Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor King Ridge Foundation on the tenth anniversary of its founding. King Ridge Foundation has done incredible work for at-risk youth in our community and has been vital to the recovery from the October 2017 Wildfires.

King Ridge Foundation was founded in 2009 by Levi Leipheimer and Carlos Perez to help at-risk youth. Since then, the Foundation has raised over 2 million dollars for this cause. A portion of this funding has come from Mr. Leipheimer's annual Gran Fondo, a bike ride known as the best day out on two wheels that brings people together from around the world, which also celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Through the Gran Fondo and the work of King Ridge Foundation, Mr. Leipheimer has made our community stronger and more connected. He is dedicated to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, as he has shown through his commitment to improving the lives of those in our community.

King Ridge Foundation's main focus is supporting at-risk youth by raising awareness and money. The Foundation partners with local organizations including Social Advocates for Youth, Forget Me Not Farm and The B-Rad Foundation.

In times of disaster King Ridge Foundation expands its mission to assist people in returning to normalcy. During the devastating wildfires our community has faced, King Ridge Foundation did just that. After the 2015 Valley Fire, King Ridge Foundation raised more than $60,000 for relief efforts in Lake County. After the October 2017 Wildfires, King Ridge Foundation joined with Russian River Brewing Company in the Sonoma Pride partnership. The partnership has raised over 1.1 million

dollars and provided direct assistance to over 660 families.

King Ridge Foundation and Sonoma Pride partnered with many other local organizations to help as many people as possible. Along with the Council on Aging, they provided $400,000 towards the purchase and installation of five manufactured homes. King Ridge Foundation and Sonoma Pride also partnered with NorCal Bike Sport to replace over 500 children's bikes that were destroyed in the fire.

Mr. Speaker, King Ridge Foundation, and Levi Leipheimer, have been crucial in the rebuilding of our community and for the well-being of our young people. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Foundation on its tenth anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) for its commitment to helping our community during times of disaster.

Napa Valley Community Foundation was founded in 1994 and since then has distributed more than 50 million dollars to important causes in Napa Valley. For more than a decade it has spearheaded relief and recovery efforts following disasters and filled in the gaps to ensure residents received needed assistance. NVCF is a vital organization that has supported our community time and time again.

After the New Year's Flood on the Napa River in 2006, the earthquake in August 2014 and the October 2017 Wildfires, Napa Valley Community Foundation provided aid and funded services for those affected and displaced. Following these disasters and recoveries, NVCF developed best practices for short-term, intermediate-term and long-term disaster relief. To address the many needs of our community and the inevitable gaps in the recovery process, NVCF partners with nonprofits and donors to ensure financial resources are available where they are most needed. Additionally, Napa Valley Community Foundation partners with associations, businesses, individuals and government agencies to provide aid to our community.

Napa Valley Community Foundation manages the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after the 2014 earthquake with a 10 million dollar lead gift from Napa Valley Vintners. The Fund raised an additional 15 million dollars after the October 2017 Wildfires, which greatly assisted local recovery efforts. Because of the Fund, 15,000 fire survivors received immediate relief services such as temporary shelter, meals and medical care; and over 2,000 workers, households and small businesses received direct financial aid.

Mr. Speaker, Napa Valley Community Foundation has been a lifeline to our community during times of disaster. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill.

This bill represents a gross disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to us by our constituents. We are the stewards of Medicare, a critical support for nearly every American at some point in their lives. This bill will trigger hundreds of millions of dollars in across-the-board cuts to that important program.

We are responsible for the Federal Tax Code, a charge that requires us to consider tax proposals fully and fairly. Yet, we will vote on this unpaid-for tax bill developed behind closed doors without the benefit of a single hearing. Most important, we are the custodians of the Federal budget.

With passage of this bill, Republicans will have added more than $3 trillion to our national debt in less than a year. This is a handout for the rich at the expense of our children and our grandchildren. It is an excuse for the majority party to ransack Medicare and Social Security. It is dangerous, and it is reckless. We should vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Congressman Leonard Boswell. I was good friends with Mr. Boswell, he was a fellow Blue Dog and we attended many events together over the years. I had the opportunity to visit his district and saw his passion for serving his constituents.

Mr. Boswell was one of the most highly decorated combat veterans in Congress. He was in the United States Army for twenty years and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While in Congress, he was highly regarded for his service to veterans and leaves behind a legacy of commitment to those who have served in uniform. I succeeded him on the Eisenhower Commission, where I was well informed of his great work and dedication.

Mr. Boswell was committed to the principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance. He considered it his duty to ensure that future generations would not be burdened with enormous debt and underfunded social programs.

