Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kaiser Permanente Napa Medical Offices on their 75th Anniversary as they celebrate decades of high quality, compassionate care and commitment to the health and well-being of Napa County.

Kaiser Permanente is the nation's largest non-profit integrated health care system, bringing physicians, care teams, hospitals, pharmacies, and health plans together to provide coordinated, high quality and affordable care. Kaiser Permanente is nationally recognized for excellence in prevention, specialty care and clinical outcomes, supported by advanced medical research, innovation and leading Centers of Excellence. Guided by its mission to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves, Kaiser Permanente invests in programs that expand access to care, address social drivers of health and advance community well-being.

Kaiser Permanente began caring for Napa families in 1951 and today serves approximately 45,000 members throughout Napa Valley and the surrounding region. Napa Medical Offices have provided generations of local families with compassionate, coordinated care, offering primary, specialty, behavioral health, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic and other essential services in one convenient location.

Kaiser Permanente and the Trefethen family share a significant historical connection through Eugene ``Gene'' Trefethen, a trusted leader within the Kaiser enterprises who played an influential role in shaping the partnership between Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and its medical groups. Eugene Trefethen's leadership helped strengthen the integrated health care model that enabled Kaiser Permanente to grow into the nationally respected health system it is today, creating a lasting legacy that connects two important chapters of Napa Valley and California history.

Kaiser Permanente has demonstrated its enduring commitment to Napa County through community partnerships, volunteerism, and more than $15 million in investments supporting the health and well-being of local residents as of 2026.

Mr. Speaker, Kaiser Permanente has dedicated 75 years of service to Napa County with Eugene Trefethen's lasting contributions. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the Kaiser Permanente Napa Offices here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rotary Club of Davis on their centennial anniversary as they celebrate 100 years of community service.

At the time of the Rotary Club of Davis's founding in 1926, the City of Davis, California only had population of approximately 2,000 people. Of those residents, 25 business owners, University of California staff, and farmers joined together to form a Rotary Club that aimed to promote fellowship and provide community service. Four of the Davis Rotary's founding members had previously served on the first Davis City Council.

The Rotary Club of Davis is chartered under Rotary International, which began in 1905 as an all-male organization. By the mid-1970s, many members of Davis Rotary Club were among those urging Rotary International to change that policy. When Rotary International finally did so in 1987, Rotary Club of Davis was among the first chapters to admit women to their membership. Since then, many women have served in club leadership, including current president Donna Prebys.

Rotary Club of Davis is committed to community service. The club's first community project was the Davis Boy Scout cabin which was constructed in 1927 and maintained through the year 2000. In its early decades, the club made grants to individuals in the community who needed assistance with healthcare costs and maintained a loan program for international students at the university. The club landscaped the Davis High School campus in the 1970s, built a stage at the local Pence Gallery in the 1980s, and helped with projects at the University of California Davis Arboretum and North Davis Ponds in the 1990s.

Today, the club provides volunteers and financial support for worthy causes such as Meals on Wheels, the Yolo Food Bank, the Yolo Crisis Nursery, Yolo County Children's Alliance, Cameron's Place, Empower Yolo, and the Salvation Army. Through their annual Big Night fundraising dinner, which began in 2000, the Rotary Club of Davis has raised over $1 million dedicated to Yolo County organizations working to prevent child abuse.

The Davis Rotary supports the work of the Rotary Foundation and its projects worldwide. They have partnered with other Rotary Clubs on a host of projects, including the City of Davis's Sister City, Uman, Ukraine, and most recently, the Vacaville Rotary Club's project to build water wells in a remote village in Peru. They have supported worthy causes with Sahaya International in Africa and The Wardrobe in Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, Rotary Club of Davis has dedicated 100 years of service to our Davis community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the Rotary Club here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Doug McConnell for his advocacy for parks, open space, and environmental causes. Jack London Park Partners is honoring Doug McConnell's legacy at their annual Gala, which raises funds to provide education, preservation, conservation, recreation, and community access.

