Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton).

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

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez).

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis).

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra).

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the minority whip.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), the minority leader. (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been working hard to restore food stamp benefits to hard-working, tax-paying legal residents; I state, to hard-working, tax-paying legal residents. Unfortunately, the House amendment 2846 would leave thousands of legal residents, permanent residents, without food stamps. This amendment would discriminate against permanent legal residents. This is a real problem for LPRs and their families. Thirty-seven percent of all children of immigrants live in families that cannot afford enough nutrition on a regular basis. Most immigrant families include at least one child that is an American citizen. These children go to school hungry because their parents cannot afford to pay for food stamps or apply for food stamps. How can these kids study and learn and concentrate in the classroom if they do not have enough to eat? We talk about ``leave no child behind.'' Well, we are about to do that, through this amendment. It is time for us to assure that all legal immigrants are eligible for food stamps. These are hardworking, legal permanent residents who currently cannot buy food stamps because they are not eligible for assistance under the basic nutritional program. I urge the President that he must deliver on his promises to the Latino community. We need his leadership and inclusion, not false promises.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 7(c) of rule XXII, I hereby announce my intention to offer a motion to instruct the conferees on H.R. 2646. The form of the motion is as follows: Mr. Baca moves that the managers on the part of the House at the conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 2646, an Act to provide for continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2011, be instructed to agree to provisions contained in section 452 of the Senate amendment, relating to restoration of benefits to children, legal immigrants who work, refugees, and the disabled.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to the memory of Phillip Ambris Sustaita, the loving father of my friend, Luisa Sustaita. It is with much sadness that I inform my colleagues of the passing of a great individual, a man who filled our world and the lives of those around him with love, compassion and family values. Luisa's father, Phillip, was born on May 10, 1921 in Denver, Colorado, and passed away on March 17, 2002 at the age of 80. Phillip Sustaita bravely served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Navy. Afterwards, Mr. Sustaita began a 40-year career as a Stationary Engineer with National Ice and Cold Storage. He lived in Sacramento, California for 60 years. Phillip Ambris Sustaita was a hardworking man and pioneer who raised his family with love especially his daughter Luisa who was very special to him. Luisa and her father shared a very close relationship. Throughout Luisa's life her father was a constant source of love and support. He was a father, mentor and best friend to her. Luisa will long remember the wonderful things he brought to her family and to the lives that he touched. Philip was and remains a tremendous figure in the thoughts and memories of his loved ones. His loss will be felt most deeply. They say a man is measured by the lives he touches. Through the Grace of God he Phillip Ambris Sustaita touched many lives. Philip was widely admired by family, friends and colleagues. He was hard working, dedicated, committed, disciplined, loving and supporting. He was everything one would want in a father, husband, and grandfather. He demonstrated his commitment to marriage and his family he provided love and ongoing support to his children, grandchildren and played an active role in raising them. He was a strong person, the backbone to his family. He possessed honesty, strength, leadership and courage. He was considered a true friend in every sense of the word. Luisa's mother, brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews, join her in mourning the loss of their father. And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial and join with all of those whom he loved in extending my prayers along with Barbara to Luisa and hope that she may find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. Phillip Ambris Sustaita leaves his legacy in the heart of his beloved daughter, Luisa Sustaita, and all those who knew him.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to announce to you and to the rest of my esteemed colleagues, that on March 22, 2002, George and Pauline ``Dimples'' Murillo will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. I would like to join their friends and loving family in extending my most sincere congratulations. The Murillos have devoted fifty years to each other, to their families, to their communities, and to the service of our nation. Their marriage is a true achievement. George Murillo was born to Emillio and Vivian Murillo on July 20, 1931, in San Bernardino, California. Just a few miles away on the San Manuel Indian Reservation, Pauline was born to Martha Manuel Chacon and Pablo Ormego on February 3, 1934. The two met and later married on March 22, 1952, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in San Bernardino in a ceremony performed by Father Domas. George served his country in the United States Army with active duty status from 1952 to 1954. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and spent six years in the Reserves receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1960. The Murillos are a hard working American family. George went on to work for the Santa Fe Railroad for 12 years and then for Kaiser Steel in Fontana for another 18 years. He retired in 1983, but continued to work at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino from 1986 to 1993. Pauline ``Dimples'' worked as a homemaker. She raised their three children in their house on Vine Street in Highland, California, where the couple lived from 1954 until recently. Pauline ``Dimples,'' an active member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, has devoted herself to educating her community about the Native American Culture, identity and tradition. She travels to various public schools and colleges in the area to teach students about her culture. She practices traditional Native American crafts making Indian cradle dolls and other arts and crafts, which she sells at Indian Pow-Wows. The Murillos have served their community in numerous organizations. Pauline ``Dimples'' is a member of the Highland Women's Club, and both she and George are members of the Highland Senior Center providing services for the area senior citizens. The couple has made many personal contributions to this organization and to their community over the years. The Murillos' legacy is certainly their family. The couple has been blessed with a loving family including Pauline ``Dimples'' siblings Raul ``Beanie'' Chacon, Jr., Roy Chacon, Carla Chacon, Rowena Ramos, and Sandra Marquez, and by George's siblings, Rosie Manzano and Emily Barajas. I am joined in congratulating the Murillo's by their own children, Lynn ``Nay'' Valbuena, Audrey ``Audie'' Martinez, and George ``Boy'' Murillo, and their grandchildren, Rich LeRoy, Sabrina Nakhjavanpour, Robert V. Martinez lll, Sheena Martinez, and Dillon, Skye and Zeny Murillo. The Murillo's are also blessed with seven great- grandchildren, Cody and Chloe Nakhjavanpour, Selina Martinez, Robert V. Martinez IV, and Jasmine, Jaylene and Alfonso Martinez. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and the people of California, I extend our sincere congratulations to George and Pauline ``Dimples'' Murillo.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of March, we approach the birthday of Cesar Chavez, a positive role model for the Latino community, a hero. Caesar Chavez touched the lives of millions with his nonviolent struggle for justice, education, and equality. He was a beacon of hope. But Cesar Chavez views the challenges he faced as a motivation to help farmworkers whose suffering he shared. In 1962, Caesar Chavez founded the National Farmworkers Association, the predecessor to the United Farmworkers of America. He organized farmworkers to campaign for fair working conditions, reasonable wages, and decent housing and health conditions. He sacrificed himself for human rights and for dignity. He left a legacy for each and every one of us, and for generations to come. He has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace Prize, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize. No one better symbolizes Latino empowerment than does Caesar Chavez. He is a symbol of hope, and we will never forget his words. The challenge of life, justice, and equality will ever ring in our lives: Si, se puede; yes, we can. We should honor his birthday by celebrating it, and I am hopeful we will pass that legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the memory of a man who was very special to me and to the entire Inland Empire community, Abelardo ``Arbie'' Villarreal, a longtime professor at San Bernardino Valley College. Like a ray of sunshine, Arbie came to San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in 1971 to teach English, mainly to foreign students. A tall, thin, meticulously groomed man with sharp, angular features and a ready smile, Arbie was easily recognized on campus. He was the first ESL teacher at SBVC, and he was able to reach out to the community by establishing ties between the college and the area's rapidly growing Spanish-speaking population. Arbie was a great asset to Valley College and was recognized as ``Outstanding Professor.'' He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship/ Fellowship to teach abroad, which allowed him to live and teach in Switzerland for two years. His knowledge of foreign languages easily opened doors for him in Europe. He spoke Spanish and Italian fluently and managed in French and Portuguese. Last summer, Arbie was awarded a faculty fellowship to spend six marvelous weeks in Washington, D.C. working at the US Department of Agriculture. He was surprised to reunite with several friends now settled in Washington who he met almost 40 years ago during a training program to join the new and exciting Peace Corps. Arbie spent two unforgettable years in Columbia with the Peace Corps. Arbie was born in Texas but raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother, Amelia, and his older brother, Gilbert, still live in New Mexico. Arbie's twin, Hilly, also moved to California like his brother to teach at Cal State Los Angeles. Arbie's youngest brother, Albert, followed his beautiful Texan bride back to Texas. Arbie was exuberant, well-prepared, good-looking, fun