Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray Johnson, the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute. Mr. Johnson's contributions to the wine community, both locally and beyond, exemplify a commitment to excellence and leadership.

Mr. Johnson's earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Masters in Wine Business from the University of Adelaide.

Mr. Johnson's career in the wine community spans over three decades, during which he has tirelessly worked to elevate the visibility and viability of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University in Sonoma County, California. Since assuming the role of Executive Director in 2010, Mr. Johnson has spearheaded initiatives that have propelled the department to new heights, generating millions of dollars in support for its students, faculty, and programs. His visionary leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping the future of wine education and business.

Beyond his professional career, Mr. Johnson's passion for wine runs deep. While working at a French restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he discovered his love for wine and embarked on a transformative career path that led him to California. Mr. Johnson's journey from a tour guide at Christian Brothers to the helm of the Wine Business Institute is a testament to his unwavering determination and dedication to his craft.

What sets Mr. Johnson apart is not only his expertise in wine education and business but also his commitment to sharing his knowledge and passion with others. Through his work at the Wine Business Institute, Ray has empowered countless individuals to pursue their passions and unlock their full potential in the wine community. His belief in the transformative power of education is evident in every aspect of his work, from the classroom to the boardroom.

His dedication to education culminated in the launch of the Executive Wine MBA program in 2012, the first of its kind in the nation. Additionally, Mr. Johnson played a pivotal role in founding the Sonoma State Wine Cellars, which provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in the wine community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Mr. Johnson for his dedicated service to the wine community. His passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education have left an indelible mark on us all. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation, and I thank Chairman Smith of the Ways and Means Committee for all the good work

he has done to ensure that we are able to help our constituents who are suffering as a result of natural disasters. I also thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Steube, without whose leadership on the Ways and Means Committee we wouldn't be here today. I also thank Mr. LaMalfa, my colleague to the north of my district, who has worked with me over the years to address one component that is covered by this piece of legislation.

This has been a long time coming for my constituents--too long, way too long. This is now the second time in 5 months that this House has come together to state plainly and in a bipartisan fashion that Americans should help one another when disaster strikes, while the Senate continues to play politics with what ought to be a bipartisan victory. They have been sitting on the tax bill for 5 months. I join Chairman Smith in calling for them to move the entire bill because there is so much in it for so many of our constituents across the country.

I want to briefly reiterate how we got here today. In my district, wildfires in 2015, 2017, and 2018 devastated entire communities across my district and across the State of California. Entire towns were destroyed. Thousands of people lost homes, and dozens of people lost their lives.

In the aftermath, the courts found that Pacific Gas and Electric was liable for causing some of these fires. As part of its subsequent bankruptcy proceedings, the utility established a trust from which fire survivors are generally eligible for compensation for losses sustained during these fires.

Let me pause here to say one thing. No disaster survivor is ever made whole. No one is ever made whole. People lost their homes and everything in their homes--family pictures, family heirlooms, family records. They lost businesses. As I said earlier, sadly, they lost family members.

While the courts eventually created a path to compensation, it took years to get there, years my constituents didn't have. They couldn't wait around for 3, 4, 6 years to get a payment from that trust. Then, because the trust was structured in the form of stock shares and because stock shares need to be monetized carefully and slowly in order to maximize return to survivors, the payments to survivors came in batches. Nobody is getting--repeat, nobody is getting--100 percent of what they lost.

To add insult to injury, right as our constituents started to get a little bit of compensation, our constituents were told they may actually owe taxes on these payments because, depending on the taxpayer, the payments may qualify as income. In 4 years of working on this issue, I have yet to encounter a single person on either side of the aisle who believes this is fair. That is why we have been so successful in passing this legislation numerous times out of the Ways and Means Committee and off the floor of this House.

This bill has been stalled, advanced, and then held up. It has been marked up, passed the House, and stalled again. The Senate ought to quit dithering on what is an objectively good bill for our country and just pass it, but because they are unwilling to do so, we are here again tonight to take this matter up.

As I said, I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Neal, our ranking member on Ways and Means, has been a great colleague and a great champion for this. I also thank the chairman, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Steube, one of our colleagues on the committee.

