Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Mr. Robb Lally, a dedicated public servant and volunteer for more than 35 years.

Robert (Robb) Lally entered the seminary at a young age and as a deacon, served in a Catholic Parish. After finishing seminary school, Mr. Lally continued to help and aid those in need through his work with the Franciscans at Arch Street, and later for the Salvation Army.

In 1988, Robb Lally headed to San Diego to work with the founder of the Alpha Project, a non-profit human services organization that serves over 4,000 men, women and children daily. As director, he empowered individuals, families and communities by providing work, recovery and support services to those who were motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. During his tenure, Robb was instrumental in the overall mission and growth of the organization and had assisted with over 1,000 apartment units that were preserved and created.

On June 7, 2023, Robb's life and legacy were honored at a Celebration of Life in San Diego, CA. On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Robb Lally. His legacy is felt, and his presence will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robb Lally, a dedicated public servant and volunteer for more than 35 years.

Robb Lally entered the seminary at a young age, and as a deacon, served in a Catholic parish and later for the Salvation Army.

In 1988, Robb Lally headed to San Diego to work with the Alpha Project, a nonprofit human services organization that serves over 4,000 men, women, and children daily.

Robb carried out Alpha Project's mission to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery, and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.

Mr. Lally's years of service were instrumental to the organization's mission and growth by working on and contributing to many critical housing projects.

On June 7, 2023, Robb's life and legacy were honored at a celebration of life in San Diego, California.

On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I will express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Robb Lally. His legacy is felt and his presence will be greatly missed. He was a great man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Tina Matthias, outstanding sustainability advocate and community member in the 52nd Congressional District.

Ms. Matthias is being honored for her long-time advocacy for the sustainability of our planet and commitment to environmental issues. She created the nonprofit organization, South Bay Sustainable Communities Network.

Ms. Matthias originally founded the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network in 2020 and in 2022 established the ``Youth 4 Sustainable Future'' program at local high schools, providing students and youth with environmental education and tools to take action to reduce the impact of climate change. As Founder and Executive Director, she works directly with the South Bay community advocating for the importance of how to lead a sustainable lifestyle through composting, organizes community clean-ups, hikes and hosts monthly educational zero waste workshops. The nonprofit organization has worked directly with 16 local neighborhoods to compost 49,800 pounds of food waste which prevented 1,992 gallons of gas used in waste transportation, and 33,665 pounds of Carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

Ms. Matthias began her career at the Living Coast Discovery Center as the Volunteer and Programs Manager, serving for more than 32 years. For her dedication, Tina Matthias was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Lions Club International Foundation and her nonprofit received the Organization Award for Sustainable Champion from the City of Chula Vista.

Ms. Matthias is being honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month in April 2023, during the month of Earth Day. She is recognized for her decades-long commitment to bring awareness of long-term solutions to address climate change, as well as education about sustainable practices to use in our everyday lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Ray Daniel ``Danny'' Hernandez, an outstanding Chicano advocate in the 52nd Congressional District.

Mr. Hernandez was a committed and respected community leader who believed in the power of community to invoke equitable and long-term change. He worked tirelessly to uplift, empower, and serve our Latino/ Chicano, multicultural and other diverse communities. Mr. Hernandez was one of the founding members of the Chicano Federation's Latino Leadership Institute in 1985, whose mission is to establish the next generation of Latino civic leaders.

Mr. Hernandez made valuable contributions to organizations including San Ysidro Health, the National City Chamber of Commerce, La Maestra Community Health Centers, MANA de San Diego, and Project New Village. He was the Director of Community Relations for San Ysidro Health and, over the years, provided extensive contributions in developing a wide array of outreach, community awareness, and promotional programs to provide access to high quality and affordable healthcare. Mr. Hernandez also supported the advancement of Latinas and assisted MANA de San Diego to increase membership, create awareness of their programs, and connecting the organization with donors.

