Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I wish to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan).

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I wish to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis).

Mr. DENHAM. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. DENHAM. This is a very serious matter. Thousands of jobs, American jobs, are on the line. Energy independence is on the line. When is enough enough? Five years? six years? ten years? When will we utilize North American oil in North America? Mr. Chairman, I wish to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster).

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the chairman for the time to express my views on H.R. 3, which will generate numerous benefits to the Nation and its economic growth. This pipeline will create American jobs, enhance our energy independence, and strengthen our national security. I am proud to say that I'm a cosponsor of this legislation because it represents a significant opportunity to create jobs and spur economic growth in our country. Furthermore, this bill will help the Nation become more energy independent. According to the Department of Energy, the pipeline will transport 830,000 barrels per day of oil from Canada to the gulf coast, totaling nearly half of our current daily imports from the Middle East. This bill makes these numerous project benefits a reality. What this boils down to is breaking through bureaucratic hurdles and making this project a priority. The southern leg of the Keystone XL pipeline has already been approved, and this bill finishes the job, allowing construction of the northern route of the pipeline to move forward. This bill also ensures that the environment and its historic resources are protected, through the 5 years of studies that have already been completed on this project. Indeed, this has been the most studied project in our country's history. It also ensures that the project's routing through Nebraska, the primary objection with the permit when it was denied in 2012, is the route chosen by the people of that State. Simply put, as President Obama said regarding the southern route, this bill ``cuts through the red tape.'' The project is the most extensively studied and vetted pipeline project in the history of this country. Given the nearly 5 years of study and review of the Keystone XL project--with four State Department environmental impact statements and over 15,000 pages of publicly released documents--we know the ins and outs and all about this pipeline. I believe in an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and this legislation is one piece of that puzzle to break America's dependency on overseas foreign oil. Finally, it is important to remember that this project will be built with private dollars and create thousands of private sector jobs. This project has passed through all three committees with bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, May 17, 2013. Hon. Bill Shuster, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman Shuster, I am writing concerning H.R. 3, the ``Northern Route Approval Act.'' As you know, H.R. 3 contains a section on judicial review, which is within the Committee on the Judiciary's Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee and in order to expedite the House's consideration of H.R. 3, the Committee on the Judiciary will not assert its jurisdictional claim over this bill by seeking a sequential referral. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding and agreement that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary with respect to the appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Bob Goodlatte, Chairman.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 3.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Daniel McCauley, M.D. who was named as the recipient of the 2013 John Darroch Memorial Award for Physician of the Year by The Stanislaus Medical Society. He will be honored during a ceremony in Modesto, California on May 9, 2013. Dr. McCauley was born and raised in Northern Ireland. He dreamed of joining the Merchant Marines but unable to pursue that career choice, he turned to medicine. He obtained his medical degree at the University College in Dublin, Ireland in 1968. He continued his education with residencies at Hammersmith Hospital and Kingston Hospital located in England and also, Boston City Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. For the last thirty years, Dr. McCauley has practiced in Turlock. He is known for being well trained, cooperative, dedicated, and having moral character with excellent clinical judgment. Dr. McCauley gives selflessly by providing indigent care throughout the Valley. During his free time, Dr. McCauley is an avid reader and gardener. Dr. McCauley and his colleague enjoy sailing on the San Francisco Bay. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Dr. Daniel McCauley for his significant contributions to the medical field and to the people of Stanislaus County.