I wish such an unusual strategy to get here wasn't necessary, but I am committed--and I think my colleagues here are committed--to pulling every lever at our disposal to get this bill passed. This is a fundamental question of fairness, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda), who knows firsthand the tragedy of wildfire.

Her constituents experienced a horrific disaster in her district, in her home State, and she has been there with them every step of the way. She is

here on their behalf again tonight. I thank her for her support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Again, I thank Mr. Steube, Mr. LaMalfa, Chairman Smith, and all of our colleagues on Ways and Means who worked so hard to bring this bill to fruition not once, not twice, but now three times.

I know how difficult it is for our friend from Hawaii, in her area. What a devastating fire that was, and I know how hard she is working for her constituents. I thank her for being on the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oregon, New York, California, and over a dozen other States have been devastated by disasters. There is not a single colleague in this House who should have to go through a disaster to know how bad it is. It devastates communities. It devastates people's lives. It disrupts communities. It disrupts people's lives. People are killed. Businesses are lost. Homes and heirlooms are lost and destroyed.

The least that we can do is to come to the aid of our constituents, our fellow Americans, in time of disaster and in time of great need. That is what we are doing today.

This is commendable work by the Ways and Means Committee, and every Member of this House should be proud to come to the floor and vote to support their friends, their neighbors, and their constituents in these very dark times.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hanna, as they celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1945, Hanna has helped over 4,000 young people in need. Initially created to address the troubling rise in juvenile delinquency in boys after the end of World War II, Hanna has gone to great lengths to transform the lives of young people in Sonoma County.

The two main parts of Hanna consist of the Hanna Academy and the Hanna Center, which each do important work to benefit the lives of the young people they serve. Hanna Academy, for example, is dedicated to working with students that require trauma-informed empowerment, education, and training, and ensuring that they will meaningfully benefit from the organization's educational expertise. The Hanna Center, which is separate from Hanna Academy, works to provide mental health treatment and support for low-income children and teenagers, who are otherwise underserved in our community. The work that Hanna is doing to benefit the most vulnerable in our community is commendable.

And they are endeavoring to expand their services. The Hanna Center recently opened a Community Mental Health Hub, which offers mental health services to all people, regardless of age. They also started their Transitional Housing Program, which works with young adults to work towards independent living, while living in a safe, supportive environment. These two programs, along with the advent of their new Vocational Training Program, will ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are being adequately served and given the resources they need to thrive. Hanna's dedication to uplifting and empowering our Sonoma County children is admirable, which is why they are deserving of this recognition.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health support and trauma counseling for children is more desperately needed than ever. Hanna has committed to filling this need and ensuring that every child and young adult who leaves their programs is equipped with the tools they need to succeed and live happy lives.

I am excited to honor all of Hanna's work at their 75th anniversary gala and fundraiser. This event is crucial to ensuring that all their important programs can continue with full funding. Hanna's critical role in our community is why I am thrilled to honor them here today.

Mr. Speaker, Hanna is deeply appreciated for their tireless work on behalf of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Hanna on its 75th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Historical Society of Winters, who are doing crucial work to preserve and commemorate the history of Winters' Japanese community.

The Historical Society of Winters began in 2004 as the Winters History Committee, initially created by the Winters City Council. In 2018, it became a nonprofit, and opened the Winters Museum that same Year. Their express intention was to be a `museum without walls,' and to commemorate all the history of Winters, especially the history that had been forgotten.

One of the most important forgotten histories that the Historical Society has unearthed and commemorated is that of the pre-World War II Japanese community in Winters. In 1888, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in Winters, looking to create better lives for themselves and their families. Over the years, as more immigrants arrived, they created a thriving Japantown on the edge of the city. At its peak, the Japanese population of Winters numbered approximately 300 people.

Sadly, as World War II began, and President Roosevelt ordered the internment of all Japanese Americans on the West Coast, the community was torn apart. The thriving Japantown was abandoned, and all the families were sent to internment camps either in

Arizona or Colorado. But that was not the end of the story of this community. When the war finally ended on V-J Day in 1945. Japantown burned down in a suspicious fire. Due to this hostility, less than 15 percent of the pre-war Japanese residents returned to Winters.

