Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the San Joaquin Delta College Women's Basketball Team for their historic achievement in securing their first-ever State Championship title. This remarkable accomplishment marks a defining moment for the program and the entire San Joaquin Delta College community.

On March 15, 2026, the Mustangs delivered an unforgettable performance, overcoming a significant early deficit to defeat MiraCosta College 76-71. After trailing at halftime, the team demonstrated extraordinary resilience, determination, and unity--mounting an impressive second-half comeback to claim the championship.

This victory was fueled by a true team effort and outstanding leadership on the court. Aaliyah Youngblood led the way with a standout performance, earning Most Valuable Player honors for her scoring, playmaking, and composure under pressure. She was joined by key contributions from Fajr Cuthbertson, Marcelina Chaparro, and La Ne' Dunn, whose efforts helped power the Mustangs to victory.

What makes this championship especially meaningful is the grit and perseverance the team showed throughout the game. Facing an early deficit, the Mustangs never wavered--steadily chipping away and finishing strong to secure a historic win.

This milestone reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who made this moment possible. Their achievement will inspire future generations and stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of the San Joaquin Delta College community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the San Joaquin Delta College Women's Basketball Team on their historic State Championship victory and in celebrating this extraordinary accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce as it marks 125 years of service to the Central Valley community.

Founded on February 21, 1901, the Chamber has long served as the authoritative voice for thousands of local businesspeople, championing economic growth, civic leadership, and regional collaboration. For over a century, it has played a central role in shaping Stockton's economic and civic landscape.

The Chamber's legacy is defined by bold and lasting contributions. In the early 1920s, it led the successful effort to bring the College of the Pacific, now the University of the Pacific, to Stockton, bringing an institution of higher learning to the city and strengthening its educational and civic life. Shortly thereafter, the Chamber helped champion the ``32 Feet To The Sea'' campaign, culminating in the creation of the Port of Stockton in 1933, the first deep-water port in California, and a cornerstone of the region's economy.

In more recent years, the Chamber continued its strong advocacy by ensuring that the California Health Care Facility in Stockton was developed in a way that benefits the community. Through its efforts, the Chamber secured local jobs, infrastructure improvements, and significant investments in education and workforce development.

The Chamber is also home to award-winning programs that strengthen the community, including Leadership Stockton, one of the oldest leadership programs west of the Rockies, the long-running ATHENA Awards honoring outstanding women, and the internationally recognized Green Team San Joaquin.

For 125 years, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening businesses and uplifting the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce for its remarkable legacy of service and to congratulate the Chamber on this milestone anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Stockton Symphony during its 2026-2027 Centennial concert season. For a century, the Stockton Symphony has enriched the cultural life of Stockton and the Central Valley, bringing artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and community connection to generations of families.

Founded in May 1926, the Symphony gave its inaugural performance during ``Music Week'' for the Stockton Musical Club. The orchestra was formed by twenty local musicians under the leadership of Manlio Silva-- an Italian immigrant, pharmacist by day and conductor by night--whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for one of California's oldest continuously operating professional orchestras. Just months later, in October 1926, the Symphony opened its first full season at the California Theater on Main Street, making high-quality musical performance accessible to the community. Silva continued to lead the orchestra until 1958, guiding it through decades of growth.

In the years that followed, conductors including Horace Brown, Fritz Berens, and Ralph Matesky sustained the Symphony's legacy before Kyung- Soo Won began a transformative 27-year tenure in 1967. Under his leadership, the orchestra evolved from a community ensemble into a fully professional organization of ``metropolitan'' status as recognized by the League of American Orchestras.

Since 1995, Maestro Peter Jaffe has led the Stockton Symphony in a period of continued artistic achievement and national recognition. Through acclaimed world premieres, composer residencies, and vibrant educational programs such as Harmony Stockton, Steppin' Out, and Magic of Music, the Symphony has strengthened its role as both a cultural anchor and an educational leader. Collaborations with local schools, colleges, arts organizations, and community groups continue to ensure that music remains accessible and inclusive for all.