On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Ray Daniel ``Danny'' Hernandez. He is survived by his wife, Leticia Ibarra, and his sister, Christine Rosa Maestas. Furthermore, I would like to formally extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Hernandez for his unwavering commitment to providing equitable and accessible resources to our region throughout his nearly 45-year long career as an advocate and leader. His legacy will continue, as he inspired many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Fred T. Macedo. Fred was born in Carlsbad, California, on May 14, 1944, and attended Carlsbad High School where he helped to win his school's first football CIF championship.

In 1965, Fred joined the Laborers' International Union of North America, LIUNA, Local 89. Fred enjoyed a 37-year-career at LIUNA, building numerous high-profile projects that had lasting impact on the San Diego region. His legacy can be seen today through his work on the Coronado Bay Bridge, Units 2 and 3 of the San Onofre Power Plant, the San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant, and the Point Loma Water Filtration Plant.

After retiring from LIUNA, Fred continued his service as president of the Advisory Council, where he was active in community service activities.

He has helped to provide a space for retiring members to give back to their union and the broader community. Fred will be remembered for his contributions to the County of San Diego where he was a friend and mentor to many. His family and community are

forever grateful for the contributions he has made in our region.

San Diego lost a giant when we lost Fred T. Macedo.

Mr. Speaker, many times, things around here get topsy- turvy. We have a group here involved in an anticapitalist crusade against free-market principles, attempting to prevent financial institutions from allocating capital in accordance with investors' preferences and risk management priorities.

Under their proposed resolution, investment advisers can no longer consider environmental, social, and governance factors that materially impact a company's performance and bottom line. That means that your hard-earned dollars cannot be adequately invested because you, the American worker, are now exposed to greater risk.

It is interesting it doesn't say that you must invest in ESG. All that the Biden administration says is that you can if you want to.

Whatever happened to capitalistic ideals that you should be able to invest in what you want? You are trying to force people to say: No, you cannot invest looking at a strategy of ESG.

That doesn't make any sense at all. It doesn't make any sense at all. It is anticapitalistic. It is antimarket. We should not support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Marisa Ugarte, Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC). Ms. Ugarte has worked diligently to combat human trafficking in San Diego County and Tijuana. BSCC's mission is to preserve the dignity and wellbeing of commercially and sexually exploited women and children through prevention, intervention, and education.

In 1997, Marisa Ugarte founded the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, and it was constituted as a 501(c)3 to coordinate services and advocate for victims of human trafficking. Ms. Ugarte's mission became clear when she came across rape camps among the canyons of San Diego, forced labor in agricultural fields, and child prostitutes in Tijuana's infamous Zona Norte. She knew something had to be done. Today, the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition encompasses over 150 government and non-governmental agencies in the United States and Latin America who are dedicated to combating trafficking and empower victims.

Ms. Ugarte convenes an annual anti-trafficking conference in San Diego to bring awareness of the dangers and threats-imposed from active human trafficking across both sides of the border. With a plethora of years of experience in human trafficking and crisis intervention case management, Ms. Ugarte is a human rights advocate who rescues victims from the brutal and exploitative system.

Ms. Ugarte has been an active speaker at conferences nationwide and internationally to discuss the commercial and sexual exploitation of woman and children. Her public speaking engagements have included but are not limited to: The Millennium Conference in Texas and the International Institute for Restructuring the Justice System in Mexico.

Ms. Ugarte has received grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department to support her work. The International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance awarded her for bringing sanctuary to girls in illegal brothels in Southern California who had been smuggled across the border.

Ms. Ugarte was honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month, particularly during National Human Trafficking Prevention month in January 2023, for her outstanding commitment to supporting victims of human trafficking.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alex Villafuerte, outstanding advocate and community member in the 52nd Congressional District.

Mr. Villafuerte is a committed volunteer, working tirelessly to uplift, empower, and serve our Asian and Pacific Islander (API), multicultural and other diverse communities. He is the co-chair and co- founder of the San Diego API Coalition, whose mission is to facilitate conversations with API communities and advocate for representation by amplifying and cultivating leadership. He helped organize a joint statement with more than 70 API-serving organizations denouncing the xenophobia, racism, and increasing acts of violence toward API communities.

