Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 100th Anniversary of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a storied tourist destination on California's central coast. The Boardwalk, with its 35 rides and other attractions, has provided a lifetime of memories for millions of people, establishing itself as a national landmark and as a vital component of our community. Situated on a sandy mile-long beach, it is the only remaining major seaside amusement park on the West Coast. When the Boardwalk first opened on June 15, 1907 it immediately attracted national attention and received a telegram from President Theodore Roosevelt himself. Since then, tens of millions have visited the Boardwalk for fun and entertainment. Its rich history includes Miss California pageants, premier big bands, and daring performers. I myself have spent many fun-filled days at the Boardwalk with friends and family, both when I was growing up and when I was raising my own child. Those are memories that I will never forget, and I am sure that millions of other families would say the same thing. The Boardwalk is also unique in that two of its rides have been designated National Historic Landmarks, both built by members of the Looff family of Danish woodcarvers: the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster built in 1924, and the Looff Carousel, built in 1911. In fact, sometime this year the Giant Dipper will carry its 55 millionth rider on an adventure they won't forget. It is the 6th oldest roller coaster in the U.S., and has been in several major motion pictures. As the primary asset of a locally owned corporation, the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, the Boardwalk has been an important driving force for our community, employing nearly 1,600 people at the Boardwalk, hotels, and other tourist destinations operated by the Seaside Company. Its active charitable contribution program results in yearly donations of approximately $100,000 in cash and tickets to local organizations, and it has been repeatedly recognized for its support of ecotourism and its environmental efforts and policies, winning the California State Ecotourism Award in 2002. As a steward of the environment and the local community, the Boardwalk has made itself indispensable to everyone involved with it. And although it has undergone many changes in the last hundred years, one thing remains the same: the Boardwalk has been, and will continue to be, one of California's premier tourist destinations. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to present the congratulations of my House colleagues to this community icon on this joyous and historic occasion.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. Simply put, the current patchwork of State laws alone does not fully protect the rights of all Americans from violence based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. I am frankly astounded that current Federal laws are not more inclusive. It is unconscionable that we are only now voting on this legislation today. Almost 150 years after our country enshrined the freedom from violence based upon race, with the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, we still have not extended those same protections to all of our citizens. Today, this body has the chance and indeed the responsibility to rectify this injustice. Hate knows no borders, so even though 38 states already provide some of the protections that would be extended by Federal law if H.R. 1592 is enacted, only a Federal law can ensure equal protection under the law for all Americans. Remarkably, this legislation faces opposition. These opponents have claimed that H.R. 1592 is somehow an attack on free speech or a person's religious beliefs. H.R. 1592 does not criminalize freedom of speech or religious expression, but it does criminalize violence against a person based upon their perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. In fact, a long and diverse list of religious organizations have spoken out in favor of H.R. 1592, including groups representing Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh faiths. No longer will this body be silent for the millions of Americans that too often have no voice in the world. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 275, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Peter J. Delfino, a man who was famous throughout the Monterey Bay area for his great gusto for life. Peter was born in San Francisco to Nick and Angie Delfino on December 29, 1917. His family soon moved to a farm in Moss Landing where he and his brother Louie helped with the artichokes and other fresh vegetables they grew. Peter went to work for Bank of America after graduation from Monterey High School, but his heart remained on the farm. Ten years later, he joined the Odello family in growing artichokes on the banks of the Carmel River, and he continued to farm until he retired. The Italian community in Monterey has always provided a busy social calendar, and Peter met his wife, Mary, through these activities. They were married on September 30, 1945. They had one son, Alan, three grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Peter's other passion was picturesque properties in Carmel and Carmel Valley, Big Sur and Lake Tahoe. Family and friends spent many memorable weekends at these places, especially at his famous wild boar and lamb BBQs in Big Sur. Peter loved being with people and belonged to several service clubs. After retirement he took great pleasure in helping friends in the construction industry with their various projects as it kept him working outside and in their company. Throughout his 89 years he enjoyed life to the fullest, and was never shy about striking up conversations with anyone he met. Madam Speaker, I honor the life of Peter Delfino, a man who worked hard and diligently at a job he loved, and who made the world a happier place as he passed through.