Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I support the 21st Century AIRR Act, H.R. 2997. This is something that needs to get done. We need to solve our problems for America's airlines and our passengers who are traveling across the country. This is a short-term extension, but we have got to get our job done. As well, we have got to get our job done on teaching hospitals. While we continue to debate the healthcare of this Nation, we have got areas like mine that have a lack of access. If you can't see a doctor today, you have no healthcare. I think it is important that our Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program gets extended long term. We have a bill to do that. Just expanding it 3 months, if you are graduating from medical school right now, you want to be able to have the certainty that you are going to have a residency program long term. I support this extension, but we have got to do a lot more. It is time for both Houses to come together. More importantly, it is time for both parties to come together to solve our issues for the FAA, for modernization, making sure that we actually have an aviation system that works. It is ridiculous that I can look at the Waze app on my phone, yet we have got the airlines getting stalled across the entire country. We can do better. We have got to come together to do that.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this en bloc package which includes my amendments to the Financial Services division of this bill. Mr. Chair, my amendment supports the efficient implementation of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act. This is the act that I authored that was signed into law last year that simply puts in place a board to manage, to liquidate, to identify unneeded and vacant properties. There is an opportunity we have today to sell off the things that we don't need: properties that have been sitting vacant for years, properties that are costing us millions and millions and billions across the country. There is an opportunity for us not only to sell these off and bring in the much-needed revenue to start building roads, bridges, and put towards our infrastructure package, but also to get them redeveloped, rebuilding communities and putting people back to work. Now, what we need right now is to get this board put into place, and congressional leadership will make recommendations to the President on their board. We need the Senate to confirm the chairperson of the board, and, finally, we need an executive director and a staff to help vet these high-value properties and push the reluctant agencies that don't want to get rid of these properties to actually liquidate the things that they don't need. It is time to put this board in place, and this en bloc amendment will help us to do so. This will help us to build infrastructure across the country and sell off the things that we don't need.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bloc, which includes my amendment to prevent homeless youth and young mothers from seeing a lapse in service from their runaway youth programs and maternity group homes. Specifically, this amendment allows HHS to offer transitional living programs and maternity group home grants for centers that would otherwise see a lapse in funding in fiscal year 2018. This amendment does not increase funding for the program. This amendment simply prevents centers from facing a gap in grant eligibility due to a fiscal year which commenced off cycle. Failure to act will cause runaway and homeless youth and maternity group home centers across the county to downgrade, discontinue, or eventually close. These important centers provide a temporary shelter to youth in crisis who are experiencing homelessness. These centers teach life skills and provide counseling and transitional services to homeless, pregnant, and parenting youth to promote long-term economic independence to ensure their well-being. This issue was first brought to my attention by the Modesto Center for Human Services, which supports individuals and families in Stanislaus County, California. The Modesto center provides youth services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, family resource centers, shelter services, and community projects. The center relies on an existing Transitional Living Program grant. The TLP grants are critical to helping homeless youth find employment and transition back into the community. Unfortunately, the Modesto center and more than 100 other centers and shelters across the country are in jeopardy of losing eligibility for funding due to circumstances outside of their control. These grants account for a significant portion of their annual budgets, and a gap of this length will drastically reduce the services or force programs to shut down completely. My amendment implores the administration to authorize bridge funding to close this gap in grant eligibility, allowing services to continue until the grant is realigned with the appropriations process. For the area I represent, losing these grants would have much wider ramifications for the overall homeless population and collaborative efforts to improve homeless care and services. TLP and MGH grants help break the crippling cycle of homelessness. I call on my colleagues to support this amendment and allow homeless youth and parenting young people access to life-changing services.