to be with, and curious about the world. He was so curious, in fact, that in order to learn more about Italy, he married his Italian student Maria, his wife of 28 years. Together they enjoyed their friends, travels, romantic candlelight dinners in their patio, the theater, music, Victorian dances, and books that they read to each other. Arbie was loved, admired and respected by his adoring students, the faculty and staff of Valley College, and by his countless friends spread across two continents. Arbie's illness and death hit the San Bernardino Valley College campus very hard. During his hospitalization in September 2001, students organized a blood drive in his honor. More than 50 people donated blood while some people had to be turned away because turnout was so high. Arbie's widow, Maria said that her husband loved life and battled his disease courageously. While he was in Washington over the summer, he developed pain in his lower back. Initially, this was the only symptom, and as he was a healthy man, he though it was just a strained muscle until he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Arbie passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2001 surrounded by his loving family. The Villarreal family set up the Abelardo ``Arbie'' Villarreal Memorial Scholarship Fund for students at San Bernardino Valley College. Friday, March 8, 2001, the college will hold a memorial service in his honor. And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be included in the archives of the history our country. It is men like Arbie who make this nation great. Arbie leaves a legacy of lives filled with education and enrichment of knowledge for those whose lives he touched.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's Olympic heroes, skater Derek Parra. Derek is from my district. He went to school with my son, Joe Baca, Jr., and I attended church with Derek's father, Gilbert Parra, at Saint Catherine's in Rialto. His dad and I play golf together, and we used to play softball on the same team. Derek unexpectedly broke the world record in the 5,000 meter speed skating race and won the silver medal. Derek later broke another world record in the 1,500 meter speed skating race. This record held, and Derek won the gold medal. Derek's road to the Olympics has not been easy. He and his wife Tiffany have struggled to make ends meet raising their baby girl, Mia Elizabeth, while Derek trained for the Olympics. As the first Mexican-American ever to win a medal in the winter Olympics, Derek expanded the dreams of millions of children. In a world that often tells our children, ``no, you can't,'' Derek Parra has shown that ``si, se puede,'' yes, you can compete. Through faith, determination, and hard work, Derek broke down barriers to become a beacon of hope for our children and children everywhere. Derek is truly a role model for others to follow. Derek made history and opened the world of possibility for Hispanic Americans. His dream said, ``dream big and don't be afraid.'' We are proud of you, Derek. You are our hero. God bless you.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's new Olympic heroes. Like all Americans, I watched all of our athletes competing in the 2002 games with great pride. We love the Olympics. We love the international spirit, the thrill of competition, the joys of victory and stories of struggle. The athletes capture our imaginations and our hearts. I watched one athlete with particular pride, speed skater Derek Parra, winner of the silver medal in the 5,000-meter skate and the gold in the 1,500-meter skate. You see, Derek Parra is from my district. He went to school with my son, Joe Baca, Jr., and I attended church with Derek's father, Gilbert Parra, at St. Catherine's in Rialto, California. Derek Parra is an American hero. One of eight Olympians chosen by fellow teammates to carry the American flag into the opening ceremonies, Derek accepted the honor even though his first race was the next day. While most athletes spend the night before a race resting, Derek jeopardized his medal chances to carry Old Glory. On February 9, 2002, Derek's family and friends gathered on Saturday at Graziano's pizza restaurant in Colton to watch the San Bernardino native dazzle the world. Derek unexpectedly broke the world record in the 5,000-meter speed skating race with a time of 6 minutes and 17.98 seconds, beating his own best time by 15 seconds. Derek won the silver medal when the Dutch skater edged out Derek's record-breaking time. Derek's record breaking performance and silver medal were a bit of a surprise even to the people who knew him best, because the 5,000-meter was not his best race. Friends and family eagerly awaited his best event, the 1,500-meter race on February 19th. Ten days later on February 19, 2002, fifty of Derek's closest relatives and friends jammed a tiny San Bernardino living room to watch Derek break another world record this time in the 1,500-meter speed skating race with a time of 1 minute and 43.95 seconds. This record held and Derek won Olympic gold. Derek's silver and gold medals surprised the world. At 5 feet 3\1/2\ inches, Derek is a small man in a tall man's sport. He is known by his Nordic competitors as ``the little man with the big strokes.'' Derek grew up on the West Side of San Bernardino with his brother and single father. He attended Roosevelt elementary and Eisenhower high school. He first learned to skate at the stardust roller rink in Highland where be became an avid inline skater. As a Mexican-American youth growing up in southern California, Derek