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 249, to ban the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were an estimated 2 million wild horses and burros, but by the 1950s there were only 20,000. Today, the number of horses has increased to 32,000. The population is mainly controlled through adoption. Since 1972, almost 217,000 horses have been adopted. This is mostly due to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which has sought to preserve wild horses and burros on federal lands and has made the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) responsible for their preservation. In 2004, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was amended to reverse the long-standing policy that protected wild horses from being shipped off to slaughterhouses. It also removed the criminal penalties that are imposed for such actions. Seeking to correct this injustice is H.R. 249, which would once again place a prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros. As a compassionate society, we have an obligation to protect all animals. Some scientists have found that America's wild horses have greater genetic diversity, as compared to their domestic counterparts, due to little inbreeding. Sadly, this bill is too late to save some horses. There have been several cases of horses that were purchased for seemingly innocuous reasons and then sent immediately to slaughter. H.R. 249 would protect the more than 8,400 horses that are in jeopardy of being slaughtered. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 249, which would restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 254, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has dedicated many years of his life in respectful service to our nation and its military veterans. Charlie Eskridge has spent the past 54 years serving this country as a member of the U.S. Army and as a distinguished representative within the American Legion. Charlie enlisted into the Army in 1953 and during his 30 years of military service, he was 1st Sergeant of a medical company and also served as a Non-commissioned Officer in Charge for several medical clinics. He joined the American Legion in 1975 and has since held a wide array of positions, always advocating for the needs of his fellow veterans. Charlie has served the American Legion at all levels and has been a delegate to six National Conventions. As the American Legion Department Commander for California, Charlie actively represented 104,000 members. He traveled throughout the state to personally listen to the concerns and suggestions of other veterans and Legionnaires, and worked diligently to ensure that their voices were represented. Charlie has always made the interests of veterans his personal responsibility, and has ensured that support was provided to everyone with whom he spoke. Outside of his contributions to the American Legion, Charlie is also deeply involved in his community. He is currently the President of the Protestant Men of Chapel at Fort Ord, California and a member of the Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission. Charlie has served as both President and Vice President of the United Veterans Council and even served as the President of his local Parent- Teacher Association. As a result of his immense contributions, Charlie has received the admiration of his community and has been awarded the Military Chapel's Unsung Hero Award, the Scroll of Honor, and has twice been named ``Veteran of the Year'' by the United Veterans Council and the Sons of the American Legion. Most importantly Charlie has had the love and support of his wife, and partner, Rosie, who has accompanied him on his many visits with veterans throughout the state of California. After almost 50 years of marriage Charlie and Rosie have two sons, Alvin and Charlie II, one daughter, Rosemary, and five grandchildren. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to extend our Nation's deepest gratitude for Charlie Eskridge's service to the United States of America and for his many accomplishments for our military veterans.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Luis Valdez of San Juan Bautista, California, who will be inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre on April 22 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts here in Washington, DC. The 124 current members include playwright Edward Albee and Broadway director Jack O'Brien. Like those before him, Luis is to be honored for his contribution to American theater. His has been a ``career of firsts.'' His play ``Zoot Suit'' was the first play written by a Chicano to be produced on Broadway. His movie ``La Bamba,'' about the life of the 1950's rock 'n' roll star Ritchie Valens, won popular acclaim, and was the first film written and directed by a Chicano that was produced by a major motion picture company. As a child, Luis emigrated from Mexico with his family and became a migrant farm worker. In 1965, he founded El Teatro Campesino, which means ``The Farm Worker's Theater.'' He chose to create this theater in rural San Juan Bautista instead of moving to a big city in order to stay in touch with his roots and remain a true theater of farm workers. Luis has three sons, all of whom are involved in the arts. ``I have to stress the importance of family in my life,'' he said. He has won several awards, including the Presidential Medal of the Arts from the White House, but says, ``I'm proudest of my family. I consider myself to be quite blessed in that regard.'' Luis believes that art should have a message, and inspiring people to make changes in their lives has been one of his main goals in the theater. He recently produced a play for the Monterey Bay Aquarium about the dangers of pollution. Madam Speaker, it is a tremendous honor for a national organization of any kind to seek out a resident of a small town for their highest award. Luis Valdez came from humble beginnings, and in spite of his remarkable accomplishments, he remains a humble man. I am proud to congratulate Luis on his election to the College of Fellows of the American Theatre.