Not only was Mr. Boswell an outstanding representative for his district, he was also one of the nicest and most unassuming Members with whom I have had the pleasure of serving.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Anthony Eric Ghisletta, upon his retirement from the Martinez Police Department after twenty-eight years of service.

Captain Ghisletta was born in the Bay Area and grew up in Martinez, California. With a commitment to public safety, he graduated from the police academy and the FBI National Academy. In 1990, Captain Ghisletta began his law enforcement career as a Police Trainee in the Martinez Police Department. Over the last twenty-eight years, he has served our community as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Commander, Interim Chief of Police and Captain. Captain Ghisletta has been a K9 Handler and his knowledge has been vital to the expansion of the Police Department's canine program. Additionally, he spent many years as a Hostage Negotiator on the Hostage Negotiations Team and has spearheaded many functions of the Team.

Captain Ghisletta's work has positively impacted the citizens in our community. His strong commitment, leadership and professionalism is deeply respected and supported by his peers and the City of Martinez. He has assisted countless residents throughout his tenure with the Police Department. Captain Ghisletta's file is full of letters and commendations from community members that he has helped over the years.

Captain Ghisletta is married to Sara and they have three children-- Russell, Reid and Caroline. Captain Ghisletta has spent many hours coaching youth sports and mentoring youth in our community. His compassion and consistent engagement have made a positive impact on Martinez.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Ghisletta is an admirable leader who has dedicated his career to serving our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Vallejo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on its 100th anniversary.

The Vallejo Branch of the NAACP received its Charter on July 8, 1918. It was the second Branch established in California, after the Sacramento Branch. Since its founding, the Vallejo Branch has worked tirelessly with community and religious leaders to fulfill the promise of equality to all Americans. Early in its existence, the Vallejo Branch collaborated with prominent African-American professionals, members of the clergy and business leaders on anti-lynching legislation, desegregation and political rights. The Vallejo Branch later expanded its focus to include advocacy for better jobs and pay for people of color on Mare Island and desegregation of the federal housing projects in Vallejo.

Most recently, the Vallejo Branch of the NAACP has worked to address the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs) among African Americans aged fourteen to twenty-five in Solano County, and Vallejo specifically. The Vallejo Branch has also been focused on educating, testing, and treating STDs and STIs and secured $250,000 to work towards this goal. The Branch's Legal Redress team has been active in the litigation of numerous discrimination issues involving housing, school, and employment injustices in Vallejo. Its Education Committee is actively involved in Vallejo's school system to guarantee that all students have equal access to quality education. In addition, the Vallejo Branch encourages its members to exercise their hard won right to vote.

Mr. Speaker, the Vallejo Branch of the NAACP has been an important institution in our community for 100 years. The Vallejo Branch has worked continuously to improve the lives of African Americans in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Santa Rosa Junior College on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a vital pillar of our community and a leader of junior colleges in higher education. Santa Rosa Junior College was founded by community leaders. The original student body was comprised of nineteen individuals and they shared resources with the local high school. During the Great Depression, SRJC secured land to build its permanent campus. Santa Rosa Junior College has expanded over the years to include a campus in Petaluma, the Southwest Santa Rosa Center, the Public Safety Training Center, and Shone Farm.

SRJC has educated 1.7 million students in its 100 year history and enrolls approximately 28,000 students of all ages each semester. Santa Rosa Junior College, in conjunction with the SRJC Foundation, is committed to making education accessible for all and working to ensure that all their students succeed. In addition to outstanding academics, the school has over 40 clubs, including conference-winning athletic teams, nationally ranked speech and debate teams, and outstanding theater, dance, and music programs.

Santa Rosa Junior College is the third largest employer in Sonoma County. Approximately 3,000 faculty and staff work at SRJC and devote their careers to helping students and our community. Additionally, the local economic impact of the college is $1.6 billion annually, which has brought 26,000 jobs to the surrounding area. The SRJC Foundation raises funds for students and education programs at the college. The foundation is ranked number one among California community college foundations for endowment size and scholarship distribution, an honor it has worked hard to earn.

Mr. Speaker, Santa Rosa Junior College provides excellent opportunities for the members of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the Honorable Mark DeSaulnier, Jerry McNerney, and Eric Swalwell to honor Nicole Kozicki upon her retirement as a Wildlife Officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Warden Kozicki was born and raised in Oakland, California and graduated from Skyline High School in 1986. Post-graduation Warden Kozicki attended the California Fish and Game Academy. She was the youngest cadet to graduate and one of only thirteen women in the Class of 1989. Shortly after graduation, Warden Kozicki was recruited by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Warden Kozicki has been steadfast in her work to protect California's wildlife over the past 29 years. She led an investigation of the illegal development practices, which threatened two endangered species. Warden Kozicki lent her expertise by testifying during the trial and the developers were fined $1 million for destroying endangered species habitat, among other violations. Her tireless efforts have resulted in the preservation of hundreds of acres of land and millions of dollars in fines. Warden Kozicki also collaborated with the Fish and Wildlife Committee to secure over $1 million from the Annual Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Grant to for community projects that benefit fish and wildlife in our community.

