Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 130th anniversary of the City of Rio Vista.

In 1877, the first consideration of Rio Vista's incorporation began. At that time, concerns that expensive improvements would be brought against the wishes of the citizens led to the postponement of further consideration of the matter. By 1892, the citizens reached a consensus regal ding the necessity of incorporation. Incorporating allowed Rio Vista to establish a Board of Trustees with the power to pass ordinances, purchase and lease property for municipal purposes, contract for the supply of water, improve streets and sidewalks, provide fire apparatus, impose and collect dog license fees and property taxes, and perform other similar duties.

A petition was drafted describing the boundaries of the proposed incorporation. However, just before the petition was scheduled to go before the Solano County Board of Supervisors in May of 1892, it was discovered that the voter registry did not meet legal qualifications and would need to be updated.

Following this, a second petition circulated in November of 1893, with an election scheduled for December 30, 1893. The population at the time was approximately 650. Of those 650, 129 were eligible voters. That day, 121 were polled, with a majority supporting incorporation.

On January 3, 1894, the Board of Supervisors canvassed the votes. As there was a majority, the Board declared the Town of Rio Vista a municipal corporation, and named the first Board of Trustees, Treasurer, Clerk, and Marshal.

In the time since the vote, the population in Rio Vista has grown substantially. Today, there are over 10,000 residents. Since incorporation, numerous notable events have occurred. In 1968, Rio Vista became the City of Rio Vista rather than the Town of Rio Vista. In 1985, Rio Vista gained national attention when Humphrey the Whale deviated from his migratory route, ending up in Rio Vista. In 1989, the Rio Vista Municipal Airport was built, providing residents with more convenient access to flights.

Today, the City of Rio Vista is a sanctuary for those seeking a slower paced atmosphere. A popular location for many wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, fisherman, and wind surfers, Rio Vista is surrounded by beautiful rivers. Rio Vista is also the largest producer of Belgian Endive in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, as our community now commemorates this momentous anniversary, we celebrate the history of the City of Rio Vista. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the City of Rio Vista here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott De Leon, an esteemed member of our community. Mr. De Leon is being honored for his over twenty-three years of dedicated service with the County of Lake and his four decades of contributions to our community.

Born in Lakeport, California, Mr. De Leon graduated from Clear Lake High School as a member of the Class of 1982. Mr. De Leon completed his graduate studies at California State University, Chico in 1987 and in 1991, he earned his Civil Engineering License.

Following a decade of work for the private sector, including managing his own engineering firm, Mr. De Leon returned to the Lake County service as Water Resources Director in May of 2010. He held many roles in serving Lake County, including Water Resources Director, County Roads Commissioner, Community Development Director, and Public Works Director. His positive and team-focused leadership aided in the development of numerous staff that have become valued leaders of Lake County.

In 2015, Lake County commended his efforts when Mr. De Leon was honored for Outstanding Leadership in protecting America's Environment and Economy. Mr. De Leon played a pivotal role in reducing invasive- specifies related risk through Lake County's innovative Quagga and Zebra Mussel program, which earned him the ``Outstanding Achievement by a Local Government'' Award. In 2022, Mr. De Leon was recognized as the County Engineer Association of California's Engineer of the Year, culminating years of his dedicated contributions to this organization.

Mr. De Leon has made impactful contributions to our community, providing a great example for all Lake County youth of what can be achieved by leveraging experiences gamed through opportunities and training for public service. Mr. De Leon is a supportive teacher and coach to Lake County youth. He founded Westshore Youth Basketball in 2007, and as coach led the basketball team at his alma mater, Clear Lake High School to great success.

Mr. De Leon is a proud husband of nearly thirty years to his wife, Melody, and is father to their two sons' Joseph and Max.

Mr Speaker, we thank Mr. De Leon for his dedicated service to our community. His passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service have left an indelible mark on us all. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his retirement here today.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor John Carlson, Jr., an esteemed member of our wildlife and conservation community. Mr. Carlson is being honored today for his extensive career in wildlife conservation spanning over 35 years and we thank him for his service.

Mr. Carlson was born in Chicago, and currently lives in Roseville with his wife Michelle. Together, they have two children, Zachary and Jacob. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and his Master of Science from Iowa State University in Wildlife Biology.

