Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of long-time community leader, Minister Howard J. Wooling.

Minister Wooling received his Bachelor's degree in 1965 from Eastern Nazarene College where he majored in psychology, anthropology, and sociology. In 1967, he received his Master's degree from Boston College where he specialized in teaching the blind to walk with a cane. By 1972, Minister Wooling had his Master's of Public Health degree in Hospital Administration from U.C. Berkeley's School of Public Health.

Minister Wooling was baptized by Grover Wilson in 1968. From 1969 to 1976, he was the Assistant Minister for the Laurel Street Church of Christ. Minister Wooling was then the Assistant Minster at the Fremont Church of Christ before becoming a Minister at the Southside Church of Christ in Richmond in 1985, where he has continued to serve and strengthen our community to this day.

Minister Wooling has also served in various hospital administration roles, including as the Associate Director at both Highland Hospital and Stanford University Hospital, and as a group counselor at the County of San Mateo Juvenile Hall. In his capacity as a congregation leader, Minister Wooling led at least nine missionary groups to Nigeria, and several more to Cameroon and Panama. A part of Minister Wooling's legacy will be his guidance of at least four great preachers working today.

Minister Wooling and his wife, Ernestine, have four children: Renee, Collette, Valerie, and Anthony. Please join me in congratulating Minster Howard J. Wooling on a life full of love, faith, and dedicated service, and in wishing him great luck and joy in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Duane Chapman, a longtime resident of Richmond, CA. Duane was a dedicated volunteer for the Richmond Police Department and a passionate advocate for youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and our homeless population.

Duane began his career of service as a nurse and homeless outreach specialist for Contra Costa County. It was in this role that he formed a deep partnership with the Richmond Police Department and decided to volunteer his time working on crime prevention and raising community awareness of the realities of police work.

Duane demonstrated his passion for serving others through his leadership and participation in important community boards and programs. He served as Chair of both the Human Relations Commission and the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission. Duane also participated in the Road to the Future Foster Care Youth Conference and the Richmond Police Activities League Scholarship Program.

In addition, Duane was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, he co-founded the Richmond Rainbow Pride, an organization that encouraged its members to advocate for the interest of their community and to promote their visibility in Richmond.

With his passing, Duane leaves behind a legacy as an ally for marginalized communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Angie Coffee as the East Bay Leadership Council's 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She was given this honor in recognition of her dedication as a volunteer, community leader, mentor, and philanthropist.

Angie is a cancer survivor who shared her story of survivorship and strength, and who I was honored to have as a guest speaking at our Biden Cancer Summits. In addition to sharing her experience, she works to promote the well-being of our community, the health of our environment, the education of our children, and the technological innovations of our society. Her love for our community and for the arts is exemplified by her founding the Lesher Center for the Arts--a live theatre venue in our community.

Angie has chaired the Board of Special Olympics: Northern California, served as President of the Board of East Bay Leadership Council, and was a member of the De La Salle High School Board of Trustees, the Diablo Regional Arts Association, and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce. Her recent volunteer efforts include the Contra Costa Family Justice Center and the John Muir Health Advisory Board.

I congratulate Angie for this well-deserved lifetime achievement award, and thank her for her work serving our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to recognize Tom Torlakson for his dedicated and passionate service to our community.

A recipient of the Merchant Marine Service Medal, Tom began his life- long commitment to service as a fireman in assignments such as Guam, Vietnam, and Thailand. After his service, Tom attended the University of California Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Life Secondary Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education.

Tom has served as a teacher for the Mount Diablo Unified School District, a councilman for the City of Antioch, a county supervisor for Contra Costa County, and as a legislator in both the California State Senate and State Assembly. During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Tom fought to increase funding for education, implement school nutrition programs and physical education, and improve school safety. He also led the charge for making the California public school system more inclusive by eliminating the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate, and funding afterschool programs.

As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom brought his experience and drive to the California Department of Education where he continued his vow to improve our state's public education system. During his two terms, Tom set new standards for testing student achievement, expanded programs that meet the needs of children outside of the regular school day, and oversaw a record high school graduation rate. Tom is also the chair and founder of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, where he has continued to promote healthier meals and physical activity for students.

Tom Torlakson has left a positive impact on the California public school system and its students, and the community at large. While his leadership and enthusiasm will be dearly missed in his official capacity, he will surely continue to contribute to California. I join with Congressman Mike Thompson in thanking Tom for his service to our County, our state, and our students, and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Monday, December 10, 2018, as I was attending an important event in Contra Costa, California.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 426, H. Res. 792 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 427, H.R. 3008.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Susan ``Sue'' Reynolds, a fine art and documentary photographer and long-time resident of Walnut Creek, for her work promoting Native American traditions and culture.

Sue was born and raised in Northern California, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of California, Davis. While attending UC Davis, Sue worked with the Oakland Museum's curator for prints and photography. Through her work with the museum, she was introduced to and inspired by pioneering female documentary photographers such as Dorothea Lange.

