Juan Vargas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmen M. Chavez, Esq., Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center, and recognize her as our October Constituent of the Month.

For over three decades, Carmen has been dedicated to serving some of the most vulnerable members of our San Diego community. Carmen began her career with Casa Cornelia in 1995 as a volunteer. She went on to serve as a paralegal, law clerk, attorney, and Associate Director before becoming Executive Director in 2007.

Throughout her career, Carmen has worked tirelessly to advance access to justice and ensure that individuals who otherwise could not afford legal representation have an opportunity

to understand and exercise their rights under the law. Under her leadership, Casa Cornelia has continued its mission of providing pro bono legal services to asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, and other victims of serious crimes.

Her leadership extends well beyond the courtroom. Those who have worked alongside Carmen describe her efforts to build a culture of service that brings together attorneys, law students, interpreters, translators, community partners, and volunteers around the principle of justice with compassion. In 2025 alone, Casa Cornelia assisted more than 2,500 individuals from 91 countries, providing services across more than 58 languages.

Carmen's contributions to our region have also been recognized throughout the community. In 2020, the City of San Diego proclaimed November 17th as ``Carmen M. Chavez, Esq.'s 25th Anniversary at Casa Cornelia Law Center Day'' in recognition of her years of service. Most recently, she was recognized as a recipient of a 2026 Prebys Leadership Award.

Carmen has devoted her professional life to serving others, strengthening access to justice, and upholding the dignity of individuals facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I am honored to recognize Carmen for her compassion, integrity, and sustained commitment to the San Diego community.

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.