Mr. Carlson began his career 35 years ago as a biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. From there, he was promoted to Wildlife Branch Chief and later, to Executive Director of the California Fish and Game Commission. After 21 years serving the Department of Fish and Game, Mr. Carlson went on to spend the next 14 years with the California Waterfowl Association, where he ended his remarkable career as its president. His long career in wildlife conservation is commendable.

Throughout his career, Mr. Carlson has worked tirelessly to give back to our community. As president of California Waterfowl, he directed and oversaw the fee-title acquisition of lands for habitat protection and public use and education, the acquisition of water for the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, and the establishment of upland habitat cover to benefit nesting waterfowl and other wildlife. His commitment to conserving wildlife by emphasizing the need for sound science when making wildlife conservation-related decisions and his positive approach to work is honorable.

Mr. Carlson's dedication to service is further evident through his community involvement. He is an Alumni Fellow of Cohort 12 of the National Conservation Leadership Institute, which provides education and training to wildlife conservation professionals. Additionally, he worked as part of the California Department of Fish and Game Leadership Academy, a program for those interested in careers in wildlife conservation. Mr. Carlson's philanthropic work did not stop there. For several years, he mentored a young `student at risk' as part of the Student Buddy Program. We are thankful for his service and wish Mr. Carlson a wonderful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Mr. Carlson for his dedicated service to the wildlife conservation community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John H. Aldridge, an esteemed member of our community. Mr. Aldridge is being honored for his outstanding service and unwavering dedication to advancing the programs of The American Legion in California.

Mr. Aldridge was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He married his wife, Karen Scott, in Sacramento in 1995 and relocated to Fairfield, California within one year. Mr. Aldridge is a graduate of the National Legion College and served in the United States Air Force for 20 years.

Mr. Aldridge's career in the military is truly commendable. Upon his enlistment in 1974, he worked as a Fuels Specialist for six years. Mr. Aldridge then cross-trained and began his career as an Air Passenger Specialist. Following his technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, he was assigned to Travis Air Force Base Military Airlift Command. During his 20-year career in the United States Air Force, Mr. Aldridge has been stationed across the globe at several other locations. Our country is safer because of the courage and sacrifice Mr. Aldridge has shown throughout his long career.

After retiring from the military in 1994, Mr. Aldridge began work for Aquasis Services Inc. where he worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a government air transportation contract. Shortly after, he was promoted to Station Manager. His dedication to serving his community both in and out of uniform is honorable.

Even after his military retirement, Mr. Aldridge continued to serve his country. In 1996, he returned to Travis Air Force Base to manage an Air Terminal Security contract, before being employed by the Department of Defense. He retired from government civilian employment in 2016.

Mr. Aldridge is a lifetime member of the American Legion, serving with distinction in various roles, including Commander and Adjutant for Post 182, Commander and Chaplain for the ``Mighty'' 5th District, and Department Chaplain for four terms. He later transferred his Legion membership to Yountville Veterans Home Post 306 to support members there with Legion programs and projects. We are grateful for his leadership in our community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Brad Rasmussen, an esteemed member of our community. Chief Rasmussen is being honored today for his outstanding service in his career in law enforcement.

Chief Rasmussen was born in 1969 in Yreka, California to his parents Dave and Connie Rasmussen. He is a graduate of the College of the Redwoods where he completed a two-year administration of justice program. Chief Rasmussen and his wife of 33 years, Karyn, have two daughters: Stephanie and Savannah. Stephanie is currently a doctor at Bellevue Hospital in New York City while Savannah is a board-certified behavior analyst in the Bay Area.

Chief Rassmussen's 35 years of service with the City of Lakeport Police Department are commendable. He started his career in 1989 as a Reserve Officer with the Department. In 1991, he was promoted to Patrol Officer in 1991, Sergeant in 2000, Lieutenant in 2006 and Chief in 2010, a position he has held for the last 14 years. Over the course of his extensive career with the Lakeport Police Department, Chief Rasmussen held various other assignments. From 1994 to 1997, he was a part of the Narcotics Task Force where he spent 3 years doing undercover work. Then, from 1999 to 2000, Chief Rasmussen was on detective assignment where he worked major cases on crimes against persons and property.

