Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1181, a bill which makes it harder to catch criminals and makes our communities less safe.

Today, under current law, financial institutions are required to report suspicious transactions to law enforcement. They do this every day, and that helps catch human traffickers. These alerts give law enforcement leads that uncover human trafficking rings and evidence that help put these bad guys away.

The bill on the floor today blocks States from using this same process to flag suspicious firearms transactions to uncover gun trafficking rings.

Many gun traffickers don't buy guns like responsible gun owners, and once guns are trafficked, we know bad things happen.

Approximately 60 percent of trafficked guns are delivered to convicted felons. The felons who seek out and obtain trafficked firearms are the people who pose the greatest risk to everyone's safety.

Mr. Speaker, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, for teenagers, and for law enforcement in the line of duty. We should be working to break up gun trafficking rings which supply the guns that kill kids and cops.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Israel ``Joe'' Guzman, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Solano County honoree, Mr. Guzman is very deserving of this award and recognition.

Mr. Guzman was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He attended high school in Dixon, Califolnia, where he was part of the migrant camp program. Mr. Guzman's family traveled seasonally to the United States during the farming and harvesting seasons, giving him firsthand experience with the dedication and sacrifice required of migrant agricultural workers.

Mr. Guzman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Tank Lines, a premier fuel-hauling trucking company headquartered in Dixon, California. Since establishing the company in 2002, Mr. Guzman has built Alliance Tank Lines into a respected transportation business known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and service. From humble beginnings to leading a successful trucking company. Joe's journey exemplifies determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep appreciation for family, community, and hard work.

Mr. Guzman has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our community though generous donations and sponsorships supporting local youth sports. He has also contributed to charitable efforts through his involvement with the J.A. Taylor Foundation, which provides education and development opportunities for youth. Mr. Guzman is a leader in our community, known for his kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic. Mr. Guzman is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and takes pride in mentoring others, sharing his knowledge and experience.

Mr. Guzman is a devoted husband and father whose family remains a central part of his life. While attending high school, Mr. Guzman met his wife, Alicia Guzman, whose family also participated in the migrant camp program. Their shared experiences created a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership. Mr. and Mrs. Guzman have been married for 45 years and have built a close-knit family together. Mr. Guzman is the proud father of three children: Israel ``lzze'', Monica, and Ricky.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize Israel ``Joe'' Guzman for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dirk Slooten whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Lake County honoree, Mr. Slooten is very deserving of this award and recognition.

Mr. Slooten was born on August 3, 1951, in Purmerend, the Netherlands. In 1972, Mr. Slooten received his degree in Construction Engineering from MTS Hendrick de Keizer College in Amsterdam. Mr. Slooten received his second degree, this time with an emphasis on International Relations, from Diablo Valley College in 1974.

As the Mayor of the City of Clearlake, Mr. Slooten has distinguished himself as a visionary leader whose practical approach to complex challenges has produced meaningful and lasting benefits for our community. Prior to serving as Mayor, Mr. Slooten owned Slooten Consulting, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying business, from 1994 to 2018. Drawing upon a strong business background, he brings thoughtful judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a forward-looking perspective to his service as an elected official.

Mr. Slooten has also served as the Chair of the Planning Commission of Clearlake, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of economic opportunity and community needs. Mr. Slooten was also the President of the Rotary Club of Clear Lake, Chair of Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief, Chair of Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association, and a Member of the Yolo County Airport Commission. In these positions, Mr. Slooten remained a steadfast advocate for economic development, playing an instrumental role in creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

Beyond his public service, Mr. Slooten has consistently demonstrated his personal investment in the future of our community. Mr. Slooten has generously contributed to numerous non-profit organizations including Adventist Health, Lake County Wine Alliance, Yuba Community College Foundation, and Veterans of Lake County. Mr. Slooten also coached soccer for Davis American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and AYSO Select for 10 years. Through his generous contributions to charitable and civic causes, he has exemplified the spirit of service, entrepreneurship, and community stewardship.

Mr. Slooten married Karen Slooten and has three children. His daughter Greta married Andrew Wyeth and had two children: Rowan and Callum. Mr. Slooten's sons, Peter and Paul, were adopted from Guatemala in 1986.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize Dirk Slooten for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Grace Cheung-Schulman, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture. Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Sonoma County honoree, Mrs. Cheung-Schulman is very deserving of this award and recognition.