This legacy of hostility and distrust of these people led to the stories of this integral Winters community being largely lost to history. But the Historical Society of Winters, along with the work of Japanese community members, has worked tirelessly to restore these memories and commemorate this essential part of our community's history.

To do this, the Historical Society took their advocacy to the local level. In the summer of 2023, they urged the Winters City Council to approve a monument which would commemorate the existence and history of the pre-war Japanese community and Japantown. In a unanimous vote, the city council approved the placement of the monument in Rotary Park, where the community once existed.

Without the dedicated and tireless advocacy by the Historical Society, as well as members of Winters' Japanese community, our community would likely have never learned about the existence and history of the pre-war community that shaped so much of this town.

Mr. Speaker, the Historical Society of Winters is deeply appreciated for their work to preserve and commemorate the pre-war Japanese community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Tim Ryan's exemplary career. Dr. Ryan is currently serving as President of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and will now become the Chancellor. As Dr. Tim Ryan begins his retirement, he will be an advisor to the College.

Dr. Ryan grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the East Liberty area pre and post Urban Development. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of New Haven in 1993, a master's in business administration from the University of New Haven in 1996, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003.

He started his culinary career as a dishwasher at 13, working for Chef Nino Sorci or Nino's Restaurant in East Liberty. After graduating with an associate degree in occupational studies from the Culinary Institute of America in 1977, at 21, he became an executive chef of La Normande in Shadyside. In July of 1980, Dr. Ryan was featured on the cover of Pittsburgh Magazine's ``Pittsburgh's Culinary Revolution.'' Dr. Ryan returned to the CIA in 1982 to join the faculty.

Over the next 42 years, Dr. Ryan drove extraordinary growth and global impact at the CIA. He served as a director, vice president, and executive vice president before ultimately being named president in 2001, making him the College's first alum to hold the position. As CIA President, he acquired and added branch campuses such as CIA at Copia, in Napa Valley, CIA San Antonio, Texas, Singapore, and the growth of the Hyde Park, New York campus. These locations have become centers of food, wine, spirits, beverage, and culinary education, where the next generation of chefs, sommeliers, and food and hospitality leaders are developed.

Throughout Dr. Ryan's career, he has positively impacted the food and beverage industry through his platform as CIA president and numerous other leadership positions. He was elected President of the American Culinary Federation, the Nation's largest organization of chefs, and was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association. In 2023, Dr. Ryan was appointed to the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. The ``Kitchen Cabinet'' was charged to find innovative ways of embracing food, hospitality, and community as diplomatic tools to engage world leaders, further crosscultural dialogue, and strengthen our bilateral relationships.

Dr. Ryan was named ``One of the 50 Most Powerful People in Food'' by Nation's Restaurant News and has received awards from countless food industry organizations. Dr. Ryan is one of five Americans to ever receive the Presidential Medal from the World Association of Chefs Societies, and he was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's who's who of Food and Beverage in America.

Mr. Speaker, no modern culinary educator or culinarian has had as much influence on American Food dining or the culinary profession as Dr. Tim Ryan. His efforts have not only cultivated and shaped the next generation of culinarians, but also has left a legacy of what it means to be an exquisite person. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Karen Urbano, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Yolo County because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Ms. Urbano was born in Oakland, California. She lives in Woodland, CA with her husband Ramon and their three sons. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of CaIifornia, Davis, and Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Montclair State College. She also received her certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of California, Irvine.

Ms. Urbano is a prominent leader in the voting rights community, She is an outstanding member of our community, having served countless organizations throughout Yolo County. For example, she has served as both President and Vice President of the Woodland League of Women Voters. Some of her notable achievements as President and longtime member of the League of Women Voters of Woodland include working to register voters at local high schools, aiming to encourage the participation of citizens in their government, and observing various governmental meetings. She has also hosted forums for candidates running for local office and ballot issues, as well as informational forums on issues as varied as redistricting in California and climate change. Ms. Urbano has also partnered with local governments to inform and advocate for issues approved by the local League as well as the California and U.S. Leagues. Her dedication to these issues, and unwavering commitment to justice and equity for all, make her exceptionally deserving of this award.