Doug McConnell devoted his career to inspiring appreciation for the natural, cultural, and historic resources of California and the American West. Through award-winning television programs, he introduced millions of viewers to parks, trails, public lands, small communities, and environmental stewardship efforts.

Doug was a television journalist, producer, and host specializing in environmental and community storytelling. He served as the host and senior editor of the local program Bay Area Backroads on KRON-TV, one of the longest running regional television programs in the United States. He was also the creator, producer, and host of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell. In addition to his work on television programs, Doug was the co-founder and Managing Partner of Convergence Media Productions, a San Francisco Baykeeper Advisory Board member, an Alaska Conservation Foundation board member and a founder of the Alaska Public Forum.

Doug McConnell's work fostered public awareness, conservation advocacy, outdoor recreation, and civic engagement throughout Northern California and beyond. His contributions to environmental education and public service were recognized through numerous honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting, designation as an Honorary Ranger by California State Parks and the National Park Service, volunteer of the Year by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project, and Humanitarian of the Year by the Marin Humane Society.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Doug McConnell for his legacy of exceptional service to our local parks, environment, and community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lake County Wine Alliance for their 25 years of service to our community.

The Lake County Wine Alliance is a cooperative composed of Lake County wineries, winegrape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses, and community supporters. Formed in 2000, the Lake County Wine Alliance is a nonprofit organization operated under the guidance of a seven-member volunteer board of directors with the purpose of supporting charitable and other local programs. Each year, the Lake County Wine Auction donates its proceeds to local organizations and charities whose activities are in keeping with the Alliance's charter.

The Lake County Wine Alliance is a cornerstone of philanthropy in Lake County, providing sustained support for youth education, arts, agriculture, and community well-being. They have raised over three million dollars in support of Lake County nonprofits. Their beneficiaries include local organizations such as all five Lake County High Schools Fine Arts and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, several local culinary programs, Lake County 4-H, Lake County Rural Arts Initiative, World Wide Healing Hands, Friends of the Lake County Library, and the Clearlake Senior Center.

The Lake County Wine Alliance has grown thanks to the leadership of President Kaj Ahlmann, Vice President Marie Beery, Treasurer Robert Rouniguiere, Secretary Beth Havirilla, and Directors Weston Seifert, Angie Shannon, and Raven Sprauge.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Lake County Wine Alliance for their dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today for their 25th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marie Beery, as she is recognized for her 25 years of extraordinary dedication and service to the Lake County Wine Alliance.

Marie was born in Indiana. She began her professional career as an Accounting Specialist with Kendall-Jackson Winery, where she met winemaker Jed Steele. Together, they founded Steele Winery, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of our Lake County wine community. She later founded the Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro, cultivating it into one of Lake County's most beloved and successful dining establishments. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence helped elevate the region's culinary landscape.

Marie is a founding member of the Lake County Wine Alliance. Under Marie's leadership as Vice President, as well as her creativity and unwavering persistence, the Wine Alliance has raised over $3.2 million for vital programs throughout Lake County, more than any other local nonprofit organization. All five Lake County high schools have collectively received over $1 million from the Alliance, supporting Music, Theatre, and Art Departments, as well as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Culinary Programs.

In addition to the Wine Alliance, she serves as the Treasurer for Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary Club, was a past treasurer of Kelseyville Business Association, and is also a Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer at the Kelseyville Senior Center. Marie is also a Rotary International Paul Harris Diamond Circle Member.

Marie is known for her generosity, reliability, and steadfast commitment to her community. She is always willing to lend a hand, step into leadership when needed, and bring people together to accomplish meaningful work. Her perseverance and community-minded spirit have made her an indispensable part of Lake County's philanthropic landscape.

Marie is one of five siblings and remains closely connected to her large extended family who still reside in Indiana. She is the mother of one daughter and another son and daughter from her past marriage to the late Jed Steele.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Marie Beery for her years of tireless dedication to our community and through the Lake County Wine Alliance. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherwin Family Vineyards as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Steve and Linda Sherwin founded Sherwin Family Vineyards with their inaugural 1996 vintage of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. For years, the Sherwins managed every aspect of the winery from running the tasting room to overseeing wine production. Steve Sherwin is a self-made businessman. He owned Sherwin Construction and Development in the East Bay for almost 30 years, building both residential and commercial structures. Steve has generously offered to help other vintners and neighbors make improvements to their properties, providing expertise, advice, and equipment when needed.

