Josh Harder

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary career of Kay Ruhstaller, Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center in San Joaquin County. After more than three decades of transformational leadership, fearless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families, Kay leaves behind a legacy that has strengthened countless lives across the Central Valley.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Family Resource Center, Kay has led one of San Joaquin County's largest nonprofit organizations, stewarding a budget of more than $100 million and serving over 8,000 children each year. Under her guidance, the Family Resource Center became a statewide model for innovative, equity-driven, and collaborative approaches to strengthening families and supporting children.

Kay's leadership has always been rooted in the belief that children and families are the foundation of a healthy community and that diversity is San Joaquin County's greatest strength. She advocated against cuts to SNAP and Medicare, expanded access to early learning opportunities, championed youth voice through the Teen IMPACT Center, and co-founded the San Joaquin Children's Alliance, helping secure more than $5 million in mental health funding for families following the pandemic.

A leader who consistently turned insight into action, Kay helped establish 211 San Joaquin, which now supports more than 500,000 residents annually, strengthened trauma-informed services at the Family Justice Center, and oversaw the delivery of more than 4 million healthy meals to children. Her leadership also extended statewide through service on the First 5 San Joaquin Commission and the California Early Childhood Policy Council. In 2023, as the 13th female President of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, she elevated childcare as a workforce priority and strengthened partnerships across the region.

At the heart of Kay's leadership is her dedication to lifting others, especially women. She is widely recognized as a generous mentor whose authenticity and steady guidance have helped emerging leaders find their voice and step into leadership roles. In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, Kay received the 2025 ATHENA Award from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kay Ruhstaller for her remarkable career and steadfast dedication to the people of San Joaquin County, and in wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary career of Mr. Don Bott as he retires after 41 years of dedicated service as an educator in Stockton, California.

For more than four decades, Mr. Bott has shaped the lives of countless students through his unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and personal growth. He spent over 30 years teaching English and journalism at Stagg High School, where he inspired generations of young people with a deep appreciation for literature, writing, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. His classroom was more than a place of instruction--it was a place where students were challenged to discover their voices, build confidence, and strive toward their full potential.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Bott served for 27 years as advisor to the nationally recognized and award-winning Stagg Line newspaper. Under his leadership, student journalists developed not only exceptional writing and reporting skills, but also the confidence and discipline necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. Through journalism, Mr. Bott empowered students to tell meaningful stories, pursue truth, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bott became known not only as an exceptional educator, but as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond graduation. Former students regularly returned to his classroom to share their experiences and offer guidance to younger students--a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship and the strong community he cultivated over the years. Thousands of students benefitted from his encouragement, compassion, and belief in their ability to succeed.

In the final years of his career, Mr. Bott continued his service to Stockton Unified School District as a teacher's coach, helping support and mentor fellow educators so that future generations of students could continue to receive the highest quality education. His leadership and experience strengthened not only individual classrooms, but the broader educational community across Stockton.

Mr. Bott's legacy is one of service, excellence, and unwavering advocacy for students. He has been a champion for the art of writing, a passionate advocate for reading and journalism, and a transformational figure in public education. His awards and honors include: San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year, National Scholastic Press Association Pioneer, and Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit. His impact on Stockton will continue to be felt for generations through the students, teachers, and community members whose lives he touched.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Don Bott for his remarkable 41-year career and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. The people of Stockton and the entire Central Valley are deeply grateful for his decades of dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and enduring legacy of Ms. Winnie Beatrice ``Bea'' Richardson, a proud member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II, as her family will gather in Texas on June 13, 2026, to commemorate her contributions to our Nation.

Ms. Richardson joined the United States Army on August 28, 1943, in Houston, Texas, at 23 years old. Prior to her service, she worked as a private maid. She began her military career as a supply clerk and later served as a postal clerk, achieving the rank of Private First Class. As part of the historic 6888th Battalion--an all-Black, all-female unit of the Women's Army Corps--she played a vital role in clearing a massive backlog of mail, ensuring troops overseas remained connected to loved ones and strengthening morale during wartime.

For her service, Ms. Richardson received numerous commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal, the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. She was honorably discharged on November 16, 1945.

Following her military service, Ms. Richardson continued a lifetime of public service. She worked for 43 years at the Sacramento Army Depot, rising from custodian to Supply Clerk. Her dedication earned recognition for maintaining zero sick leave for a decade from 1983 to 1993, along with many additional awards before retirement.

Ms. Richardson was deeply devoted to her community. She served as a Den Mother and youth leader across scouting organizations, as PTA President, and as Auxiliary President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1970. A longtime member of St. Paul Baptist Church, she served faithfully on the Usher Board and as a Senior Usher.

Affectionately known as ``Mother West,'' she was remembered for her generosity, opening her home to those in need of a meal or safe place to stay.

Ms. Richardson passed away on August 15, 2004, at the age of 84, and is laid to rest at Sacramento Memorial Lawn Cemetery alongside her husband, Andrew Bryan West, a fellow World War II Army veteran. Married in 1950, they raised five children and are survived by a large and loving family who continue to honor her legacy of service and compassion.

This ceremony will stand as a meaningful tribute to Ms. Richardson and the broader contributions of the women of the 6888th Battalion. Her story of courage, perseverance, and patriotism continues to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Winnie Beatrice ``Bea'' Richardson for her extraordinary service and lasting impact on our Nation's history.