Mrs. Cheung-Schulman was born in Hong Kong, where she received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hong Kong. Mrs. Cheung-Schulman lived and studied in Canada, receiving a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto and Bachelor of Education from Queen's University. She then lived in New York before relocating to Sonoma County following the death of her husband, Professor Martin Schulman, in 2002. Mrs. Cheung-Shulman has also received a Master of Business Administration from Binghampton University.

Mrs. Cheung-Schulman is the co-founder and current Vice President of the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay (AAPIC North Bay), the only organization of its kind serving the Asian Amellcan Pacific Islander (AAPI) community across the entire North Bay region. As anti-Asian hate was surging in the wake of COVID-19. Mrs. Cheung- Schulman came out of retirement to found AAPIC. She built AAPIC's entire digital infrastructure, making the organization fully visible to the public and enabling consistent outreach to a broad and diverse membership. Mrs. Cheung-Schulman has made great effort to ensure AAPIC's legal, financial, and contractual health.

Drawing on her own experience as an immigrant, Mrs. Cheung-Schulman has spearheaded new initiatives to safeguard, inform, and protect AAPI immigrants navigating an often complex and uncertain landscape through working directly with employers and immigrant families. Mrs. Cheung- Schulman has an extraordinary gift for showing up and seeking out the most isolated members of the AAPI community to ensure no one is left behind.

Mrs. Cheung-Schulman is also a Board Member of the Redwood Empire Chinese Association. She has supported local environmental efforts with the Southeast Greenway Campaign and Homeless Action advocacy community group.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize Grace Cheung-Schulman for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Projects, Inc., a local thrift store and non-profit organization, on its 85th anniversary of dedicated service to our Napa community.

Community Projects, Inc. is a cornerstone non-profit entity in Napa, California, governed by a dedicated Board of Directors and supported by a robust network of community volunteers, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization focused on local community enrichment and support.

Since its founding on April 15, 1941, Community Projects, Inc. has grown into a dedicated band of more than 100 volunteers who have granted approximately $17 million in donations over the years to charitable organizations. Their primary source of funding is the organization's thrift store located at 715 Franklin St., which provides affordable goods to the community while generating revenue for local grants and philanthropic projects.

Community Projects, Inc. remains one of the oldest active non-profit organizations in our region, continuing to adapt its fundraising efforts to serve the evolving needs of our Napa community. The proceeds from Community Projects' efforts have allowed the organization to donate millions of dollars back to our Napa community through grants to other local organizations and scholarships to Napa County Schools.

Some organizations supported by Community Projects, Inc. include Mentis, Cope Family Center, NEWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services, Girls on the Run, Project Napa Graduation, Can Do Pro Inclusion Napa, and Napa Wildlife Rescue.

Mr. Speaker, Community Projects, Inc. has done incredible work supporting our community for the past 85 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor this organization here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sylvina Frausto, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Yolo County honoree, Ms. Frausto is very deserving of this award and recognition.

Ms. Frausto was born in Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico. Since moving to Woodland, California, over fifty years ago. Ms. Frausto has distinguished herself as a visionary leader whose practical approach to complex challenges has produced meaningful and lasting benefits for our community.

After earning her high school diploma, Ms. Frausto attended Woodland Community College. Ms. Frausto served as a Parish Administrative Assistant at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church for twenty-five years. Ms. Frausto also worked at the Woodland Joint Unified School District as the School Secretary where she mobilized parents to improve the Woodland School District Music Program and educated families on how to protect themselves from fraudsters preying on our immigrant community.

Beyond her professional roles, Ms. Frausto has consistently demonstrated her personal investment in the future of our community. Ms. Frausto served as the bilingual secretary for the Yolo County Public Defender's Office while also accompanying individuals who are seeking justice for domestic violence to their court appointments. For the past 16 years, Ms. Frausto has also generously contributed her time to teaching origami at the Woodland Senior and Community Center twice a month.