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. As chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, tomorrow the full Transportation Committee will be taking up legislation which represents a significant opportunity to create American jobs and spur economic growth in our country. Quite simply, the Northern Route Approval Act will end years of bureaucratic delays and finally allow construction to the Keystone XL pipeline project. The delay alone over the last 4 years has blocked 120,000 American jobs. The delays have to stop. This has bipartisan support. It is time to stop the delays. In my home State of California, we have not only seen huge skyrocketing gas prices, but we continue to see high unemployment and rolling blackouts. I'm part of the House Energy Action Team, and it is time to make sure that we have energy independence, lower gas prices and energy prices, and create American jobs. It's time to stop the delays of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Mr. Manuel Lopez, San Joaquin County Administrator, who retired after more than 25 years of outstanding service to our county. Manuel was born in Pacoima (Los Angeles County) and was raised in Selma (Fresno County). After graduating from Selma high school, Manuel joined the Air Force for four years. Immediately after he was discharged, he worked for the California Department of Water Resources but left the job to attend Fresno City College on the G.I. Bill, where he subsequently earned a Civil Engineering degree from Fresno State. While attending Fresno State, he was involved with a group of students associated with the Fresno area ``War on Poverty'' and was a member of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Manuel's first professional job was with Tulare County, and then the City of Fresno, where he ultimately became the Deputy City Engineer. Shortly after he started working at the City of Fresno, Manuel, together with several friends, started The Del Rey Y's Men Club in Del Rey, California--a branch of the National YMCA. The Club mentored boys from 12 to 18 years of age on how to act responsibly and how to be involved in the community. Manuel and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Ripon in San Joaquin County in 1985, when he was appointed the Assistant Public Works Director. He concurrently served as the Interim City of Lathrop Engineer, when the City was formed in 1989. From 1991 to 1998, he served on the City of Ripon Economic Development Committee, twice as Chairman. In 1999, he served as President of the Sacramento Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Subsequently, in March 2000, Manuel was appointed the County Public Works Director. Just as he started to enjoy that role, in July 2001, the Board of Supervisors appointed him as the interim County Administrator and appointed him on a permanent basis in November. His nearly 12 years in this position is longer than any of his predecessors. Over the years, Manuel has been recognized for serving on the following associations and organizations: American Public Works Association, where he served as the Sacramento Chapter President in 1999; County Engineer's Association of California (CEAC); County Administrative Officers Association of California (CAOAC); Ripon Economic Development Committee, where he served as Chairman in 1993; San Joaquin Engineer's Council; Chairman San Joaquin March of Dimes Fund Drive; and the San Joaquin County Historical Society. Manuel and Sylvia have been married for 38 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending San Joaquin County Administrator Mr. Manuel Lopez after numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Mr. Wayne Brown, Superintendent of the Stanislaus Union School District, who is retiring after many years of outstanding service to our community. Mr. Brown is highly accomplished in the field of education. He worked with staff to raise Stanislaus Union School District's API average to 800, in addition to initiating a full-day Kindergarten program. He developed a long-range Facility Master Plan that included running and successfully passing a bond campaign to include a comprehensive renovation/modernization of Prescott Junior High School. Wayne helped enhance significant technology infrastructure district-wide and pilot ``blended'' online and interactive programs in both GATE and in an innovative, full-day Independent Study Program. He supported the development of a Performing and Fine Arts Charter School in Monterey County and an Arts and Technology Academy in Stanislaus Union School District. He had the honor of being the Principal of a California Distinguished School and Superintendent of another, Mary Lou Dieterich Elementary. By using the ``Caught in the Middle'' concepts, he helped plan and collaboratively transition a junior high school into a progressive middle school in Monterey County. He is also a Program Quality Review and WASC Accreditation Trainer, and he is credited with creating the highly successful Middle Schools Consortium in Monterey County. Wayne Brown has dedicated 37 years of his life to the education community. He was a teacher for 11 years, served the same amount of time as a principal at K-6, 6-8 and 9-12 levels, and 15 years as Superintendent. He served as one of the few consolidated superintendents in California with two separate districts and two school boards at one time. He also served as a Teacher Supervisor and part-time professor for Chapman College, Monterey Campus. After working in Monterey County for 31 years, he tired of temperate weather, magnificent vistas, sunny coast and world class golf courses and relocated to the Central Valley. Mr. Brown is married to Cathy, who is a special education teacher with Patterson Unified School District; and together, they have four children. He was the first family member to attend college; and now, he officially has the lowest undergraduate GPA of any of the six members in his family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to education and the Stanislaus County community by Superintendent Wayne Brown and hereby wish him continued success in his retirement.