In 2005, she began photographing Native American ceremonies at reservations throughout the western states, and went on to publish a book, Still Here: Not Living in Tipis. Sue's book features many of her photographs of tribal ceremonies that capture the traditions of Native American communities. Following the publication of her book, Sue established Everyday Native, a collaborative teaching resource that focuses on building bridges of understanding between non-Native and Native American youth.

Sue's talent for creating visual narratives of the Native American culture has helped to raise awareness of the challenges and prejudice faced by the community. This Native American Heritage Month, I commend Sue for her dedication and contributions to fostering a cultural sensitivity to Native Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, as I was attending an event recognizing the importance of cancer research and honoring cancer survivors.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 416, H.R. 6064 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 417, H.R. 2615.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Willis (Will) Casey. I join his family and friends in celebrating his life and service to our community.

Will was born in San Francisco on December 13, 1937 to parents Willis and Jane Casey. After graduating from Riordan High School, he received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of San Francisco in 1959. He married Patricia M. Dwyer that same year and was happily married for 48 years until her death in 2007.

Will served his country in the U.S. Army for two years before joining the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) for 30 years. After his retirement from the SFPD in 1992, he brought his experience and dedication to the Pittsburg Police Department as Police Chief. During that time, Will developed the department's leadership and encouraged community policing. After several years with the department, Will was hired as the city manager of Pittsburg and later was elected to the Pittsburg City Council. When he retired from the City Council in 2017, Will had completed almost 60 years of public service.

Will passed away after a nine month battle with cancer on September 13, 2018. He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Shelia, Lorraine, Eileen (Doug), William (Allison), 10 grandchildren, and his sister Barbara.

Will will be remembered for his dedication to protecting and serving the community he loved. He will be sincerely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of a longtime Concord resident, Ms. Virginia ``Ginger'' Marsh.

Ginger was born on October 27, 1937 in Phoenix, Arizona to parents Sarah and Wayne Downes. However, Ginger spent much of her young life in San Francisco where she attended Lincoln High School and later City College of San Francisco. In 1957, Ginger married her husband of over 55 years, James Marsh, and shortly thereafter moved to Concord where they started Marsh Drywall Contractors.

Ginger spent much of her time serving the community. She helped out with local baseball league events and sold popsicles at a bus stop near her home for the Parent-Teacher Association at Loma Vista Intermediate. Her active role in the community led her to become a founding board member of the Monument Crisis Center and Shelter Incorporated, where she led the Holiday Adopt a Family Program.

Ginger is survived by her brother Warren, her sons Rodney and Douglas, six grandchildren Audrey, Katlyn, Andrew, James, Wolf, and Moxie, and great grandchildren Reagan, Clark, Emmet, Kaden, and Charlotte.

She will be sincerely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her, and will be remembered for her endless service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of a longtime Pleasant Hill resident, Mr. Martin Nelis.

Martin was born in Northern Ireland, and graduated with a degree in engineering from Queen's University, Belfast. He immigrated to the United States in 1989, and worked in the information technology field before working as a Congressional aide.

During his free time, Martin was a soccer player, coach, and cyclist. He was also an avid outdoorsman and often went hiking in the Redwood forests. Martin enjoyed an active lifestyle and was always willing to take up a cause.

In 2007, he began serving as a Public Information Officer for the City of Pleasant Hill, and was pivotal in supporting community development efforts. He assisted with coordinating the summer concert series and the local farmer's market. Martin also led efforts to raise funds for a new public library. He continued to play an active role in his community until his unexpected passing on August 2, 2018.

Martin was preceded in death by his father Billy, and his brother Peter. He is survived by his seven siblings, Donncha, Liam, John, Patrick, Cathy, Declan and Frank, his 3 children whom he adored, Aidan, Fiona and Deirdre. Martin will be remembered for his service to the community, his sarcastic wit, and those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be sincerely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Annual Labor to Labor Dinner to celebrate the activism and dedication of our labor leaders, and their contributions to making our community a fairer place to work.

The annual labor dinner brings together members from different corners of our workforce to honor those who have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the interests of workers. American workers owe a debt of gratitude to labor unions. Without them, we may not have a 40-hour work week, paid sick leave, child labor laws, Social Security, a minimum wage, paid family leave, employer-based health coverage, or strong workplace safety laws.

I am grateful that this annual labor dinner pays tribute to the contributions of our local workforce and their shared mission of promoting the rights of American workers. The hard work and sacrifice of union leaders to make all workers better off, not just union members, is commendable.

I extend my appreciation to the Contra Costa AFL-CIO Labor Council and Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO for hosting this event and for their advocacy for workers in our community. Congratulations on 20 years of this wonderful event.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert ``Bob'' Sewell, Business Manager of Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 159 in Martinez, a respected member of the community, for being recognized as the Labor Leader of the Year.

Bob joined Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 159 in July 1979, where he went on to complete his apprenticeship in June 1984. He later had a long career at Lescure Company Incorporated, where he served as a foreman, general foreman, and field superintendent.