On September 28, 2020, disaster struck Sherwin Family Vineyards. The Glass Fire, which would go on to burn for almost a month and consume close to 70,000 acres, burned the winery to the ground. The family saw their life's work go up in smoke. With persistence, the Sherwins rebuilt the winery, and it reopened in May 2023. Now, thankful to be fully operational, the Sherwins continue to focus on making exceptional wines and entertaining guests at the top of Spring Mountain, always with a strong focus on supporting the local community as well as nonprofits nationwide.

Coined the ``Home of the Patriotic Pour,'' the Commemorative Etched American Flag Bottles that Sherwin Family Vineyards produces are the cornerstone of the charitable focus of the winery. These bottles were created for a charity auction in honor of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Now, they are donated to nonprofits across the country and placed into charity auctions where they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for a range of great causes.

While the Sherwins donate to charities throughout the country, their first focus is on the Napa Valley community, where they raised their three children. They have donated to almost every nonprofit in the Valley, with the goal of supporting the community that has embraced them and their family.

The Sherwins are proud to have raised their three children--Jenn Sherwin Matthews, Lindsey Sherwin-Quigley, and Matthew Sherwin--in the Napa Valley.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Sherwin Family Vineyards for its three decades of patriotism and community connection. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the Land Trust of Napa County, and to recognize their 50 years of service to our Napa community. This anniversary marks five decades of community-powered conservation and stewardship in Napa County.

Land Trust of Napa County is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the character of Napa by permanently protecting land. Founded in 1976, the Land Trust has permanently protected more than 96,000 acres, representing over 18 percent of Napa County. The organization has completed more than 275 conservation projects and protects land that supports biodiversity, climate resilience, clean water, wildlife habitat, public enjoyment, and Napa County's agricultural legacy.

The Land Trust works cooperatively with landowners and our community to protect agricultural land, water resources, wildlife and wildlife corridors, scenic open space, forests, ranches, wildflower meadows and native biodiversity throughout Napa County. The Land Trust's conservation work has made significant progress toward creating a network of conservation lands that will continue to provide clean water, wildlife habitat and corridors, thriving agricultural lands, and access to nature for all those who live in and visit Napa.

Land Trust of Napa County is an accredited land trust, a distinction awarded by the Land Trust Alliance that recognizes their commitment to the highest standards in land conservation, financial accountability, and ethical practices. This accreditation signifies that Land Trust of Napa County meets rigorous national quality standards for protecting and stewarding the lands entrusted to our community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Land Trust of Napa County for their 50 years of dedicated service to our community. The organization's contributions are undeniable and have made a lasting impact on the lives of many. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Scott Sedgley's decades of public service and his contributions to the Napa County community as he is honored with Molly's Angels Community Impact Award.

As Mayor of Napa County. Scott Sedgley has led a lifetime of public service and extraordinary commitment to the Napa Community. Scott was raised in Napa, graduating from Napa High School in 1970. He completed a four-year apprenticeship in carpentry, spending 13 years working as a union carpenter. His next opportunity and challenge was working for the Napa Fire Department. Scott began as a Reserve Firefighter and then went on to permanent, working 32 years with the department. He retired as a Truck Captain in 2011.

Scott was elected to the Napa City Council in 2012 and re-elected to Council in 2016. Following a successful campaign in 2020, Scott became Napa's 25th Mayor since the incorporation of Napa in 1872. Mayor Sedgley currently serves on the Board of the Napa-Vallejo Waste Management Authority, the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA), the Watershed Information Center & Conservancy of Napa County and Napa County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

Mayor Sedgley's interest in local history has him serving on the Napa Valley Opera House Board of Trustees, Board Member of the Napa Valley Historical Society, and has dedicated over three decades as a docent at Bale Grist Mill State Historical Site. Previous Offices and appointments Scott served on were the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and he served nine years as a Board Member with the Napa Valley Unified School District.