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 76 honoring the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, IGY, and its past contributions to space research, and looking forward to future accomplishments. I would like to recognize the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year and its past contributions to global observations and ocean research that led to the discovery of ocean ridges and creation of the Scientific Committees on Ocean Research and Antarctic Research. The memory of the success of the International Geophysical Year during the height of the Cold War should serve as inspiration in this age of global warming. The impacts of global warming will have impacts in all nations and addressing it and its repercussions including sea-level rise, increased number and strength of storms, and ocean acidification, will take a coordinated scientific effort, such as that generated by the International Geophysical Year, to monitor these changes, develop new technology to address them, and the ability to provide timely hurricane warnings.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain Angela M. Carsten, an officer in the United States Air Force, who is retiring after 20 years of distinguished service.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Democratic House budget resolution H. Con. Res. 99) that adopts and implements funding priorities that reflect the core values of our Nation and provides a responsible fiscal blueprint to lead our nation out of deficit spending. Medicare, Medicaid and education funding like Pell Grants. H. Con. Res. 99 puts the Federal Government's fiscal house in order by committing to a PAYGO budget rule. Enforcing PAYGO means that all new federal spending must be offset so that we are not adding to the red ink that endangers our nation's fiscal security. The budget resolution does not increase taxes. In fact, it extends beyond 2010 of important tax cuts for the middle class--including the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, estate tax reform, and the deduction for state and local sales taxes--an important credit for California taxpayers. It also extends the Research and Development tax credit to spur innovation. H. Con. Res. 99 allocates over $85 billion for veterans programs and exceeds the President's request by $3.5 billion. This long overdue increase for our veterans will help provide the immediate care our new veterans require and address the long-term care issues facing many of our older wounded warriors. In addition to covering the basic issues of care and rehabilitation, the FY2008 Budget Resolution includes additional funds for post-traumatic stress disorder research, identification, and treatment, and funds for the elimination of the nearly 400,000 cases currently residing in the claims backlog. As Vice- Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, I am pleased we are able to be generous to our nation's veterans who have earned these benefits. The Democratic budget rejects the President's cuts in environmental programs and instead supports valuable research and natural resource conservation programs, such as NOAA's Education Program and the Ocean and Coastal Management program. Despite the President's past assertions of making education one of his legacy programs, his FY2008 budget request to cut much needed funding for core education programs including No Child Left Behind. The Democratic House budget continues a long tradition of putting children first by adding over $3 billion to core programs under No Child Left Behind as well as special education (IDEA), Head Start, child care and funding to help students afford the ever-increasing cost of college. Affordable housing on the Central Coast is one of the most pressing issues for families in our community. I am very pleased that the Democratic budget helps address this crisis by including a reserve fund to finance efforts to reverse the decline in affordable housing without increasing the deficit. I am proud to vote in support of H. Con. Res 99 and strongly urge my colleagues to support this budget that prioritizes America's important needs.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007. As many of my colleagues know, I have had a lifelong love and compassion for animals of all kinds. That is why I am simply shocked that it is not already illegal to take animals across state lines for the purpose of fighting. This is an inhumane and cruel practice that must not be allowed to continue. Another reason why this practice must be outlawed is because animal fighting spreads disease and poses an enormous public health risk. At a time when avian flu is at the forefront of this county's health-related worries, it should be of the utmost concern to people that animal fighting is occurring all across the country. It makes one wonder, what kind of person could enjoy a ``sport'' like this? In the forty-eight states where animal fighting is already outlawed, illegal gambling goes hand-in-hand with this gruesome activity. H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007, makes it a felony to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal or to use interstate commerce for the purposes of fighting. This bill would impose a prison sentence of up to 3 years. I have supported this legislation since 2003. I am pleased that this legislation has overwhelming bipartisan support, with 303 cosponsors. Obviously we need stronger laws on this because this practice still continues. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Obey for yielding. I have been against this war since day one, and I am outraged by the President's attempts to escalate it. I want this war to end now, and I want to bring our troops home immediately. I mourn the loss of 3,228 Americans dead, and countless Iraqi civilians, and extend my deepest sympathies to the families. I repeat, I want this war to end, and I want to bring the troops home now. Whether we like it or not, this bill before us is the first serious binding legislation to come before the House since the war began 4 years ago. This bill contains benchmarks and time lines for withdrawing our troops. Even so, in my opinion, this bill does not go far enough. I think it should prohibit U.S. military action in Iran without explicit congressional authorization. But without this bill, the alternative is not acceptable. A supplemental without benchmarks is stay the course. I have received thousands of letters from my district in support and opposition to this bill. The only way to bring the troops home is to vote ``yes.'' I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am one of the Members that served with Leo McCarthy. I was a member of the California legislature. And like Speaker Pelosi, he was the one who convinced me, when I was a young staff member working for the California legislature in 1975, that I ought to return to my district and start running in public life for politics. And that is what got me into being a county supervisor, and the rest is history. But serving with Leo McCarthy indeed is distinction for all the reasons talked about. But I loved his youthful energy. The shock of Leo McCarthy dying is that he never looked old, never seemed old. He always had the energy of youth; looked young; and just was a remarkable person. He twice ran for the United States Senate. And doing that in California is indeed a tough problem because the State is so big, so expansive, and it requires so much time, and Leo would never abandon his family. I remember, Leo was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and I remember going on a trip to Auckland, New Zealand with him. He was welcomed home as a town hero. He pointed out that because he was born in that town, he could never run for President of the United States, not being a native born. I also traveled with him to Canada, when we went on several of the communications issues. And I remember him so devoted to Jackie that he took all his life savings to make sure that Jackie could have a wonderful coat that she wanted, and I know that she still has that. Ladies and gentlemen, Leo McCarthy was the kind of person you want in public life. And indeed, California is better off for having him serve. It is a great State, and he made it greater. He produced a lot of us that are serving in Congress. And certainly, almost like a daughter, Anna Eshoo, the author of this resolution, and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, he has a lot to be proud of. We are very proud that we were able to work for him, serve for him and be in public life with him. All our condolences go to Jackie and the family.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today my community celebrates the birthday of John Steinbeck, one of our famous native sons, born in Salinas and raised in and around Monterey Bay. At home in my district this month, the National Steinbeck Center will get the whole community to read one book together, ``The Grapes of Wrath,'' one of the best, well-known tomes by Steinbeck. The book is being read across the country as part of NEA's Big Read program, designed to bring reading for pleasure back into our lives. Since I am a citizen of Monterey County myself, I would like to offer my own participation in this celebration by reading the following passage from ``The Grapes of Wrath'': ``The people came out of their houses and smelled the hot stinging air and covered their noses from it . . . Men stood by their fences and looked at the ruined corn, drying fast now, only a little green showing through the film of dust. The men were silent and they did not move often. And the women came out of the houses to stand beside their men-- to feel whether this time the men would break. The women studied the men's faces secretly, for the corn could go, as long as something else remained . . . The children sent exploring senses out to see whether men and women would break . . . After a while, the faces of the watching men lost their bemused perplexity and became hard and angry and resistant. Then the women knew that they were safe and that there was no break. Then they asked, What'll we do? And the men replied, I don't know. But all was all right. The women knew it was all right and the watching children knew it was all right . . . The men sat still-- thinking--figuring.'' This is Steinbeck at his best.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jack Barlich, who passed away on January 16, 2007. He was a firefighter for the City of Monterey for 29 years, and retired in 1992 as assistant fire chief. After his retirement he ran for mayor of Del Rey Oaks, defeating the incumbent who had served 30 years in city government. Jack was a knowledgeable firefighter and a hands-on kind of person who used those attributes to be an effective administrator. He served on several county boards including the Waste Management Task Force and the Transportation Agency of Monterey County. He chaired the Fort Ord Reuse Authority board and was vice-chairman of the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency. As the mayor of Del Rey Oaks, his proudest accomplishment was the annexation of 360 acres of land for his small city from the former Fort Ord Army Base. Jack's health began to decline in 2003, and in the summer of 2004, he resigned during his seventh term. Jack was tough but fair, and worked hard in the service of his community. He will be greatly missed. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Jack Barlich, who courageously served his community during his lifetime.