Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield the gentleman such time as he may consume.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I just want to comment because I was a little confused by what the gentleman said. I believe that we want to be sure that teachers who get TEACH grants are doing that at schools that have shown the capacity and the ability to really help children achieve. And so that is why we want to direct them into those schools particularly. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).

Ms. DAVIS of California

Ms. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat).

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis).

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 58, which would dismantle key protections of teacher preparation programs. Unfortunately, this joint resolution is part of a much larger effort by my colleagues to remove crucial safeguards from the education sector and move us backwards. In my time on the San Diego School Board, the California legislature, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I found one thing to be a constant: studies find time and time again that a quality teacher makes the most important impact on a child's success in school. So I am finding it difficult to understand why anyone would support this joint resolution that decreases the quality of the very programs responsible for training our teachers. H.J. Res. 58 undoes years of hard work on both sides of the aisle to develop vital safeguards that ensure transparency and quality in teacher preparation programs. This provision plays a significant role in ensuring that teaching programs across the country work with educators to develop curriculum that trains teachers most effectively. Beyond this specific protection, it is important to keep in mind the damage that Congressional Review Acts can do to key safeguards on the books. H.J. Res. 58 takes away the possibility of the Department of Education coming back to rethink these protections and takes a sword to the language where a scalpel should be used. I know that many of my colleagues have concerns about the burdens that these protections have on our schools. Rightly so. But it is important to remember that, behind many of these safeguards, there is a student whose future is at stake. I have heard countless stories from students in my district who have been defrauded by schools that they trusted with their time and their money. I think it is important to remind my colleagues across the aisle that those are the people who we have been elected to serve, students who seek higher education as a means to a brighter future and often find themselves no better off at the end of years of hard work. So if my Republican colleagues want to discuss changes to the teacher preparation program provisions when we hopefully reauthorize the Higher Education Act this Congress, I am certainly open to having that discussion. If they want to get creative about increasing the quality and the efficiency of our schools, I will be the first person to sit down and have those discussions. But if they want to deregulate just for the sake of deregulation, well, I have to stand up for our students. If they want to, as Jerry Falwell recently implied, undo vital components of title 9 safeguards against sexual assault on our campuses, I am hopeful that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will refuse. Mr. Speaker, we were elected to this House to protect all of our constituents, including the most vulnerable members of our society. Nowhere is that more critical than where it pertains to the young people who are the most important investments that we can make as a country. For every student who is defrauded by a school, not given an opportunity because of their socioeconomic background, or drowning in debt, we are holding back one more person who could be contributing to our economy and to our society. We are giving one more person the wrong start in their adult lives, and the impact of that debt often affects their parents, their spouses, and children for years. I hope that my colleagues realize that it is in our best interest to protect students and not corporations. That it is in our best interest to safeguard equity and accessibility in our schools, and not for- profit schools who donate millions to encourage deregulation. I am hopeful that instead of taking an ax to the many protections that we developed for our students, my colleagues will join me in discussing the most responsible way, the best way that we can increase quality and efficiency in our schools. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, whatever you call the President's recent executive orders, the reality is that they constitute a Muslim ban. Yesterday, one of my constituents was crossing the border into San Diego when he was singled out for having brown skin. He was asked by a CBP agent if he was Muslim as he stood in line. Well, in fact, he is an Indian-American man who got his citizenship mere months ago, and he was so proud to become a U.S. citizen because it meant that he could finally vote in our elections. His wife called our office, horrified at how casually her husband's civil rights had been violated, and she told us that she was scared now to travel with her kids because she didn't want to tell them that they shouldn't talk to any agents at the airport. Her voice wavered as she explained that she has lived here for 45 years, but this is the first time she ever felt scared because of her skin color. Mr. Speaker, I demand--in fact, we all should demand--that President Trump rescind these discriminatory orders immediately and that my Republican colleagues stand up against these un-American policies.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 724, which would rescind President Trump's refugee ban in light of individuals like Jordanian Musa Sharkawi, a cardiology fellow in Connecticut whose wife is a Syrian doctor and whose family cannot visit her because of the ban.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 66.