Since the beginning of his career, Chief Rasmussen has worked to support our community. He has been a leader in many organizations, some of which include the Lion's Club, where he is the current president, the Kiwanis Club, where he spent two years as president and Lakeport Police Association where he was a previous president. He also enhanced community-oriented policing in Lakeport by starting the Neighborhood Watch program and initiated National Night Out. Chief Rasmussen's service to our community will not end with his retirement as he has been elected by the people to serve on the Lake County Board of Supervisors starting in January 2025.

For the past 35 years, Chief Rassmussen has given countless hours to serving our community that have not gone unnoticed. He has dedicated his life to our Lake County community over the duration of his long and storied career. We are thankful for his service and wish Chief Rasmussen a wonderful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Chief Brad Rasmussen for his dedicated service in law enforcement and our broader Lake County community Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Woodland Christian High School's successful football season.

On December 9, 2023, the Woodland Christian Cardinals won the Division 5A CIF State Championship in a game against Banning High School of Wilmington, CA at El Camino College with a final score of 23- 13.

During the game, Woodland Christian's top rusher gained 79 yards on eight carries, with other players contributing 52 and 47 yards. The quarterback passed for 53 yards and rushed for 26. The Cardinals ran 66 plays and secured 17 first downs, while Banning only managed 49 plays and 11 first downs. In total, the Cardinals rushed for an impressive 221 yards on 47 carries, possessed the ball for nearly 29 minutes, converted 8 of 15 third downs, and successfully scored on all 3 red zone opportunities.

They became one of only three teams in the Sacramento area to finish the CIF State Championship weekend undefeated since the championship format was introduced in 2006.

Ultimately, the Cardinals finished the season undefeated with 15 wins. Additionally, they won a SMAL League Championship as well as the D7A Sac Joaquin Section Title. They were the first team of any sport from the City of Woodland to win a State Championship.

Many of the team members have been playing together since Junior Football. Many of the coaches have also been with the youth feeder programs, working with the players since their childhood. The head coach has been with the team since the 2021 season and produced a 36-4 record. This excellent football season is a testimony of the team's years of hard work and dedication.

Woodland Christian High School has taught multiple generations of students and has provided the community with quality education since 1974. The school strives to serve the community by supporting Woodland Little League, participating in community events, such as the annual Woodland Christmas Parade, and partnering with local businesses and churches.

Mr. Speaker, we honor Woodland Christian High School's undefeated football season. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Woodland Christian High School here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Solano County Fair and thank the Solano County Fair Association for the extraordinary work it does for our community.

For the past 75 years, the Solano County Fair has allowed visitors to learn about the accomplishments of California industry and agriculture in our community. Plans to develop the Solano County Fair started in 1938, but the outbreak of World War II halted the planning. After the war, the Solano County Fair Association (SCFA) was established to organize an annual fair. In 1950, the Solano County Fair opened, with then Governor Earl Warren snipping the ribbon.

The Solano County Fair Association is a nonprofit organization established to hold and conduct the annual fair. The SCFA has a 15- member board of directors that are appointed by the Solano County Board of Supervisors, with each supervisor appointing three members to serve a four-year term as Director at the fair, ensuring that the diverse views of Solano County residents are heard.

The SCFA has been providing educational, cultural, artistic, commercial, and recreational programs to our Solano County for more than 75 years. The SCFA also shelters evacuees during natural disasters and other emergencies. Additionally, during the pandemic, SCFA set up pop-up booths at the Solano County Fair serving as free inoculation sites, providing vital access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The SCFA plays a vital role in our community, bringing residents together during good times and acting as a pillar of support during tough times. The Solano County Fair also presents an important opportunity for non-profit and charity-based organizations to raise money for their respective causes. The SCFA has developed several innovative and entertaining education programs for the public, including the Fair Farm, the Livestock Walk and the Judging Commentator program.

Thanks to the leadership of the Solano County Fair Association, our community can continue to look forward to the annual Solano County Fair. Mr. Speaker, we again thank the SCFA for their diligent and inspiring work in our community and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Solano County Fair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas Keller, chef and proprietor of The French Laundry, a three-star Michelin restaurant, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The French Laundry has epitomized fine dining in our community, and we thank Chef Keller for his commitment to culinary excellence, his leadership in the culinary community, and his extensive philanthropic work.