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Dr. Robert Price, Superintendent of the Empire Union School District, who is retiring after many years of outstanding service to our community. Dr. Price began his teaching career in Turlock in 1973. In November of 1981, he received his first administrative assignment as Assistant Principal at Monte Vista Middle School in Tracy. In July of 1982, he was appointed Principal of Monte Vista Middle School; and in 1987, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services in Tracy and served as Interim Superintendent for one year. Dr. Price is concluding his career at Empire Union School District after 20 years as Superintendent. Dr. Robert Price is a veteran in the integration of technology into the educational process. He is a founding TICAL Cadre member and has presented on technology issues for ACSA, The California League of Middle Schools, CSBA, and the National Middle School Association. He is a past President of the California League of Middle Schools and has received numerous awards, including the 2008 Ferd Kiesel Award from ACSA, their highest statewide recognition. Dr. Price and his district were featured in the American Executive--July 2010 issue as one of 30 school districts in the nation thriving during tough fiscal times. He has been married to Sally for 37 years. Bob and Sally have two children, Geoffrey, 31, and Caitlin, 29. Geoffrey is a sound engineer living in San Francisco, and Caitlin is a graduate Ph.D. student at U.C. Berkeley. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Dr. Robert Price, Empire Union School District Superintendent, for his numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Dr. John Halverson, Superintendent of the Sylvan Union School District, who is retiring after many years of outstanding service to our community. Dr. Halverson began his teaching career in Bangor, California, in 1977, after serving his country in the United States Army. In 1980, he was promoted to Superintendent/Principal at Bangor Union Elementary School District--a position he held for 5 years. In 1985, he moved to Jackson, California, and was appointed as Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services at Amador County Unified School District in 1988. In 1994, he was appointed Superintendent of the Nevada City School District. Dr. Halverson came to Stanislaus County in 2003, where he will be concluding his career at Sylvan Union School District after 10 years as Superintendent. Dr. John Halverson was integral in the implementation of middle schools for Amador County Unified School District. He was also behind the establishment of the 1994 Charter in Nevada City--the School of the Arts. He oversaw construction of three new schools in the Sylvan Union School District and was at the helm of seeing the 2006 passage of Measure A, a school bond for modernizing projects. For the last 24 years, Dr. Halverson has overseen fiscal stability in three school districts as Superintendent. Over the years, Dr. Halverson has been recognized with many awards including 1997 Nevada County Charter Superintendent of the Year and 2001 Nevada County Administrator of the Year. In 2013, the Stanislaus County Chapter of the California Teachers Association recognized him with a CTA School Bell Award. In addition, he volunteers with many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Modesto, Amador County Arts Council, 49er Breakfast Rotary Club, and the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Dr. John Halverson, Sylvan Union School District Superintendent, for his numerous years of selfless service to the betterment our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved leader in the San Joaquin Valley, John J. Serpa. Patriarch of the Serpa family, John passed away due to heart failure on March 5, 2013. John was born in 1925 at the family's ranch house in the wilds of Siskiyou County. The first son of immigrants Joseph Cardoza Serpa and Luduvina Texeira, John attended school in Etna at Mound School, one of California's disappearing one-room schools in the Scarface Hamlin Gulch area of the Scott Mountain Range. Even as a young boy, John's concern was always the welfare of this family. The Great Depression had swept through the country like wildfire, causing the family to lose its ranch, its livestock and its way of life. John's sense of family responsibility sent him to work driving a derrick for more fortunate neighboring ranchers. He earned 75 cents a day, which he gave his mother for groceries, although he himself was without shoes. The family moved to Stockton in 1936, when John's father learned of an opportunity to obtain ranching property there. John soon became his father's right-hand man in managing the family's holdings. He graduated from Stockton High School, where he excelled in sports and business curriculum. He enrolled at College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific), and quickly became a member of the university's renowned football team under the guidance of its famed coach, Amos Alonzo Staff. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, John's classmates were drafted into the military to serve their country in World War II. Although he was a principal in running his father's ranch and qualified for exemption from the draft, John interrupted his education to enlist in the United States Marines. He was sent to boot training at the Marine Corps Depot in San Diego, California. After completing basic training, John was transferred from San Diego to the Asiatic Pacific Theatre, seeing action in the Philippines and Okinawa, where he was severely injured. When he returned home, John invested his military savings in ranch property that his father wanted to buy on Corral Hollow Road in Tracy. John loved law enforcement and soon left ranching to join the Tracy Police Department, where he quickly rose to the rank of Captain. He was an accomplished marksman, gun enthusiast, hunter and outdoorsman and spent his off-hours hunting elk with his brothers in the wilds of Idaho. In January of 1952, he married Dolores Azevedo, the mother of his children, whom he met when they both were members of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2007. A graduate of Delta College with emphasis on Police Science, John continued his law enforcement studies at San Jose State, UC Davis, Chabot College, Modesto Junior College, and Contra Costa Junior College. He also held an advanced certificate from California Peace Officers Standards and Training, as well as an NRA Lifetime Masters Shooters Certificate in the police combat category, under which he created and trained a police combat shooting team, winning many state championships. John retired from the Tracy Police Department after 20 years of dedicated service, during which he greatly advanced the department's training program. After retirement, John's interest in business and community service moved him to the city of Lathrop, where he invested in real estate and became a leader in civic activities. He served two terms on the San Joaquin County Grand Jury, one term as its Vice Chairman; served on the County Board of Zoning Adjustments and the Lathrop Planning Commission; served two terms on the board of the Lathrop County Water District; served on the Lathrop Advisory Committee and Lathrop City Incorporation Committee; and was a powerful voice in numerous municipal legislative hearings. He was a past president of the Interstate 5 Association and a past president of a number of community service clubs, including the Rotary, the Kiwanis, and the Lions Clubs. John received numerous honors and national recognition for his continuing involvement over three decades with the United States Marine Corps League. He was named Honorary National Past Commandant of the League at its national convention in Rochester, Minnesota--only the fourth time in the history of the Marine Corps League that a member has been granted that title. John is survived by his current wife of 27 years, Linda ``Lyn'' Ann- Marie Serpa; his children Gaylene Serpa of Tracy, Michael Serpa of Galt, Paul Serpa of Manteca, and John Thomas Serpa of Lathrop; and stepchildren Scott Rosenquist, Kristen Wight, Wendy Frink, and Susan Rosenquist. Other survivors included grandchildren Nicole Vertar, Gregory Serpa, Marissa Serpa, Nicholas Serpa, Anthony Serpa, and Matthew Serpa; one great-granddaughter, Aria Serpa; 11 step-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; sisters Alma Carroll of San Francisco, Mary Compton of Fair Oaks and Margaret Buckingham of Cambria; and brother Edwin Serpa of Tracy. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring John Serpa for his unwavering leadership, and recognizing his accomplishments and contributions. He will be remembered as a highly respected Tracy businessman, deeply involved in community and civic affairs, and well known for his efforts in bettering and developing services for veterans under the auspices of his beloved Marine Corps League.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights Gary Caseri on his retirement. He retired on March 2, 2013, after 37 years of valuable service to the agricultural and business community and five years as the Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights for Stanislaus County. Mr. Caseri has been a committed member of the California Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association (CACASA) for over 12 years. He has enforced laws and regulations from a prospective of service and outreach to the agricultural and business communities. Mr. Caseri provided equity in the marketplace through fair enforcement of weights and measures laws and regulations. He was instrumental in establishing the first grower-led spray safe workshop-- an event designed to help pesticide applicators apply material in a safe manner. Mr. Caseri served on the Agricultural Advisory Board providing valuable guidance on important issues that included the Agricultural and the draft Ground Water Export Ordinance. Through his leadership on the CACASA Seed, Apiary and Nursery Committee, he facilitated the standardization of colony-strength inspection procedures used during the important almond pollination season. Mr. Caseri served on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee and was successful in establishing a model pilot retail egg inspection program, which will be used throughout the State of California. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights Gary Caseri on his retirement and in wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved leader in the Newman Community, Reverend Hector Villegas, and to recognize his tireless work as the Pastor of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. Ministering to thousands, Reverend Villegas earned the respect of fellow clergy and civic leaders alike. The Rev. Hector Villegas of Newman passed away March 1 at the age of 48, only days from his 49th birthday. The Rev. Villegas was known for serving the parish with compassion and devotion, a spiritual leader whose own life was guided by his deep faith. He was born and raised in Tijuana, where he was surrounded by many friends and enjoyed childhood adventures with his older sister Patricia. He had a lifelong passion for exercise, and through adulthood could often be found working out at a gym. His participation in a youth ministry camp inspired him to become a priest. After graduating from the Tijuana Diocese Seminary with a degree in philosophy, the Rev. Villegas came to California in 1998 as a seminarian at St. Jude's parish in Ceres. He attended St. John's Seminary in Camarillo and St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park before being ordained June 29, 2002, by Bishop Stephen Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation. The Rev. Villegas served at St. Stanislaus in Modesto from 2002 to 2007, serving as a parochial vicar and later administrator pro tem. He is survived by his mother, Evangelina Villegas of San Diego; and two sisters, Patricia Hernandez of Chula Vista and Adriana Quiroz Villegas of San Diego. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Reverend Villegas for his unwavering leadership, and recognizing his accomplishments and contributions as Pastor of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. The life of Reverend Hector Villegas serves as an example of excellence to those in our community, and his legacy will not be soon forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Ms. Minnie Dodge, Administrative Manager for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, who is retiring after 14 years of outstanding service to our community. Ms. Dodge attended Boise State University. During her time in the state of Idaho, she worked for L.B. Industries, Inc., the Larry Barnes Foundation, and was the co-owner of Omega Construction. Minnie then relocated to California, where she was hired at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as the Customer Service Manager in February of 1999. During her years at the Chamber, she was on several committees, including the Ag Aware Luncheon, the Harvest Luncheon, the Good Egg Breakfast, and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Leadership Steering Committee. In July 2002, Minnie was promoted to Administrative Manager. Minnie and her husband, Tony Meli, will soon be moving back to Boise, Idaho. Her family includes children Nicole, Cherene and her husband Steve, and Shane and his wife Tracy; along with their grandchildren Emily, Ashley, Conner, and Jack. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Minnie Dodge for her numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. When the courageous Americans who volunteer to fight our wars come home, they should not have to fight for jobs. Unemployment is one of the biggest problems currently facing America's veterans. In addition to our gratitude and support, our veterans need jobs. With more than 250,000 servicemen and -women expected to return to civilian life each year over the next 5 years, veterans' employment issues will only grow more challenging. That's why for more than a year the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus has worked to bring the public and private sectors together--to end the veterans' unemployment crisis. I am proud to join more than 70 of my House and Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle in this important mission to raise awareness and to increase employment among our Nation's veterans. Today and every day, we are asking our colleagues and private businesses, small and large, to make a personal and public commitment to hiring veterans by displaying this sign: ``I hire veterans.'' This logo should be displayed in our windows. It is our greatest duty as leaders in Washington to uphold our commitment to our veterans, and we invite members of the public, especially business owners, to join us in this important mission.