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, let me tell you about Chelsea, a mother of two young children, who was on Medicaid when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She never missed her birth control pills, but when she went to the clinic for treatment, she was told that she was pregnant and could not get the surgery she needed because of the pregnancy. Why is that? Because of the Hyde rule, Medicaid would not cover the abortion care that she needed, and her cancer treatment was delayed, obviously compromising her health. Instead of discussing ways to make Chelsea's situation better, we are considering a bill that would make the ban on abortion care services under Medicaid permanent. This is not about women asking for free, federally funded abortions. This is about women like Chelsea being able to receive the medical care they desperately need. We saw this weekend millions of women took to the streets throughout our country in a historic movement. So let's show them that we are listening by rejecting this bill that makes bad policy permanent. Madam Speaker, let's leave a woman's medical decision between her and her doctor and reject this far-reaching bill.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I opposed similar legislation in a markup yesterday, and I cannot support it today. My concerns are not with the exceptional qualifications and decades of honorable service of General Mattis, but I am opposed to a process that has made this House irrelevant. We have an obligation under the law to review this nomination based on General Mattis' military service, a law that codified the principle of civilian control of the military. General Mattis agreed, and was even eager, according to the chairman, to speak before the Armed Services Committee. The people have the right to know that the Presidential transition team blocked him from appearing. The American people, frankly, don't care what unelected members of the transition team think and would much rather hear from General Mattis on why we in the House should grant this exception to law. His testimony would be in all of our best interest. General Mattis could certainly start the new relationship that he has with the House Armed Services Committee, with our committee, through a thoughtful and a productive conversation on the issues. Today we are casting off our duty and agreeing to be irrelevant. To accept this legislation without making the appropriate changes, without fully participating in this legislative process, under a closed rule, we are doing nothing to safeguard civilian control of our military. In fact, we are accepting poorly drafted language, and we are not performing proper oversight. Why are we doing that? Because the President-elect's transition team said so. My colleagues have said that there is no requirement that General Mattis speak before us, but I want to say to them: Why cede our power to the Senate? Both houses of Congress have a duty here. Why let a nascent administration push us and a distinguished general around? I will not roll over and allow the transition team to dictate the charge of the people's House. We can fix this, Mr. Speaker, and we should.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Care Act is not a matter of politics. It is a matter of life or death for the people back home. In the San Diego region, repeal of the ACA would mean nearly 300,000 people could lose access to health care. I heard from one constituent just this week who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease where the rheumatoid arthritis is not just attacking her joints, but her organs as well. She needs a double lung transplant to stay alive. Her 7-year-old son, she writes me, tells her, ``Mommy, I'm scared. I hope you get your new balloons soon.'' She lives with the anxiety and the fear of how the repeal of the ACA may affect her treatment every day because of her preexisting condition. I implore my Republican colleagues to remember the people that this decision will impact. The effect of this repeal has much more important consequences than politics. Let's not be responsible for any child who sees a mother suffer or even lose her life without the treatment she needs.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

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

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, as the only member from the 53rd District, the only district that is 53rd in the country--the highest number district ever--and I am so aware of the size and scope of California and its congressional delegation. We have such a wide range of talents and perspectives and contributions that California Members bring to this body. As we see the 114th Congress now come to a close, we have more departing Members than many delegations have in the first place. So I am here to talk about some of them. We are losing leaders, we are losing friends and mentors, Members whom we have looked to and served beside. We are losing Members who have been so influential as they have shared to make their passion to make lives better, each in their own way. As we bid them farewell, I want to take this moment to pay tribute to five members that I am going to dearly miss. The first one is Lois Capps. Lois has really been an example and a role model for how to be the quintessential Congresswoman. She is generous, classy, hardworking, collaborative, and never afraid to stand up for people who are in need. One of the things about Lois that we all know is she has a lock on the Nicest Member of Congress award, and that is for a really good reason. She has been very helpful to me, and my staff, from the minute I came to Congress. I came a few years after she did. Since then, they have been helpful whenever we needed them. I certainly will miss her leadership, her perspective as a nurse and a healthcare advocate, and our region's voice on the Energy and Commerce Committee. She has always looked out for and delivered for women, kids, consumers, and anyone who has had problems with healthcare coverage. On that committee, she really has been a leader on the environment and a leader in promoting clean energy and green technology. Everybody knows Lois here on the floor. We all just look for her assurance and her smile all the time. Sam Farr just spoke a few minutes ago. He really is a Member that you look to for results. I learned about Sam when I was a member of the California legislature. One year, when the California members came to visit our Members of Congress, Sam was there to greet us. I remember having discussions with him. I think we were both chairing Consumer Affairs at one