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Thank you for yielding. Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to see you in the Chair tonight. I would like to thank the new leadership in the House tonight for the opportunity and the time to allow this body and the Members of this body to go on record about the President's war strategy. Of course I would prefer that we were debating my bill, H.R. 413, which would rescind the authority that we gave the President to invade Iraq back in October of 2002. I voted against this war then, and I will continue to do so now. We just cannot thank, though, our leadership. We have to thank the American people, the people that went to the polls in November, who voted for a change and a new direction for this country. You, our constituents, voted for this change, and now you are witnessing the historic debate on the President's policy in Iraq. This resolution that we are voting on is very simple. It has two sections. The first section affirms our support for our troops who are serving and have served in Iraq. The second section expresses disapproval over the deployment of 21,000 combat troops in Iraq. These two simple statements aren't legally binding. But they are binding promises to the American people who voted for us to change the direction. Promises are important. When soldiers and their families go to war, our government promises to support them, and that we should. Just think, if we made the same promise to the school children when they go to school, that we would protect them from school violence and fully support their efforts to get an education, and that we should. Just think, if we made that promise to provide health care for 47 million Americans who are without health insurance today, and that we should. The promise and the list of promises goes on and on, many unmet domestic needs that are not getting attention because of the war in Iraq. Some say this resolution is meaningless. I disagree. It is a promise, and promises are important. If we can support our troops and we can support the teachers who are educating their children, we can support the health care providers that are caring for their loved ones. By voting for this resolution, we are making a promise to the American people to change United States' policy on the war. This resolution doesn't end the war, but it begins a new direction. This is the first time that we have said ``enough is enough'' to the President. It is a good start. If we go on record in opposition to troop surge, we can express our disapproval to the country's addiction to oil and to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. We can express our disapproval of the policy that keeps homeless people on the streets, that keeps one in six American children living in poverty, and allows our skies and oceans to continue to be polluted. So to the American people, I thank you. I thank you for getting involved, because when you do, politicians respond. You have empowered us to chart a new course for the war in Iraq, and I am proud to cast my vote for this resolution. Today we are keeping our promise to the people, for what we do for our brave troops, we can do for all of God's children. Yes, Mr. President, we can tell you that you are wrong. In closing, I think what this debate is about is to wake up the world. America is coming back. It is coming back with the most powerful force on Earth, the energized electorate. This resolution is a breath of fresh air in our Nation's Capitol. It is time to get out of Iraq, it is time to lead. Thank you, Speaker Pelosi, for bringing us this far in just a few short weeks.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, today, Mr. Saxton and I are pleased to introduce the bill, Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act. In his State of the Union speech, the President called on Congress to support a civilian response corps which ``would function much like our military reserve. It would ease the burden on the Armed Forces by allowing us to hire civilians with critical skills to serve on missions abroad when America needs them. It would give people across America who do not wear the uniform a chance to serve in the defining struggle of our time.'' The Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act would authorize a civilian response corps. Why is this authorization necessary? Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has been engaged in a stabilization or reconstruction operation once every 18-24 months. By default, the services have taken on the task of nation building, and OSD Directive 3000.05 makes stabilization and reconstruction operations a core competency of the military. While our military personnel have done an excellent job for which they have not been trained, filling the void should be the responsibility of the State Department. In order for our operations to be successful, the State Department must fill this void, and can do so by creating a comparable civilian force to take over once the military has stabilized a war-torn country. Combating failed states requires a complex combination of political, diplomatic, development assistance and military actions, as well as the ability to respond quickly in the immediate aftermath of crisis. The military plays an extremely important role in stabilizing a country, but civilians play an equally important role and have comparative advantage in helping to develop civil society--judicial systems, law enforcement, health care, economic development, trade promotion and other essential sectors to stabilize a country. The Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act establishes the legislative framework for authorizing this integral civilian capacity by: Authorizing the establishment of the State Department Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, S/CRS; Authorizing the establishment of a 250-person Civilian Response Corps with both Active-Duty and Reserve components. The corps would be rapidly deployed with the military for both initial assessments and operational purposes. They would be the first civilian team on the ground in post-conflict situations, well in advance of the establishment of an embassy. Establishes personnel exchange programs with other relevant Federal agencies that can help a failed state develop government and civil society infrastructure. Importantly, the bill promotes a stabilization and reconstruction curriculum and the utilization of already existing programs like the Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important piece of legislation that would greatly assist in improving the capacity of our Government to respond to some of the most important and pressing security threats of our time.