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor long- time newspaper editor and community member, Samuel Hugh Matthews, who announced his retirement after more than 60 years of service. After serving in the United States Army, Mr. Matthews devoted himself to a career in the newspaper business. He started at the Tracy Press in 1957 and quickly became co-publisher in 1964, transitioning to editor in 1967. When it was sold to Golden State Publishing Co. in 2012, Sam remained on staff as a columnist and reporter. His extensive commitment to reporting in his community and his devout integrity made him fundamental to the success of the Tracy Press. Throughout Sam's years of accomplishments and experiences, he has had the loving support of his wife, children, and grandchildren. In addition, Mr. Matthews has been recognized numerous times, both locally and statewide, for his service and philanthropy. During his career, Sam displayed an avid commitment to his community through various positions in local activities and newspaper organizations. His unwavering dedication to the community extends beyond his impressive news career and his work as a civic servant. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Samuel Hugh Matthews for his many years of service, devotion, and outstanding contributions to his community. We wish him continued success in his retirement.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Byron-Bethany Irrigation District for being awarded the Association of California Water Agencies' 2017 Excellence in Water Leaders Award. Byron-Bethany Irrigation District serves crucial farming communities in California's Central Valley including the city of Tracy, which is located in my district. The water they distribute allows their customers to cultivate successful farmland that both promotes a successful economy and feeds the world. This award is in recognition of BBID's bold actions in defending the water rights of the farming communities within their area of service. In the face of the California drought, the State Water Resources Control Board issued curtailment orders for the local community that would drastically affect the crucial farmland that BBID serves. The District General Manager, Rick Gilmore, and the district's seven member Board of Directors launched an effective legal effort to protect the water rights of local farming communities. They argued that the state's analysis of available water was inaccurate. The state's dismissal of the case against BBID in 2016 was a victory for small farming districts, and cemented the water rights that serve as a foundation for BBID's community. The Excellence in Water Leaders Award is presented annually by the Association of California Water Agencies to an individual or group that has made a visible contribution to California water. ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies and their members are responsible for about 90% of water delivered in California. ACWA's recognition of Byron-Bethany Irrigation District's impact on the water rights for small farming communities is an immense honor. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the Byron- Bethany Irrigation District for receiving this impressive award and for their exuberance and dedication to our local farming communities within California's Central Valley.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Executive Officer Stan Risen, who just announced his retirement from Stanislaus County. Stan has been instrumental in leading Stanislaus County towards greater public accountability, re-engaging an organization-wide focus on the County's vision and core values. Stanislaus County develops public programs that improve the lives of its residents through coordinated prevention efforts, which function across multiple sectors. These programs, however, would not have been made possible without Stan's unwavering commitment to the community. Stan Risen started his career as a youth pastor before entering governmental service. He began his career in Stanislaus County in 1987 when he became an appraiser in the Assessor's Office. In 1999, he joined the Chief Executive Office as a project manager for the development of an Information Technology Strategic Plan. In 2005, Stan became an Assistant Executive Officer, and a few years later, was appointed to Chief Executive Officer. Outside of the office, Stan enjoys many activities that include riding dirt bikes, performing home construction projects, and playing the guitar. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bob Jones University and was formerly a Planning Commissioner and City Councilman for the City of Ceres. He lives a faith-based lifestyle as an active member of Crosspoint Community Church in Modesto. Furthermore, Stan and his wife, Cheryl, are celebrating 38 years of marriage. Together, they have four children and four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to Stanislaus County by Chief Executive Officer Stan Risen as we wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Ceres Fire Chief Bryan Nicholes, who just announced his retirement after 45 years in the fire service industry; 32 of which was spent with the Ceres Fire Department. In 1972, Bryan began his lifelong career as an explorer scout with the Burbank-Paradise fire district. In 1984, he moved to Ceres, California to take on the only paid firefighter position within the department during this time. Chief Nicholes then returned to Burbank- Paradise as Fire Chief in 1987. After two years, he came back to Ceres as Fire Marshall. Chief Nicholes has combined his professional experience with years of higher education in the fire industry. He obtained his Associates of Science degree in Electronics Technology and Fire Science from Modesto Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College, as well as many other State and Federal certifications. Community has always been a priority for Bryan and his wife, Becki. He has been involved in the Ceres Rotary Club, Ceres Lions Club, and was instrumental in coordinating the ``Love Ceres'' event for six years. Additionally, he and his family have chosen a life of faith serving God and attending New Life Christian Church. In 2011, Bryan was ordained as a minister and has traveled on multiple mission trips to spread the word of God. They also volunteer to host a small group of married couples and Bryan leads a Men's Fellowship Group. They have one son, Colby, and Bryan is looking forward to spending more time with his family after retirement. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to fire service in the City of Ceres by Chief Bryan Nicholes and hereby wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a cherished leader and great friend, former California State Senator Dave Cogdill, Sr. The beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday, surrounded by his family. Born on December 31, 1950, Dave spent most of his adult life in public service. That public service started when he enlisted in 1970 in the Air Force Reserve, serving in the Air National Guard, as well as on Active Duty. In 1975, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bridgeport Fire Protection District in Mono County. He moved to Modesto in 1979 and built his real estate appraisal business while serving on various boards and commissions in both the public and private sectors. And he served two terms on the Modesto City Council. Dave went on to represent the 25th District in the California State Assembly for 6 years prior to being elected to the State senate in 2006. He served as the California State Senate Republican leader from 2008 to 2009, in addition to numerous committees, including Public Safety, the Revenue and Taxation, and the Joint Legislative Audit Committees. A real estate appraiser by trade, Dave served as Stanislaus County assessor from 2011 to 2013, after which he joined the California Building Industry Association as CEO and president in October of 2013. For his many years of an exemplary legislative career, Dave was awarded the prestigious Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2010. That was just one of the many recognitions he received throughout his lifetime. Dave and his wife, Stephanie, were married for 47 years. They have a son, David, Jr.; a daughter, Meghan Merrell; and three grandchildren, Connor, Katie, and Cooper. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing California State Senator Dave Cogdill for his unwavering leadership and friendship. He had a long history of service to California and to our community. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Stanislaus County Police Activities League (PAL) for its dedication to educating our youth in public safety. It has served as an extraordinary step in promoting strong communities throughout Stanislaus County. Originally known as the Stanislaus County Police Athletics League, PAL was created 25 years ago in 1992 by then-Sheriff Les Weidman. He saw the negative impact that drug addiction, gang violence, and other criminal activity was having in Stanislaus County, and wanted to do something about it. So, together with Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Martin Peterson, they started PAL. The first event they debuted was a boxing program at Mae Hensley Junior High in Ceres. Since then, PAL has continued to grow. The pursuit of opportunities that get kids involved in their community is paramount to the success of Stanislaus County. Children involved in this program will attain the skills necessary to be successful both in their classroom and in their future career-making decisions. Additionally, kids coming out of the PAL program will learn skills and activities that set an example for younger generations. These are just a few of the reasons why PAL is deserving of praise. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending everyone involved in the great work that PAL does for our community. Also, I want to congratulate the Stanislaus County Police Activities League on its 25th Anniversary in supporting our youth.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 23. This amendment updates a small portion of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, or the WIIN Act, to protect endangered species and assess water storage opportunities. First, it sets a reasonable timeframe for the completion of expanded water storage opportunities at the New Melones Reservoir. These opportunities can increase available storage for conservation, transfers, and rescheduled water projects to allow for maximum storage within the reservoir. Conservative estimates of increased water storage have been at 100,000 acre-feet, which will provide water for over 400,000 people for a year. With such a precious resource, we must ensure our water storage capacity is being used responsibly. This timeline of 7 years is consistent with other provisions of the WIIN Act, and will ensure the study will be completed so we can make best use of our water storage capacity. Additionally, this amendment helps protect our threatened and endangered species. In Western States, water users can buy and sell water rights. This provision prevents individuals from using funding set aside for species conservation to buy water rights and sell them back to the government. Funding in section 4010(b) of the WIIN Act was allocated to benefit endangered species populations through habitat restoration, improved monitoring, and conservation fish hatcheries. This policy has been in effect for the Central Valley Project Improvement Act for over a decade and needs to be applied to this section as well. This ensures funding will be used for its intended purposes to help endangered species, not to buy and resell water rights. Finally, this amendment extends a program to protect native fish in the Stanislaus River for 2 years. This program allows for the taking of invasive species that prey on native salmon and steelhead in the Stanislaus River. It was originally authorized for 5 years. However, since the spawn cycle for these salmon is 3 years, it needs to be extended to ensure two full salmon cohort cycles can be observed. In conclusion, this amendment protects native and endangered species, and ensures we are making the most of water storage capacity at the New Melones Reservoir. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 1873, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act. In California, we know all too well the disastrous effects of wildfires. Reducing the threat of wildfires requires numerous proactive efforts, including the timely removal of fire hazards. My colleague, Mr. LaMalfa, has identified a solution to help improve fire hazard removal on Federal lands and prevent electrical blackouts. There are more than 18,000 miles of power lines on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land, and these transmission lines, running along electricity rights-of-way, are critical to the power distribution in the West. The costs of operating and maintaining these transmission rights-of- way are borne by utility companies, but approval for companies to remove the fire hazards comes from the Forest Service. Currently, it takes the Forest Service months to grant approval to remove a dead tree. H.R. 1873 addresses this issue by allowing utility companies to remove fire risks in a timely manner and ensuring we are being responsible stewards of our Federal lands.

Mr. DENHAM. Additionally, the bill allows utility companies to engage in responsible vegetation management along these rights-of-way, including language that I have added, which encourages the management practices for our pollinators, enhancing the habitat and forage for these pollinators, such as commercial and native bees that are so important to our trees and our community. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor West Modesto/King Kennedy Neighborhood Collaborative Executive Director Cleopathia Moore-Bell, who has announced her retirement after numerous years of dedicated service. In addition to being a founding member of the Christ Unity Baptist Church in 1991, Ms. Moore-Bell took the initiative to create the Stanislaus Multicultural Community Health Coalition/West Modesto King Kennedy Neighborhood Collaborative. She pioneered this movement because she felt the need to captivate and motivate community residents to become more involved with refining the community's health. Thanks to her dedication to her community, this movement was able to serve as a blueprint for the Stanislaus County Public Health's involvement with Partnership for the Public's Health (PPH). From the partnership with PPH, Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) was born. Through this, Ms. Moore-Bell was once again able to become an active participant engaging in all aspects of health care, community, and government, unifying them to plan a strategy on how to tackle critical health and safety affairs in communities. Ms. Moore-Bell continues to be committed to her community by advocating for the improvement of health for children and families. Specifically, she focuses on assisting low-income and multicultural populations. She currently serves on the Chief Executive Office (CEO) Stewardship Council for ``Focus on Prevention,'' which is a project designed to draw a spotlight on homelessness, strengthening families, increasing education attainment, and improving health. It is evident that Cleopathia has a passion to go above and beyond in her field. Her work exemplifies a spirit that is full of joy, optimism, and progress and inspires all who worked with her to create a better community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Cleopathia Moore-Bell for her many years of service, devotion, and outstanding contributions to public health in her community. We wish her continued success in her retirement.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, today I sadly rise to honor two fallen officers from my community, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Garner, and Community Service Officer Raschel Johnson. Deputy Garner and Officer Johnson tragically left this Earth on Saturday, May 13, 2017, as a result of a vehicular collision while en route to a reported residential burglary in Modesto. Both were committed public servants whose watches ended all too soon. Deputy Garner served with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department for 9\1/2\ years in the operations division and 1 year 3 months in the adult detention division. He was well-liked on both sides of the department. During his time in service to our community, he was recognized for a wide range of accomplishments, including assisting a mother in locating her daughter at Oakdale Reservoir, working with junior high students from Big Valley Christian School to conduct a successful graffiti wipeout for our community, and assisting the probation department and their firearms instructors with radio training to improve their communication skills with the dispatch center. Officer Johnson was a 15-year veteran of Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department who was known for going above and beyond. During her time with the department, she was recognized for her contributions to her team as well as our community, which included receiving the Sheriff's Award for Excellence for coordinating the model of the Patterson Police Services substation. She also helped to develop a program to more effectively dispatch community service officers and deputies, and she assisted with the 2006 homicide investigation of California Highway Patrol Officer Earl Scott. Both Deputy Garner and Officer Johnson leave behind an entire community who grieve their loss. Their bravery and committed service will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives of Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Garner and Community Service Officer Raschel Johnson. My deepest gratitude and sympathies go out to their families and our law enforcement community as they forge ahead without their loved ones. May God bless and keep them always.