Beyond elected office, Scott is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Napa Elks Lodge, Napa Kiwanis, Napa Moose Lodge, Napa County Landmarks, Land Trust of Napa County and the Sierra Club. Mayor Sedgley also worked for 13 years as a union carpenter helping to construct portions of downtown Napa. His extensive record reflects

an enduring commitment to preserving Napa's history, protecting its natural resources, and strengthening our community for future generations.

Mayor Sedgley and his wife, Linda, have two grown children and two grandchildren. They feel fortunate in having their entire family working and living in Napa.

Mr. Speaker, Mayor Sedgley has had a clear impact on Napa County, and we thank the mayor for his dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Mayor Scott Sedgley here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Brown Street Gallery as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as an inclusive art gallery for neurodiverse artists in Napa County.

Brown Street Gallery was established in Napa, California, in 2006 as a program of Napa Valley Support Services, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Napa County.

For 20 years, Brown Street Gallery has provided meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse artists and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create, exhibit, and sell their artwork in a professional gallery setting. The gallery promotes inclusion and economic opportunity while educating the community about the talents and contributions of artists with disabilities.

Brown Street Gallery offers studio time, creative development, and support to find and grow an individual artistic voice. Artists can also earn real money through the sale of their work at gallery shows and exhibitions. Brown Street Gallery has helped hundreds of artists build confidence, tell their stories in creative ways, and become active participants in Napa County's cultural life.

Brown Street Gallery has a long history of collaboration and partnership with schools, businesses, art organizations, nonprofits, and community groups to promote inclusive arts programming, and to develop artists as valued community members. To name a few examples, Brown Street Gallery artists volunteer with Meals on Wheels to deliver food, along with free flower delivery to seniors in collaboration with Napa Flower Power. Artists also regularly clean toys at the Napa Toy Library, attend the Farmers Market as volunteers, and attend collaborative shows with many well-known local artists. Brown Street Gallery also collaborates with organizations including Art Council Napa Valley, Moving Forward Towards Independence, and the Napa Education Foundation for community projects and art classes.

Mr. Speaker, Brown Street Gallery is one of the few galleries in the region dedicated to showcasing the work of neurodiverse artists in a professional gallery environment. The gallery is recognized for fostering creativity, dignity, inclusion, and community engagement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Brown Street Gallery here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Susana Gonzalez, an esteemed member of our Napa community, for receiving the inaugural Physician Innovation Award from Queen of the Valley Foundation.

As a first generation Californian and American, Dr. Gonzalez shows that the American dream is alive and well in Napa County. She and her husband, James Gonzalez, have been proud Napa residents for more than 20 years, raising 2 remarkable daughters. She received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from St. Mary's College and a medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Dr. Gonzalez's commitment to our community is evident from her leadership in cutting edge advancements for women's health. In 2004, she co-founded the robotics program at the Queen of the Valley, bringing minimally invasive robotic surgery to hundreds of women in the Napa Valley.

As a result of her work, Dr. Gonzalez has rightfully been recognized for her tireless commitment to healthcare, receiving the inaugural Women Who Inspire, Lead, and Transform Award from the Bi-National Health Alliance. She has also been featured in the U.S. News and World Report's ``Top Doctor'' list, and she has been routinely named one of the best OB/GYNs in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine.

Beyond her work as medical practitioner, Dr. Gonzalez is a proud mother and wife, whose devotion to her children's education has allowed them to attend two of California's finest universities. Outside of her meaningful and groundbreaking work, Dr. Gonzalez enjoys traveling and cooking for her family.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Dr. Gonzalez for her years of tireless dedication to our community and her impact on the medical field. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club for their 125 years of tireless service to our community.

The Sonoma Valley Woman's Club is a historic and vibrant organization dedicated to empowering and uniting the women of our beautiful Sonoma Valley. Established in 1901, the club has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing together women of all backgrounds and ages who share a passion for service, learning, and friendship.