Today, the Stockton Symphony presents both Classical and Pops concerts, engages renowned guest artists and rising virtuosos, and remains steadfast in its mission to inspire joy and build community through the magic of music.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Stockton Symphony on its Centennial Anniversary and in expressing our deep gratitude for 100 years of extraordinary service to the Central Valley. May the

next century continue to uplift and unite our community through the power of music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly commemorate the 40th anniversary of Saka Nakodar and to stand in remembrance with the Sikh community at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.

On February 4, 1986, four young Sikh students--Ravinder Singh, Baldhir Singh, Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh--were shot and killed by Indian security forces in Nakodar, Punjab. They were peacefully protesting the desecration of the sacred Sikh scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, when their lives were tragically taken. ``Saka,'' the Punjabi word for massacre, has since come to define that painful day in Nakodar and the injustice that followed.

Forty years later, we remember these young men not only for the manner in which they died, but for the principles they stood for: faith, dignity, and the fundamental right to peacefully assemble and express their grievances. Their loss reverberated throughout the Sikh diaspora and remains a deeply felt wound for families who continue to seek truth, accountability, and justice.

Here in Stockton, home to one of the oldest and most vibrant Sikh communities in the United States, the remembrance of Saka Nakodar carries profound meaning. The Stockton Gurdwara Sahib has long served as a spiritual anchor and a gathering place for reflection, resilience, and community solidarity. For generations, it has been a space where faith and civic engagement walk hand in hand, and where the values of seva, justice, and equality are upheld.

As we mark this 40th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the civil and human rights of all people. The tragedy of Saka Nakodar stands as a reminder that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that freedom of religion and expression must always be defended. We also honor the strength of the Sikh community, whose perseverance in the face of hardship reflects a legacy of courage and unity.

Today, we stand with the families of Ravinder Singh, Baldhir Singh, Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh. We honor their memory, we acknowledge the pain carried for four decades, and we renew the call for truth and accountability.

I am honored to join the Stockton Gurdwara in commemorating the 40th anniversary of Saka Nakodar and to ensure that the sacrifices of these young men are never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2025 varsity football team of St. Mary's High School of Stockton, California, for winning the CIF Division Two AA State Championship and delivering a historic season for their school and community.

The Rams completed the 2025 season with a thirteen-win, two-loss overall record and an undefeated league record, finishing first in conference play. Throughout the regular season, the team demonstrated disciplined execution, explosive scoring, and the ability to compete at a high level against strong opponents. Early setbacks tested the team's resolve, but players remained focused and committed to improvement. That resilience proved essential as the team entered postseason play prepared and confident.

The Rams' playoff run was defined by perseverance and teamwork. Game after game, the team rose to the challenge, earning hard-fought victories through late-game execution and collective effort. Players stepped up in critical moments on both sides of the ball, while coaches and staff reinforced preparation and accountability. This steady approach allowed the team to advance through each round and earn a place in the state championship game.

In the championship contest, the Rams secured a dramatic twenty-four to twenty-one victory to claim the state title. The win capped a postseason filled with determination, composure under pressure, and trust among teammates. Beyond the scoreboard, the team reflected a deep sense of brotherhood, built through years of shared experience and commitment. Their success brought pride to Stockton and served as a unifying moment for the community.

The 2025 St. Mary's High School football team leaves behind a legacy of excellence, character, and resilience. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these student-athletes, coaches, and supporters on a truly historic achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tony Franks for his extraordinary leadership, historic achievements, and decades of service to student-athletes at St. Mary's High School in Stockton.

A proud alumnus of St. Mary's, Coach Franks has devoted decades of service to the school that shaped him, returning as head football coach for twenty-seven seasons and building a program rooted in discipline, accountability, and character. His connection to the community spans generations, coaching at the same institution he once attended and later entrusting with the education of his own children.

Throughout his tenure, Coach Franks established one of the most consistently successful high school football programs in California. His teams regularly competed at the highest levels of the sport, earning league titles, postseason victories, and regional recognition while maintaining a 75.5 percent winning percentage and recording only two losing seasons. Year after year, St. Mary's football became synonymous with preparation, resilience, and teamwork, reflecting a culture built not only on competitive success, but on developing young men into leaders on and off the field.

That legacy reached a historic milestone when Coach Franks led the St. Mary's Rams to their first CIF State Football Championship, securing the first state football title for any high school team in the City of Stockton. The championship season was defined by perseverance and belief, as the Rams delivered a memorable playoff run that captured the pride of the entire community. In recognition of this achievement and his career-long impact, Coach Franks was named California State Coach of the Year, a rare distinction that reflects both excellence on the field and integrity beyond it.