Her impact is not solely limited to activism with the League of Women Voters. Ms. Urbano has generously donated to the Yolo County chapter of 100 Women Who Care, and to the UC Davis Chancellor's Club. She has served as a board member of the University Farm Circle in Davis. She has also served as a docent of the Woodland Stroll through History, and as a Paralegal at the Legal Services of Union and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. In addition, she has served as an instructor of ESL at Santa Ana College in Orange County. This dedication to worthy causes both inside and outside of Yolo County is awe-inspiring.

Ms. Urbano is also active in our community through religious organizations. She serves on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California and the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth. She has also been a board member and chalice lighter coordinator for the Pacific Central District of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Karen Urbano for her excellent service and passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Yolo County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Suzanne Falzone, an esteemed member of our Yolo County community. Ms. Falzone is being honored at this year's annual Yolo Farm to Fork board meeting for her pivotal role in shaping its success.

Ms. Falzone was born in Southern California and now lives in Davis with her husband Paul. She has two children and three grandchildren. She is a lifelong educator, having been a teacher, school administrator, and educational consultant. She has continued this passion for education throughout her professional career.

As one of its founders and now current President of the Board of Yolo Farm to Fork, Ms. Falzone has been instrumental in transforming Yolo County into a hub for agriculture and garden-based education. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have not only fostered the growth of Yolo Farm to Fork but also left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of children within our county.

Some of Ms. Falzone's major accomplishments with Yolo Farm to Fork include creating over 70 edible school garden programs, acquiring over 24 thousand pounds of produce from 20 small local farms for use in school lunches. Ms. Falzone has helped over 3,000 students visit local farms on field trips and has funded 136 college internships. Through her advocacy, Yolo Farm to Fork has not only been able to reach over 10,000 students, but also has provided them with the tools and knowledge to cultivate a lifelong relationship with healthy eating.

Ms. Falzone's dedication to educating our Yolo County community about the value of the farm-to-fork community food system is inspiring. Her leadership, fundraising acumen, and passion for cultivating a healthier future has established Yolo Farm to Fork as a cornerstone of community- driven agricultural education in Yolo County. Ms. Falzone's knowledge of and proficiency in grant writing and fundraising have helped to ensure that Yolo Farm to Fork has remained financially independent.

Ms. Falzone's work on behalf of Yolo Farm to Fork is awe-inspiring. Her tireless contributions on behalf of the organization and our broader community reflect her compassion and genuine desire to contribute positively to the people around her. Her devotion to bettering the lives of the children of Yolo County has left an indelible impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Falzone for her dedicated service and philanthropic actions in our community and on behalf of Yolo Farm to Fork. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa County Library Literacy Center as they celebrate 40 years of literary services.

In 1984, the Napa County Library was one of twenty-seven programs that help pilot library literacy within California, the first of its kind in the United States. The Literacy Center has committed to helping adult learners improve their reading and writing skills in English. Over 40 years, the Napa County Library Literacy Center has helped more than 15,000 adult learners become literate, expanding their capabilities.

With the assistance of volunteer tutors, adult learners can also improve their computer skills, receive guidance on financial planning, access translation resources, and gain skills needed to obtain their General Education Diploma (GED).

The Napa County Library has collaborated with several organizations in Napa County, including Napa Valley College, Napa Valley Adult Education, and the Napa Valley Unified School District, to provide various resources. The goal is to broaden the opportunities for everyone in our community.

In partnership with the California State Library and Smart Horizons, the Napa County Library also offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online through Career Online High School (COHS).

With a dedicated group of volunteers and other literacy and library staff, the Napa County Library is proud to be a part of State Library Literacy Services. Together, they have provided assistance to over 300,000 adult learners through more than 106 programs.

Mr. Speaker, the Napa County Library Literacy Center is deeply appreciated for their work on behalf of our community. It is, therefore. fitting and proper that we honor the Napa County Library.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Eduviges Lopez-Cisneros, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Napa County because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year recognizes women who contributed significantly to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service.

Mrs. Cisneros was born in Jalisco, Mexico. She is one of 10 siblings and has been married to Gonzalo Cisneros for 25 years. They have a daughter named Maya ``Yuni'' Cisneros. Mrs. Cisneros received a bachelor's degree in Spanish literature and Culture from Sonoma State University and a master's degree in counseling from Sonoma State University. She also earned an Educational Leadership Credential from Sonoma State University.