Over the years, the club has hosted countless events, workshops, and initiatives that have enriched the lives of our Sonoma Valley community. The Sonoma Valley Woman's Club boasts notable contributions including bringing the first free library to the city of Sonoma and writing the grant that opened a Carnegie library. Today, the club engages in educational programs and workshops, philanthropic endeavors that benefit local organizations, social gatherings and networking opportunities, and advocacy for issues that impact women and families in our community.

The Sonoma Valley Woman's Club also focuses on the preservation and maintenance of their historic clubhouse. The Club House was constructed by renowned architect Maynard Jones and opened on September 15, 1916. Part of the Register of Historic Places, the Club House remains a focal point of Sonoma Valley history to this day.

The Sonoma Valley Woman's Club is led today by President Victoria Mann, Vice President Jody Leeds, Treasurer Erika Petroni, Director Marilyn Booth, and Director Diane Termini. Without their hard work, the legacy of this impactful organization would not be what it is today.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club for their dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today for their 125th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the Davis Farmers Market, a leader in local agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Davis Farmers Market was founded in 1976 by University of California graduates Ann Evans, Martin Barnes, Annie Main, and Henry Esbenshade. While the farmers market began with a small group of vendors in Davis's Central Park, it quickly became a pioneer in California's direct-to-consumer agriculture industry, becoming the first Certified Farmers Market in the state in 1977. In 1994, the opening of the permanent Farmers Market Pavillion made the Davis Farmers Market the first structure of its kind in California.

Since its early years, the Davis Farmers Market has become a vibrant gathering place and essential Davis institution, connecting farmers and consumers while improving access to fresh, locally grown food. The Market launched community-centered programs such as a live music series, farm-to-school initiatives, hospital-based farmers markets, and the University of California Davis campus market.

The Davis Farmers Market has significantly contributed to the economic viability of small and regional farms, providing direct marketing opportunities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food education. It attracts over 500,000 visitors annually across its weekly markets, serving as a major economic and social hub for the region and supporting hundreds of farmers and vendors from numerous California counties.

The Davis Farmers Market is widely recognized as a national leader in the farmers market movement. In recognition of its community significance, the Davis Farmers Market was named ``America's Favorite Farmer's Market'' by the American Farmland Trust in 2009 and has received numerous other local and regional accolades for its variety and leadership.

The Davis Farmers Market's longevity and service as a model of community-centered food systems are celebrated today on its 50th anniversary. Today, the market celebrates with garden focused activities for children, live music, raffles, and photo booths along with the Saturday Farmers Market and the publication of a commemorative cookbook earlier this year.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Davis Farmers Market for its five decades of dedication to supporting local food producers, environmental stewardship, education, and community connection. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Lindley in recognition of his retirement after 28 years of public service, including service to our community as the City Manager of Dixon, California.

Mr. Lindley received an Associate of Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Victor Valley Community College. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Public Administration from the California State University, San Bernardino.

Mr. Lindley's nearly three decades of public service includes eight years as an elected official in Hesperia serving as council member, mayor pro tem, and mayor. He then spent five years in three distinct director-level roles for San Bernardino County. He later transitioned back to city management, sewing as the city manager of Dunsmuir and executive director of the Dunsmuir Redevelopment Agency from June 2010 to March 2012.

Serving Dixon for over 14 years, Mr. Lindley steered the city of Dixon through significant economic eras, including navigating the municipality out of the Great Recession and through the complexities of the global pandemic. Lindley's leadership in Dixon was also defined by a series of infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives, including the railroad overcrossing project and construction of Pardi Plaza. He also brought significant commercial and residential development to the City of Dixon. Mr. Lindley has provided pivotal operational leadership, financial oversight and support to the City Council, leaving behind a legacy of growth and modernization.

In addition, Mr. Lindley accumulated over 25 years in the private sector and five years as the Chief Executive Officer of Municipal Consulting Associates.