Mr. Speaker, Coach Tony Franks embodies the highest ideals of high school athletics. His legacy is measured not only in victories, but in the lives he has shaped, the culture he has built, and the pride he has brought to St. Mary's High School and the City of Stockton. I am proud to recognize his lasting contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Rebecca Nabors, the first Black woman elected to the Stockton City Council. Her decades of service as an educator, advocate, and leader, left an enduring impact on South Stockton. This recognition is given posthumously.

Mrs. Nabors served District 6 with distinction, including as Vice Chair of the Audit and Budget Committee. She championed equity in every arena--from pushing for fair resource allocation and park improvements to expanding public services and environmental protections in underserved neighborhoods.

Before her time on the council, Mrs. Nabors dedicated nearly 40 years to the Stockton Unified School District, where she fought for reading justice, academic equity, and culturally responsive teaching. In her professional capacity as an Educator with Stockton Unified, Mrs. Nabors served as Director of Extended Campus, a program for at-risk students. Through the Black Teachers Association, she helped provide scholarships for local students, many of them the first in their families to attend college.

Mrs. Nabors was also a force behind community-driven initiatives like the Sustainable Neighborhood Plan and Stockton Rising, helping deliver energy upgrades, food security programs, and economic opportunity to South Stockton families. A devout Christian, she served faithfully in her church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mrs. Nabors lived a life rooted in sisterhood, service, and social action. Her outstanding leadership was recognized with numerous honors, including the Mary McLeod Bethune Award, the first Woman of Color Award from the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin County, the NAACP Rosa Parks Award, and the 2008 Susan B. Anthony Award in Education.

Former Councilmember Rebecca Nabors will be remembered as a fearless advocate, mentor, and visionary. Her legacy lives on in the communities she served and the lives she

touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Rebecca Nabors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because this weekend my community in Stockton, California, was shaken by a horrific mass shooting.

Families were gathered at a banquet hall for a 2-year-old's birthday party. They were about to cut the cake when gunshots rang out. Four people were killed, including three kids. They were 8, 9, and 14 years old. Thirteen more were injured. Think about that for a second.

As a dad, I cannot fathom the pain these families are feeling right now. This was supposed to be a moment of celebration, and instead it became a nightmare that has rocked our community to its core.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence to honor the victims, including Amari, Susano, Maya, Journey, and their families as they navigate this tragedy.

My wife, Pam, and I are praying for the victims, their families, and our community. We are and always will be Stockton Strong.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, to recognize and celebrate the retirement and career of Stacey Mortensen, whose visionary leadership has transformed public transportation across the Central Valley and Northern California.

For more than three decades, Stacey has championed investments in passenger rail that have connected communities, expanded opportunity, and laid the groundwork for a more sustainable future. As Executive Director of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, she led the launch of the Altamont Corridor Express--ACE--in 1998, uniting San Joaquin, Alameda, and Santa Clara Counties through a first-of-its-kind commuter rail partnership. This complex initiative required building infrastructure and relationships across three different regions, a challenge Stacey met with innovation and unwavering determination. Through her work, Stacey helped establish the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority and spearheaded the Valley Rail Program, securing nearly $2 billion in funding and enabling major infrastructure projects such as the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation.

Under her leadership, ACE has continued to evolve to meet modern needs, including the recent launch of a specialty train service to Levi's Stadium for San Francisco 49ers games--an example of the flexible, community-responsive transit vision she has cultivated. Her efforts brought together more than 20 local and regional agencies to develop a shared vision for passenger rail in the Central Valley.

In 2024, Stacey helped launch the Rail Academy of Central California (TRACC), a critical workforce development program that prepares young people for careers in the rail industry. Her deep commitment to the next generation is reflected in this initiative, which ensures the continued success and sustainability of our region's transit systems by investing in talent right here in the Valley. What truly sets Stacey apart is her deep belief in partnership and public service. Her collaborative approach has not only built rail lines--

it has built trust across counties, cities, and communities. Thanks to her leadership, thousands of Central Valley residents now have better access to jobs, education, and opportunity.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stacey Mortensen for her extraordinary contributions and for her steadfast commitment to the people of California's Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 160th anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Stockton--a steadfast pillar of faith, fellowship, and service in the heart of the Central Valley.