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of Verna M. Woolfolk-Sloan, who passed away on Wednesday, January 31, at the age of 81. Verna lived in Central California's Monterey County for more than 50 years. In that time she built a great record of personal, professional, and community achievement in advancing equal employment opportunity for women and minorities. Verna was born in Providence, Kentucky and received straight A's throughout school, indicative of professional successes to come. She graduated as class Valedictorian from Rosenwald High School. Verna married Sergeant First Class Robert D. Sloan and they traveled throughout the United States and Germany with their son Joseph. They first set down roots in Seaside with her husband's 1955 posting to Fort Ord. A lifelong learner, Verna studied at Monterey Peninsula College, was awarded high honors in a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University, and later completed a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from International University. Verna's motivation for education and equal opportunity came from her paternal grandparents, former slaves, who established Woolfolk School as the first Black secondary school in Kentucky. These principles guided her civil service career, which she began in 1956 as a simple typist, before climbing the career ladder as an accountant, manager, and ultimately Director of the U.S. Army's Equal Opportunity Office, which monitored and oversaw equal employment opportunity programs at Fort Ord and Fort McArthur. Here, she was the highest-ranking civilian employee at these bases. Retiring after forty years of civil service employment gave Verna an opportunity to become ever more deeply involved in her local community as a volunteer. She was a Golden Heritage life member, Secretary and Executive Committee member of the Monterey Peninsula's branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and held seats on the boards of many Christian, cultural, and women's organizations. Verna was a role model and inspiration to countless young women and minorities in her local Monterey County, and was recognized with a number of awards, including the Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award and the Outstanding Equal Opportunity Officer award. She is survived by her sister Eloise Wells of Marina, her brother Thomas Woolfolk of Chicago, grandson Joseph Sloan, Jr. of Atlanta, along with numerous beloved family members, including two great great nieces, one great great nephew, and three godchildren. Many of her family are also based in Seaside or Monterey County, which will ensure her legacy is continued and her work remembered in the district. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House, I would like to extend our Nation's deepest thanks for Verna's service to the United States and her local community. Her dedication and commitment opened the door to equal opportunity for many to whom that door would have otherwise been closed, and I know that I speak for every member of Congress when I say that it is our honor to recognize her today.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Japanese American Citizens League of the Monterey Peninsula. On January 25, 1932, two years after the national Japanese American Citizens League was formed, 18 charter members organized this local chapter to fight against discriminatory legislation and racial prejudice, and to help their first generation citizens (Issei) navigate through the American bureaucracy in such matters as alien registration. Throughout the 1930's, the chapter involved itself in the larger community. In 1937, they made a giant American Flag to carry in the Independence Day parade. They reasoned that only a few people could ride on a float but 60 people could carry this huge flag. Another way they assimilated into the community was to participate in organized sports. The JACL-sponsored Monterey Minato established a formidable reputation and broke records in several sports because of its gifted athletes. From 1934 to the outbreak of World War II, the Monterey Minatos virtually dominated all other teams within the Central California Coast Counties Athletic Association. In 1938, just three Minato trackmen won nine of the eleven events at the YMCA Olympics at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Built in 1927, the JACL Hall was originally the Japanese Association building, erected for the purpose of creating a community center for immigrant Japanese. In 1942, the leaders of the Japanese Association gifted the building to the JACL as a way to keep it serving the community. During World War II, the building was used by the National Guard, and after the war it became a hostel for returning internees. Today the Hall plays host to the JACL Japanese Language School, Nisei Memorial Post 1629 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chinese Language School, Nisei Bowling League, Monterey and Satsuma Bonsai Clubs, Mugen Shinshu Daiko (Japanese Drum) classes, Tai Chi, and Jazzercize. The JACL Hall has truly become an Asian Cultural Center. Today the chapter continues to fight for tolerance and diversity, helps its members preserve their cultural heritage, and assists new immigrants assimilate into society. As they begin their eighth decade, they will build on their 75-five year commitment to redress racism in our society, so that the next generation truly experiences equal justice under law. Madam Speaker, I know all our colleagues join me in applauding the JACL and in wishing them continued success for these most admirable goals.