did not set foot on ice until he was 17 years old. Derek would be 26 years old before he would switch from inline skating to ice skating in 1996 in order to shoot for Olympic gold. Derek's road to the Olympics has not been easy. He and his wife Tiffany have struggled to make ends meet raising a baby girl, Mia Elizabeth, while Derek trained for the Olympics. Unlike most skaters who train fulltime, Derek works part-time at a Home Depot to help support his family. Derek has doggedly pursued his dream against all odds. When people said that he could not do it, he said that he could, and he did it. Derek proved that a determined kid from a working class family in Southern California could grow up to be a champion in a sport dominated by Northern Europeans. We do not have many Winter Olympians in San Bernardino. The beauty of the Olympic games is the opportunity they allow all of us to experience the glory and triumph through our athletes. We feel a connection with them. As the first Mexican-American to ever appear in the winter games let alone win a medal, Derek expanded the dreams of millions of Hispanic boys and girls throughout the U.S. and the world. In a world that all too often tells our children, ``no you can't,'' Derek Parra has shown them that ``si se puede,'' yes, they can compete! Through faith, determination and hard work, Derek broke down barriers to become a beacon of hope to children everywhere. Derek is truly a role model for others to follow. Derek Parra made history and opened the world of possibility of Hispanic Americans. Thank you Derek. San Bernardino is proud of you. Mexican Americans are proud of you. All Americans are proud of you. You are our hero. God Bless you.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the America's new Olympic heroes. Like all Americans, I have been watching all of our athletes competing in the 2002 Games with great pride. We love the Olympics. We love international spirit and the thrill of competition, the joy of victory and the stories of struggle. The athletes capture our imagination and our hearts. I have been watching one athlete with particular pride, speed skater Derek Parra, winner of the silver medal in the 5,000-meter event. You see, Derek Parra is from my district. He went to school with my son, Joe Baca, Jr., in Rialto, and I attend church with Derek's father, Gilbert Parra, at St. Catherine's in Rialto, California. Derek's family and friends gathered on Saturday at Graziano's Pizza Restaurant in Colton to watch the San Bernardino native break the world record in the 5,000-meter speed skating race with a time of 6 minutes, 17.98 seconds, beating his own best time by 15 seconds. Derek's silver medal win surprised the world. At 5 feet, 3\1/2\ inches, Derek is a small man in a tall man's sport. He is known by his Nordic competitors as ``The Little Man with the Big Strokes.'' Derek's record-breaking performance and silver medal were a bit of a surprise to even the people who know him best, because the 5,000-meter is not his best race. Friends and family eagerly await his best event, which is the 1,500-meter race on February 19. Derek grew up in the west side of San Bernardino with his brother and single father. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Eisenhower High School. He first learned to skate at the Stardust Roller Rink in Highland, where he became an avid in-line skater. As a Mexican American youth growing up in southern California, Derek did not set foot on ice until he was 17 years of age. Derek would be 26 years old before he would switch from in-line skating to ice skating in 1996 in order to shoot for the Olympic gold. Derek's road to the Olympics have not been easy. He and his wife Tiffany have struggled to make ends meet while raising a little girl, Mia Elizabeth, while Derek trained for the Olympics. Unlike most skaters who train full time, Derek worked part time at a Home Depot to help support his family. Derek has doggedly pursued his dream against all odds. When people said he could not do it, he indicated he could do it, and he did do it. We do not have too many Winter Olympians from San Bernardino. The beauty of the Olympic Games is the opportunity they allow all of us to experience the glory and triumph through our athletes. We feel a connection with them and all the individuals that participated. The residents of San Bernardino watched their native son with pride as he broke the world record in the 5,000-meter skate to win the silver medal. As the first Mexican American to ever appear in the Winter Olympics, let alone win a medal, Derek has expanded the dreams of millions of Hispanic boys and girls throughout the United States and the world, giving them hope that you have an opportunity to compete in an area where many other individuals do not compete. Derek Parra is an American hero. One of eight Olympians chosen by fellow teammates to carry the American flag into the opening ceremonies, Derek accepted the honor even though his first race was the next day. While most athletes spend the night before a race resting, Derek jeopardized his medal chances to carry Old Glory. With two events left in the Games, Derek Parra has already made history and opened the world of possibility for Hispanic Americans. I will be rooting for Derek as he competes in the 1,500- and 10,000-meter races. Bring home the gold medal, Derek. San Bernardino and Rialto are behind you. We all pray for you. Our prayers are with you. We wish you the best. We know you will do the best. You have made us proud.