Ms. Frausto has remained a steadfast advocate for a diverse range of communities, serving on the Elementary School Site Council, Diocese of Sacramento Stewardship Committee, Sacramento Valley Organizing Community, Chief Advisory Board, Empower Yolo Advisory Committee, and the Yolo County Office of Education-Participant in Roadmap to the Future. Ms. Frausto is also the chair of the following committees: Woodland Ecumenical and Multi-Faith Ministries, Yolo County Monroe Detention Facility, and the Yolo County Juvenile Detention Facility. Through her generous contributions to charitable and civic causes, she has exemplified the spirit of service, advocacy, and community stewardship.

Ms. Frausto is a proud single parent of two children, Her daughter earned her master's degree at Stanford University and her son serves in the Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize Sylvina Frausto for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bernardo ``Bernie'' Narvaez, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Napa County honoree, Mr. Narvaez is very deserving of this award and recognition.

Mr. Narvaez was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1990 and grew up in poverty. After the September 11 attacks, Mr. Narvaez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, served honorably for six years, and is a Veteran of the Iraq War.

After his honorable service from the Marine Corps, Mr. Narvaez began working in insurance and risk management, founding Narvaez Insurance Services with his father. They have served more than 4,000 families and small businesses. He built on this experience as the Co-Chair of the Rotary Fire Relief, offering funds to small business owners affected by the Napa fires. Mr. Narvaez currently serves as the City Councilmember for Napa's District 4 and Vice-Chair of the Napa County Climate Action Committee.

Mr. Narvaez is widely respected for his tireless work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility to our Napa community. His career has been defined by dedication and integrity, evident by his many leadership roles with organizations including Napa Sunrise Rotarian, Government Affairs Director with Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Commandant of Napa Marine Corps League, NVTA Board of Directors, and Member of Napa County Veteran Commission.

Mr. Narvaez's advocacy for the Latino community is deeply rooted in his heritage. Mr. Narvaez served an active role in launching the Napa County Hispanic Foundation to support young Latino leaders through training and mentorship. Mr. Narvaez continues to be a determined leader to our Napa community with strong support from his wife, Gaby, and their three children.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize Bernie Narvaez for his achievements and the enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Tim Mattos as he retires after an impressive career in law enforcement and public service and to recognize his many contributions to our community.

Chief Mattos was born in Oroville, California, and spent the first fifteen years of his life with his parents, Tony and Pat Mattos, and his three younger sisters, Corina, Julie, and Tonya, on their family's dairy farm. Chief Mattos attended Biggs High School where he earned varsity letters in football, wrestling, baseball, and track and field. He attended Butte Community College where he continued his wrestling career and earned a wrestling scholarship to the California State University, Long Beach. Chief Mattos is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management.

Chief Tim Mattos graduated from the Butte College Police Academy in June of 1990 and began his law enforcement career with the City of Woodland on July 9th, 1990. In the Woodland Police Department, Chief Mattos was a Field Training Officer, a Detective, and a member of the Gang Task Force. Chief Mattos was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 1997, and then to the rank of Sergeant in 1998. As a Sergeant he supervised the Problem Oriented Policing Team. He later moved into the role of Administrative Sergeant where he was responsible for recruiting and hiring, internal affairs, and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. Chief Mattos left the Woodland Police Department in August of 2006 and began working for the Marin County District Attorney's Office as a District Attorney Investigator. Chief Mattos left the District Attorney's Office in May of 2008 after accepting the position of Police Commander with the Suisun City Police Department where he oversaw both operations and support services. Chief Mattos was promoted to Chief of Police in January 2015. In July 2018, Chief Mattos became the Interim City Manager for Suisun City. In December of 2018, Chief Mattos accepted the position of Director of Public Safety with the City of Rohnert Park.

Chief Matto's leadership tenure is credited with oversight reform, restoration of accountability, and the stabilization of Rohnert Park's public safety department. Chief Matto implemented community-oriented policing and public outreach and engagement programs in our Rohnert Park community. Chief Mattos led safety campaigns for cyclists and pedestrians, DUI awareness education, and accountability measures. Under Chief Mattos's leadership, the Fire Division earned a strong fire protection score, and traffic safety operations and the SAFE Team secured increased funding.

Chief Mattos is a current member and past President of the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, and a member of the International Police Chiefs Association. He is also a member and past Vocational Service Director of the Rohnert Park/Cotati Rotary Club.