Chef Keller began his career as a dishwasher in his mother's restaurant in Palm Beach, California. After spending time in France as an apprentice chef and stints in New York and Los Angeles, in 1994, Chef Keller opened The French Laundry in Yountville, California.

The French Laundry serves world renowned French cuisine with an American twist, and food connoisseurs travel from across the world to eat at the beautifully constructed stone cottage that hosts the restaurant. Chef Keller's dedication to culinary excellence and innovation has earned The French Laundry numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars and a place on the coveted World's 50 Best Restaurants list Renowned for its service and crafted tasting menus, dining at The French Laundry is a once in a lifetime experience.

Chef Keller holds the honor of being the sole American chef to operate two 3-star Michelin star restaurants. Chef Keller has also led the United States to a gold and a silver medal at the Bocuse d'Or, the culinary world's Olympics. Outside California, Chef Keller owns or manages over 20 restaurants globally and has been named America's best chef by Time Magazine.

Chef Keller has authored six cookbooks, of which more than 1.6 million copies are in circulation. He founded a magazine and retail outpost called Finesse. He has taught three immensely successful MasterClass series, offering in-depth coverage of classic cooking techniques and essential culinary fundamentals tailored for home cooks.

For all his professional accomplishments, Chef Keller's philanthropic work is just as impressive. Raised by a Marine Corp Captain, Chef Keller has lent his generous support to the Yountville Veterans Home, providing meals and fundraising support to our community's veterans. He was recognized with The Connection Award by the Veterans Home Association. Through the Mentor Foundation, which he co-founded, Chef Keller has distributed $2 million in grants for over 150 young chefs in 23 countries worldwide to pursue their culinary dreams. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Keller established the non-profit Keller Restaurant Relief Fund, extending aid to both current employees and alumni facing financial difficulties. To date, the fund has distributed over $1.5 million in grants.

Perhaps the perfect dish can never be created, but Chef Keller will continue to give it his best shot. Mr. Speaker, we again thank Chef Keller for his devotion to culinary brilliance and celebrate the 30th anniversary of The French Laundry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Serres Family as they celebrate 100 years of the Serres Ranch. The longevity of this great dynasty is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the Serres family's creativity, tenacity, dedication, and commitment to our vibrant agricultural community.

Serres Ranch was originally owned by Fighting Joe Hooker after the Mexican American War and the Bear Flag Revolt. Mr. Hooker sold the property to George Watriss from New York. Mr. Watriss moved his family onto the land after the purchase in 1857 and partnered with the Serres Family. The property was known as the Watriss-Serres Ranch. The property was fully acquired by the Serres Family in 1924 establishing Serres Ranch.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Serres Ranch cultivated row crops, grapevines, and operated a thriving dairy farm. Generations of the Serres Family, including John Pierre and John Pierre ``Toots'' Serres, dedicated their lives to nurturing the land and preserving its legacy.

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Serres family manifested in Serres Construction, founded in 1929 by Franklin Watriss Serres and his father John Pierre ``Toots'' Serres. This venture evolved into Serres Corporation under the leadership of John Pierre Serres, reflecting the family's commitment to innovation and economic growth.

Today, Serres Ranch stands as a model of sustainable agriculture and family stewardship. It is managed by John Pierre Serres and Judy Serres, alongside their children John, Buck, and Taylor Serres.

The legacy continues with the fifth generation overseeing the farming of their estate's vineyards and creating delicious wines that honor their rich family history. Today, the ranch encompasses 200 acres, with 130 acres dedicated to grapevines, all sustainably grown and climate adaptation certified. The diverse enterprises under the Serres Family umbrella, including Serres Ranch, Serres Corporation, and Serres Ranch Wine, exemplify their dedication to preserving the land and fostering community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the Serres Family for their dedicated service to our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them as they celebrate their centennial year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Bill Dodd, an esteemed member of our Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Lake, and Colusa communities. His 25 years of public service and his tireless dedication to our community exemplify why he is being honored today.

As a fifth generation Californian, Senator Dodd has deep roots in Napa County. He and his wife Mary live in Napa and raised their five children there. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from CSU Chico, where he also served on their Policy Advisory Board and as President of the Inter-Fraternity Council. In 2022, he was named a Distinguished Alumni of Chico State.

