Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Centennial Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, Eureka Council, No. 1067, chartered in Eureka, California on December 3, 1905. Over the past ten decades, this fraternal and spiritual organization has had a proud and distinguished record of public service in Humboldt County and is deserving of our recognition.

Through charity, fellowship and hard work, the Eureka Knights of Columbus have reached out to thousands of families and children to establish important community institutions of compassion and caring.

Among other endeavors, the Eureka Knights of Columbus helped establish St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, which serves the sick and the poor from across the region. They initiated efforts to found the local St. Vincent DePaul of Eureka, Arcata and Fortuna, communities within Humboldt County. The club also worked to bring about educational opportunities for youth through the establishment of St. Bernard's Catholic Schools, Camp St. Michaels and the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 54.

On this occasion, the Eureka Council of the Knights of Columbus will honor Anthony Gosselin, Sr. as the Knight of the Century. This distinguished honor is bestowed upon the late Mr. Gosselin, who led the Knights of Columbus as a founding board member of St. Vincent de Paul, served as a volunteer fire chief for the City of Eureka and as a member of the Humboldt County Water District board for fifteen years.

Mr. Gosselin served in World War I, married Eva Dandurand and had two children, Anthony Joseph Gosselin, Jr. and Beverly Gosselin Inskip. Mr. Gosselin was a tireless volunteer and devotee of the Knights of Columbus for over 65 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the Knights of Columbus, Eureka Council 1067 and the Knight of the Century, Anthony Joseph Gosselin, Sr., for distinguished and extraordinary service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carre J. Brown, a lifelong Mendocino County cattle rancher who has served as Executive Administrator of the Mendocino County Farm Bureau for 20 years. Carre's contributions to agriculture, young people, and her community are exemplary on a personal as well as public level.

Born in Ukiah, Carre comes from a long line of Mendocino County ranchers dating back more than a hundred years. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather--John Newman, the first president of the Mendocino Farm Bureau in 1920--Carre continues the family tradition of promoting the interests and issues of local farmers. Wife of Louis Brown and mother of Todd, Beth, Will and Burke, she has been an active 4-H leader and served for 10 years on the County's 4-H Council.

Carre is a lifelong member of the Mendocino-Lake Woolgrowers Association and the County Cattlewomen. She also has served on the Potter Valley Community Unified School District Board and on the California Watershed Round Table.

Carre's excellent work with the Mendocino County Fann Bureau is one of the many reasons why her community and the Mendocino County Winegrowers Alliance will honor her on November 12, 2005. Carre's interest in young people makes her a tireless supporter of the Winegrowers' Agricultural Scholarship Program, which helps deserving children of local vineyard workers attend college.

On a personal level, it is my privilege to know Carre, whose easy- going disposition, boundless energy, and organizational skills are just a few of the attributes that have made her an integral member of this community. Her passion for her work, family, and agricultural pursuits make her a treasured associate and resource.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Carre J. Brown for her commitment, service, dedication and contributions not only to the ranchers and farmers, but to all the people of Mendocino County, as well as to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marvin Shanken, editor and publisher of the Wine Spectator, on the 25th anniversary of the New York Wine Experience a biennial tribute to fine wine from around the globe.

Last month the world's leaders gathered in New York City to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. This week another group of world leaders will arrive in New York City, these leaders will represent the world's finest wineries and chateaux and they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the New York Wine Experience.

For 25 years now, wine lovers and winemakers have flocked to New York City every two years for the chance to taste fine wines from six continents, under one roof. The Wine experience is the largest wine event in the United States attracting daily crowds numbering in the thousands.

Not only does the Wine Experience showcase outstanding wines, but it also lends a hand to many charities and nonprofit organizations. All proceeds from the event go to the Wine Spectator Scholarship foundation, which in turn provides funding to, the enology and viticulture program at the University of California, Davis, Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts and the Culinary Institute of America.

Over the last 25 years, The New York Wine Experience has exposed tens of thousands of people to the world of fine wine and there is no doubt that Marvin Shanken has greatly contributed to the growth of the California wine industry through his work with the event and the Wine Spectator.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I think it is appropriate that we honor and congratulate Marvin Shanken for the success of the New York Wine Experience and its immeasurable contribution to the American and global wine industries. I wish Mr. Shanken and the Wine Spectator well as the New York Wine Experience prospers for another 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Napa Valley Masonic Lodge No. 93 of Napa Valley, California as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this Saturday, October 29, 2005.