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Ms. Heidi McNally-Dial, Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager for the City of Turlock, who has retired after many years of outstanding service. Heidi started with the City of Turlock in December of 2006. As part of a Council-approved reorganization to make economic development and redevelopment more visible and active in the community, she had numerous responsibilities. Those responsibilities included implementation of the Westside Industrial Specific Plan (WISP), management of the redevelopment agency, implementation and management of the Turlock Enterprise Zone in cooperation with the Alliance, and acting as the business liaison to assist with expansions, attraction, and retention. In addition, she was asked to represent Turlock on a variety of city and county-wide boards and organizations related to economic development. Mrs. McNally-Dial has almost 30 years of experience working in local, regional, and state governmental agencies--primarily in the fields of planning, redevelopment, and economic development. Heidi previously worked for Stanislaus County, the City of Modesto, the City of Ceres, and Cal Trans. Her family moved to Turlock in 1973, when her father chose Castle Air Force Base as his last duty station before retirement. Heidi stayed local and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1980 and a Master's of Public Administration in 1983 from California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS). Heidi has been married for 33 years to Gary Dial, a retired CPA. Together, they have a 25-year-old son, and they enjoy traveling, reading, cooking and brewing beer. Heidi and Gary are also Giants season-ticket holders and sports fans. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Mrs. Heidi McNally-Dial for her numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor San Joaquin County Clerk to the Board of Supervisors Ms. Lois M. Sahyoun, who is retiring after more than 33 years of outstanding service to our county. Ms. Sahyoun graduated from Edison High School and San Joaquin Delta College. She continued her education at the University of the Pacific, earning a Certificate of Completion for Public Management in Changing Environment. She also completed the San Joaquin County Human Resources Leadership Academy. In 1966, she began her career in county service as a Clerk Typist with the Department of Public Assistance, where she was promoted to Clerk Stenographer in Administration and worked for the Assistant Director. Lois was then hired by the Board of Supervisors and promoted to Board Secretary/Office Manager. In 1979, Lois took a job with Representative Norman D. Shumway and worked as his District Coordinator for nine years. She returned to the Board of Supervisors in 1991 as an Administrative Manager. In 1993, she was appointed by the Board of Supervisors as Clerk of the Board. The San Joaquin County Committees on which Ms. Sahyoun has served include the San Joaquin County-Wide Internet Security Committee, San Joaquin County Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator, Department Head Retreat Committee, Diversity Luncheon Committee, San Joaquin County Mentor-Mentee Partnership Program, County Content Management System Committee, and the San Joaquin County Green Committee. Ms. Sahyoun is also currently in her fourth four-year term as a Commissioner with the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Commission. Additionally, Lois served on the City of Stockton Planning Commission, the Board of Directors of the Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, and was the former President and District Commissioner of the Little League and Babe Ruth Sports Programs in Stockton, California. On the Statewide California Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Association, she served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President. She has dedicated her time as Editor of the Capstone Publication and her efforts to the Education Committee, Nomination Committee, Mentor Committee, New Clerks Institute, and the New Supervisors Institute. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Ms. Lois M. Sahyoun for her numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor a distinguished resident of the City of Escalon, Mr. David Ennis. David Ennis is a devoted civic leader, whose good deeds earn him the respect and admiration of his family, friends, colleagues, and community. He was elected to the Escalon City Council on March 7, 1978; and during his 24-year tenure, he diligently served the city in his roles as Councilmember, Mayor Pro Tempore, and Mayor. During Mr. Ennis's tenure as Councilmember, he voted to pass the city's Growth Management Ordinance and helped head the project committee for the Walt Hogan Memorial Sports Complex. Mr. Ennis currently serves as Board Trustee for Escalon Community Ambulance, in addition to serving as the Escalon Representative to the San Joaquin Commission on Aging. He is a dedicated advocate for senior rights and is a frequent volunteer at the Escalon Community Center's Senior Lunch Program. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Mr. David Ennis for his unwavering leadership and many accomplishments and contributions. His dedication and commitment have made the City of Escalon a better place for all to live and work, and his life serves as an example of excellence to those in our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Leadership Turlock, as they celebrate 20 years of leadership education in the Central Valley. Leadership Turlock was established in 1993 by founding member, Sharon Silva. The program was formed through the Turlock Chamber of Commerce to identify new potential Turlock leaders and to provide a ten-month program that would develop knowledge and understanding of the community. Leadership Turlock has turned out graduates such as Assemblywoman Kristen Olsen, City Attorney Phaedra Norton, Former Councilwoman Beverly Hatcher, Former Councilman Marty Yerby, Former Councilmember Kurt Vander Weide, School Board Member Josh Bernard, and Police Chief Robert Jackson--to name a few. Some of the community efforts and