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor today to introduce to the House our guest chaplain, Glen Berteau of Modesto, California. Glen is the senior pastor of The House in Modesto, a church of more than 8,000. Supporting his community is a priority, and, under Glen's leadership, The House Modesto has established programs to fight against human trafficking, provided groceries on a weekly basis to those in need, repaired bicycles for the homeless, and developed mobile medical and dental clinics that provide services free of charge. The House was also recently recognized by the city of Modesto for their annual event, Unity Matters, which honors law enforcement and first responders. Glen is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has called California his home for over 24 years. He and his wife, Deborah, have been in ministry for over 40 years, have been married for 42 years, and they have 3 children, 5 grandchildren. Glen is a gifted speaker, teacher, and evangelist and has ministered at conferences, churches, and conventions all over the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Pastor Glen Berteau. We thank him for offering today's opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bret Manley and thank him for his years of dedicated service. Born and raised in San Dimas, California, Bret went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley Walter A. Haas School of Business. At the University, he served as the President of the Berkeley College Republicans, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Order of Omega, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Associated Students of the University of California. Bret began his career in public service as an intern in Representative Gary Miller's office, where he was hired shortly after. Always a hard worker, Bret quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a legislative assistant and then a financial services policy advisor for Representative Miller. Prior to leaving Representative Miller's office, Bret was recognized as one of Capitol Hill's 50 Most Beautiful in 2010. For the last six years, Bret has been a guiding figure in my office as Legislative Director. He has helped introduce 43 individual pieces of legislation, five of which were ushered into law. Thanks to Bret, you can now ride with your pet on AMTRAK and the federal government can more easily sell excess properties, relieving American taxpayers of government waste. He was instrumental in orchestrating the first Congressional hearing at the Old Post Office, which led to a long term lease of the building, eventually becoming the Trump International Hotel. A champion of conservative values, he's also led the fight to keep the California High Speed Rail project transparent and accountable, while also managing a diverse portfolio of issues including financial services, immigration, economics, and transportation and infrastructure. He has worked tirelessly in his role as my chief advisor during my tenure as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He was instrumental with policy formulations and the eventual passage of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act, Positive Train Control, and the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act, among many others. In addition, Bret also served as manager and coach at the biennial Congressional Football Game for Charity. Although it is clear Bret doesn't mind the grueling pace of Capitol Hill, he can often be found on the golf course or singing lead vocals and playing guitar for his band, Full Fifth, self-described as ``the most fun you'll have in public.'' In addition to work and his seemingly endless list of hobbies, Bret is also a Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserves and has proudly served our country for the last six years. His departure signifies a great change within my office. As my chief policy advisor, Bret was integral to all aspects of our day-to-day operations, from managing the legislative team to coordinating with the communications staff. Although we will miss him greatly, Team Denham wishes him the best in his next endeavor and I look forward to working with him in his new role at the Association of American Railroads, where he will continue his work in transportation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in applauding Bret Manley for his unrelenting service and recognizing his great achievements during his time here in the House of Representatives.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dominic Barandica, who will soon be named California's Young Man of Distinction by Youth Focus, Inc. Dominic is deserving of the highest commendation for his dedication to the advancement of safety in high school football. Using helmet sensors, Dominic has extensively researched the consequences of repetitive head impacts by high school players. Since starting, he has obtained a sensor for every football athlete in the Modesto City High School system and has been a featured speaker on the issue at the Doctors Medical Center Sports Medicine Symposium. An accomplished athlete himself, Dominic has already accepted an early decision offer to play football for Case Western Reserve University. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Dominic has proven to be an incredible leader, serving as Gregori High School's Freshman Class President and Commissioner of Community Service, the President of the Inter High School Council of ASB Presidents of Modesto City High Schools, and as student representative to the Modesto City School Board, representing over 40,000 high school students. He's shown his dedication to academics as an active member of the Mock Trial and Science Bowl Teams, and has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction for his continued scholastic achievements. Finally, Dominic has embodied an unwavering commitment to community service as an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the President's Volunteers Service Gold Award and the American Red Cross Youth Hero Award. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dominic Barandica for his recognition from the Youth Focus Group as California's Young Man of Distinction. His outstanding achievements and dedication to our community deserve to be commended.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inaugural First Responder Appreciation Day on April 1, 2017, in Ripon, California. Policemen, firefighters, and emergency medical servicemen play a crucial role in our local communities. In Ripon, they work diligently to serve the city and surrounding areas, improving the lives of those they have vowed to protect. Their job is not always easy and often not safe, but it is one they selflessly perform nonetheless. For this reason, First Responders deserve our unwavering recognition. The Ripon City Council acknowledged this on November 8, 2016, when they passed a resolution to establish the first Saturday in April of each year as First Responders Appreciation Day. Dedicated to honoring all First Responders, past and present, this annual celebration serves as a reminder that we must not forget those who keep us safe. I applaud the City of Ripon for honoring our local heroes and their incredible service. This Saturday is the first of many celebrations that will focus on the daily sacrifices performed by these brave men and women. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all First Responders and commending the city of Ripon for implementing First Responders Appreciation Day.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Dr. Ellen N. Junn, who will be officially inaugurated as the 11th President of California State University, Stanislaus, on March 30, 2017. President Junn has demonstrated a dedication to excellence in the pursuit of knowledge with a career spanning more than 30 years in teaching and leadership positions at five different California State University campuses. In addition to her years of service, President Junn has an extensive catalogue of published work with a focus on supporting the success of underserved students, the significance of university-community engagement, and strategies for supporting non-tenure track faculty, especially women and minorities. President Junn has helped countless students attain baccalaureate and graduate degrees through a core commitment to forging and advocating pathways for the underserved. She has been recognized as an exemplary leader and fierce promoter for the California State University's diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. She has also advocated for an engaged and high-impact undergraduate experience, led by a team of dedicated teachers. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and congratulating Dr. Ellen Junn on becoming the next President of California State University, Stanislaus, as we look forward to a long and productive partnership benefitting the citizens of our collective region.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Modesto Fire Department Chief Sean Slamon, who announced his retirement after serving the community of Modesto for 29 years. In 1989, Sean began his successful career with the Modesto Fire Department. Throughout his many years of service, he has held various positions, including Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief of Operations and Training, and Fire Chief since August 2014. In addition to his dedicated service, Chief Slamon previously served as President of the Training Officers section of the California Fire Chiefs Association and remains on the team as an Area Director. Currently, Sean is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the California Fire Chiefs Association, in addition to being the former President of the Stanislaus County Fire Chiefs. Knowing that education is the key to success, Chief Slamon obtained a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach as well as an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science from Modesto Junior College. He has furthered his education and training by obtaining numerous certificates from the California State Fire Marshalls Office and FEMA, and is a state certified instructor in numerous command and management courses. Sean has been happily married to his wife, Shannon, for 23 years. Together, they have two children: Zachary, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate who is currently serving as an Airman 1st Class in the United States Air Force, and Courtney, a Senior in High School, who will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Fall. Chief Slamon's 29 years of experience, knowledge, and commitment are unparalelled. His expertise has led him on a new journey as the Fire Chief of the Carson City Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to the Modesto Fire Department by Chief Sean Slamon as we wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor California Highway Patrol officer Matthew Paul Gisler, who announced his retirement after 28 years of service.