Juan Vargas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two outstanding members of our community, Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz, as our Constituents of the Month.

Carlos and Elizabeth are the founders of Jr's Trauma Care Initiative, a non-profit organization that connects individuals and families to mental health services. Jr's Trauma Care Initiative also provides critical outreach initiatives, including a mentorship for at-risk youth, camps to help children develop the skills they need to thrive, and response teams that provide peer-to-peer support and guidance to communities in the wake of a traumatic event.

Carlos and Elizabeth opened Jr's Trauma Care Initiative in memory of their son, Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr., who was killed in a random act of violence in 2015. He was an eighteen-year-old with a bright future. He aspired to become a mental health professional and help others.

After his death, his family found that services were not easily available. They created Jr's Trauma Care Initiative to be part of the solution and ensure that families and individuals seeking support and care have access to the resources they need.

Carlos and Elizabeth have made a lasting impact on our communities through their tireless work to connect individuals with trauma-informed care, mental health resources, mentoring programs, and a safe space to process, heal, and grow. They have made California's 52nd Congressional District stronger and touched so many lives.

It is a privilege to recognize Carlos and Elizabeth Munoz's service to our community as well as honor the life and legacy of their son, Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr. He will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary leader, humanitarian, and champion for justice, Queen Mother Dr. Kathleen Harmon, in celebration of her 95th birthday.

A true San Diego icon, Queen Mother Dr. Harmon has devoted her life to service and uplifting our neighbors. Queen Mother Dr. Harmon has worn many hats--nurse, social worker, and advocate, but community is always at the heart of everything she does.

Queen Mother Dr. Harmon is the founder and guiding force behind the San Diego Peace Coalition. Through this work, Queen Mother Dr. Harmon has brought together community leaders, faith organizations, educators, elected officials, young people, and advocates to collaborate on addressing our most pressing challenges. She has worked tirelessly to advance initiatives to promote peace, combat gun violence, increase educational opportunity, and foster dialogue across diverse communities.

Queen Mother Dr. Harmon is also a respected spiritual leader who has touched many lives. Her guidance has helped shape community initiatives, inspired civic engagement, and encouraged others to dedicate themselves to lives of purpose and compassion.

On this milestone occasion, we celebrate Queen Mother Dr. Kathleen Harmon and her unwavering commitment to bettering our communities. Her remarkable journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, perseverance, and selfless service.

I am honored to recognize her for her incredible work and the indelible mark she's left on San Diego, California, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Estrellita ``Lita'' Real Bustria as our Constituent of the Month for her outstanding volunteer work with the City of San Diego Bay Terraces Community & Senior Center.

Lita is an exceptional volunteer at the center, where she supports meal distribution for seniors, helps with information fairs, assists with the crafts booths, and hosts line dancing activities. As the President of the Bay Terraces Fil-Am Senior Association, she leads an organization of more than 400 members and ardently hosts weekly line dancing classes.

Even before the center was built in 2021, Lita was dancing with community members outdoors at the Bay Terraces Community Park. Now, she leads, teaches, and choreographs line dancing classes, both for recreation and special performance events around the community.

Lita first came to the United States in 1970 to join her late grandfather in San Francisco. Her childhood sweetheart John Bustria, Jr., joined the U.S. Navy and immigrated to the United States, where Lita and John married in 1972. They left their hometown of Dasol, Pangasinan, Philippines, to make a life in America. They lived in Virginia, Washington, Florida, and finally settled in San Diego, where they raised their son and daughter.

While John served in the military and Lita worked as a government contractor, they picked up ballroom dancing skills, and learned tango, cha cha, swing, bachata and more. They attended ballroom dance classes at Southwestern College, but also had friends teach them more dance techniques in their own home. Lita has been dancing routinely with community members at Bay Terraces Community Park for more than two decades.

Today, Lita continues to bring seniors together to stay active and healthy. She volunteers with grace and passion, and I am honored to recognize her.