The Napa Valley Masonic Lodge No. 93, which was founded by Napa Valley historical mason George Yount, is an institution in the Napa Valley. The first meeting was held at the Caymus Lodge in Yountville, California. In 1867, the masons of Lodge No. 93 relocated to St. Helena, my hometown, where they continue to meet today.

Since 1855, Lodge No. 93 has helped to forge a stronger brotherhood among the men of the Napa Valley. What was once a group of 13 men now boasts a membership of nearly 200. Men from all walks of life, including farmers, businessmen and doctors have joined this fraternity in an effort to not only better themselves and their families, but to also better the entire community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my fellow colleagues I would like to congratulate the Napa Valley Masonic Lodge No. 93 upon its 150th Anniversary. I wish the organization all the best in its future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 548, I was off the floor meeting with consitutents and unfortunately missed the above listed rollcall vote. Had I been present I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize California Highway Patrol Officer, Lawrence ``Larry'' Mario Caravario of Clear Lake, CA as he retires from 31\1/2\ years of dedicated service.

``Larry'' Caravario was born and raised in San Francisco. He attended Riordan High School followed by 2 years at the City College of San Francisco where he studied accounting.

In January of 1974, Larry joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Eventually he was stationed in the Lake County. For years he protected county residents watching out after them as he patrolled state highways and county roads. Additionally, Officer Caravario was responsible for training his fellow officers in matters of weapons and safety. He also served as the CHP's representative to Lake County schools as a pupil safety officer.

Mr. Speaker, when not patrolling the streets or training other officers, Officer Caravario dedicated his time to the children of Lake County. Since 1967 he has coached youth and high school soccer, basketball and baseball. In 1968, Officer Caravario began working as a basketball and baseball game official.

In retirement, Officer Caravario plans to spend more time with his wife Diane, his son David and daughter Joell.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we take time to thank Officer Caravario for his hard work and devotion to his community throughout the years. On behalf of my fellow colleagues, I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend Sheila Daugherty of Napa, CA as she is honored by the Salvation Army Napa Corps.

The story of Sheila Daugherty is uniquely American. Growing up in a large Irish family, Sheila was taught the importance of helping others and serving one's community. She has

lived her life guided by the motto, ``See something that needs to be done and do it.''

Sheila was a Captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, serving as a Civic Action Officer during the Vietnam War. Her service was rewarded with the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, the U.S. Army National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

For nearly 30 years, Sheila has devoted her life to working to improve the quality of life in the Napa Valley through a variety of positions including the Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, Board of Directors for the Volunteer Center of Napa County, the Queen of the Valley Hospital Board of Directors and volunteering for countless other civic causes.

For the past 11 years Sheila has worked closely with juveniles who suffer from drug and alcohol addictions. In 1997 Sheila implemented an outpatient substance abuse program for teenagers in Napa County. She was the driving force behind the creation of the Napa Tattoo Taboo program, which helps former gang members shed the symbols of their past by removing gang related tattoos.

In recognition of her contributions Sheila Daugherty is to be honored with the Salvation Army Napa Corps' ``Other's Award'' on September 16, 2005.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, it is appropriate today that we join in thanking Sheila Daugherty for her unwavering dedication to and love for our community. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I am proud to extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Sheila, her husband Lewis, sons Eugene and Matthew and two granddaughters Cecilia and Frances.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cameron L. Reeves of Lake County, CA, as he retires after a distinguished 24-year career providing superior legal advice and a profound knowledge of the law to the Lake County Board of Supervisors as the chief county counsel.

Cameron was born and raised in a small, rural town in Oklahoma. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in political science, Cameron enlisted in the military. He began his military career in 1966 serving as an Army Security Agency warrant officer working on profile missions involving North Korea and Vietnam.

It was while serving in the armed forces Cameron decided he wanted to attend law school. While balancing a family and his day job with the State government, Cameron earned his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1974.

Mr. Speaker, in 1981, Cameron embarked upon what would become an unprecedented 24-year career as the chief county counsel for Lake County. A steadfast, selfless, hard working man, Cameron sought out Lake County's most challenging problems and faced them head on. When Cameron arrived, there was no formal plan to direct the legal course of action for Lake County. Therefore he created the Legal Lake County General Plan, the first of its kind in this area. He has also worked extensively to harbor a strong relationship with neighboring Yolo County working through very contentions water rights issues between the two counties.

Mr. Speaker, Cameron is highly respected throughout the county and has committed himself to the position of chief county counsel with the desire to better his community. Throughout his career, Cameron has been a constant wealth of knowledge and insight helping to guide and inform 17 Supervisors, enabling them to make the best decisions for the people of Lake County. His fellow colleagues have stated it will be difficult to replace Cameron, a man of extreme integrity and intelligence.