Warden Kozicki has been recognized for her incredible work on multiple occasions. In 2017, she received both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer of the Year Award and the Pogue-Elms Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the latter being the highest honor given by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Warden Kozicki was named the Officer of the Year by Safari Club International in 2016.

Mr. Speaker, Nicole Kozicki has dedicated her career to preserving and protecting California's precious fish and wildlife. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James Norlyn Hoff and remember his rich and full life.

Mr. Hoff was born in Portland, Oregon and spent his early years in Tillamook and Grand Pass, Oregon. His family moved to Eureka, California when he was twelve years old. Mr. Hoff graduated from Eureka High School and then interned for California Assemblyman Frank Belloti in Sacramento, California. He followed this experience with a second political internship in Washington, D.C., where he worked for Congressman Don Clausen.

Mr. Hoff graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He was the first Northern Californian to receive the Graduate Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for the 1972-73 academic year. He was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eureka and spent the year studying political science at the University of Grenoble in France.

When he returned to Eureka, Mr. Hoff worked for Simpson Timber Company, where he ran their plywood plant. He eventually moved to Seattle, Washington to work in the company's corporate office. After he spent several years working at the company's corporate office in Seattle, Mr. Hoff left to work at his father's radio station, KRED-AM, in Eureka. He also built and ran a radio station, KPDJ-FM, and became known as the local media giant. In 1989, Mr. Hoff started Hoff Outdoor Advertising, which he eventually sold to his mentee.

Mr. Hoff met his wife Claire in Megeve, France when he went back to visit her parents. Two years later they met again when she was visiting the United States. They were married in Eureka in 1979 and had two beautiful children, Alexia and Henry. His son Henry currently serves in the active duty Army assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division as a Staff Sergeant. Mr. Hoff enjoyed skeet shooting in his free time and won many father and son competitions.

Mr. Speaker, James Norlyn Hoff is the husband, father, businessman and community member we should all strive to be. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Calistoga Speedway in Calistoga, California for being a longstanding place for our community to gather together and enjoy racing.

Calistoga Speedway is an important institution in our community. It is the home of a half mile dirt track loop, one of only several left in the United States. In 1937, the racetrack transitioned from hosting horse racing to car racing and since then has made a great impact in Calistoga and our surrounding community.

In the middle of the 20th century, Louie Vermeil and others founded the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC), now called the Golden State Challenge Series. The Calistoga Speedway was NARC's home for 25 years. Currently, drivers from associations including the Bay Cities Roadster Racing Association, the American Racing Association and the Golden State Challenge Series make a point to race at the classic racetrack at the Calistoga Speedway. Additionally, the Calistoga Speedway has been an incredible venue for local racers, including Rico Abreu, to develop their passions for racing and begin their careers.

Numerous generations of racers and race fans have spent time at the Calistoga Speedway. During the two-day races, Calistogans and out-of- town race enthusiasts fill the RV park at the Napa County Fairgrounds and pack the seats at the racetrack. The crowds that the Calistoga Speedway draw also strengthen our local economy. Visitors eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores and stay at our hotels. Other facets of our community, in addition to local businesses, benefit from the Calistoga Speedway. Profits from the Wildcat Boosters' snack bar at the racetrack fund sports and music programs in our community, which Calistoga children may not have access to otherwise.

Mr. Speaker, the Calistoga Speedway is an important pillar of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chef Jose Andres for his selfless contributions to the disaster relief efforts for the Carr Fire and Mendocino Complex Fire in Northern California.

Born and raised in the northern region of Asturias, Spain, Mr. Andres is an internationally recognized chef and culinary innovator. Following his graduation in 1989 from Escola de Restauracio i Hostalatge in Barcelona, Mr. Andres began his career as an admiral's chef in the Spanish Navy. In 1991, Mr. Andres moved to the U.S. where he transformed the standards of authentic Spanish food.

Mr. Andres is known for his innovative cuisine and his award-winning restaurants. He has been honored with multiple awards, including the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from International Association of Culinary Professionals and the 2015 National Humanities Medal.

Mr. Andres is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues world- wide and a passionate humanitarian. In 2012, he formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that provides solutions to hunger and poverty through the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies.

