Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel Orpilla in recognition of nearly a decade as an invaluable member of my district staff and his service to Vallejo's Filipino community.

Mr. Orpilla was born on September 6, 1961 at the Vallejo General Hospital to Nazario and Ofelia Orpilla. After studying at California State University, Sacramento and San Francisco State University, he became the Executive Director of the Fighting Back Partnership in 1996. In this capacity, Mr. Orpilla played a major role in the fight against substance abuse in Vallejo, leading an anti-drug coalition, meeting with political leaders, and assisting with grant requests. In 2004, he joined Kaiser Permanente as a Community and Government Relations Manager and in 2013, joined our team as a district representative and was later promoted to a Senior District Representative for the Solano and Contra Costa portions of California's 5th District. He has successfully assisted over 975 constituents with a wide range of requests from government financial assistance to immigration.

Mr. Orpilla has made immeasurable contributions to Vallejo, and in particular its Filipino community. Over the course of more than 25 years, he has led countless workshops and speaking engagements on substance abuse, community support, and the challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Northern California. Mr. Orpilla's passion for sharing the Filipino American story, led to him founding the Filipino American National Historical Society of Vallejo and writing his 2004 book Filipinos in Vallejo. He has served on the boards of the Salvation Army of Solano County, Rebuilding Together Solano County, the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society. A descendent of the Cordilleras tribes in the Northern Philippines, Mr. Orpilla is an expert in the ancient Filipino fighting art Balintawak Arnis and teaches it at the Island Warriors Dojo in Vallejo. His heritage can also be seen on the various Ifugao warrior markings tattooed across his body.

Mr. Orpilla is a devoted husband to his wife Nancy, proud father of Jacob and Tony, stepfather to Justine and Gabe and loving caretaker of three dogs, Chiko, Boo-boo and Fatboy.

Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Orpilla for his dedication and hard work for the people of California's 5th District. His efforts to better his community, build coalitions and preserve proud Filipino traditions will undoubtably be felt for decades to come. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Rep. John Garamendi, to honor Rich Marovich for his 21 years of service with the Solano County Water Agency. Through his work as streamkeeper of Putah Creek, Mr. Marovich has shown a ceaseless dedication and passion for protecting and preserving our community's natural resources.

Mr. Marovich is originally from Palo Alto, California, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Plant Science at the University of California, Davis. After college, he worked at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, where he administered the department's first Endangered Species Program.

After years of drought, the Putah Creek Accord restored the natural flow of the creek; with this restoration, the need for a streamkeeper emerged and Mr. Marovich was a natural choice for the role. Putah Creek's 70-mile-long stream extends from the Cobb Mountains to the Yolo Bypass making it a major fishing and wildlife resource. To maintain the creek and protect its resources, Mr. Marovich was ever diligent as streamkeeper in improving water quality and conserving creek resources. Through his position, he also provided educational resources to the community regarding the creek's importance and collaborated with landowners along the creek on cleanup efforts.

In addition to his work preserving Putah Creek, Mr. Marovich created several environmental projects including the development of plant nurseries, food cultivation efforts, and critical fundraising campaigns for assessment programs related to the creek's condition.

The annual Winters Salmon Festival and the return of Chinook salmon to Putah Creek is a testament to the tireless efforts and unyielding zeal of Mr. Marovich throughout his career. While his service as Putah Creek's streamkeeper will surely be missed, Mr. Marovich's 21 years of service to the conservation of California's water resources has undoubtedly left a legacy that will last for many years to come. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for Mr. Marovich's dedicated service to the preservation of Putah Creek and wish him and his family my best as he enters retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Vallejo Symphony in recognition of their 90th anniversary.

The Vallejo Symphony was founded in 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression. Led by conductor Julius Weyand, the original group consisted of 60 musicians. Hoping to uplift their struggling community, local leaders were able to raise the funds necessary to bring world class music to their town.

Over the years, the Vallejo Symphony has seen tremendous growth, both in funding and notoriety. The Vallejo Symphony Association was founded in 1951, and acclaimed conductor Dr. George Wargo began his two-decade tenure as the orchestra's leader. During this time, the Vallejo Symphony performed both Wargo's Symphony in G and Concerto for Strings.

Upon Wargo's departure, David Ramadanoff, a former associate conductor of the San Francisco Symphony, became the symphony's new leader, guiding it through three decades of excellence. Today, the Vallejo Symphony is led by Marc Taddei, Music Director of Orchestra Wellington.