Mrs. Cisneros is a prominent leader in quality education for students. She is an outstanding member of our community, having served on countless commissions and organizations throughout Napa County, including the Association of California Schools Administration, Fair Housing Napa Valley Board Member, Mentis Board Member, Napa Valley Community Foundation, Napa County Hispanic Network, and as a member of various other community organizations. Ms. Cisneros' dedication as a public servant is apparent.

Notably, Mrs. Cisneros has been an advocate of programs that support first-generation college-bound students. Over her 29 years in the Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD), she has been critical in implementing the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, increasing the number of students attending Summer Search, and working with the organization 10,000 Degrees. Mrs. Cisneros is a first- generation college graduate who was given many opportunities by her local high school community and college and has continued to pay-it- forward.

As a current principal of Valley Oak High School and Napa Valley Independent Studies, Mrs. Cisneros is a principal who understands the many challenges and needs of her students while also being able to balance that with pushing students academically to their highest potential. As a former counselor, Mrs. Cisneros can step into any problematic or delicate situation with students, families, or even staff and truly listen with ears and a heart to understand others. It is a combination of her wisdom, compassion, and strength that makes her such a great leader.

Mrs. Cisneros' incredible impact on our community has been recognized by many. In 2023, she was named the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Alternative Education/Educational Options Principal of the Year. She received the 2021 Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living Celebrating Compassion in Action Award. In 2018, she received the Napa County Hispanic Chamber ``Blend of Cultures'' Harvesting the Future Award. These are just some awards that exemplify Mrs. Cisneros' constant and unwavering dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Mrs. Cisneros for her excellent service and passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Napa County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Janet Thompson, whom I have named a 2024 Woman of the Year because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year recognizes women who contributed significantly to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service.

Jan was born and grew up in Illinois. We have been married for nearly 50 years, and we have two wonderful sons and three beautiful granddaughters. Jan attended Indiana University and California State University, Chico, where she received her bachelor's degree in nursing. She also attended Sonoma State University, where she received her master's degree to become a family nurse practitioner.

During her 32 years as a registered nurse at St. Helena Hospital, Jan has worked to give the utmost patient care in our community. Throughout her career, Jan also served as a nurse at Mercy General in Sacramento. In Washington, D.C., Jan worked as a family nurse practitioner at Sibley Memorial Hospital and taught nursing at Georgetown University.

Jan has also generously volunteered her healthcare services to people across our congressional district. She has provided care to patients at Ole Health, administered physicals for student athletes in Napa and St. Helena, and served on the board for hospice care in Lake County. Her devotion to providing excellent care shows her compassion for and commitment to the people she serves. I have heard from many people in our hometown of St. Helena that they have woken up in the hospital and felt instantly comforted and relieved that she was there as their nurse. These stories are illustrative of her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Not only has Jan been an incredible community servant, but she has also been a dedicated and passionate partner to me and is always there for our district. When Jan and I first got together, she was the driving force in encouraging me to go back to college and complete my degree. She has instilled in our family the value of education as well. Without Jan's constant support, I would not be who I am today.

Simply put, I could not do public service without her. She is an important part of our team, and someone who is indispensable in our district.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Jan for her excellent service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as a 2024 Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen Collins, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Sonoma County because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Ms. Collins grew up in Spokane, Washington, with her dad and two brothers. She received a bachelor's degree in political science and American history from Whitworth University, and a master's degree in American Government from George Washington University. She also earned a junior college teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and is a graduate of the Public Affairs Institute of Washington, D.C.

Ms. Collins is a prominent leader on environmental and agricultural issues. She is an outstanding member of our community, having served on countless commissions and organizations throughout Sonoma County including the City of Sonoma's Environmental Advisory Commission, the Sonoma County Regional Parks Advisory Commission, and the City of Sonoma Parks and Recreation Task Force. She also served as President of the Bay Area Public Affairs Council, as chair of the California State Trails Commission, and as chair and member of various other community organizations. Ms. Collins, dedication as a public servant is clear.

Notably, Ms. Collins has volunteered for many campaigns including Cows not Casinos and ballot measures for the Sonoma County Agricultural and Open Space District and Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. She also worked on the urban growth boundary campaign and the Sonoma Valley Hospital property tax campaign.