Mr. Villafuerte was the Director of Marketing and Communications at San Diego Pride. He also helped to create the San Diego Queer APIMEDA Coalition, with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for meaningful discussion about the intersection of individuals who identify as Desi, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian and LGBTQ+.

Mr. Villafuerte served as Director of Communication and Community Engagement for San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee. He now serves as the Executive Director for the Pacific Arts Movement. He continues to work to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion for all in our region.

Mr. Villafuerte was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in May 2022, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. He is recognized for his work in uplifting and empowering our multicultural communities of the Congressional District. He holds a

Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Joanna Sansoterra of the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families in the San Diego Region. As the Program Coordinator of the organization, Ms. Sansoterra has worked tirelessly on the Onward to Opportunity program, which helps veterans, members of the selected reserves, and military spouses transition from military service to civilian life,

Ms. Sansoterra has been instrumental in creating and enhancing the Onward to Opportunity program within San Diego's Navy Region Southwest area, with the goal of also partnering with private sector companies committed to training and hiring military talent and their spouses.

Ms. Sansoterra has dedicated her life to the service of our country. Before her work at the D'Aniello Institute, Ms. Sansoterra served in the U.S. Air Force, both in active duty and as a reservist, and she is now a 33-year veteran.

As a volunteer for her community, Ms. Sansoterra has served on the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Defense, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, as well as on the Board of San Diego Pride. She also volunteers for the Foundation for Women Warriors, which helps to honor and empower veteran women.

Ms. Sansoterra has also played a significant role in advancing equality. She was instrumental in pushing for the first military parade in uniform with San Diego Pride, and she was inducted into the San Diego LGBTQ+ Veterans Wall of Honor, recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans.

Ms. Sansoterra lives in the City of Imperial Beach, CA, with her wife, Stefanie, and she recently completed her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership & Management at University of San Diego.

Ms. Sansoterra was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month, during National Veterans and Military Families Month in November 2022, for her outstanding commitment to supporting military families and veterans, as well as all her service and efforts that have helped those in need build a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Carmen Martinez, outstanding healthcare advocate and community member in the 51st Congressional District.

Ms. Martinez is being honored for her long-time commitment to supporting healthcare and public health access. She was one of seven founding ``Mothers'' of San Ysidro Health, founded by residents in search of medical services for their children.

Ms. Martinez originally established ``el Club de las Madres,'' and in 1969 opened the ``casita,'' the Centro de Salud de la Comunidad, which was a small house with only 2 rooms and 4 dedicated volunteers. San Ysidro Health, one of San Diego's largest non-profit community health providers, has grown to having a $50 million budget, 650 employees and 24 medical, dental, counseling and other services. San Ysidro Health has provided care for more than 110,000 patients and has more than 50 clinic and program sites, serving patients who have no insurance and receive Medi-Cal or Medicare.

For her dedication, Mother Carmen Martinez was awarded with Southwestern College's honorary degree. She has been honored in the community for her strength, wisdom, perseverance, courage and love for its people.

Ms. Martinez is being honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in September 2022, during Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as, during the month she turns 99 years of age. She is recognized for her work in paving the way to provide greater access and affordable healthcare services for all constituents, and she also continues to inspire the next generation of supporters of healthcare access.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Germiniano ``Gerry'' Fuentes Tubao and Angeles ``Angie'' Marijana Tubao, outstanding citizens and business owners in the 51st Congressional District.

Mr. And Mrs. Tubao immigrated in the 1950s from the Philippines to the United States, where they met and eventually married in Worcester, Massachusetts. Mr. Tubao served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years as a sailor and Angie worked as a nurse at National City's Paradise Valley Hospital. They have worked in the real estate market in the 51st District for more than 60 years, establishing a legacy of property ownership, management, and development throughout the region.

