Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank P. Ruffino, who has dedicated more than four decades of service to the State of California and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the betterment of the community.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Ruffino has served the public as the Pensions and Benefits Director for the California State Treasurer's Office and the State Treasurer Designee for two of our Nation's largest public pension systems, the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the California State Teachers' Retirement System. In these roles, Mr. Ruffino provided critical guidance on pension, retirement, and benefits policy.

Mr. Ruffino has held leadership positions across multiple departments at the state level, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Ruffino also served as a gubernatorial and legislative appointee, including appointment and reappointment by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners and appointment by the California State Senate to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, where he contributed thoughtful leadership and governance oversight.

Additionally, Mr. Ruffino has demonstrated strong leadership within labor and professional organizations, including service as President and CEO of the Association of California State Supervisors and in leadership roles with the California State Employees Association.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Ruffino has maintained a lifetime commitment to civic engagement and volunteer service. He has supported community organizations, youth programs, and local initiatives, and has been recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

I am proud to recognize and honor Frank P. Ruffino for his exemplary public service, leadership, civic engagement, and enduring dedication to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold K. Brown, Hal Brown, who was called home on May 6.

As a civil rights leader, an educator, and a veteran, Hal was a giant in San Diego and a good friend to many of us.

Born in Pennsylvania, Hal came to San Diego State University in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He continued his education at Fordham University, earning a master's degree before returning to San Diego.

Hal was a leader in the San Diego civil rights movement. He cofounded the local chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality, led demonstrations, and fought tirelessly against discrimination.

In 1971, Hal joined SDSU as a faculty member and remained there for 26 years. He was the school's first Black administrator and later founded what became the Department of Africana Studies.

Hal left an indelible mark on San Diego. His passion, his courage, his commitment to racial and economic justice, and his work to make our community a better place for all will never be forgotten, especially for those of us who called him friend.

We honor Hal's extraordinary life and the legacy he lives behind.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, the Trump administration's immigration crackdown has unleashed a cruelty that really knows no limits.

Trump's ICE agents have beaten, tear-gassed, and murdered innocent people. They have wrongfully detained and deported U.S. citizens, but nothing demonstrates the cruelty of this administration more than the way that they have treated children, children, as we have heard today.

There has been a sixfold increase in the daily number of children in ICE detention under Trump. these are children like Liam Conejo Ramos, the little boy in the blue hat who was detained on his walk home from school and sent to the Dilley Family Detention center, or children like Susej, a 9-year-old detained at Dilley, who, in a letter released by ProPublica, wrote: ``I miss my school and my friends. . . . I have been here too long.'' She is a 9-year-old girl.

My wife and I have two daughters, and the Psalmist tells us in Psalm 127 that children are a blessing. They are not a burden. They are a blessing. I can tell you for a fact that our children

have been a blessing. I remember my girls putting on little hats. I remember how much they loved those little hats. Those memories are etched in my heart.

I think every parent, when they saw that little boy with the blue hat, remembered their child and said: How can we be doing this in our own country? What an immorality and what an injustice this is. Yet, we do it, and we do it every day.

These children have been held captive in detention and are missing their friends. They are falling behind at school and facing deplorable conditions, as we have heard today. Their health and wellness are deteriorating.

It is just not detention. Kids across the country are struggling under the constant threat of ICE. Children are being wrongfully deported. They deserve better.

We will never forget the nightmare this administration has inflicted on children across our country. It is going to leave an indelible mark, an evil mark. We must hold this administration and ICE accountable. We cannot accept anything less. Remember our own children.

Mr. Speaker, I have to tell you that I have many friends on the other side, and I cherish their friendship. I pray with them on Thursdays. I know they love children. I know they love their own children. Yet, to allow this to happen is immoral, it is a crime, and we have to do something about this together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of National City Firefighter Michael Mejia, a hero who was tragically lost in the line of duty in February.

Mike began his over three decades of service in 1993 with the Del Mar Fire Department.

In 2000, he joined the National City Fire Department, where he served for the rest of his distinguished career. He was a beloved member of this fire department.

Those who knew Mike best describe his bravery, kindness, professionalism, and his dedication to his fellow fighters.

Service and community were at the heart of everything that Mike did, from his work as a founding member of the honor guard and color guard to his decades as medical unit leader and EMT at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and father. His family was his greatest pride. He is survived by his wife, Marin, and their two daughters.

Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with Mike's family, friends, and colleagues. Mike dedicated his life to helping others, and he will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mateo Camarillo, a great trailblazer and leader in San Diego, who passed away recently.