time in the State legislature and so we became kind of fast friends. Sam was also one of my walking buddies. There were a few years there where we walked often in the morning, meeting about six o'clock. We had a gang of us who went down to the park. We were there always talking and having a good time and really sharing our experience here. One thing we all know about Sam is that he was a legendary photo taker. I can assure you, whenever you see Sam wandering down here on the floor, he was often bringing pictures of people from one event or another that he had taken. They were great mementos. I know that we all treasured them dearly. Sam is known from Monterrey, which he represents, to Colombia. Everywhere he goes, he speaks to people. Often, if you travel with Sam, you know how hard it is to get him moving because he really wants to stop and talk to everybody along the way. Sam was really shaped by his service in the Peace Corps and dedicated himself to giving back and looking at tough issues from a global perspective. He has been an earmark and appropriations leader. His staff made him a book of accomplishments, and it was so thick. There were so many things that they had to share about Sam and what he has accomplished. Just like my colleague had said, he really stands for how we can work hard and we can get things done, especially when we know how to work with people. And Sam knows how to do that. That is why he has such a great, thick binder and lots of wonderful pictures. Sam has been a leader in the fight against offshore drilling and a smart thinker when it comes to BRAC solutions. I also want to talk about Loretta Sanchez. As my Armed Services colleague, my housemate, and Longworth neighbor, Loretta is someone I really got to see a lot of. In this kind of funny button-down town we have, Loretta is really a breath of fresh air. We know she is never afraid to be herself, and she is not like anyone else who has ever served. She surprised people when she came to Congress after a very long-shot campaign that really wasn't decided for months after she came here. Of course, she has never been afraid to take on a tough-odds fight. She was one of the first younger women before we had a lot of women coming here to Congress--women who had young children--who were really in their earlier years. A lot of us waited until we were later in our careers, but not Loretta. She came when she was really a young woman. Loretta is famous, of course, for her holiday cards and a lot of things that I just can't repeat right now, and for being one of the smartest, thoughtful, and funniest Members that we have here in Congress. I know that when San Diego groups come to town and want an interesting speaker, I always recommend Loretta. I never know what she is going to say, but that is why people listen. She is someone I will dearly miss, but at least she is leaving her little sister here with us in leadership, no less. We are glad to have Linda in that position. I want to talk about my friend, Mike Honda. Mike and I have been on the same path. We served in the legislature together, we campaigned in the year of George W., and we came to Congress in the same small Democratic class in 2000. Our staffs have worked very closely together, and he has ruled the seventh floor of Longworth from the same office that he has held the whole time he has been here in Congress. Like Sam Farr, Mike was shaped by his service in the Peace Corps in El Salvador. He has been a warrior for justice, whether it is educational justice or civil rights, and he has taken API issues to a new level and really made people aware of the struggles of Asian Americans from internment camps to POW issues to sex trafficking. Mike is something of a bridge as well between the generations. He has represented Silicon Valley with pride and been an advocate and example of new technology. His office always crushes all of us in the Golden Mouse Web site competition, and I think he was the first Member to drive a Prius. He still has that same green Prius with a stuffed animal we see parked all over campus. More than anything, we miss stories of Mike's famous karaoke nights. I hear nobody does Sinatra better. Janice Hahn. Janice actually turned out to be one of my newer colleagues from nearby LA, and I certainly hate to see her leave, but she will be a huge asset as a member of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. She joins a former colleague here and a former colleague of mine of the State legislature. Go girl. She is going to do tremendous work. The group of them who are in charge now at LA County, I know, will make tremendous strides for the region and for all of their constituents. It is very clear that Janice is an expert on transportation and infrastructure. She has helped a lot of us to understand port issues and stands up for the working people who make the goods move. It is always a great privilege to travel with Janice. I had that opportunity on a few occasions. I am certainly glad she will be serving in elected office. She still has such a great contribution to make. So, in closing, I just want to say that we certainly are going to miss these Members for different reasons, but those of us still here will carry on their legacies and never forget the marks they have each made. I have learned from all of them, and I will try to carry on their legacies by making my New Year's resolution to be as genuine as Lois, as edgy as Loretta, as engaging as Sam, as good at singing as Mike, and as spiritual as Janice.