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a woman who was very special to me, to my aide, Ruby Ramirez, and to the entire Colton community. I rise to pay tribute to the life of Rosemary Holguin Colunga, beloved community activist, volunteer and leader. Rosemary was active in every kind of community organization from her high school days until her death. Rosemary was a woman who dedicated her life to the people of her community. She had visions of opening doors for those less fortunate making sure that everyone had a chance in life. Rosemary, herself, was no stranger to hardship. She was born on September 6, 1937 in San Bernardino, California, the second child of Jose Ramon and Catherine Holguin Colunga. Shortly afterwards, her parents moved to the City of Colton to raise their children, and Rosemary would remain a member of the Colton community for the rest of her life. She attended Garfield/Woodrow Wilson School continuing her education at Colton High School, but she had to drop out of school due to an illness. Never one to be defeated by life, Rosemary regained her health and earned her high school diploma from San Bernardino Valley College going on to earn an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and completing a general secretarial course at Skadron Business College. While Rosemary's education prepared her for a career in business, her heart belonged to service. In 1968 she began working for the anti- poverty programs for the San Bernardino County, and later coordinated community services for the City of Bloomington. Rosemary was pivotal in bringing Loma Linda University's low-income neighborhood to open a clinic for area residents. After working for the City of Bloomington for nine years, Rosemary moved to her own neighborhood of South Colton to become the Facility Coordinator for the City of Colton at the Luque Multi-Service Center at Veterans Memorial Park.The Luque Center was located in a low-income area, but this did not stop Rosemary from bringing every available program to the center that was offered uptown. If any of the programs were unavailable at her center, then she would just take the people uptown where they could enjoy the services in her typical ``can-do'' spirit. Her community involvement did not stop with her career. Service was a way of life for Rosemary. Rosemary became the president of Woodrow Wilson's PTA when no one else wanted to take on the responsibility even though she had no children of her own. Rosemary was determined not to let the students go without community leadership. She was also the first, and only, female president of Los Padrinos, a community organization. Rosemary was also active in her local Catholic Church, San Salvador where she served as a lecturer, Eucharistic minister and sang in the choir. Her fellow parishioners remember that her beautiful voice that brought tears to their eyes, because she was singing ``from her heart.'' Rosemary was particularly devoted to the very young and the very old of her community. She organized outings for the senior citizens of South Colton such as sight seeing, shopping and gambling. She truly loved spending time with the seniors referring to them as ``my Viejitos.'' The youth of her community were always seeking Rosemary's advice and she spent endless hours counseling, scolding and working with them at the centers. Many members of the Colton community count Rosemary as one of their mentors. Rosemary's service to her community did not go unnoticed during her lifetime. She received accolades and awards from countless organizations, the late Congressman George Brown, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamonte, State Senator Nell Soto, the City of Colton, and the Colton Joint Unified School District. Rosemary was nominated by Assemblyman John Longville and received the ``Woman of the Year 2000'' award, which she always considered her greatest accomplishment. Rosemary passed away on February 2, 2002 surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her brother Ramon Holguin Colunga, and is survived by brother William Holguin Colunga, and sisters Elvira Colunga Hernandez, and Olivia Colunga Gonzalez. She also leaves behind nine nieces and nephews, as well as seventeen great-nieces and nephews. Her family, innumerable friends and the entire community will miss her greatly. And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be included in the archives of the history of this great nation. For women like Rosemary Holguin Colunga are what make this nation great. Women like Rosemary leave a legacy of lives filled with dedication to the people of their community. She is the fabric from which our nation was created.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, while she's already been on the job for about three weeks now, tomorrow my colleagues, my fellow Californian, my friend, Nancy Pelosi will be sworn in to her new post as the democratic whip, and it's going to be a big day for America. Nancy is the highest-ranking woman in the United States Congress . . . ever! As a Hispanic member of Congress, I can not be prouder of this moment. When the barriers of achievement and opportunity fall for one, they fall for all of us. Nancy has her work cut out for her. She has dedicated herself to tackling the tough issues facing our economy. There are going to be some rough battles, but Nancy's unique blend of grace and determination will serve her well in the Whip post. It's hard not to admire Nancy Pelosi. She is a gracious, engaging woman who has raised five children, Chaired the California Democratic Party, served eight terms in Congress, doggedly