County Office of Education's Scholastic Appreciation Day, known as the 3+ Club. This year alone, she awarded over 275 children from across the county while also securing donations, promoting the event, and organizing a vast cohort of volunteers. Ms. Schumacher also generously co-funds a scholarship for Williams High School graduates who might otherwise not be able to move into higher education. In short, her cheerful personality, encouraging words, and leadership skills are of endless value to the students and residents affected by her work

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jayne Williams as a woman of the year. She has dedicated her life to mentoring others and is an outstanding example of service to the community. Over the years she has given her time and talent to organizations aimed at helping people get through tough times, such as after-school programs for low- income children and families, a recovery group for those battling addiction, and Shoulder to Shoulder, a mentoring organization serving young men lacking positive male role-models. She also worked as a Sacramento Court Appointed Special Advocate, Sacramento County Sheriff's Chaplain for Grant High School, and consultant to Northern California teachers for the Anti-Defamation League. Since moving to her current community of Esparto, Ms. Williams has used her mentoring expertise in co-founding All Leaders Must Serve, a non-profit organization helping young adults pursue fulfilling careers. As Executive Director of All Leaders Must Serve, she has helped young

adults as they leave high school and enter the workforce to focus on job readiness, soft skills, goal setting, and self-sufficiency. Through this program, students gain a vision of the career they want along with the tools and confidence they need to pursue it. It has been Ms. Williams' vision that has allowed the organization to grow in its ability to serve young adults in Yolo County and make the biggest impact it can for students in the program. Her skilled, passionate, and dedicated approach to mentoring others has left a positive impact on countless individuals throughout her community

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Katherine Laddish as a woman of the year. She is committed to serving Winters as an advocate, organizer, volunteer and committee volunteer. Demonstrating incredible dedication to her community, Kate Laddish is an inspiration in so many facets of life in Winters. She contributes to the community through volunteerism and contributes to the environment as a steward and a leader. She is an advocate for healthy communities, and as an In- Home Supportive Services advisory

committee volunteer member she inspired others to find their best selves in order to help those in need. Ms. Laddish has been an indispensable advocate for smoke-free, low-income housing and was successful in getting many low-income properties to go smoke-free. Outside of her public advocacy, Ms. Laddish has been a volunteer at The Palms Playhouse in various capacities since 2001; she also volunteers writing for the Winters Express as an Entertainment Correspondent. Despite facing a range of physical challenges, Ms. Laddish enjoys entertaining at local community events as a member of the Crawdads, a local jazz band ensemble. Playing such an involved role in her community's affairs has established her as a pillar of her community. Kate Laddish is generous, passionate, and dedicated to all the causes she devotes herself to. An inspiration to all who know her, Kate has a heart of service and exemplifies all the qualities of a consummate community activist and devoted public servant

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Heidi Shelton as woman of the year. She is a caring community advocate with a passion for providing resources to those in need. As the co-owner of NorCal Assets Solutions, a business founded, owned, and operated by women, Ms. Shelton is integral to providing seniors and families of the Yuba- Sutter area with information about a range of services, from Medicare planning and long-term care alternatives, to PG&E's Medical program, and safe retirement planning. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Ms. Shelton's history of service includes involvement with community groups such as United Way, the Alzheimer's Association, the Alliance for Hispanic Advancement, and the Salvation Army. She has also worked with 14 Forward, an organization that seeks to assist the homeless with temporary housing and can be seen regularly leading a variety of free workshops throughout the community. As a result of her diligent work and demonstrated ability, she has been a frequent recipient of awards for her service and ability to elicit effective outcomes for the seniors who seek out her expertise. Throughout her many years of service, Ms. Shelton has aided the people of Sutter County with fairness and dedication, proving her willingness and ability to provide quality and exceptional service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Lou Batchelor as a woman of the year. She is well-known in Solano County as a community leader, activist and public