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership during this process. The conference report includes many provisions that will provide the military services flexibility to recruit and retain members of our Armed Forces and to continue our commitment to taking care of military families. One provision I would like to highlight expands maternity leave for military members up to 12 weeks in conjunction with the birth of a child and authorizes 6 weeks of leave for the primary caregiver in the case of adoption. For the first time, it also grants 21 days to the secondary caregiver for both the birth of a child and adoption. The conference report also begins to reform and modernize the military healthcare system by standardizing military treatment facilities across the services and increasing access for beneficiaries. The conference report reforms TRICARE into an HMO and a PPO system, but, unfortunately, it establishes a two-fee structure for the next 50 years, thus creating an inequity in a defined benefit for military retirees. I sincerely hope we can continue to work towards a better solution in the future. Although it is not perfect, this bill is a necessary step toward ensuring our servicemembers, retirees, and their families continue to receive the best, the most efficient, and the most economical health care possible. While I do agree with the increase in end strength for the military services in the conference report, I am still concerned about how it is paid for, especially with a possible continuing resolution until April. If the fiscal year 2017 defense appropriations bill does not contain the $3.2 billion in OCO for this increase, the services, particularly the Army, may be forced to reprogram from other critical accounts or give pink slips to dedicated soldiers. Lastly, I thank Chairman Joe Heck for his 2 years of leadership and bipartisanship on the subcommittee. His dedication to working with me and other members of the subcommittee on behalf of our servicemen and - women and their families is a credit to himself and his values as a public servant. I will miss working with him.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for support of H.R. 5948 in commemorating the life of a humble role model and a courageous American hero. Officer Jonathan De Guzman, or J.D., as he was better known by family and friends, dedicated his life to protecting and serving the San Diego community that he loved. Born in the Philippines, J.D. traveled to the United States at the age of 20 with high hopes of achieving the American Dream. Through hard work and perseverance, he achieved this dream as a San Diego law enforcement officer, serving in many different roles within the San Diego Police Department, including serving on the gang suppression unit. A devoted public servant, J.D. felt most rewarded by the bonds he created through community engagement. J.D.'s family, his friends, and fellow officers characterized him as a selfless, honorable, and caring warrior. San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman praised J.D. saying: ``He always raised the bar'' and ``cared deeply for his community.'' In 2003, he survived a brutal stabbing from a suspect he had stopped for speeding. A true warrior, indeed, upon recovery, he quickly returned to the force to defend the people of San Diego. In that same year, he was awarded the San Diego Police Department's Purple Heart for bravery in the line of duty. Although he appreciated the gesture, the accolades were not what motivated him to serve. The reactions of the community brought J.D. true fulfillment. Tragically, on July 28, 2016, Officer De Guzman, a 16-year veteran of the force, was shot multiple times at pointblank range and killed. Prosecutors on the case say the attack happened so quickly that J.D. never had the opportunity to pull his service weapon. On August 5, thousands--I mean thousands--of fellow officers and private citizens lined the streets of San Diego for J.D.'s funeral procession, tossing flowers along the path, holding signs, and waving American flags. I can assure you, it was really a moving experience. The amount of love and admiration I witnessed that day showed just how deeply he touched the lives of everyone he encountered in a life that was cut much too short. He was only 43 years old. He was a beloved son to his proud parents, a caring husband to his adoring wife, Mary Jane, and a hero to their beautiful children, Amira and Jonathan, Jr. I had the pleasure of meeting with his family and some of his close friends to offer my deepest condolences. I saw the wound that was left behind, a wound that may never truly be healed, but through loving memories of their time together, combined with the support of the community, his strong family will endure the pain. While nothing will ever fill the void, we can take action today to ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten. J.D. made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our community, and this bill will mean that future generations will know and understand the commitment that Officer De Guzman made and our law enforcement officers continue to make every day. I urge you to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5948 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 830 Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, California, as the Jonathan ``J.D.'' De Guzman Post Office Building. This post office sits right in the Eastlake community that Officer De Guzman called home and will stand as a lasting remembrance of a true role model and American hero.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, San Diego recently lost a giant presence in our community with the passing of Anne Otterson. Anne was a beloved part of San Diego, and she concentrated so much of her life to giving back. Through her work as an activist and philanthropist with Project Concern International (PCI) and the University of California San Diego, she left behind an enormous impact on the community. A former Fulbright scholar, she was very quick and intelligent, but in a way that was inclusive and encouraging of those around her. Anne had an ability to bring people in. She was always listening and wanted to learn about other people's experiences. She had a dedication to helping her community and used her resources and talents to do just that. Anne was a celebrated chef and teacher at the local culinary school Perfect Pan School of Cooking. She took that passion to the next level and used it for the good of others by establishing the annual Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala in 1981--this event has gone on for decades and has raised over $9 million for cancer research and care at UCSD's Moores Cancer Centers. Anne had a wonderful sense of humor, she was engaging, and had a presence that made people feel good. People just liked being around her. I was lucky enough to have spent time with Anne, and what always struck me about her was her strong sense of service. Her genuine interest was advancing PCI's mission: spreading women's empowerment, democracy and creating opportunity. Of all her many accomplishments, Anne considered her children and grandchildren to be her greatest achievements. She leaves behind a proud legacy. I also love what she described as her philosophy of life--I think it spells out the way she saw the world and how we can all learn from her. Anne said, ``Laugh at yourself, be curious and care about others, and listen to the world about you--whether it is the babbling brook, the melodious sounds of a flute, or the plaintive cry of oppressed people.'' These are the words that Anne Otterson lived by and they are an inspiration that lives on.