In addition to traditional concerts, the Vallejo Symphony routinely welcomes distinguished guest artists from around the globe in an effort to bring diverse music to Solano County residents. In 1993, they performed with the Akashi Choral Society in Japan for a celebration of the relationship between Akashi and Vallejo. Additionally, the Vallejo Symphony has sent musicians to perform in public schools, engaging and inspiring countless young students via classical music.

Madam Speaker, the Vallejo Symphony has filled our community with rich, varied, and world-class music for nearly a century. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that it is honored here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Thompson Hill in recognition of her support of local restaurants and contributions to our community.

Ms. Hill grew up in Berkeley, California. She attended both UC Berkeley and the Sorbonne before beginning a Fellowship in Public Affairs with the Coro Foundation in San Francisco. Ms. Hill also received a Master of Arts degree in Political Psychology from Sonoma State University and helped coordinate the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations. Along with her husband Gerald, she has written 30 books and a series of guidebooks to wine regions of the West Coast.

Ms. Hill's passion for the culinary industry has resulted in years of contributions to non-profits, publications, and schools. She is both a Compagnon of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers and a member of the Les Dames d'Escoffier's San Francisco and Sonoma chapters. Since 2005, she has hosted the Kathleen Hill Show on KSVY radio and from 2009 to 2022, served as the Food & Wine Editor of the Sonoma Index-Tribune. Ms. Hill has been a consistent and generous supporter of countless organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, La Luz, Sonoma Overnight Support and St. Francis School. In 2009, she founded the Sonoma School Garden Project which builds gardens and educational programs that introduce students to healthy food and new learning opportunities. As director, she coordinated nine school gardens across Sonoma.

Outside of journalism and non-profit service, Ms. Hill is a proud mother of two, grandmother of three, and has developed lasting friendships with fellow culinary legends like M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, and Alice Waters. She is also a dedicated historian of culinary history and has curated a collection of nearly 4,000 antique kitchen utensils, signs, and pamphlets.

Madam Speaker, Ms. Hill has spent decades serving her community, supporting local restaurants and promoting the culinary arts. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that she is honored here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juan Altamirano, an officer with the Lakeport Police Department. I have named Mr. Altamirano a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Lake County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication and service to others.

Mr. Altamirano was born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Yuma. He joined the Lakeport Police Department (LPD) in December 2019 and has received both a Basic Police Academy certification and a Basic California Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate. In addition to his service as a patrol officer at LPD, Mr. Altamirano has also served as their driving instructor and School Resource Officer.

In February 2021, Mr. Altamirano responded to a suspicious vehicle call after a pickup truck was found broken down on a busy roadway. When officers arrived on scene, they encountered a family that had all their possessions in the vehicle and no resources to fix or move it. Demonstrating incredible generosity, Mr. Altamirano used his own resources to have the vehicle towed to a safe location so that it would not be taken from the family. This remarkable act of kindness was not unprecedented for Mr. Altamirano, who had purchased food and water for a stranded elderly motorist just a few months prior. He has also helped raise funds for and performed in a recent Lake Family Resource Center play.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Mr. Altamirano is an exemplary civil servant whose repeated acts of compassion are emblematic of his commitment to community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Kerr in recognition of his contributions to gun violence prevention.

Mr. Kerr was born in Lebanon in 1965. His father Malcolm served as President of the American University of Beirut but was shot and killed by a militia known as Islamic Jihad in 1984. At only 18 years old, this event had a profound effect on Mr. Kerr and inspired his activism.

For over 30 years, Mr. Kerr has led an historic career in professional basketball, both as a player and a coach. In 1986, while attending the University of Arizona, Mr. Kerr competed in the FIBA World Championship and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1988. Over the next 15 years, he played on seven teams and won five NBA titles. Mr. Kerr retired as a player in 2003 but returned to the NBA in 2014 as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Since then, he has led the team to six NBA Finals and four championships--the most successful run in franchise history.