Mr. Lindley has been widely recognized for his ``people-first'' management style, guiding the city with deep kindness and loyalty. His balanced leadership successfully created a collaborative environment across municipal staff, council members, and residents alike.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Jim Lindley for his dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the town of Arbuckle, California, on the sesquicentennial anniversary of its founding, and to recognize its rich history and community spirit. This celebration honors the generations of residents, civic leaders, and organizations that have shaped the community's unique character, agricultural heritage, vibrant identity, and forward-looking values.

The town of Arbuckle was founded in 1875 following the arrival of the railroad in the Sacramento Valley. Arbuckle has played an important role in the agricultural, cultural, and economic development of Colusa County. The year 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the first jollification of Arbuckle, and the community will celebrate this historic milestone, honoring the generations of residents, businesses, farmers, and community organizations that have contributed to the town's enduring legacy.

Since its founding, Arbuckle has served as an agricultural center in the Sacramento Valley and has fostered a strong tradition of volunteerism, civic engagement, and community service. The town was named after pioneer and rancher Tacitus Ryland Arbuckle, who donated land for the railroad right-of-way, depot, and townsite, helping establish the foundation for the community's growth. This community has supported schools, local businesses, parks, youth programs, veterans' memorials, and numerous annual events that strengthen community bonds and preserve local heritage. Arbuckle residents have consistently demonstrated resilience, generosity, and commitment to improving the quality of life for present and future generations.

Arbuckle is widely recognized for its strong sense of community, agricultural heritage, volunteer spirit, and small-town character. Generations of families have called Arbuckle home, contributing to a tradition of neighborliness, civic pride, and stewardship. The community's enduring commitment to preserving its history while embracing future opportunities exemplifies the values that have sustained Arbuckle for 150 years.

Mr. Speaker, the town of Arbuckle has had a profound impact on our community and our city. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the city's sesquicentennial anniversary here today as they celebrate this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside the Kiwanis Club of Napa to honor James ``Jim'' Jones on Jim Jones Appreciation Day in recognition of his years of dedicated community service.

After graduating from Napa High School in 1957, Mr. Jones went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Napa Valley College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Califonria, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, then returned home to begin a distinguished legal career serving Napa for more than five decades.

Mr. Jones is a retired attorncy who served on the Napa City Council from 1972 to 1976. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Jones displayed a passion for serving others as he provided trusted counsel to countless individuals, families, and organizations. Even after concluding his private practice, Jim has continued to offer his expertise to nonprofit organizations and community groups throughout Napa.

Since joining the Kiwanis Club of Napa in 1985, Mr. Jones had dedicated himself to the organization's mission of improving the lives of children and strengthening our community through hands-on service and exemplary leadership. Mr. Jones led major fundraising events, volunteered at service projects, mentored young people, supported children with special needs, rang bells for the Salvation Army, organized community celebrations, and inspired generations of Kiwanians through his positive attitude and collaborative spirit.

As President of the Kiwanis Club of Napa in 1998, Jim helped lead the construction of the Club's first community playground--a legacy that has since grown to more than 75 playground projects. As Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 8, Mr. Jones led remarkable membership growth, expanding the number of clubs throughout the region. Mr. Jones helped the Kiwanis Club of Napa earn statewide recognition from the California-Nevada-Hawaii District with the Harold Heimbaugh Award for outstanding membership growth.

Mr. Jones has continued to serve Kiwanis beyond the local level through leadership roles with the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Foundation, the Kiwanis International Membership Committee, and the Board of Trustees. Mr. Jones earned the Distinguished Service Award from The Children's Fund in recognition of his extraordinary contributions. He also co-chaired a countywide humanitarian fundraiser that united our Napa community and raised more than $100,000 in just three weeks to provide relief for the people of Ukraine.

In 2024, Mr. Jones was honored with the Salvation Army Lifetime Advisory Board Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to the organization, including his instrumental role in establishing the Salvation Army Culinary Academy and expanding housing opportunities for its students and graduates.

Mr. Speaker, we owe our thanks and appreciation to Jim Jones for his integrity, generosity, humility, and unwavering dedication to service. He is an enduring example of what it means to put ``service above self.'' Jim Jones is my friend, and I consider him a mentor. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.