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend Scott Haskins on successfully swimming the English Channel. It is considered one of the most challenging swims in the world. This has been accomplished by fewer than 850 swimmers. Scott, a California native, became the first in the Haskins family to swim the English Channel. Scott Haskins was born on July 3, 1964. His father Sam Haskins, my first cousin, and mother Judy Chapman Haskins live in the San Francisco Bay area. Scott has a sister Eliza and brother John, and is married to wife Elizabeth ``Timmie'' Friend. Scott learned to swim at the age of 4 in a swimming pool and began swimming in the ocean at the age of 5. Scott swam butterfly and freestyle events competitively from age 11 to 20. He first began swimming open water events in 1990--mostly one and two mile swims in the San Francisco Bay Area. Scott swam his first long distance open water swim in 1994. In 1995, Scott achieved the level of All American Long Distance Swimmer with the U.S. Masters Swimming in 1995 and 1996. On August 3, 1996, Scott swam around the island of Manhattan, a distance of 28.5 miles. In 2006, Scott trained for 6 months at the Dolphin Club in San Francisco, California. His training included daily swimming as well as a 6-hour swim, an 8-hour swim, and a 10-hour swim in preparation to swim the English Channel. On August 16th, with brother John on board the boat Galivant, Scott began to swim across the English Channel toward France. Scott finished with an official time of 10 hours and 25 minutes. Scott's time is in the top 18 percent of the fastest Channel swims. To celebrate his great accomplishment, Scott with his family at his side, went to a tavern in Dover, England that is frequented by swimmers and a place where many have ``signed in'' on the walls and ceiling after completing their Channel swims. Scott also ``signed in'' on the ceiling next to the other Channel swimmers from San Francisco's Dolphin Club. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate Scott Haskins on successfully swimming the English Channel and to recognize him for this outstanding achievement.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my district's most colorful characters, Joyce Smith Stevens. Joyce is known for her outspoken devotion to local environmental issues, and for her wonderful sense of humor. Joyce was born in Seattle, WA, in 1927. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1954 with a degree in architecture. Encountering gender discrimination in this ``man's field,'' and looking at the experiences of female civilians working for the government, she decided that she would be happier in that environment. As a single mother, she moved to Carmel, CA, in 1962 and took a job as Post Engineer at Fort Ord, working there until her retirement more than 20 years later. One of Joyce's proudest achievements was designing the Post Chapel at Fort Hunter Liggett. It is located near the Hacienda, which was designed by another female California architect, Julia Morgan. She also convinced, pestered, actually, the Army into protecting some rare native plant habitat at Fort Ord. Because of her persistence she had the satisfaction of seeing Fort Ord receive ecology awards. Joyce's commitment to the community is unparalleled. She appointed herself full-time activist to save everything we all love about the Monterey Peninsula. As chair of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, she was devoted to protecting our local natural setting. She served on the Board of Trustees of Big Sur Land Trust, which is dedicated to preserving the wild lands of Big Sur. Joyce joined Pine Watch to educate people about the significance of our native Monterey Pine Forest, with the goal of creating a Monterey Pine State Park. For over 20 years Joyce served on the Carmel Area Wastewater District. She became known as the ``Sewer Queen'' for her work to save the Carmel River by encouraging the increased use of treated wastewater and thus reduce pumping from the river. She formed the Dunes Coalition to save the Monterey Bay shores from development. Eventually this concept grew into the Monterey Bay State Shore. She also created the Hatton Canyon Coalition to preserve the scenic beauty of Carmel and the canyon. Joyce was very active in the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and was one of the founders of AIA's Carmel Sand Castle Contest--a great Carmel tradition. It is generally suspected that she volunteered to serve as a judge in order to solicit bribes. However it started, it has become part of the fun of the event for judges to offer to accept bribes from the various competitors, champagne being a favorite. In all of these activities, she never hesitates to roll up her sleeves and do the actual work, whether it is getting up at 5 a.m. to pull weeds, or working on dune planting during winter storms. She uses her graphics skills to convince the public that they don't want to see resorts on the beaches, freeways in the canyons, and mega-mansions all over our native forest habitat. Joyce is a gem among gems, and we are indebted to her for her fierce devotion to the importance and the beauty of our natural resources.