Her impact is not limited to Sonoma County. Ms. Collins served as the Deputy Director of the Container Corporation of America, as the Director of Governmental Relations for the Del Monte Corporation and as Deputy Director of California State Parks. She even started her own company, Going Places! Walking Tours for Women.

Ms. Collins' incredible impact on our community has been recognized by many. In 2019, she was named the City of Sonoma's Alcaldessa. She received the 2017 California State Senate Woman of the Year award from California State Senator Bill Dodd, the City of Sonoma's Conservationist of the Year Award in 2014 and received the Sonoma Valley Hospital Pulse Award in 2008. These awards exemplify Ms. Collins' constant and unwavering dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Karen Collins for her excellent service and passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Sonoma County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ana Santana, whom I

have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Lake County because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year recognizes women who contributed significantly to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service.

Ms. Santana was born in Los Angeles, California, to Manuela Garcia de Santana and Galdino Gomez Santana. Ms. Santana received an associate degree in early childhood education from Yuba College and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Pacific Union College. She is married to Jose Luis Alfaro. Together, they are parents to Daniella, Luis-Alberto, and Thomas.

Ms. Santana's leadership and commitment to our educational community are commendable. For nearly two decades, she has worked at the Lake County Office of Education as a champion for family advocacy and services. Her active participation in various commissions and organizations, such as the Healthy Start Youth and Family Services Program Director, the Juvenile Justice Committee, Upper Lake Unified School District Board Member, and the Latinos United of Lake County Secretary, is a testament to her unwavering dedication as a public servant.

Notably, Ms. Santana has advocated for those in need and orchestrated countless community outreach events. As chair of the Lake County Children's Council and a past board member of St. Peter's Hispanic Congregation, she has dramatically inspired her colleagues and those in our community. Many have recognized her incredible impact on our community. Recently, the Press Democrat named her Lake County's Most Influential Woman.

As a past president and secretary of the Upper Lake High School Boosters, Ms. Santana continues to support her children by volunteering or promoting any event they are involved in. She has always been committed to her job and volunteer positions. Ms. Santana's philanthropic acts stem from her mindset that everything she does is worth it as long as it suits the children. She has helped direct events connecting our communities to different health initiatives, again showing her passion for outreach.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Santana for her excellent service and passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Lake County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Napa Schools for Climate Action, which I have named the 2024 Climate Crisis Champion for Napa County because of the important work it has done to promote youth climate leadership and advocate for climate policies in California's 4th Congressional District.

Napa Schools for Climate Action has been at the forefront of our Napa County community's fight against climate change. It has hosted informational community presentations on climate change at locations such as the Napa County Library and events including the Napa Valley Unified School District Professional Development Day. They have also organized annual Creative Piece Contests for high school students, which are meant to invite students to create art pieces that reflect their emotions toward the climate crisis. These contests are decided by a panel of judges, and cash prizes are awarded to top candidates. Their dedication to including the voices of young people, especially high school students, in the conversations about the climate crisis is important.

Napa Schools for Climate Action has also successfully worked for meaningful policies which combat climate change. They have advocated for Climate Emergency Resolutions and secured firm commitments to achieve net-zero climate pollutants by or before 2030 from the Napa Valley Unified School District, the county of Napa, the Napa Regional Conservation District, and all the cities and towns in the country. Further, through their Fossil Free Futures Project, Napa Schools for Climate Action has convinced each municipality in Napa County to adopt or pledge a ban on new and expanded gas stations. Their climate change advocacy is unparalleled in our community.

Their work to uplift the voices of young people who are concerned about climate change in our community is further evidence why they are deserving of this honor. They have actively advocated for the prioritization of climate restoration at the local, state, and federal levels. Napa Schools for Climate Action was the only student group to support California's SR-34, which recognized that climate change disproportionately impacts young people. They have also drafted a Climate Restoration Resolution for adoption by the Napa Valley Unified School District that declares that climate restoration, along with net zero and net negative emissions, is their common climate goal. They collected signatures, conducted surveys, and presented to various groups to build community support for a Congressional Climate Restoration Resolution. I have previously met with the organization's Co-Presidents, Allison Bencsik and Liliana Karesh, as they lobbied for emergency-scale climate action. Napa Schools for Climate Action have since received support from me and my Napa District Office Staff in their latest efforts.