Senator Dodd's commitment to our community is evident from his long history of public service. He began his career as a Napa County Supervisor, where he served four terms between 2000 through 2014. Some of his accomplishments while in office include contributing to the successful completion of Napa County's flood control project, the restoration of over 900 acres of wetlands, and the securement of over $1 billion in investments for local businesses. Then, in 2014, he ran and won his race for the California State Assembly. While in the Assembly, he helped establish California's Earned Income Tax Credit. His dedication to the preservation of the environment and to small businesses has continued to influence his work to this day. In 2015, Senator Dodd announced his candidacy for California State Senate, and assumed that office in 2016.

Currently, Senator Dodd represents California's 3rd Senate District, where he has established himself as a prolific legislator, with approximately 114 bills signed into law. In the Senate, he is chair of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, and a member of the Transportation Committee; the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee; the Revenue and Taxation Committee; the Business and Professions committee and the Insurance Committee. He is also the Co- Chair of the Senate Select Committee on California's Wine Industry and the Legislative Delta Caucus. Like his work in the Assembly and on the Board of Supervisors, Senator Dodd's work in the Senate has spanned issues as diverse as protecting the environment, advocating for small businesses, and protecting seniors. For example, he has been a leader in California water policy and in wildfire prevention legislation, where he has worked to protect consumers from utility rate hikes and future wildfires.

Senator Dodd has rightfully been recognized for his tireless public service. As a legislator, he has received numerous awards, such as: the California State Association of Counties Distinguished Service Award (twice); League of California Cities Legislative Leadership Award; California Association of Winegrape Growers Legislative Leadership Award; the Napa County Farm Bureau Lifetime Achievement Award; Consumer Attorneys of California Senator of the Year, California Coverage & Health Initiative Champion for Coverage Award, Napa-Solano Central Labor Council Labor Partnership Award; Solano County Board of Supervisors' Robin Jenkins Memorial Award; Solano Transportation Authority Legislator of the Year; California Building Industry Association Legislator of the Year; DISCUS Legislator of the Year; CAL FIRE Local 2881 Legislator of the Year, and American Legion of California Legislator of the Year. He has also been honored specifically for his environmental advocacy, which includes being awarded the Restore the Delta's Delta Advocate Award; the Pacific Water Quality Association Legislator of the Year; the Environmental Champion award from the Community Water Center, California Trout, Clean Water Action and Audubon. His philanthropic efforts in raising over $3 million for local charities have also resulted in his naming as the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce's `Citizen of the Year.'

And this does not even encompass all of his service. Senator Dodd has also served on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the Napa County League of Governments, and the Napa County LAFCO. He also has served on the board of nonprofits such as the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, Justin-Siena High School, the Health Care for the Poor Committee, the Wolfe Center Youth Drug and Alcohol Center, the Children's Health Initiative, and as an honorary member of Hospice, Adult Day Services, and Clinic Ole. He has also been named an honorary Commander for the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Senator Dodd 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 Rabbi George Gittleman of Congregation Shomrei Torah in celebration of his retirement after twenty-eight years leading his congregation and providing service to our community.

Born in the city of Chicago, Illinois and growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Rabbi Gittleman joined our community in 1996 when he and his family moved to Sonoma County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from the University of Vermont, a Masters in Hebrew Letters and Ordination from the Reform Seminary, Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion and is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow with the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Gittleman, affectionately known as Rabbi George, became the rabbinical leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah, a progressive Reform Jewish synagogue in Santa Rosa in 1996. Through his leadership, the congregation grew from 100 to over 475 member families and, in turn, outgrew its facilities. In 2008, the Rabbi welcomed his congregation to a beautiful new temple. This would not have been possible without his determination, fundraising abilities and oversight.

In addition to growing members and Congregation Shomrei Torah's spiritual home, Rabbi Gittleman expanded his temple's programs including the Shomrei Torah Religious School. The school for children ranging from kindergarten though eighth grade teaches Hebrew, religious practices, and about Jewish history and culture. He has also expanded offerings for teens and adults through Torah study sessions, teen groups, dinner lectures, and many trips to Israel, the Amerman South and Eastern Europe.