As someone well aware of the impact gun violence can have on families, Mr. Kerr has been especially involved in gun violence prevention. In the wake of mass shootings, including those in Parkland, Boulder, and Atlanta, Mr. Kerr used his platform as a leading figure in American sports to call for congressional action. During an NBA press conference in May 2022, Mr. Kerr once again spoke out to address the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. He referred to gun violence as ``a public health issue'' in desperate need of both recognition and treatment. He has supported charities and organizations focused on passing legislation to reduce gun violence such as the Giffords Law Center, Brady, and Sandy Hook Promise. Mr. Kerr has been an important part of Rock the Ride, a benefit bike ride and walk to help end gun violence. He has also dedicated much of his time to the East Bay chapter of Live Free, a national racial justice network that has worked to reduce gun violence in Oakland.

Mr. Kerr is a proud father of three children, Nick, Maddy and Matthew, and a devoted husband to his wife, Margot.

Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Kerr for his unwavering dedication to the fight against gun violence. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Teresa Foster for over 30 years of service to the Latino Community. Her dedication to serving others is clear through her work as an immigration consultant and community activist.

Ms. Foster was born in Mexico City to a family of 10 children. She went to school in Mexico City with the goal of becoming a bilingual executive administrative assistant. She became a U.S. citizen over 25 years ago, and made her way to Napa, California.

After coming to the United States, Ms. Foster remained focused on helping the immigrant community. She supported hundreds of families as an immigration consultant and produced ``Crossing the Line'', a bilingual column that appeared in newspapers throughout Northern California, and focused on helping readers understand immigration issues. Currently, she is the host of Charlando con Teresa Foster, a TV show that includes guests from diverse backgrounds.

Ms. Foster is an active member of the Napa community. She was President of the Napa County Hispanic Network, where she received a ``Lifetime Achievement'' and ``Friend of the Network'' award. Ms. Foster was the President or Chair of the Board of Directors for four organizations and a member of many others, including the Latino Advisory Board. Currently, she maintains leadership positions in three organizations, including the Women's Club of Napa Valley.

Ms. Foster is well-known by others in her community as someone who embodies persistence, kindness, and selflessness. She is incredibly driven and has found great success as a leader who works to bring individuals together for a common goal.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Teresa Foster has dedicated her life to serving others in the Napa community and beyond. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Zach Lekse, an Investigations Sergeant with the Martinez Police Department. I have named Mr. Lekse as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Contra Costa County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

Mr. Lekse began his career in law enforcement shortly after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. For nearly ten years, he served with the Pleasant Hill Police Department as a detective, defense tactics instructor, and SWAT team member before joining the Martinez Police Department in 2014. There he began as a Police Officer before becoming a Narcotics Task Force Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and most recently, an Investigations Sergeant.

During a suspicious vehicle stop in early 2019, Mr. Lekse discovered a small amount of methamphetamine and learned from the driver that a mid-level dealer was living and operating near the Martinez Police Department. Noting that the dealer was on probation, Mr. Lekse coordinated a search that resulted in the seizure of \1/4\ pound of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and $5,000 in cash. Continuing with his investigation, Mr. Lekse connected the dealer to the Guzman family cartel of Mexico and ascertained key information about their operation.

Over the course of several months, Mr. Lekse worked with the FBI to lead a massive multi-agency effort resulting in multiple drug seizures and 12 indictments. In total, numerous firearms, approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, illicit mushrooms, $23,000 in cash, and $80,000 of assets were seized. Through his determination, leadership, and investigative prowess, Mr. Lekse successfully coordinated a complex investigation into a drug trafficking organization that largely evaded justice for 7 years.

Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Lekse for his persistence and investigative skill. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cory Smith, a Firefighter Paramedic with South Lake County Fire and CAL FIRE in Cobb, California. I have named Mr. Smith as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Lake County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

Mr. Smith has dedicated years of faithful service to his community, both as a paramedic and Fire Marshal with Lake County Fire as well as a volunteer Fire Captain with the South Lake County Fire Protection District.

In August 2021, Mr. Smith showed great initiative and assisted in the safe evacuation of multiple civilians as a member of Prevention 715 (Lake County Fire Protection District). Arriving at the Cache Fire in Clearlake, Mr. Smith and his team worked with two engine companies from CALFIRE to remove fences and clear paths. During this assignment, they discovered two individuals in immediate danger from nearby flames. Upon safe evacuation to their engine, the firefighters found severe burns on one woman and radioed for a medical unit to transport her to a nearby hospital.