Chief Mattos is the father of two sons, Garrett and Dustin, and a daughter, Madaya. Chief Mattos is the proud grandfather of seven.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Mattos continues to encourage continued community policing to build trust and change how local law enforcement is viewed during these difficult times. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Carroll L. Estes, Professor Emerita of Sociology at the University of California, San Francisco, whose lifetime of scholarship, advocacy, and service has profoundly shaped aging policy and social welfare in the United States.

Dr. Estes founded the Institute for Health & Aging at UCSF and served as Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Nursing. A pioneering scholar in the political economy of aging and critical gerontology, she has dedicated her career to advancing the health, dignity, and economic security of older Americans, particularly older women, through rigorous research and fearless public advocacy.

The breadth of Dr. Estes' leadership in the field is extraordinary. She served as an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, President of the Gerontological Society of America, the American Society on Aging, and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. She chaired the Board of Directors of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and she has counseled U.S. Commissioners of Social Security and Congressional committees on aging across several decades. Her counsel is grounded in both scholarly rigor and deep moral commitment to our community. Dr. Estes has never hesitated when asked to present on the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicare in Congressional Town Halls in both San Francisco and Sonoma Counties.

Inspired by the late Maggie Kuhn and the Gray Panthers movement, Dr. Estes has always understood that scholarship must be put in service of justice. Her landmark 1979 work, The Aging Enterprise, illuminated how economic forces and the needs of older Americans intersect to shape the policies that are meant to serve them. Her foundational insights helped establish the political economy of aging as a serious field of inquiry. Her more than two dozen books and numerous journal articles have shaped national discourse on Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and health equity, making her one of the rare scholars whose ideas have directly influenced the laws that millions of Americans depend upon. In recognition of these extraordinary contributions, Dr. Estes has received UCSF's highest honor, the University of California Medal, along with distinguished awards from major academic and public health associations. Now, she continues to lead by example, inspiring new generations of scholar-advocates to do the same.

Dr. Estes has shared that her proudest accomplishment is raising an amazing daughter, Duskie Estes, an accomplished chef and devoted mother, and her son-in-law chef John Stewart. Together, Duskie and John have raised two extraordinary young women, Brydie and Kenzie Stewart.

Mr. Speaker, California and the Nation are fortunate to have had Carroll Estes as a champion for older Americans. Her enduring legacy in both academia and public policy reflects the very best of what American scholarship and public service can achieve. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendments en bloc and specifically on the amendment introduced by me, Representative Valadao, and Representative Costa.

Across my district and in many wine-producing regions of our country, growers are facing a growing threat from a vector known as the glassy- winged sharpshooter, an invasive pest that spreads Pierce's disease amongst the grapevines and kills vineyards.

For many communities, wine grapes are not just a crop. They are the cornerstone of local economy, supporting farmers, small businesses, tourism, and thousands of jobs.

In California alone, the wine community generates sizeable tax revenues at the local, State, and Federal level.

In 2025, the wine economy generated nearly $85 billion in economic activity and paid nearly $6.5 billion in State and local taxes and almost $8 billion in Federal taxes.

If we fail to act, the consequences will be severe. Vineyards that have taken years to establish can be damaged or destroyed, threatening livelihoods and putting significant economic activity at risk.

This amendment recognizes that reality. While it does not provide the funding itself, it sends an important signal as the House and Senate--

--as the House and Senate move toward conference, that additional resources are needed to combat this invasive pest and protect American agriculture, communities, and our economy.

We can pay this now or we can pay a lot more and suffer the devastation if we delay.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson, in recognition of his twenty-nine years of extraordinary service for our Rohnert Park law enforcement community.

Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson was born in San Mateo, California and grew up in Forestville. He earned all associate's degree from Coastline Community College, a bachelor's degree from Union Institute and University, and a master's degree from the University of San Diego. Deputy Chief Johnson was certified by the Robert Pressley Institute of Criminal investigation, and he received certification as a Fire Chief by the California State Fire Marshall. In addition, he is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and the California Peace Officers Standard of Training Command College.