Mateo was born in 1941 in Tijuana and immigrated to the United States as a child. As a fierce advocate for social justice and civil rights, Mateo put community at the heart of everything he did.

He was the force behind many incredible organizations and efforts that changed San Diego for the better. Mateo began organizing and helped create Casa Familiar and the San Ysidro Health Center. He fought to expand bilingual access in public institutions. He also served as the executive director of The Chicano Federation.

In addition to his public service, he was a very successful entrepreneur and educator. Despite his many accomplishments, his family--his family--was his pride and joy.

Mateo was once asked what his biggest motivation was for his work. He said it was helping immigrant communities reach for the American Dream of equal opportunity for all. He did more than that. He did great things. May Mateo rest in peace. A job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nhan Le as our Constituent of the Month for his work at Outdoor Outreach.

Outdoor Outreach is a local nonprofit that connects young people to the transformative power of the outdoors. The organization provides opportunities for students to access parks and beaches, teaches them to bike, surf, rock climb, kayak, hike and more, and connects them with peers and mentors who believe in their potential.

Nhan first encountered Outdoor Outreach as a student at Hoover High. As an Outdoor Outreach participant, he learned how to mountain bike, completed a five-day backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierras, and gained valuable life skills.

Nhan was inspired by his experience with Outdoor Outreach and decided to apply for their Leadership Program. He completed 300 hours of instruction and is now a Youth Programs Assistant. In this role, Nhan has the opportunity to show students the power of the outdoors and provide the same outstanding mentorship he once received.

Nhan works hard every day to give back. As an immigrant from Vietnam who overcame hardship, he is now a role model for so many students and a strong advocate for improved access to outdoor spaces.

Nhan's efforts have made our communities a better place, increasing chances for people to explore, grow, and find themselves, and I am honored to recognize him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Acosta for his many contributions to our community.

Gary is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for the Latino community, and the co-founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), whose mission is to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership.

Under Gary's leadership, NAHREP has grown to be the largest Latino business organization in the Nation with more than 58,000 members and 100 local chapters, and created the Hispanic Wealth Project, a non- profit committed to increasing household wealth in the Latino community.

Gary is a founding partner of L'ATTITUDE Ventures, the largest venture capital fund in the Nation that invests exclusively in Latino- led startups and has also launched and led several companies in real estate, mortgage, and technology.

Additionally, Gary founded both AVANCE Sports and the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), business organizations focused on advancing the professional and economic mobility of Latinos in these industries.

Gary has been recognized by REALTOR as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of the 101 Most Influential Latinos in America.

Gary originally studied chemistry at the University of California, San Diego and Pomona College, worked at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego, and became a junior underwriter at a community bank, where he learned firsthand about real estate and finance.

I am glad to recognize Gary for his countless accomplishments and commend him for his exemplary efforts as one of the most influential Latino leaders in the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monica Martinez Chin, a real estate professional and a leader who has made a lasting impact in our community.

In 2005, Monica moved to San Diego, where she worked to earn her real estate license and build a successful career.

Monica makes time to give back to her community as an active member of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), an organization dedicated to increasing sustainable Hispanic homeownership.

Monica joined NAHREP San Diego in 2022 and was selected to serve as its president in 2024. Under her leadership, the organization saw tremendous growth with more local real estate professionals inspired to join and support its mission.

Monica believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Her leadership in the real estate industry and at NAHREP San Diego reflects her dedication to this goal. Her contributions have enriched the lives of those in her community.

Monica has proven that with determination and a heart for service, we can all make a positive difference in our communities. Monica's work has made San Diego a better place, and I am proud to recognize her.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. I rise today to join my colleagues in sounding the alarm on Trump's out-of-control immigration crackdown.

Since January, Trump has unleashed a mass deportation agenda and indiscriminate immigration enforcement that has pushed past all moral and legal boundaries.

In Chicago, Federal immigration agents tear-gassed kids and fired pepper balls at a pastor.

In Charlotte, ICE agents descended on the grounds by a church and forced terrified congregants to flee into the woods outside.

At home in San Diego, we had a horrific incident where Federal agents stormed into a local restaurant frequented by families. They handcuffed all the employees and flash-bang grenades were used outside.

There are stories like this from communities all across the country about what this administration has done. We heard them today. Stories of Trump's immigration agents causing fear and chaos. Stories of violent raids turning quiet neighborhoods into places that feel more like war zones.

Trump's out-of-control immigration enforcement is terrorizing our communities and putting our civil liberties under threat. Undocumented immigrants are not the only ones affected. It is also harming U.S. citizens, people with legal status, and those who have been here for decades contributing to our country.