servant. Serving two separate terms as the President of the Soroptimist International of Dixon, Mary Lou Batchelor has worked tirelessly to advance the status of women and girls, continually advocating for equality and opportunity. She also served as chair of the Soroptimist's countless events, programs, local projects, and fundraisers. She has been instrumental in bringing positive and significant changes to her community. She is especially devoted to generating financial support for cancer survivors and for the families of those who have lost their battle with cancer. Mary Lou was also a former President and is the current Treasurer of the Women's Improvement Club of Dixon, and as an active member of Dixon Advocates for Seniors, Mary Lou was recognized as the 2017 Dixon Senior Citizen of the Year. Her passion for volunteerism in the community is evident in her role at the League of Women Voters, helping to encourage and engage women in the community to become informed voters. She currently is involved in the city of Dixon's Volunteer Program in which she will be assisting agencies such as the Police Department, Fire House, or City Hall when needed. Mary Lou is hard-working, responsible, compassionate, and an effective community leader who truly cares about her community and embodies all the qualities of a true public servant.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Verneal Brumfield as a woman of the year. She is committed to serving her community and devotes her time to help further the development of Solano County. She retired as a Correctional Administrator with 28 years of service to the State of California, where she was responsible for thousands of inmates and staff over the years. She has gone on to become actively involved in many community service organizations where she advocates for causes she believes in. She has served in leadership positions with the National Council of Negro Women, the Tri-City NAACP, the Solano County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Democratic Women in Action. During her time as President of the Solano County Chapter of Links, Inc., she worked to secure a large grant which funded a STEM collaboration benefitting Solano County students. She also worked with the National Council of Negro Women and Campfire Girls of America to put on an event providing a holiday meal and gifts to underserved children in her area. Throughout her years of service to her community, Ms. Brumfield has been an integral part of many such projects benefitting the people of Solano County. She is always willing to serve wherever there is need and consistently does so with kindness and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maryah Stoots as a woman of the year. She is a parent advocate with a heart of service and a strong desire to help others. She is Vice President of the Williams Parent Teacher Organization where she fundraises for school spirit wear and educational programs. She was instrumental in the introduction of Learning Dynamics, an early learning reading program designed to promote childhood and family literacy. She is also a parent representative on the elementary school Site Council, a coalition of teachers, parents and employees who work closely with the school principal to develop, review, and evaluate school improvement efforts. She has been successful in securing funding from the Colusa Board of Supervisors for playground improvements and bringing the National Archery in School Programs to Williams Unified Schools. Above all, Ms. Stoots played a very important role in advocating for the implementation of a bullying prevention program to the elementary school in Williams. Outside of work, she volunteers for the Little League where you will often find her working the snack bar, pounding nails on the bleachers, or assisting with maintenance efforts. In 2016, Ms. Stoots was elected President of Citizens for a Better Williams, a non-profit focused on promoting community improvements. Whether she is fundraising for childhood education programs or volunteering in the community, Maryah Stoots exemplifies the qualities of selfless service and embodies the qualities of a public servant