Mr. Speaker, it is evident that the Napa Schools for Climate Action is an organization dedicated to promoting youth climate leadership and advocacy. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor them here today as Napa County's 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Contreras Tebbutt, whom I have named the 2024 Climate Crisis Champion for Yolo County because of the important work she has done to promote cycling as an alternative form of transponation to address the impacts of climate change on California's 4th Congressional District.

Maria Contreras Tebbutt was born in King City, California. She and her husband Mark have a daughter, Nicole. She is a graduate of Davis High School and has lived in Davis ever since graduation.

Through her role as the Outreach Director of the Bike Campaign, Ms. Contreras Tebbutt has educated our community about the value of cycling. This campaign, along with its counterpart, the Bike Garage, was founded in 2011 to help teach people about the benefits of cycling and encourage people to ride their bikes more. These two locations offer training, internships, and jobs for youths, as well as enrichment opportunities for seniors who volunteer. The Bike Campaign works closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts, and community service groups.

Her advocacy for cycling has also given Ms. Contreras Tebbutt the opportunity to advocate on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities. She recently partnered with Cycling Without Age--Trishaw Electric's assist rides program, which provides opportunities for seniors and those with disabilities to enjoy cycling in Davis. This program allows those with mobility limitations to enjoy parks and green spaces more easily. Her work on this program has given her the opportunity to partner with the Davis Senior Center, the Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance, Yolo Hospice, various faith-based organizations, Rancho Yolo, and various senior residential facilities in the county. Ms. Contreras Tebbutt's advocacy on behalf of cycling has meaningfully benefited some of the most vulnerable in our community, which is laudable.

Ms. Contreras Tebbutt's cycling work has also given her the opportunity to connect with our local leaders. She has built partnerships with the City of Davis's Public Works Program, the City of Woodland's Department of Transportation, the Woodland Chamber, the Woodland City Council, and the Davis City Council. She has also been an influential voice in the planning of various community cycling events, such as the Zombie Ride, Ice Cream Ride, and the Polar Bear Ride.

Ms. Contreras Tebbutt's life-long advocacy for cycling and its mental and physical, as well as environmental, benefits, make her an important community leader in combatting the climate crisis.

Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Maria Contreras Tebbutt is a leader dedicated to promoting cycling as an alternative method of transportation. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Yolo County's 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clay Shannon of Shannon Family Wines, whom I have named the 2024 Climate Crisis Champion for Lake County because of the important work he has done to promote responsible farming, reduce the need for agricultural chemicals, and address the impacts of climate change on California's 4th Congressional District.

Clay Shannon was born in Healdsburg, California. He is married to Angie Shannon, with whom he has two daughters, Brooke and Audrey. Both his wife and daughter Brooke have active roles in their company, Shannon Family of Wines.

Through his role as the owner of Shannon Family of Wines, Mr. Shannon has advocated for the need for responsible farming that reduces the carbon footprint of farms. In this role, he farms over 4,000 acres of vineyards in Northern California, 2,500 of which he owns. In 2018, Mr. Shannon began farming his 2,500 acres of land organically. He also has integrated his sheep farming operation with his vineyard. By doing so, Mr. Shannon has dramatically reduced the need for mowing, fungicides, and conventional fertilizers in his vineyard.

Mr. Shannon has been farming for nearly 40 years. This long experience with and love for the land has given him unparalleled insights into the importance of farming organically and naturally. He is an outspoken proponent of eliminating the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in farming. Crucially, Mr. Shannon is also an educator on the importance of building healthy soils for farming.

He has also been a leader in the wine community. He has served as a Board Member of the Lake County Grape Commission, and as a member of the Wine Institute. He is also an active contributor and host of the Lake County Wine Auction, Lake county's largest charity event.

Mr. Shannon's excellent work to advance environmental stewardship has been recognized in the past. In 2021, the Shannon Family received the Wine Institute's Green Medal Award. His land and wineries have also been certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers, an organization that works to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world. Mr. Shannon has also applied for his lands and winery to be certified as regenerative.

Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Clay Shannon is a leader dedicated to responsible organic farming. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor him here today as Lake County's 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.