In addition to his daily responsibilities on the job, Bob served on the Craftsman Committee, and later on the union's Executive Board. On top of his leadership positions, Bob taught classes at Local 159, specifically in medical gas installation to journeymen and apprentices. In 2002, the members of UA Local 159 recognized his dedication and elected him to serve as the union's Assistant Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer.

In 2009, Bob served as Recording Secretary for the Contra Costa Building Trades and was instrumental in securing Project Labor Agreements in the region, which have provided prevailing wage jobs and apprenticeship opportunities to local residents.

His skill and service as a leader have benefited his fellow union members of Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 159, and the community. Bob's dedication to his job, his family, and his community as a lifelong Contra Costa resident is admirable. I congratulate him on this award and thank him for his dedication to our shared mission of promoting the rights of American workers.

Mr. Speaker, Leader Pelosi and I rise today to recognize Charles W. (Chip) Meyers, Jr. who has recently retired from UPS after 38 years of dedicated service. Chip, a native San Franciscan, began working for UPS in downtown San Francisco in 1980. Since that time, he has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks, and since 2005 has served as a Vice President of Public Affairs, working out of the company's Washington, D.C. office.

While in California, Chip graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary's College, and a marketing certificate from the University of California at Berkeley. Later, he earned a Masters' of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. His father, Charles W. Meyers, represented San Francisco, with distinction, as a member of the California General Assembly from 1948-1970.

Throughout his career at UPS, Chip has held various positions of increasing responsibility in operations, sales, marketing, and public affairs, while living in California, Montana, Indiana, and Washington. Most recently, he served as an executive on loan to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, continuing his lifelong passion for aiding those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, Leader Pelosi and I are grateful for the opportunity to formally acknowledge Chip Meyers' meaningful contributions to our community and honor his service to UPS on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Chip has carried out his professional duties with the utmost integrity, professionalism, sincerity, and has been a friend to all whom have encountered him on Capitol Hill throughout the past 13 years. Leader Pelosi and I want to congratulate this proud son of California for his 38 years at UPS, and wish him, his wife of 29 years, Linda, and their daughters Christiana, Analisa, and Alexandra all the best in retirement. I thank Chip Meyers, for his many contributions to his company, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 606, a bill to designate the United States Post Office at 1025 Nevin Avenue in Richmond, California as the ``Harold D. McCraw, Sr., Post Office Building.''

Harold D. McCraw, Sr. began working for the Richmond Post Office in 1956 as a Career Substitute Carrier, and worked in various supervisory positions during his tenure of more than 45 years.

From the time of his appointment as Officer-in-Charge of Richmond in August of 1973, Harold was active in the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS). He began with the East Bay Chapter and served in the state chapter as Area Director, Chapter Secretary Chapter President, and Chairman of the 1989 National Convention held in San Francisco.

Harold served NAPUS at the national level as Western Region Liaison Officer, EEO Committee Chairman, Advisory Board Member, and Postmasters Representative. In January 1988, assumed the office of National Vice President for Area 22. Harold also served as the Editor of the state publication, The California Postmaster, and of the national publication, Postmasters Gazette.

In addition to serving the community in his job as Richmond Postmaster, Mr. McCraw also served on various boards and commissions. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Richmond Community Social Services Corp., where he facilitated the development of a childcare facility that has expanded to five locations and cares for hundreds of children.

Harold also helped bring about great change in the Richmond area through his service a member of the Richmond Management Service Corp and the Greater Richmond Housing Corp., which established housing projects and expanded retail space for small businesses in the area.

The post office on Nevin Avenue has operated as Richmond's main post office since 1938. The building is located in the heart of downtown and is a driver of the city's economy. During World War II it served as an air raid shelter, and to this day remains a landmark and meeting point for community residents. It is also a classic example of Art Deco architecture that is an essential piece of Richmond history and culture.

I am honored to name the post office in Richmond, California after Harold, a man who dedicated his life to the United States Post Office and the Richmond Committee.

I would like to thank Chairman Gowdy and Ranking Member Cummings for their support of this legislation.

The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

First, I would like to thank the Contra Costa Water District and the Bureau of Reclamation for their support and guidance in putting this bill together. I would also like to thank Senators Feinstein and Harris for carrying this bill in the Senate.

The bill transfers ownership of the Contra Costa Canal from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Contra Costa Water District.

The Contra Costa Water District currently operates and maintains the canal system as part of its infrastructure for providing water to half a million people. However, the Bureau of Reclamation still owns the canal, which it began building in 1937.

The transfer of the canal to local ownership will allow Contra Costa Water District to invest in much-needed upgrades, repairs, and to provide safety and environmental benefits to its customers.

Contra Costa Water District intends to invest an estimated $650 million to enclose the pipe, which will mitigate flood risk to the surrounding community, extend the useful life of this infrastructure for another 80 years, and prevent drownings, which currently average about one per year.

I appreciate that the Contra Costa Water District has conducted extensive outreach for the local communities and has broad support in the district.

This bill also acknowledges an agreement with the East Bay Regional Park District, which will continue to maintain important recreational opportunities along the canal.

In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for their support in moving this legislation forward that will have enormous benefits for our community.