Rabbi Gittleman is a proponent of tikkun olam, translated as ``repairing the world'' through our actions. He is a prolific writer and outspoken on many critical issues facing out community. His published works include Maimonides and The Guide to the Perplexed, Lights in the Forest: Rabbis Respond to Twelve Essential Jewish Questions, and We should remember the Shoah in a way that helps to heal the world. The Rabbi is an advocate for addressing challenges including homelessness, food insecurity, affordable housing, LGBTQIA+ rights, gun violence prevention and has gracefully guided his faith community in the wake of the October 7 attacks. He does this through the congregation's Social Action Committee and in collaboration with other faith and civic leaders. Our district and country are better because of his work.

Beyond his faith and civic leadership, Rabbi Gittleman is a devoted father and husband to his wife Laura, his son Levi, his daughter Sophie, to his son-in-law Julian and to his grandson Jamie. Rabbi George is an avid outdoorsman and from a young age, he was an avid rock climber, skier and mountain biker Even now, he continues to fly fish, shoot sporting clays, bird watch, backpack and hike. You can often find Rabbi Gittleman playing his guitar with his blues-rock band.

Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Rabbi Gittleman is a true public servant and has dedicated his time, leadership and wisdom to the benefit of Congregation Shomrei Torah and to our district. After twenty-eight years, he now embarks on his well-earned retirement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Goldberg, an esteemed member of our Napa County wine community. Mr. Goldberg is being honored at this years annual Napa Valley Grapegrowers event for his dedication to the wine industry, and the community at large.

Mr. Goldberg was born and grew up in the Napa Valley and currently lives in Yountville with his wife Lia, and three children, Lina, Marie, and John. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After graduation, he was awarded a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship from the Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, where he studied viticulture.

His commitment to making the wine community more environmentally sound is commendable. As the immediate past president of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, he has worked to cultivate a commitment to both viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship in the community. His personal dedication to using sustainable vineyard practices and ensuring viticultural excellence makes him a shining example of a leader who leads by doing.

Mr. Goldberg's dedication to the community is further evident through his philanthropic work. He serves as President of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, the sister organization of Napa Valley Grapegrowers, which provides education and resources to farmworkers throughout Napa County. Through this work, he provides training to farmworkers that helps them develop leadership skills, which helps to ensure access to better opportunities for themselves and their families.

It is clear from his commitment to this work that he wants to create a professional environment where everyone can flourish and continue to grow as workers and as leaders. Without Mr. Goldberg's commitment to excellence, our wine community would be a far less vibrant place.

And yet, his leadership in our wine community does not end there. Mr. Goldberg currently serves as a board member of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, and as a member and current forum chair of the Entrepreneur's Organization in Sacramento. He also serves as the President of Bettinelli Vineyards. These roles reveal his dedication to ensuring agricultural excellence and thoughtful environmental stewardship not only in his own vineyard, but across the entire Napa Valley wine industry.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Mr. Goldberg for his dedicated service to the wine community and to our broader Napa County community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rear Admiral James Bernard, Jr., who was an esteemed member of our community. Mr. Greene is being laid to rest today in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Admiral Greene was born on June 6, 1941, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He marrried his first wife, Diane, in 1964, and had four children. After his first wife died, he married his second wife, Susan, in 2005, and welcomed three stepchildren and countless step- grandchildren into his life. He received a Bachelor of Science from Brown University, and a Master of Science in both Electrical Engineering and Management from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey.

Admiral Greene's long career in the military is commendable. After joining the ROTC at Brown from 1959 to 1964, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, where he served in active duty from 1964 to 1995. Even after retirement from active duty, he continued his service in the military by working at the Naval Post Graduate School as a Professor of the Practice and Chair of Acquisition, where he helped to launch and serve as Director of the Acquisition Research Program.

His service on behalf of the military did not end there. He served as the Director of the Liaison for the Office of Legislative Affairs where he worked to recommission battleships. He also worked on the 7B Maritime Prepositioning Ship Program and served as the Project Manager for the Aegis Ship Building Project. He also served as the senior military Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Navy for Acquisition, Research and Development. His commitment to the military both in active service and in retirement was commendable.