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Natalie Audage as a woman of the year. She is committed to serving her community through her career as a Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator for Yolo County Children's Alliance. Her down-to-earth and engaging personality and commitment to professionalism enable her to bridge divides and affect positive change in social service sectors in Yolo County. Through her work, Ms. Audage produces a guide of resources that aims to prevent child abuse by providing parents and caregivers with skills that encourage healthy interactions with their children. As a coordinator of Yolo County Children's Alliance's Family Strengthening Network, she spearheaded the effort to train collaborative providers on the World Cafe model, an initiative which brings parents, leaders, educators, agency staff, and students together to pursue improvements in county systems. This model ensures that people of all communities are reached and offered the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive. Ms. Audage also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, where she researched and produced resources related to violence prevention and the adverse effects of child abuse across the lifespan. She brings this expertise to her work fighting for families in Yolo County. She is a passionate and dedicated advocate for children and is leaving an indelible mark on Child Abuse Prevention in Yolo County. I commend Natalie Audage for her passion and commitment to keeping children safe and in healthy family environments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pamela DaGrossa as a woman of the year. She is committed to serving her community and dedicates her time to support the underserved and less fortunate in Colusa County. As a court appointed Special Advocate for Glenn County, she devotes her time to mentoring foster children and advances their best interest in court. Ms. DaGrossa also works as an Animal Control Officer with the Colusa County Sheriff's Department and generously volunteers at the Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter working to save the lives of abused and neglected animals. The Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter organization provides numerous services to Colusa County's underfunded shelter, and as a volunteer Ms. DaGrossa saves countless shelter animals by providing foster care, medical treatment, vaccinations, and providing transportation to rescue organizations. Ms. DaGrossa is also central to empowering and encouraging her community to have a strong voice in local and national politics. As the chair of the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee and active member of Indivisible Colusa, Ms. DaGrossa aims to inform voters and encourage individuals to be active in politics. Her dedication to improving her community, positive attitude, and compassion for all are just a few qualities that make Ms. DaGrossa a truly extraordinary individual

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Raphael ``Rae'' Turnbull as a woman of the year. She is a mother, grandmother, author, teacher, artist, and gallery director with an exceptionally wide range of personal and

professional experience. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University, where she met her husband, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Alongside her husband, Mrs. Turnbull raised two accomplished children who excel in their work, volunteer in their communities, and devote time to their families. She taught her children by example. For 20 years she wrote a syndicated poetic essay column which appeared in major newspapers throughout the country. Her essays and short stories have also appeared in popular magazines, and she ultimately published several books of her collected essays. Mrs. Turnbull is also an educator whose career has spanned 60 years. She has taught at a wide variety of schools across the country and within the California State University system. She had the honor of being featured as a Multiple Year Honoree in the national edition of ``Who's Who Among America's Teachers.'' She also devotes time to her community by serving as the Chairwoman of the Orland Arts Commission and the Gallery Director for the Orland Arts Center where she uses her many artistic talents to teach others. Mrs. Turnbull is an accomplished woman who has put her education, artistic gifts, and hard work towards a long and distinguished career. She is an outstanding and inspirational example of talent and dedication for her family and people throughout her community

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rochelle Sherlock as a woman of the year. She is passionately devoted to improving her community both through her career and volunteerism. Ms. Sherlock co- founded the Senior Coalition of Solano County, a volunteer based group which advises the Solano County Board of Supervisors on how best to serve the senior community. She has also been an invaluable part of my Senior Advisory Group where she has played an essential role in increasing my awareness and understanding of the critical issues facing seniors in our community. As co-founder of the Solano Commission for Women and Girls, she advanced the goal of improving the economic status, health and social welfare, and overall quality of life for women and girls in Solano County. She is also a founding member of 100 Women Who Care, a philanthropic organization which provides financial support for local charities doing important work. She also co-founded the first Solano County Volunteer Center and is a member of the Volunteer Center of the Bay Area Board. Ms. Sherlock has done extensive volunteer work in service to her community while maintaining her role as the founder and CEO of Potentiate, a consulting firm for private companies, government, and non-profit organizations. She also does pro- bono consulting work for dozens of local non-profits and civic leaders that has greatly enhanced their ability to more efficiently serve the needs of our community. The significant positive impact Rochelle Sherlock has had on this community cannot be overstated, and she is extremely worthy of this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sally Serger as a woman of the year. As a dedicated educator who is passionate about her family and community, Ms. Sally Serger has devoted over 25 years of her life to teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing special-needs children in Oroville for the Sutter County Office of Education. With her persistence and positivity, she has been able to touch the lives of countless children who otherwise might not receive the patient care and instruction so critical to their development. It is a point of pride for Ms. Serger when she has the opportunity to interact with the students who she has seen grow into successful young adults throughout her career. Ms. Serger also spends time volunteering in myriad other capacities throughout her community. She is a member of the California Women for Agriculture, the La Porte Snowmobile Club, and has served for over 30 years as a project and community leader for the renowned 4-H Program. When one considers that 4-H seeks to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential, it is no surprise to learn that Ms. Serger has chosen to spend her time with this organization. In addition to her work as an educator, Ms. Serger has been a consistent force in improving the western bank of the Feather River, and by diligently advocating for her community, she became instrumental in securing local funding for the strengthening of Sutter