accomplishments include building tiles at the Donnelly Park Play Ground; construction improvements for a regional sports facility; refurbishing a picnic area at Donnelly Park; installing a pad, grills, picnic tables, and a trash receptacle at Centennial Park; refurbishing a room at the Salvation Army into an afterschool learning center; renovating and designing a reception area for the Turlock Pregnancy Center; and providing furniture, paint, a flat-screen television, and $2,000 dollars in supplies for the Emanuel Cancer Center. Through participation in the program, members have an opportunity to connect, discuss, and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders and to motivate and build strong-minded thinkers to assume leadership roles in our community. Leadership Turlock is building our future and celebrating our past, and it fosters a sincere commitment, motivation, and interest in serving the community. During the ten-month program, members expand their understanding of Turlock and Stanislaus County through exposure to community issues many may not have otherwise had the opportunity to explore. At the same time, members can enhance their leadership and management skills and develop close relationships and mutual concerns with other classmates. Even in a fragile economy, the Leadership Turlock Program continues to inspire public and private sector interest and participation. One of the key successes to the longevity of the Leadership Turlock Program is the program's personnel infrastructure--led by a committed group of Steering Committee and Day-Chair members. Each Committee member has a direct connection with one of the day topic planning teams. This direct connection enables the program to move quickly when mobilizing and responding to challenges and changes. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Leadership Turlock for 20 years of delivered premier leadership training for the Turlock community. Leadership Turlock is proud of its 310 graduates who continue to lead in business and industry, elected offices, and non- profit volunteer boards and organizations.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor San Joaquin County Supervisor Leroy Ornellas on his retirement from the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and to thank him for his dedicated, life-long spirit of community service. Alfred L. ``Leroy'' Ornellas was born in Tracy, California, on April 3, 1944. The Ornellas Family has been dairy farmers in the Tracy area since the 1930s. A third generation farmer and dairyman, Ornellas served for several years as a member of the San Joaquin County Agricultural Advisory Board and was selected by his peers to serve as Chair for five of those years. In addition, he served as the Board of Supervisor's representative to the Ag Advisory Board. Leroy was a founding member of the San Joaquin County Citizens Land Alliance--an organization that advocates for the rights of private property owners. He has been active in land use issues as a member of the first ``Tracy Tomorrow'' task force and has provided testimony to various legislative bodies engaged in the development of land use plans and agricultural issues. In recognizing his many contributions to the community and to agriculture, the City of Tracy and the Tracy Chamber of Commerce honored Leroy as ``Agriculturist of the Year'' in 1995. Also, in 2010, the Ornellas Dairy was recognized by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. as part of the Western Area Members of Distinction. This program recognizes members who excel in their operations, in their communities, and in the industry. Leroy was elected to the Board of Supervisors for District 5 in November of 2002, where he served as Chair for the 2004 and 2009 sessions. At the time of Leroy's election, the Fifth Supervisorial District included the cities of Escalon, Tracy, Ripon, Mountain House, half of Manteca, and a portion of Lathrop. Escalon and Ripon were later removed from District 5 after multiple redistricting cycles. In 2012, term limits ended Leroy's tenth year of public service on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors; but, as Leroy's community service did not begin with his election to the Board of Supervisors, it will not end there either. He currently sits on several boards and commissions affecting the San Joaquin Valley, but he is most proud of those in which he must collaborate with his peers from other cities and counties. Some of such organizations include the Board of Directors for the Sutter/Tracy Community Hospital, the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Chair, 2008), the San Joaquin Council of Governments, and the Regional Airport Planning Committee among several others. Leroy is a member of the Tracy/Ripon/Manteca Chambers of Commerce, Tracy Noon Rotary, Young Men's Institute, National Rifle Association, and the San Joaquin Farm Bureau. In addition to his business and public service interests, Leroy is a motorsports enthusiast and an admirer of glass and paint art. He enjoys attending sports venues, traveling, and American History. Leroy and his wife, the former Jennie Deaderick, were married in 1963. They have three sons--Kevin, Mark, and Mathew--all of whom are married and assist in managing the family farming operation. The Ornellases have four grandchildren. Leroy and Jennie, their three sons, and four grandchildren will all have been educated in San Joaquin County public schools. Leroy and his sons attended Modesto Junior College, where the two eldest played football. His eldest granddaughter attended San Joaquin Delta College and graduated from San Jose State in 2011. All of the Ornellas children and grandchildren have been or are members of 4-H. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring San Joaquin County Supervisor Leroy Ornellas on his retirement and in thanking him for his exemplary leadership and service to the community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved leader in the Escalon community, Mary Silveira Sanchez Loumena. Mary was born in Yountville, California, on June 23, 1920, and passed away surrounded by her family on October 12, 2012, in Escalon, California. Her passing has brought great sorrow and loss to people throughout the community. Mrs. Sanchez Loumena was an active member of the Young Ladies Institute, Kiwanis, the Ladies of Escalon, and Grandmother's Club. In addition, she was the Chairperson of the 125th anniversary celebration for St. Patrick's Church, and she initiated the children's monthly prayer group. Mary was a founding charter member of the Escalon Historical Society and Museum. Her instrumental role in its formation will always be her legacy. She also played a fundamental role in locating, purchasing, and bringing the caboose to Escalon's Main Street Park to commemorate the town's railroad beginning and history. She and her husband, Charles, sold part of Sanchez Ranch to the State of California for the location of El Portal Middle School. They also developed Vintage Estates--a project where they sold remaining portions of their ranch for custom homes. During the threat of cutbacks in the 1990s, Mrs. Sanchez Loumena donated money to the City of Escalon to keep streetlights lit in residential neighborhoods. Escalon believes that future generations can learn much from the past, and Mrs. Sanchez Loumena played a key role in preserving much of Escalon's history. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Mrs. Mary Silveira Sanchez Loumena for her unwavering leadership and many accomplishments and contributions. Her life serves as an example of excellence to those in our community, and her legacy will not be soon forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Leadership Modesto as they celebrate 30 years of leadership education in the Central Valley. Leadership Modesto was established in 1981 by founding Members Dave Kilby, Jeff Cowan, John Sutton, Connie Bird, Ed Boyle, Stan Hodges, Mike Zagaris and Virginia Bruch. The program was formed through the Modesto Chamber of Commerce to identify new potential Modesto leaders and to provide a ten-month program that will develop knowledge and understanding of the community--its complexities and its potential. The program also provides an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders, and to motivate and encourage participants to assume leadership roles in community affairs. Leadership Modesto has turned out graduates such as Former Mayor James Ridenour, current Mayor Garrad Marsh, current Vice Mayor Stephanie Burnside, Modesto City Council Members Joe Muratore and Dave Cogdill Jr., and Sheriff Adam Christianson to name a few. Some of the community efforts and accomplishments--established Bette Belle Smith Day, upgraded playground equipment at JFK Elementary School, clothing drive for Professional Dress, and raised money for Camp Taylor. The program also provides an opportunity for its members to connect, discuss and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders, and to motivate and build strong minded leaders to assume leadership roles in our community. Leadership Modesto is building our future and celebrating our past. Leadership Modesto is men and women with a sincere commitment, motivation and interest in serving the community. During the ten month program, members expand their understanding of Modesto and Stanislaus County through exposure to community issues many may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore at the same time enhancing leadership and management skills, and develop close relationships and mutual concerns with other class members. Even during a down economy, the Leadership Modesto program continues to inspire public and private sector interest and participation. One of the key successes to the longevity of the Modesto program is the program leadership infrastructure--led by a committed group of Steering Committee members. Each Steering Committee member has a direct connection with one of the day topic planning teams. This direct connection enables the program to move quickly, to mobilize and respond to challenges and changes. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Leadership Modesto for 30 years of delivered premier leadership training for Modesto. More than 500 graduates pepper business and industry, elected offices, as well as non-profit volunteer boards and organizations. It's our community's succession plan.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. ``But neither United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debtor obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.'' Section 5: ``The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.'' Amendment XV: Section 1: ``The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.''