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, San Diego and the state of California recently and suddenly lost a legal giant. I lost a friend and a neighbor. Alex C. McDonald loved the law. While his initial area of expertise was in real estate law, his legal knowledge of multiple fields was expansive. In a public service record that stretched more than two decades, Alex served on the state's 4th District Court of Appeals. His mark on the law and how it impacted the people of California are indelible. Alex played key roles in rulings that would affect public safety, civil liberties and voting rights. But to those who were fortunate enough to know Alex his wry sense of humor would be among their strongest memories. My husband, Steve, and I had a front row seat to his challenging and caring nature, as our families were friends and neighbors for over 40 years. For many people service on the court would have been enough, but Alex's impact on his community went beyond the bench. Through his role as President of the downtown San Diego Lion's Club, Alex was instrumental in creating Lions Community Manor. The Manor is a lifeline that provides housing for seniors, low-income families, and those living with disabilities. His legacy will continue to help those in need. He will be missed greatly in the community, but the greatest loss will be felt in the lives of his extraordinary and close knit family where his greatest pride and passion was focused. His wife, Judy, his four daughters--Katy, Annie, Margie, and Elizabeth--his sons-in-law, and his seven grandchildren are mourning the loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. I'm sure I speak for the people of San Diego and California as we thank Alex for his years of service and extend our deepest condolences to his family.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Abner B. Garcia, age 23, an Army veteran who never received a moment of action on the House floor.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, career technical education answers the call that we hear from industry and from students alike to train students in fields where high-quality jobs are available. We know that means both equity and quality. Equity, of course, we know because every individual, every man, every woman, people of color, the disabled, all of the groups need to have equal access to a promising education and successful career. The reality is that we can't fix a problem that we can't see. So we have to have the data. We have to have the ability to know what we are looking at. But it is equally important to make sure that CTE programs deliver in terms of quality. So how do we do that? I am excited that this bill places an emphasis on teachers getting opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. Teachers need support and training from industry leaders so that they can take their knowledge back to students. The flow of relevant information between industry, between teachers and students has to be highlighted and strengthened. When teachers have direct field experience, they are better able to enthusiastically relate accurate and timely industry practices to their students, and that makes for stronger professional development for teachers, and that will trickle down to our students. Successful CTE programs will close the skills gap that undermines our productivity today. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up and pass this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 496.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, ITT Tech, like other for- profit colleges before it, has misled students and mismanaged funds. Mr. Speaker, for-profit schools are often where our most vulnerable students seek brighter futures, students going back to their education after years away, single parents and veterans, and students with limited means. These students frequently receive financial aid, and the school's recklessness can do irreparable damage to their ability to complete their degrees, and ruin their credit ratings. Over a quarter of all Department of Education student aid funds, a third of all post-9/11 GI benefits, and half of DOD tuition assistance funds go to for-profit colleges. Shouldn't we make sure these Federal funds are a worthwhile investment? We must remember that beyond the dollar amounts and industry regulations, there are students' lives at risk, and doing right by them protects their interests and our competitiveness in our global economy.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a treasured member of the San Diego family. On June 3, 2016 Richard (Dick) B. Van Ransom-Magana, the founder of Mariposa Ice Cream, passed away. Dick was an inspiration to his family, friends and the patrons of his ice cream parlor. He was a beloved member of the Normal Heights community and a respected Adams Avenue business owner. His dynamic personality left a lasting impression on all those who knew him, even for just a fleeting moment, as they passed through to order ice cream. Like many, the Navy originally brought Dick to San Diego, but he chose to make San Diego his home. His grandfather taught him ice cream making, and with his wife Anna he became a fixture in Normal Heights sharing ice cream and conversation with everyone who passed through his store. During a packed memorial mass at St. Didacus Catholic Church on June 24th, he was called a light to others and a source of goodness and inspiration. Person after person remarked on his warmth, love for his family, and his great contributions to the Normal Heights community. While we grieve Dick's loss, we take comfort in the legacy he has left behind. You cannot walk Adams Avenue without feeling Dick's presence. It's bittersweet to be in the summer season and not have Dick here, but Mariposa Ice Cream is still open and thriving and carrying on just as Dick would want.