We cannot turn away. We cannot be silent. We must continue to fight against these abuses. Communities deserve policies that protect families, protect peace and safety, and uphold rights.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Catholic church and the bishops for their courageous, unwavering support for the immigrant community in our country. I ask all other religions and leaders of faith to come forward.

Why are you silent in this shameful moment?

We should hear your voices as it is commanded in Leviticus very clearly. Leviticus 19:33-34 says: ``When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.''

Please come forward. Don't be silent.

Mr. Speaker, we have giants in San Diego. I rise today to congratulate one of them, Mr. Tom Fetter, who is being honored as Mr. San Diego by the San Diego Rotary.

A lifelong San Diegan, Tom was born in 1934 and grew up in Point Loma. In 1957, he married his beautiful wife, Jane, a La Jollan.

Tom served in the Army before beginning a long and successful business career in San Diego.

Tom has always been involved in community service, and it has been at the center of his and Jane's lives. Tom has spent more than five decades building up the community and serving on the leading boards of San Diego institutions, which include the San Diego Yacht Club, The Bishop's School, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Zoo, the USD School of Law, and the San Diego History Center.

Notably, Tom was commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club during its defense of America's Cup in 1994.

Tom's service to the San Diego Zoo is especially meaningful as his father served as the zoo's board chairman in the 1960s.

Despite his many achievements, Tom considers his family to be his greatest success, and they are a great blessing to San Diego.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Tom for everything he has done for San Diego, and I congratulate him again on this prestigious honor. It is very well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Salvador Barajas, an outstanding historical muralist and visionary artist, who has worked tirelessly to preserve history, mental youth, and strengthen multicultural identity in San Diego.

Mr. Barajas served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1964. During his service,

he worked as a Technical Illustrator, a skill that would later influence his artistic career. He was recognized as a Newfoundland Air Force Base Boxing Champion and honorably discharged as Sergeant.

An Associate of Arts graduate of Los Angeles Trade Technical-College, Mr. Barajas first became involved with Chicano Park in 1973. Since then, he has been a driving force in the creation, restoration, and preservation of its murals, negotiating with Caltrans to protect the park's cultural heritage. Accordingly, he served as the Lead Artist for the Historical Mural Restoration Project.

Mr. Barajas is the founder of Motivational Design and has completed more than 500 public art projects throughout Southern California. Some of his notable works include ``The Founders Mural,'' ``No Border Wall,'' ``Amor Si Se Puede,'' and ``Amigos Car Club,'' and many others.

He is the recipient of multiple honors, including a Southwestern College Honorary Degree, inclusion in the Mexican Heritage Foundation's 100 Portraits: Pioneers, Visionaries and Role Models, and recognition as a San Diego County Library Living Well Legend.

Mr. Barajas lives in South Park with his wife, Leticia Barajas, and is the proud father of four children, Xochitl, Analilia, Graciela, and Salvador Jr., all graduates of California universities.

I am proud to honor Salvador Barajas as the 52nd Congressional District Constituent of the Month for August 2025. His work has inspired our community and will empower generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alicia Eugenia White Bell.

Alicia was born in Macon, Georgia on February 22, 1943 to parents John Alfred and Emmie Lucinda White. They instilled in Alicia and her four siblings the value of education and a strong work ethic. Alicia received a four-year scholarship to Paine College in Augusta, Georgia and graduated Salutatorian.

A woman of faith, courage, and strength, Alicia touched the lives of many people in San Diego and beyond.

Alicia met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and participated in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for justice and equality.

She also enlisted in the Domestic Peace Corps and worked with migrant workers before becoming a teacher at B.S. Ingram Elementary School and the lead teacher at Gingerbread Head Start Preschool in San Diego. Alicia also worked for twenty years as a Deputy Probation Officer with the County of San Diego Juvenile Division.

Alicia was deeply committed to serving her community and giving back. She owned and operated the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center gift shop, provided interior design services to low-income senior community residents at little to no cost, and was a motivational speaker and life coach.

Additionally, Alicia was the owner of ``Just Because'', a founding member of Ladies Involved in Vital Experiences, Inc. (L.I.V.E.), a past president of Encanto AARP Chapter 5417, a former board member and community ambassador for Fourth District Seniors Resource Center, and a coordinator for the Volunteers in Probation program.

Because of her incredible achievements. Alicia received the Retired Seniors Volunteer Service Award from the County of San Diego and was an honoree for the ``Breakfast for Milady'' San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Alicia's legacy will live on. My prayers are with her loved ones and may her memory be a blessing.