Mr. Gerry Tubao is the principal founder and developer of Market on 8th, located in National City and established as South County's first ethnic-themed food hall and beer garden. Market on 8th pays tribute to National City's radiant history with its collection of original murals, artwork, and vintage photos.

Mr. Tubao is retiring from managing his family-owned company, Pacific Point Properties, and will continue to serve as a consultant. He and his wife Mrs. Angie Tubao leave a legacy of commitment and generosity to the residents of National City and the larger San Diego community.

Mr. and Mrs. Tubao have written a memoir of their history in a book called ``A Land of Opportunity,'' which tells their story and perspective on faith, resilience, and prosperity. Their sons Joel Jon and Gene Joseph will succeed Mr. Tubao in shared leadership roles, continuing the business and serving the community in various volunteer roles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Diana Amador, outstanding women's health advocate and community volunteer in the 51st Congressional District.

Ms. Amador is being honored for her efforts to provide greater access, bring equity to, and educate the community about women's reproductive health. She is also being recognized for many other volunteer efforts on other important issues.

As a volunteer of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Ms. Amador provides reproductive and sexual health education to destigmatize and encourage conversation, particularly in underserved neighborhoods where these resources are not a priority or non-existent. She has also helped Planned Parenthood with several projects, including 2022 Pride Parade and the ``Bans off Our Bodies'' rally in May 2022.

Ms. Amador has also led a Black/Latinx AIDS project where she provided sexual education to underserved high school students, along with information on navigating higher education. She has also worked with other communities in Southern California and Mexico to bring health fairs, offer preventative care, help address food insecurity, and provide STEM education and hands-on demonstrations.

Ms. Amador is being recognized as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in August 2022, during the Day of Action for Women's Health Equity, for her selfless commitment and her positive impact to others. She is a long-time resident of National City, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Evolutionary Medicine from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Judy Handler.

Judy was born in Romania in 1935. After an upbringing fractured by World War II, Judy and her family fled the postwar communist regime, escaping through Europe to Israel. Judy's arduous childhood taught her the power of human compassion, something her family says saved her life more than once.

Judy then came to the United States and quickly found the love of her life, Dr. Jerry Handler. The couple married and moved to California, where they spent 65 years making San Diego their home.

The thing that Judy was most proud of was the loving family she built with her husband. Having extended her heart so fully to her family and community, it is no wonder that Judy is deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to Jerry and the family, and I honor her courage, curiosity, and compassion. May her memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hilda Beatrice MacFarland.

Hilda was born in National City, California, in 1949. She was a pioneer and a trailblazing woman in the 1970s when the Mexican-American community was still relying on demonstration politics.

Hilda worked for Housing and Urban Development, and she managed the senior citizen building Horton House in San Diego. She was heavily involved with countless nonprofit organizations where she fought for the poor, working-class, and elderly rights in the county.

In 1976, Hilda was the first major contributor to La Gloria Infantil Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, and spent her entire life providing services to the orphanage.

She was a heroic woman who stood up for education and human rights. She helped her community with the entirety of her heart and soul. With her strong and genuine spirit, she stood up for the disenfranchised, the abandoned, and the injured wherever she was.

Hilda was loved by many and influenced so many of us. Her accomplishments and contributions to the community were profound, and she will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Director of the Department of Commerce San Diego Office, Mr. Matthew David Andersen.

A dedicated public servant, Mr. Andersen spent 37 years committed to developing U.S. commerce on the world stage. Mr. Andersen served as the Director of the Department of Commerce San Diego Office for 25 years before recently announcing his well-deserved retirement.

Those who had the pleasure to work with Mr. Andersen say that he touched the lives and careers of many and will be dearly missed. A testament to his hard work, Mr. Andersen received the Department of Commerce's Bronze Award for Superior Federal Service in 2015.

Mr. Andersen was an avid sports fan, loved animals, and enjoyed listening to The Beatles. He is survived by his partner, Brooke Palmer, his sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Matthew David Andersen. Furthermore, I would like to formally extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Andersen and his unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of service throughout his decades-long career with the Department of Commerce. He is greatly missed.