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Stanislaus County Chief Probation Officer, Jill Silva, who has announced her retirement after more than 27 years of service. Chief Silva graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1986 with a Degree in Social Work. After graduation, she began her career as a Probation Aid with Fresno County Probation Department, served as a Mental Health Worker with Kings View Behavioral Health Systems, and then came to work with Stanislaus County in Adult Protective Services. In April of 1989, Chief Silva started her career with Stanislaus County Probation Department as a Deputy Probation Officer assigned to the Juvenile Intake and Investigation Unit. She also worked with the Adult Supervision and the Juvenile Supervision Unit. In 1996, she was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer III, as well as continuing to work with the Juvenile Intake Unit. She was then promoted to Supervising Probation Officer in 1999 and was assigned to the Juvenile Division's Community Partnerships Unit. Chief Silva's excellent work ethic in public service was noticed as she continued to receive multiple promotions. In 2001, she was promoted to Manager III and then received another promotion in November of 2002 to Chief Deputy Probation Officer. In June 2007, she transferred to the Institutional Services Division and her position was reclassified as the Assistant Chief Probation in 2009. Throughout her career, Chief Silva has served on various committees, including the Stanislaus County Children's Council, Stanislaus County Child Abuse Prevention Council, and the Stanislaus County Methamphetamine Task Force. She is also a member of the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA), California Association of Probation Services Administrators (CAPSA), California Association of Probation Institution Administrators (CAPIA), and the Stanislaus County Peace Officers Association. Chief Silva assumed the role of Acting Chief Probation Officer in December 2011, and on May 5, 2012, she was appointed Chief Probation Officer of the Stanislaus County Probation Department. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to Stanislaus County by Chief Jill Silva as we wish her continued success in her retirement.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the passing of Velma Jean Tidwell Condit. A beloved community member, Mrs. Condit dedicated her life to serving others. After moving to Ceres from Oklahoma with her husband in 1967, she served the ministry with love and devotion. She spent her Sunday mornings teaching Sunday school, was a loyal member of the Women's Fellowship, and throughout her life supported her husband, Pastor Adrian Condit, as they served the Village Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. With a medical career spanning more than three decades, Mrs. Condit provided patients with compassion and care as a nurse at the Ceres Memorial Hospital and Scenic General in Modesto. She was equally as devoted to her work as she was to her community. Although she is widely known for her service, she is also beloved by her family for her fried chicken and birthday pies. Mrs. Condit's greatest joy was cooking for and spending time with her family. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2014, and soon after developing dementia, she continued to be a loving wife and mother and will be deeply missed. I offer my sincerest condolences to Pastor Adrian Condit, their children, and family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Velma Jean Condit as we recognize her tremendous contributions and honor her incredible life.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of an exemplary leader in the Turlock Assyrian community, Henry ``Hank'' Adams. The beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather died at the age of 92 on Friday, February 3, 2017. Born and raised in Turlock, California to Reverend Isaac and Sarah Adams, Henry was one of eight children. His father is known as the patriarch of Turlock's Assyrian community and is honored each year at the annual Assyrian Festival. Isaac Adams was the driving force behind Turlock becoming home to the largest Assyrian population in California. He encouraged his fellow Assyrians to join him in the Central Valley and farm in the rich soils of the region. In 1943, at the age of 18, Henry graduated from Turlock High School and received his draft notice to serve in World War II. Instead, he drove to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Henry completed over 20 bombing missions in Japan on the Lucky Lady B-29 bomber. On August 6, 1945, he remained on standby, waiting for an order to take off in case of retaliation after the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima while stationed on Tinian Island. Discharged at the rank of Lieutenant in 1947, Henry moved to San Francisco where he married his wife, Joanne Tuohey. He later worked at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale and retired in 1989. Following his retirement, the couple traveled across the world and settled back down in Henry's hometown of Turlock. Henry had a genuine love for his country and his community. He was known for his service and contributions to the Assyrian community, where he continued the legacy that his father left behind. Henry leaves behind the love of his life and his wife of sixty-two years, Joanne, their two daughters, Nora Adams and Nellie Adams-Morse, two grandchildren, and sister Florence Essa Johnson. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing the life of Henry ``Hank'' Adams for his service to his country, his unwavering leadership and many accomplishments and contributions to the Turlock Assyrian community. God bless him always.