In retirement, Cameron plans on traveling around the U.S. and spending more time with his wife, Sharon, and their four children, Layne, Marcy, Leslie and Brandon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand opening of the Redbud Family Health Center in Clearlake, CA on Sunday, October 23, 2005.

The Redbud Family Health Center is affiliated with the local Adventist Health Redbud Community Hospital. This new state-of-the-art 33,400 square foot facility located in the City of Clearlake provides services such as primary care medicine, dental services, pediatric services, a behavioral health program, obstetric and women's health services, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiac testing services, and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services. There is also a privately owned on-site pharmacy.

Mr. Speaker, each month this center provides superior medical attention to 4,500 residents of rural Lake County. Last year alone, the Redbud Family Health Center cared for 50,400 patients.

The Redbud Family Health Center has taken a leading role in organizing numerous public outreach events such as blood drives, free health screenings, and an Annual Health and Safety Fair which I am proud to co-sponsor each fall. Over $14 million in free and low cost services have been contributed to the community. These are only a few examples of the Redbud Family Health Center's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Lake County citizens.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate that we recognize the grand opening of the Redbud Family Health Center, as it will play a vital role in continuing the tradition of a healthier and happier community in Lake County, CA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness regarding the recent passing of two leaders in the Davis, California community, Dorothy and Robert Laben.

The couple met at Cornell University during the World War II years. Dorothy was pursuing a doctorate in nutrition and Bob taught in the military science department following his recovery from injuries sustained in battle. They courted by motorcycle and sidecar, married in 1946 and moved first to Oklahoma and then to Missouri as Bob completed his doctorate in genetics. In 1950 Bob Laben accepted a professorship with the UC Davis Animal Science department where he spent the next 36 years in distinguished service as a teacher and mentor.

The Labens were active in organizations that provided much-needed food to the hungry, including the Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee, Davis Community Meals and the Food Bank of Yolo County that collects and distributes food to the hungry via nonprofit agencies and school programs. The Food Bank grew out of the Yolo County Coalition Against Hunger that was co-founded by Dorothy, who was known to all as ``a dynamo, completely dedicated.'' Together the Labens logged thousands of miles on their vehicles--wearing out several of them--collecting food from sources such as grocery stores, bakeries, farms and the Davis Farmers' Market. Always working together, they were once profiled in a local news article as ``The faces behind the food.'' The Labens' contributions earned them numerous awards and recognitions, but the couple always remained humble, redirecting the spotlight from themselves to the human need.

Mr. Speaker, Dorothy and Bob Laben's determination to feed the hungry of their community inspires us all. It is appropriate therefore that we celebrate and honor their lives of service today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness at the recent passing of James Robert Chapman, city councilman and ``Mayor Emeritus'' of the City of Winters, California.

Born into a pioneering family, Bob Chapman was a lifelong resident of Winters. He served on the Winters City Council from 1980 to 1996, fourteen of those years as mayor. He more recently served as a City Council member since 2002. Prior to City Council, he served on the Winters Planning Commission for 6 years. During his tenures on the council, Mr. Chapman guided the city through numerous endeavors, including construction of the Winters Community Center, the 1992 General Plan and efforts to keep the city fiscally viable during economically daunting times.

During his recent tenure on the council, Mr. Chapman played a key role in the economic revitalization of the downtown and in numerous capital projects, including the rehabilitation of the historic trestle bridge and Putah Creek car bridge, construction of the amphitheater, traffic improvements and a downtown parking lot. He represented the city and Yolo County on regional boards including the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Yolo County Local Agency Formation Commission and numerous boards and commissions.

In addition to his role with the City of Winters, Mr. Chapman served 30 years in the California National Guard, retiring at the rank of colonel in 1996. He was a member of two service clubs, the Lions Club and Rotary International, serving as Rotary Chapter President in 2004. In 2002, he was named Winters Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to the community. Chapman was an avid golfer and was employed as director of logistics for Con-Agra, formerly Hunt-Wesson.

Mr. Speaker, the passing of Bob Chapman is a huge loss to the Winters community. His leadership, humor and mentoring style will be greatly missed by his wife, Nicki, his daughter, Shelly, his mother, Dorothy, and all those whose lives he touched. It is appropriate therefore that we honor his life and contributions today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness regarding the recent passing of Charles S. Warner of Woodland, California, a nationally recognized art teacher who inspired many students to pursue professional careers in the visual arts.