When Mr. Smith is not fighting fires, he is a dedicated husband and father who enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Mr. Smith is an exemplary civil servant who represents the very best of our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ada Limon. In recognition of her outstanding work as a poet, Ms. Limon has been selected by the Library of Congress as this year's Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, making her the 24th individual to receive this coveted position.

Ms. Limon was born and raised in Sonoma County, California to a family of educators and artists. She graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1993 and attended the University of Washington. Ms. Limon then earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at New York University. She now lives with her husband in Lexington, Kentucky.

During her career, Ms. Limon has published 6 books and maintained a faculty position at Queens University of Charlotte. Some of her work includes Sharks in the Rivers (2010), Bright Dead Things (2015), and The Hurting Kind (2022). Currently, she is in the process of writing her seventh book, titled Beast: An Anthology of Animal Poems.

She has received several awards for her work, including the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Chicago Literary Award for Poetry. Ms. Limon also has a podcast titled ``The

Slowdown'', which serves a platform for her to raise awareness of poetry.

Nature is a key component and source of inspiration for Ms. Limon's poetry. She speaks often of the influence of landscape in her work and how her surroundings impact the poetry that she creates. Additionally, Ms. Limon focuses on the structure of her poetry and how it is conveyed through speech.

As the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, Ms. Limon will be tasked with promoting poetry throughout the United States from October 2022 to May 2023. Following the precedent of other laureates before her, Ms. Limon will create a project of her choosing and take steps to complete that project throughout her time in the position.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Ms. Limon has left a tremendous impact on both her community and the United States through her work as a poet. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph Schiavoni, a Deputy Sheriff II with the Napa County Sheriffs Office. I have named Mr. Schiavoni as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Napa County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

Mr. Schiavoni graduated from Vacaville Christian High School in 2012 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice Studies from Humboldt State University in 2016. In March 2020, he joined the Napa County Sheriffs Office as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. Following successful completion of Basic Academy at the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Training Center, he was designated a Deputy Sheriff I in October 2020. Five months later, Mr. Schiavoni was promoted to Deputy Sheriff II and assigned to the Marine Patrol Division at Lake Berryessa.

On June 17, 2022, Mr. Schiavoni was informed of numerous 911 calls regarding a pregnant woman whose legs had been severely injured by a prop blade. Joined by Deputy Brian Ringo, he quickly arrived on scene and found the victim in critical condition aboard the involved vessel. Observing that the vessel, a two-story pontoon boat, did not offer easy access for connection, Mr. Schiavoni guided the boat towards him and secured a connection via the patrol vessel's gunwale. After he received critical medical aid from Deputy Ringo, the two men carried the victim aboard their vessel and brought her to the shoreline where a California Highway Patrol helicopter was standing by. The flight medic later reported that the careful and rapid extraction of the victim saved both her life and the life of her unborn child.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Mr. Schiavoni is an exemplary civil servant whose determination and skill in the face of an extremely stressful incident is emblematic of his dedication to others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Angell, a Captain with the Crockett-Carquinez Fire Department (CCFD). I have named Mr. Angell as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Contra Costa County in California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

Mr. Angell graduated from Crockett, California's John Swett High School in 1989. He has served as a member of CCFD for over 20 years and has responded to incidents across the state. Mr. Angell is also in charge of the maintenance of CCFD's mobile fleet and training.

This summer, Captain Angell was on his way to a mutual aid cover assignment in Vallejo California when he observed an individual standing near the edge of the Carquinez Bridge. Recognizing that this person may have been contemplating suicide, Mr. Angell immediately contacted dispatch and asked that a nearby California Highway Patrol (CHP) unit respond. However, after making the call he realized that there may not be enough time to wait and decided to approach the person. Mr. Angell spoke to the individual in crisis, provided comfort and helped convince the person in crisis to step away from the edge.

Outside of his work with CCFD, Mr. Angell serves his community in many other ways through his job at the John Swett Unified School District. There, he manages attendance, helps disadvantaged youth who struggle with issues like homelessness and coaches both football and baseball. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Angell coordinated testing for the district, worked with a local provider to install multiple internet hubs for long distance learning, and helped acquire Chromebooks for students.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Mr. Angell is an exemplary civil servant whose generosity and kindness is emblematic of a remarkable commitment to his community, both in and out of uniform. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Johnson for over 30 years of outstanding service to the Yolo County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Johnson has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring safety in the community of Yolo County as well as the United States through his service in law enforcement and the U.S. military.