For over a century and a half, the First Congregational Church has nurtured generations of Stockton families, offering not only a place of worship, but a community rooted in compassion, justice, and shared purpose. From its earliest beginnings in the aftermath of the Civil War to its continued presence today, the church has grown alongside Stockton, adapting and expanding to meet the spiritual and civic needs of its neighbors.

What began as a small gathering of individuals committed to living out their faith in community has become one of the city's enduring institutions. Over the years, the church has called several sanctuaries home--each one a reflection of its growing and evolving congregation. Through every chapter, the church has remained unwavering in its mission to provide spiritual guidance, inspire moral courage, and serve those in need.

Beyond the pulpit, the First Congregational Church has played a vital role in the cultural and social life of Stockton. Its members have long championed education, civic engagement, and social justice--offering programs and outreach efforts that extend far beyond its walls. Whether through fellowship events, support groups, or charitable initiatives, the church continues to be a source of hope and healing for the broader community.

In marking 160 years of ministry and service, we celebrate not just a building or a date, but a living legacy of faith in action. The First Congregational Church of Stockton remains a guiding light, grounded in its values and open to all.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this milestone and in expressing our deepest gratitude to the First Congregational Church of Stockton for its profound and enduring contributions to our region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 175th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Stockton, a congregation whose presence has helped define the heart and history of the city since 1850.

Founded the same year Captain Charles M. Weber established the City of Stockton, St. John's stands as one of the oldest Episcopal churches on the West Coast and one of the few that remains on its original site. The church's legacy is not only one of remarkable longevity, but also of deep service and enduring community impact.

Its original Gothic brick building was consecrated in 1858. The current Norman-style sanctuary, completed in 1892, preserved several historic elements--stained glass windows

believed to be the oldest in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as the original baptismal font and pipe organ.

Over the past 175 years, St. John's has hosted more than 9,000 Sunday services and an untold number of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and holy observances. Yet its mission has always reached beyond its walls. Through initiatives like the HUB--Helping Urban Bicyclists--founded by Deacon Rev. Stephen Bentley, the church provides refurbished bicycles to those without transportation. The program has grown to include mobile showers, laundry services, meals, medical care, and case management, offering vital support to Stockton's unhoused community.

St. John's is a church where everyone is welcomed with dignity and joy. Whether attending Sunday service, receiving a meal, or arriving with a dog--who are greeted each week with a biscuit and a blessing-- each visitor becomes part of a tradition rooted in compassion. Above the church doors, the words ``Enter, Rest, Pray'' offer a simple but powerful invitation--one that has endured through generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church for 175 years of faithful service, inclusivity, and leadership in Stockton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sovanna Koeurt for her decades of service to the Southeast Asian community in Stockton and the broader San Joaquin Valley.

Ms. Koeurt arrived in Stockton in the early l980's as a refugee from Cambodia following the Khmer Rouge regime. Like many others in her community, she faced significant challenges resettling in a new country after surviving violence and displacement. In the years that followed, she channeled those experiences into building stronger, safer communities.

In 1989, following the tragic shooting at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, Ms. Koeurt joined with 34 Southeast Asian refugee families at Park Village Apartments to co-found the Asian Pacific Self- Development and Residential Association, or APSARA. The organization was founded on the belief that communities must come together to advocate for safer, more equitable living conditions.

Under Ms. Koeurt's leadership, APSARA purchased the Park Village complex from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for one dollar in 1993--a landmark act of community ownership and self- determination. Since then, APSARA has grown into a trusted community institution offering affordable housing, youth development, health access, workforce support, and immigrant advocacy.

For more than 30 years, Ms. Koeurt has served as Executive Director of APSARA. Her work has helped ensure that hundreds of families have access not only to housing, but to the tools and resources needed to succeed.

In a 2024 interview, she said, ``I've been here. I love this place because they give a lot of opportunity to everyone.'' Her comments reflect a clear commitment to making Stockton a place where all residents--regardless of background--have the chance to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sovanna Koeurt for her leadership and dedication. Her decades of service have had a lasting impact on Stockton's Southeast Asian community and helped create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.