Mr. Andres has been instrumental in providing for evacuees, firefighters and first responders of the devastating Northern California wildfires. Mr. Andres and World Central

Kitchen have fed thousands of displaced people and first responders for the Carr, Ranch and River Fires. World Central Kitchen joined forces with Guy Fieri, Operation BBQ Relief, local chefs and residents to provide meals to those affected by the fire. World Central Kitchen, with the assistance of these groups, prepared and served over 2,000 meals per day.

Mr. Speaker, Jose Andres has contributed tremendously to help our community that has been affected by the fires in Northern California. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Guy Fieri, a selfless humanitarian and entrepreneur, for his inspiring contributions to disaster relief during the ongoing wildfires in Northern California.

Mr. Fieri is a longtime resident of Sonoma and Lake Counties along with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, Hunter and Ryder. Mr. Fieri's first restaurant opened in 1996 in the heart of Santa Rosa, and he has since grown his businesses throughout California and around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author, an admired television personality, and a renowned chef and winemaker.

Mr. Fieri is also a noble humanitarian who began working around the clock to feed first responders when the Carr Fire first broke out in Shasta County. He then spent days at evacuation centers in Lower Lake, Middletown, and Kelseyville where he worked alongside Operation BBQ Relief and World Central Kitchen to provide meals for firefighters and thousands of evacuees impacted by the Ranch and River Fires.

The ongoing wildfires have been devastating to our communities. Firefighters, first responders and public safety officials are working day and night to protect our communities from further damage. The contributions of Mr. Fieri have been instrumental in aiding these public servants and facilitating evacuations.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fieri is an exceptional member of our community. His contributions to disaster relief have been outstanding, and I am beyond words of gratitude for his service and aid. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Guy Fieri here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor UpValley Family Centers of Napa County on its fifteenth anniversary for its dedicated service to our many communities of Napa County.

UpValley Family Centers of Napa County (UVFC) was created nearly 20 years ago by dedicated Calistoga residents who aimed to create a local organization to help families access resources safely and conveniently. This goal has become their mission. UpValley Family Centers exists to provide guidance, support and resources for community members so they are able to improve their lives. UpValley Family Centers maintains strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, government agencies and private sector businesses to enable our up-valley communities to create opportunities for themselves.

UpValley Family Centers is committed to providing services that are culturally and linguistically sensitive. Over 80 percent of its staff is bilingual and bicultural and has extensive experience working with diverse communities. UVFC is committed to its prevention-focused, strengths-based approach. Staff members travel to meet clients in convenient locations and provide services that are based on the community's identified needs and interests. UpValley Family Centers aims to encourage and teach clients how to use their personal strengths to build a stronger community.

UpValley Family Centers has offices in Calistoga and St. Helena and is a centralized organization for people seeking information, tools, and services to improve their lives. It provides services to low-income working families and individuals of all ages through a multitude of programs, including early education, immigration assistance, youth mentorship, ESL classes, financial literacy programs, referrals to local health and wellness resources, among others. UVFC is also an emergency assistance and disaster response services provider. UpValley Family Centers is a second responder that was critical after the Valley Fire of 2015 and the Napa Complex Fires of October 2017. In the aftermath of those fires, UVFC worked to ensure that all up-valley households who were impacted by the fires were connected with the services they needed.

Mr. Speaker, UpValley Family Centers aims to ensure people in our community are supported, valued and able to create the future they want for themselves, their families and our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we recognize it for fifteen years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize BMC Racing for their success in the 2018 Tour de France.

BMC Racing is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, in my district. Headed by former American cyclist Jim Ochowicz, who serves as President and team manager, the team sent six cyclists to the Tour this year, including Tejay van Garderen of Tacoma, Washington.

At the 2018 Tour de France, BMC proved its abilities once again at the highest levels of competition in the cycling world. The team finished eighth overall in the 2018 Tour de France, emerged victorious in the Stage 3 Team Time Trial, and earned seven yellow jerseys--along with five stage victories. Individual team members also did well: Greg Van Avermaat stood in first places for eight consecutive stages, while Damiano Caruso finished in 20th place overall.

The BMC organization regularly trains in Santa Rosa and the wine country area. They are also active in the community. Their ``Cycle with Champions'' ride is done in conjunction with Team Swift, a local youth cycling organization, and many organization officials have ties to the Santa Rosa region. BMC has a history of producing champion cyclists, and once again displayed their resilience and dedication in 2018. At the finish line, Damiano Caruso summed up the overall morale of the team, saying, ``At the end of three weeks, I can say that my experience was positive.''

Mr. Speaker, BMC Racing has deep roots in the Santa Rosa community, and continues to inspire generations of young cyclists. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the cyclists and owners on their accomplishment in this year's Tour de France.