Mr. Johnson's career in law enforcement started on April 29, 1992 as a Deputy Sheriff. Notably, he was assigned to the Capay Augmented Patrol on January 22, 1995. The patrol is a specialized unit used to protect the community of Capay Valley and Cache Creek Casino. Mr. Johnson was the first deputy ever to be assigned to this patrol.

Because of his outstanding work ethic, he earned the rank of Undersheriff on June 30, 2019. During his career, Mr. Johnson was recognized for his hard work and service to his community. Most notably among his many outstanding awards, he was named ``Deputy of the Year'' in 1995, recognized as a member of the ``Team of the Year'' in the Investigations section in 2005, and received a ``Certificate of Commendation for Dedicated Service'' in 2006.

Serving others by providing safety and security has been a consistent part of Mr. Johnson's life. Outside of his local community, Mr. Johnson has proven his commitment to keeping all Americans safe through his service to the military. He served in the United States Army for six years and participated in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield.

Mr. Johnson is known by his family, colleagues, and community as a tireless leader committed to his profession and his role in protecting public safety. Even after retirement, he will continue to serve as an example for those around him to emulate.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Mr. Johnson has worked endlessly to serve his community through military service and his experience in law enforcement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Santa Rosa

Police Department's Special Enforcement Team (SET). I have named the team as Public Safety Heroes of the Year for Sonoma County in California's 5th District as a result of their extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

SET was established in July 2021 in response to a rise in violent crime within the city of Santa Rosa. That year, the Santa Rosa Police Department reported a 25 percent rise in weapons violations and an 8 percent increase in aggravated assaults, including five homicides. SET's mission was to combat these trends via the confiscation of illegal firearms. The team prioritizes the interdiction of privately made ``ghost guns'' and monitoring repeat offenders. Initially, the team was comprised of Sergeant Terry White and Officers Jason Jucutan and Jeff Badger. These individuals were chosen because of their performance and experience within the Santa Rosa Police Department. Over the course of several months, the team conducted probation and parole searches, wrote and served search warrants, built relationships with confidential informants, supported the Special Services Division with major cases and responded to violent crime calls in support of patrol units.

In 2021, the team seized 44 firearms, an increase of 29 from the previous year. Due to SET's immediate success, officers Dane Schindler and Brett Wright were added to the team in January 2022. In the first six months of 2022, the team has seized 49 ghost guns. In total, the team's work has led to a 75 percent increase in total gun seizures and a 179 percent increase in ghost gun seizures. Most important, shootings within the City of Santa Rosa have decreased by 31 percent since the team's inception.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that the members of SET demonstrated an investigative skill and relentless devotion to our community's safety. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brian Ringo, a Deputy Sheriff II with the Napa County Sheriffs Office. I have named Mr. Ringo as a Public Safety Hero of the Year for Napa County in

California's 5th District as a result of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication, and service to others.

A native of Deer Park, Texas, Mr. Ringo began serving his country at a young age. After graduating high school in 2004, he served in the U.S. Army for nearly a decade, completing four tours of combat duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After nearly a decade in uniform, Mr. Ringo received an honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant. In August 2021, he received an Associate of Arts degree from Solano Community College and in November of that year, was hired by the Napa County Sheriffs Office. In this capacity, he has served as a Patrol Officer in American Canyon and a seasonal deputy for the Marine Patrol Division at Lake Berryessa.

On June 17, 2022, Mr. Ringo was assigned to land patrol when the Napa County Sheriffs Office received numerous 911 calls regarding a pregnant woman whose legs had been severely injured. Aware of the gravity of the situation, he made the decision to join Marine Patrol Deputy Joseph Schiavoni in responding to the location of the 911 call via patrol vessel. When the two deputies arrived on scene, they found the victim in critical condition aboard the involved vessel. Mr. Ringo immediately provided medical aid, applying a tourniquet to stop heavy bleeding, and lifted the victim onto a backboard for extraction. Upon their arrival at the shoreline, Mr. Ringo assisted in packing the victim's wound and carrying her aboard a helicopter for transport to Kaiser Vacaville. The flight medic later reported that Mr. Ringo's placement of the tourniquet, along with the careful and rapid extraction of the victim, saved both her life and the life of her unborn child.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Mr. Ringo is an exemplary civil servant whose determination and skill in the face of an extremely stressful incident is symbolic of his dedication to others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.