advocated increased funding for healthcare and breast cancer research, and fought for human rights at home and abroad. It was her courageous fight against PNTR and for human fights in China, that first introduced me to Nancy when I came to Congress two years ago. I fought along side Nancy as she championed U.S. global leadership for human rights and sustainable development. Nancy is a loyal friend. I'll never forget how Nancy stepped forward on my behalf during my bid for a position on the rules committee. Nancy Pelosi is always willing to go to bat for her friends. This is the Nancy I know! Nancy has been going to bat for the people of California for 16 years and now she is going to bat for the Democratic Party and the entire nation. I look forward to Nancy's truly groundbreaking leadership as she leads our party and our nation into the twenty-first century.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. George H. Schnarre for his service as the President of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Schnarre is an individual of great distinction, and we join with his colleagues, family and friends in honoring his remarkable service to the San Bernardino community. He has truly achieved the American dream while retaining a firm commitment to his community exemplified by his work with the Chamber of Commerce. George Schnarre was born during the Great Depression to Missouri sharecroppers. In the 1940's the Schnarre family migrated to California setting down roots in the San Bernardino area. After graduating from San Bernardino High School, George began studies at Valley College, but they were cut short by the Korean War. George Schnarre answered the call of duty joining the United States Navy as a dental technician. Upon the completion of his duty to his country, George returned to his studies at the University of California at Riverside while working part time in the grocery business. Thus began George's career in the Southern California business community. While working his way up in the grocery industry, George Schnarre earned his real estate license. After moving back to his roots in San Bernardino, George entered the real estate business full time. Eventually George began his own real estate firm, George H. Schnarre Inc. Real Estate. Over time George's firm grew to encompass 13 offices. While George built his real estate firm, he always made sure there was time to serve his community and his industry at the local, state and national levels. He obtained lifetime credentials to teach any real estate subject at the Community College level. Among numerous activities within the community, George participated in area little league and girls softball leagues, and is an active Rotarian, Mason, Shriner, and member of the San Bernardino Elks. George Schnarre's dedication to the community and expertise in the business culminated in his service as Director of the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce as well as on four other local Chambers. George Schnarre is not only a business and community leader, he is also a family man. We are joined in recognizing the accomplishments of this outstanding individual by his wife, Claudia A. Schnarre, son George W. Schnarre, daughter Cindy Schnarre Healy and grandson David Jones. And so, Mr. Speaker, I join George's loving family, recognizing George's long and distinguished career in real estate, and we express admiration for his service to the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to announce to you and to the rest of my esteemed colleagues, that on January 5, 2002, Flornio and Escolastica Baca will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple will renew their wedding vows in a ceremony at Mt. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Barstow, California. Florenio and Escolastica were both born in New Mexico. Florenio was one of thirteen children born to Seledon and Isabeleta Baca, while Escolastica was only one of two children born to her parents, Rafael and Eufelia Garcia. Eufelia, now 89 years old, is the couple's only surviving parent. Florenio and Escolastica married on January 28, 1951 in La Joya, New Mexico, and shortly afterwards the pair moved to Barstow, California. Florenio worked for the Santa Fe Railway and later went to work for a civil service position only to return to the Santa Fe Railway until his retirement. A hardworking couple, Florenio and Escolastica were pioneers of the dual income family as Escolastica worked a variety of jobs until her retirement from a civil service position in Nebo, California. All the while, Florenio and Escolastica raised a loving family. The couple was blessed with three children, Gilbert, Sally and Evelyn. Today their children are grown and married. Florenio and Escolastica's family now includes Gilbert's wife, Tracy Marcum, Sally's husband, Scott Stapp, and Evelyn's husband, Joe Bensie. Their children have given the Baca's eight grandchildren, Lindsay, Courtney, Brandy, Larry, Erica, Adrian, Ryan and Mathew, and one great-grandchild, Brooklyn. I commend Florenio and Escolastica for demonstrating their commitment to marriage and family. The couple has provided love and ongoing support to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild playing an active role in all of their raising. Today the Baca's spend most of their time relaxing at home and visiting their family. Escolastica remains very active at Mt. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and the people of Califomia, I extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Florenio Baca.