Deputy Chief Johnson has received many recognitions from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for leading the agency for multiple years in arresting impaired drivers. Also, in 2014 when he was a Sergeant, he was awarded the state Traffic Safety Excellence Award by the Office of Traffic Safety for securing almost $750,000 in grant funding for his team where they reduced injury collisions in Rohnert Park to an all- time low.

Currently, Deputy Chief Johnson serves as the State Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chair of the Santa Rosa Junior College Fire Technology Advisory Committee, member of California Police Chiefs Association, member of the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association, member of the international Association of Chiefs of Police, and the current instructor for the Windsor Public Safety Training Center. Deputy Chief Johnson is on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Northern California and the Executive Committee Member For Special Olympics Northern California. He also served as the past Vice President of Rohnert Park Cal Ripken Baseball and the past Vice President of Rancho Cotate Lacrosse Club.

Deputy Chief Johnson has also served our community as a member of Calvary Chapel Petaluma where he serves on ministry teams. He volunteered with Baja Vision Ministries to build houses in Mexico, and with Greater Vision Uganda Ministry to help fund a school in a Ugandan village. Johnson volunteers with Cotati Rohnert Park Education Foundation, local Rohnert Park Rotary Clubs, Rancho Cotate High School Athletic Boosters, and Lawrence Jones Middle School Expeditionary Learning Program. Deputy Chief Johnson also coached soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse in Rohnert Park.

Deputy Chief Johnson married his wife of twenty-six years, Brenda, in 1999. They are blessed with three children named Austin, Abigail, and Avery, along with their dog, Lucky.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson has dedicated his career to protecting Rohnert Park, California, and our community. He has transformed the lives of those around him through his service and mentorship to others, Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Oscar Robles for his contributions to the Community Health Initiative and to our community.

For the last nine years, Oscar has served on the Community Health Initiative (CHI) board. He had dedicated his time and efforts to CHI as part of an extraordinary team that breaks down barriers, making sure our most vulnerable neighbors, from children and families to older adults, have access to health coverage, and to the care that they need to live a healthy life.

Oscar has played an important role in keeping our community healthy by providing financial guidance and business advice that has enabled CHI to assist more than 27,000 people across Napa and Solano counties to access affordable health coverage through Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Covered California. Oscar serves as the Senior Financial Advisor and Resident Director of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Born in Juarez, Mexico, Oscar moved to Hollister, California with his mother when he was a child. When his dad joined them, he opened a truck repair shop where Oscar learned the value of building financial skills as he worked alongside his dad. Later, Oscar was the first in his family to attend college and graduated from San Francisco State University with bachelor's degrees in cinema and anthropology.

His passion for finance was ignited by one of his first managers after college. Oscar used his knowledge and experience to teach our community members about financial literacy, helping individuals who may not have had other resources learn how to understand taxes, grow a business, or create a financial safety net.

Oscar also has a place in his heart for serving others as demonstrated through his volunteer efforts. This includes having served on the board of the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement, the oldest and largest Bank of America Employee Network, welcoming incoming Latino transfer students at Santa Clara State University, and his service with the Hispanic Bar Association, and the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association. As a board member and past president of CHI, Oscar has been instrumental in guiding the organization in its growth and financial stability.

Mr. Speaker, Oscar Robles has done incredible work for the Community Health Initiative and for our community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Munselle Vineyards and the Munselle family on their 150th anniversary of farming in Sonoma County, California.

Since 1876, the Munselle family has farmed the Alexander Valley in North Sonoma County, California. Over six generations, they grew high quality crops in our community's rich soil and ideal climate. The famijy's first ventures were in wine under the labels Lone Pine Cellars and Red Winery. Over time they expanded their business into other crops and livestock. These included grapes, hops, prunes, and dairy cattle. In 1972, the family returned to their roots and began growing wine grapes again. For the last five decades, the Munselle family has focused on producing premium wine grapes, which have in turn been made into many award-winning wines by wineries throughout our Sonoma County community.

In 2006, Bret and Kristen Munselle partnered with Bret's parents, Bill and Reta Munselle, to launch the limited-production wine label, Munselle Vineyards. Today, Munselle Vineyards produces up to 1,000 cases of hand-crafted wine annually which are enjoyed by their customers throughout the seasons.