Chuck Warner was a teacher for 35 years. He served as chair of Woodland High School's art program since 1974. Under his leadership the program won numerous accolades, including 1997 recognition by Business Week magazine for an ``outstanding arts driven curriculum,'' one of eight in the Nation. That same year Woodland High School was one of six high schools in the United States selected as a Getty/Annenberg arts grant recipient.

Mr. Warner possessed an uncanny ability to challenge his students in a variety of problem solving environments. He inspired them to produce inventive, independent, meaningful pieces that consistently demonstrated higher order thinking. In 2003 he was named ``most inspirational teacher'' by the California Assembly. Mr. Warner said of his students, ``Our expectations for students are high but the students keep meeting our expectations.'' His students fondly remember him for his three favorite criticisms of their work: ``Use more yellow. Get more detail. Increase the contrast.'' Mr. Warner was a champion of the Congressional Art Competition. A working artist himself, Mr. Warner specialized in acrylics and won numerous awards for his creations. He was a respected leader in his area of expertise--commercial art.

Mr. Speaker, Charles Warner dedicated more than three decades to teaching art. He influenced generations of students, some who have gone on to become well-known artists. He has been twice nominated to receive the National Medal of Arts award from the National Endowment for the Arts. It is appropriate therefore that today we honor his life, his passion for art and his outstanding dedication to his students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melvin Horton Kreb, deputy director of the California Conservation Corps and a distinguished citizen of Humboldt County, CA. He is being honored for his contribution to one of our Nation's most precious rights--participation in the political system. His commitment to the preservation of our political liberty is worthy of appreciation and recognition.

Mr. Kreb, a graduate of Humboldt State University, has served with distinction at the California Conservation Corps since 1980. He began his career as a conservation administrator and spent many years as the district director for northern California. In the past year he was singled out to become the chief deputy director in the State of California.

Mel was a founding member of the Eel River Watershed Improvement Group and the Salmonid Restoration Federation. He has received numerous awards for his restoration

work, including the Renew America Foundation Award and the Chevron Times Mirror Conservation Award. From the Salmonid Restoration Federation he was presented with the distinguished Nat Bingham Restorationist of the Year award.

Mel Kreb has been unflagging in his commitment to his community. In addition to his long and distinguished career in the California Conservation Corps, Mel has served on numerous boards of directors, including the Humboldt State Alumni Association, the Backcountry Horsemen of California and the Humboldt Democratic Central Committee. He was a charter member of the Fortuna Certified Farmer's Market and is active in the Fortuna Kiwanis as well as serving as the chair of the Redcrest Volunteer Fire Department.

Mel's dedication to his community has been shared by his wife Hollis and passed along to their children Gabriel and Helena.

Mel is being recognized this year for his outstanding contributions to the political process by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee as the ``Democrat of the Year, 2005.''

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Melvin Horton Kreb for his contribution to the ideals and traditions that have made our country a great nation.

Mr. Chairman, I agree with Chairman Pombo that the Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and the way in which critical habitat is currently administered is one of the glaring problems with the act today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Robert Darter of Saint Helena, California for his 40 years of public service on the Saint Helena Library Board of Trustees, making him one of the longest serving members.

A native of Northern California, Dr. Darter earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. He received both his M.S. in Microbiology and his M.D. from Northwestern University in Chicago.

Dr. Darter has become a household name in Saint Helena. A beloved and highly revered doctor throughout the community, Dr. Darter has helped care for and protects the health of his fellow Napa Valley citizens for nearly half a century.

Despite the uncompromising and exhausting demands of his profession, Dr. Darter has continued to devote his life to the betterment of our community. He has worked with numerous organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and Kiwanis Club of Saint Helena.

For the past 40 years Dr. Darter has played an integral role on the Saint Helena Public Library's Board of Trustees, the past 29 of which he has served as Chairman. With his leadership, dedication and forward thinking personality the Saint Helena Public Library has made considerable advances, including two building expansions, the first in 1979 and the second in 1999. He is currently working to designate neighboring land for future expansion campaigns, which will enable our library to continue enriching our community with the best possible resources.

I'm sure Dr. Darter's wife, Jan, and their five children Robert, Michael, James, John and Kimberley are all extremely proud of him.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we thank Dr. Robert Darter for his years of hard work and dedication to my hometown, Saint Helena. On behalf of my fellow colleagues I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Darter for all that he has done and continues to do for our community. Thank you, Dr. Darter.