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Jack Kakis, a war hero who immigrated to the United States from his native Greece and created his American Dream. Jack was born in Thessalonica in Greece in 1920. When his country was occupied by Italian and German troops during World War II, he served with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency. Trained by British commandos in guerrilla operations, he was commissioned as an officer and led his men on horseback through Greece harassing the occupying armies. He received the Medal for Bravery Under Duress from his government, the National Medal of Greek Resistance, and was inducted into the Military Order of the World Wars. After the war, he studied agriculture in Greece, working in that field until he was recalled to active duty because of the Greek Civil War, during which he attained the rank of major. In 1951, following that conflict he and his wife, Mirka, immigrated to the United States. Jack arrived in this country with no English skills. He drove a flower delivery truck in New York City while attending night school. Eventually he earned a master's degree in horticulture from the University of Connecticut, also mastering English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German. He arrived in Monterey County, California to work for Basic American Foods Company, where his language skills took him all over the world. On leaving Basic he set up his own business, Monterey Agricultural Products, which specialized in garlic. Jack was given the title ``Garlic King'' by the agricultural industry because of his expertise with that crop, and he was the first president of the Order of the Stinking Rose, an association of garlic growers and processors. Jack continued to be active in agriculture even in retirement. He worked with Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance, helping Central American Indians become more self-sufficient by growing and selling crops. One of his favorite charities was the American Farm School at the Thessalonica Agricultural and Industrial Institute in Greece, which has provided free education to Greek children since 1904, and where he was a trustee. Madam Speaker, I honor the life of Jack Kakis, a man who worked hard and diligently to make a place for himself and his family in his adopted country, but who never forgot his homeland and worked for the betterment of people in need all over the world.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a true national servant. Frederick Johnsen, a 9-year volunteer and contributor to Hospice of the Central Coast, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 16, 2006. He was 71 years young. Mr. Johnsen was born in Newark, New Jersey and attended primary schools in Union, New Jersey, and University of Omaha from where he graduated with a B.S. in 1963. Fred retired from the Army in 1980 after 22 years of service with the rank of Major. His outstanding military service earned him the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters twice, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Dominican Republic). Upon his retirement, Fred and his wife Edith, settled in Marina, California, adjacent to his last duty station at Fort Ord. During his early years of retirement he enjoyed teaching sailing at the Naval Postgraduate School. He was a founding member of Sun Street Center, and SeaRina Community Recovery Center Advisory Board. He loved growing roses and was a member and president of the Monterey Bay Rose Society and served as a Consulting Rosarian. Most recently he was known for his supportive role as husband and confidante to my good friend Edith Johnsen, former Mayor of Marina and Supervisor for the Fourth District of Monterey. He took great pleasure in gourmet cooking, sports--especially NASCAR racing--and his relationships in the community. Fred is survived by Edith Vallo Johnsen, his wife of 48 years; his sons, Christopher of Portland and Kenneth of Miami; his brother, Robert Johnsen and his mother, Margaret Salerno Johnsen of Union, New Jersey; along with numerous beloved family members. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House, I would like to extend our Nation's deep gratitude for Fred's service to the United States and his own local community. I know I speak for every Member of Congress in offering our condolences to Edith and the whole Johnsen family for the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, and brother.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Stillwell, who, after spending the past 56 years as a firefighter in Pacific Grove, California, has finally decided to retire at the age of 76. Richard grew up in Pacific Grove, and upon graduating from high school he submitted his application to the Pacific Grove Volunteer Fire Department. The following year he was promoted to a paid position as Fire Engineer. He worked as a paid firefighter for 11 years. In 1962, he resigned from the paid staff to pursue another career, but remained a vital member of the Volunteer Department. Richard was promoted to Volunteer Assistant Chief in 1995, and will hold the title of Honorary Volunteer Fire Chief upon his retirement. No other person in the history of the town has achieved this honorable rank. Richard is known around town as ``Mr. P.G.,'' and for good reason. He is involved in many community organizations and sponsors several scholarships for students at his alma mater, Pacific Grove High School. He is especially helpful to the young volunteer firemen and finds their enthusiasm for the service keeps him young. He was recently given the Department's highest honor, the Medal of Valor for his meritorious service. Special recognition must be given to his wife, Bev, and their family, for supporting him throughout his career. Over the years, there is no way to count how many birthday parties, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and nights of sleep Richard missed while serving his town. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Richard Stillwell for the many years that he spent serving and protecting Pacific Grove.