In addition to the family's personal achievements, they are helping pioneer the future of farming in our community. Munselle Vineyards is a pilot farm in the Sonoma County Winegrowers' Farm ofthe Future initiative, an initiative connecting local farmers with cutting-edge agriculture technologies from John Deere, Agrology, and Wilbur-Ellis. Munselle Vineyards is a living laboratory for next-generation agriculture and is pioneering farming practices that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and long-term viability of family farms. In addition to this innovative spirit, the Munselle family are leaders beyond their own vineyards. They have stepped up as officers for both the Alexander Valley American Viticulture Area and Sonoma County Winegrowers, helping to shape the future of wine growing in our region.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Munselle Vinyards and the Munselle family for their contributions to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' Regusci. Mr. Regusci is being celebrated as our 2026 Napa Valley Grower of the Year for his contributions to our community.

Jim Regusci grew up in the Napa Valley. He is a third-generation farmer with deep roots in the Stags Leap District. His grandfather, Gaetano Regusci, established the family ranch in 1932, laying the foundation for a multi-generational farming legacy. Married to Laura Regusci, Jim is the proud father of Alicia Regusci Hardin and James Regusci Jar., and a loving stepfather to Jake and Andre Mendes.

Jim is the founder and owner of Regusci Vineyard Management (RVM), an enterprise he launched in 1986 at just 19 years of age. What began with a single truck and a relentless work ethic has grown into one of Napa Valley's most respected and premier vineyard management companies. In 1996, he and his father Angelo founded Regusci Winery, which produces ten thousand cases annually, direct to consumers. Today, RVM farms over 2,000 acres and employs a dedicated team of more than 175 full-time professionals.

Throughout his career, Jim has overseen a vast spectrum of operations, including a grape vine nursery large-scale development, and advanced organic and regenerative practices. His work has supported more than 40 premier wineries in the Napa Valley, consistently delivering world-class fruit and cementing our region's global reputation for excellence.

Jim is widely respected for his absolute integrity, tireless work ethic, and a deep sense of responsibility to both his people and the land. His philanthropic reach extends to a wide array of local institutions, including the Boy's and Girls Club of Calistoga and St. Helena, Queen of the Valley Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, the V Foundation, Festival Napa Valley, and Tug McGraw Foundation at the California Veterans home. Jim also frequently directs his support to local fire and police departments, area sports teams, and local schools.

Jim's deep care for his community and staff was displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his wife, Laura, launched a food program to provide fresh ranch-grown produce and protein to employee families. This initiative has since become a cherished year-round tradition. Furthermore, the Regusci family donates a community pumpkin patch led by Jim's children, hosting countless civic groups every fall. Beyond his structured giving, Jim is a true protector of his community. His hands-on efforts and deployment of resources during the Atlas Peak Fire and the 2020 wildfires played a critical role in mitigating fire spread and assisting neighbors in need. He is, quite simply, the neighbor everyone wishes they had.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Regusci has done incredible work for our community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the Rotary Club of Woodland, and to recognize their one hundred years of service to the Woodland community. This celebration honors the Rotary Club of Woodland's commitment to advancing service, leadership, and community investment.

The Rotary Club of Woodland was founded on April 29, 1926, by seventeen local Woodland community leaders, and officially chartered on July 9, 1926. The group now includes three active clubs, Rotary Club of Woodland, Woodland Sunrise Rotary Club, and Woodland Luna Vista Rotary Club. Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to create positive, lasting change in communities locally and around the world. The Rotary Club of Woodland is committed to ``service above self,'' leadership development, and investing in projects that enhance the quality of life for our Woodland community.

Throughout its history, the Rotary Club of Woodland has played a vital role in supporting local initiatives, funding community improvements, and fostering leadership among its members. As the organization reaches its hundred-year milestone, it continues to build on its legacy through impactful projects and collaborative partnerships that strengthen the fabric of our Woodland community.

The Rotary Club of Woodland has played a foundational role in shaping the community through hands-on service, financial contributions, and long-term civic investment. Such service includes contributing thousands of volunteer hours to build and maintain community projects such as weekly Meals on Wheels delivery, monthly Rotary Readers, planting of trees within our community, and the Christmas Parade clean- up on Woodland's Main Street.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Rotary Club of Woodland for its 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.