County levees. Ms. Serger's passion, dedication, and diligence in all facets of her life are truly worthy of recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sara Sealander as a woman of the year. She is an artist, educator, and activist. She taught both Art History and Studio Art classes fulltime at Yuba Community College for 38 years and continues her work teaching as an adjunct professor of Art History. She has long been the leading voice for women in the arts in her community. She created the curriculum for the Women in the Arts classes she teaches, and which are now taught in other schools. She has mentored a whole generation of artists and art instructors in her community and remains passionate about the role of arts in education and society. Ms. Sealander's skill and passion for the arts goes beyond her work into activism. Fueled by threats to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts, she organized public protests to educate the public about the importance of the NEA to society and its impact in our local community. She also founded a local chapter of Guerilla Girls, an international group of feminist activist artists who use their artistic talents to make social commentary. Ms. Sealander's activism works to promote the importance of art to community and society. She continues to be an inspiration to young artists and the next generation of arts instructors at all levels of education in the Yuba-Sutter community. She generously gives her time to curate an annual Art Faculty Art show and has devoted many hours to the Yuba College Fine Arts Alumni group. She makes time to mentor graduates, ensuring that the value of art in her community will never be lost. She has devoted her career to promoting the arts and without her devotion to the importance of art, the artistic community of the Yuba-Sutter area would not be what it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Salina Edwards as a woman of the year. She is an unflinchingly energetic and optimistic advocate for her community. A reliable source of determination and persistence, Ms. Edwards has always made it a priority to better the lives of those around her by asking the tough questions and delving into the minutia of an issue before determining the best possible course for the citizens she serves. After a distinguished fourteen-year career with the Glenn County Superior Court, she still had a desire to serve and decided to run for office. In addition to her role as Councilwoman, her wide range of duties and responsibilities for the city include the Waste Management Board, the Glenn County Local Agency Formation Commission, the Orland Library Commission, the Glenn County Transportation Committee, and the Glenn County Regional Transportation Committee. Ms. Edwards is a caring and mindful public servant devoted to every aspect of her community, when she isn't focused on fulfilling her duties as a Councilwoman, she can be found pitching in for the Orland Bee City Committee and the Orland Queen Bee City of North America. Her unfailing enthusiasm and dedicated spirit make her a highly visible presence in the community, whether volunteering for local Kiwanis club events or pitching in at the Orland Food Pantry. Ms. Edwards is devoted community servant whose positive impact cannot be overstated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vera Correa as a woman of the year. She is a dedicated advocate and volunteer who gives her time generously in service to her community. As the Vice President of the Alliance for Hispanic Advancement she works to further the organization's goal of improving the quality of life for people of Hispanic heritage. Through community involvement, educational enhancement, and economic promotion, she and the AHA have worked to represent and serve the Hispanic community. She also gives her time organizing numerous community events such as the Kiwanis Italian Night, Hogs & Hula, the Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival, the Mexican Independence Day Festival, the Day of the Dead event, and the Binational Health Week Fair. Whether it is through her work as Vice President of the Alliance for Hispanic Advancement, or in her many volunteer roles in her community, Ms. Correa has demonstrated a true commitment to improving the lives of others. She is a community leader and activist who never stops working for those in need of a helping hand. Her dedication to her community provides inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps as leaders and volunteers. Ms. Correa is generous, passionate, dedicated, and her contribution to her community is truly worthy of recognition.