Admiral Greene also had a long history of community outreach and service. He served as the Chair of Henry's Fork Foundation in Ashland, Idaho, and as founder and sponsor of the Rear Admiral Greene Colgate Internship. He also served on the board of the American Chestnut Land Trust in Maryland, and advised other environmental organizations, such as the Teton Regional Land Trust and the Tuolumne River Land Trust. His active involvement in countless environmental organizations revealed the depth of his dedication

to preserving public lands for future generations.

Admiral Greene's dedication to serving his community was evident throughout his life. His ability to bring people together to work towards a common goal never failed to bring success. People knew that if they worked with him, they would be working with a competent and exceptionally knowledgeable leader. He also had an unconditional love for his family, which shone through in every interaction.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Admiral Greene for his dedicated service to our military and our broader community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and legacy here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Howard Haupt, an esteemed member of our community. Mr Haupt is being honored at this year's military academy reception for his dedication to our armed forces.

Mr. Haupt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He married his wife, Phyllis, in Kansas in 1962. They have been Napa residents for 28 years and have three sons and four grandchildren. Mr. Haupt is a 1957 graduate of West Point and served in the United States Army and Air Force for 27 years, attaining a rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. Haupt's long career in the military is commendable. Upon his commissioning during the Cold War, he served as a crewmember on a bomber throughout the 1960s. During the Vietnam War, he served as a navigator on KC-135 refueling aircraft, spending most of his time doing so stationed in temporary duty in Okinawa. During this time, he also served as a mission coordinator on EC-47 electronic reconnaissance aircraft. Our country is safer because of the courage and sacrifice Mr. Haupt has shown throughout his long career.

After retiring from the military in 1984, Mr Haupt was employed as a financial planner, where he worked for about five years. Later, he taught at the junior high and high school levels for nine more years. His dedication to serving his community both in and out of uniform is honorable.

Even after his official retirement, Mr. Haupt continues to serve his country. He has conducted admissions outreach for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the North Bay Region for thirty years. He has also served as my Academy Nomination Coordinator, where he has led my nomination panel and helped to nominate dozens of young men and women dedicated to serving our country. His level of detail to support our nation's future leaders is commendable.

Mr. Haupt's work on behalf of our Napa County community is awe- inspiring. He has been an active member of the Napa Sunrise Rotary club, where he works heavily in their youth and educational programs. We are grateful for his leadership in our community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Mr. Haupt for his dedicated service to our military and our broader Napa County community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Billy Richard Inman, Jr., as he celebrates his 32 years of service with the Lake County Fire Protection District and our community.

Captain Inman was born in Santa Rosa, California, on December 8, 1968. He grew up in Covelo and Corning before moving to Lake County. In 1985, he married his high school sweetheart, Pam, and soon thereafter welcomed two children, Jessica, and Billy IV. He and his wife have since expanded their family by welcoming nine grandchildren. Captain Inman obtained his General Education Diploma in 1987 and then took fire science courses to start his career.

Captain Inman began his service as a seasonal firefighter for South Lake County Fire. He then became a volunteer firefighter for the Lakeshore Fire Department Volunteer Association and a volunteer captain for the Lakeshore/Lake County Fire Volunteer Association. Later in his career, he became a firefighter for Lakeshore/Lake County Fire as well as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for Lakeshore/Lake County Fire. After, he served as the Fire Captain for Lake County Fire Protection District.

Since the beginning of his career in the fire service, Captain Inman has aimed to give back to our community. Currently, serving as a captain and training officer for the Lake County Fire Protection District. Captain Inman has tirelessly worked to embody the mission of the Lake County Fire Protection District, which is to protect all its citizens from injuries and loss due to both manmade and natural fires.

Captain Inman's service on behalf of our Lake County community is inspiring. In addition to his dedicated work to combat fires, he also works closely with youth. This includes working to restore fire damage, inspecting car seats, operating fire safety trailers, coaching youth sports teams, and supporting local school activities with his attendance and generous donations. Captain Inman has shown an immense commitment to the safety and health of our community.

For the past 32 years, Captain Inman has given countless hours to our community that have not gone unnoticed. He has dedicated his life to both his biological family, fire family, and our Lake County community over the duration of his long and storied career. We are grateful for his leadership in our community.

We are thankful for his service and wish Captain Inman a wonderful retirement.

Mr Speaker, Captain Inman is deeply appreciated for his work on behalf of our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.