George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Wesley Dean Heinrichs, a United States Marine Corps Veteran of World War II. Mr. Heinrichs was born on November 28, 1923 in a farming community in Kirk, Colorado. He worked on his family's farm before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After hearing the news on the radio about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the outbreak of the War, Mr. Heinrichs came under deep conviction to join the Marines after seeing a billboard with a Marine's picture that stated: ``we need one more good man.'' It was Mr. Heinrichs' passion and love for his country that spurred him to join the Armed Forces to defend and protect our country. In December of 1942, at the age of 19, he traveled to the recruiting office in Denver, Colorado and enlisted in the Marine Corps. After completion of basic training in San Diego, Mr. Heinrichs served in the commissary of Camp Pendleton distributing packed foods and serving on guard duty. In the same year, he was transferred to a motor transport unit where he worked with the 1st Amphibian Truck Company. His company worked on the Dukw, an experimental amphibious truck for traveling over water and landing on coral reefs. On December 22, 1943, Mr. Heinrich and his company were deployed to the Pacific Arena to provide support to the Marine Corps operations in the Mariana Islands. Mr. Heinrichs and his company used the Dukws to carry 105 Howitzers and place them in strategic locations in the Mariana Islands. Additionally, Mr. Heinrichs assisted with the transportation of wounded Marines and Soldiers to medical ships and with the hauling of ammunition and supplies to Marine Bases. Mr. Heinrich and his company served in combat in the battles of Saipan and Tinnian in the Mariana Islands. After the islands were secured, Mr. Heinrichs and his company were transferred to Guam where they protected the island and began training for the invasion of Japan. In 1945, Mr. Heinrich was transferred back to San Diego and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on January 13, 1943. Mr. Heinrichs now resides in Coarsegold, California and is an active member of the American Legion Post 110, the Griswold USMC League and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Heinrichs and his wife of 64 years, Anna Queen Spencer Heinrichs, have four daughters, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor Wesley Heinrichs for his service and dedication to our country. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Wesley Dean Heinrichs.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pat Plummer upon his retirement as the Varsity Head Football Coach of Hoover High School in Fresno, California and his induction into the Hoover Hall of Fame. Coach Plummer will be inducted into the Hoover Hall Fame on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Coach Pat Plummer was born in Glendale, California. At a young age, his family moved to northern California, where he graduated from Del Oro High School. Upon graduating from high school, Coach Plummer attended Sierra Junior College in Rocklin, California. In 1970, he transferred to California State University, Fresno, on a football scholarship. In 1972, Coach Plummer was named to the All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association team as an offensive guard. Coach Plummer graduated from CSU Fresno with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education and a minor in Geography; in 1974, he earned a teaching credential. Upon obtaining his credential, Coach Plummer began teaching and coaching football at Tulare Western Union High School in Tulare, California. He was the defensive coordinator for two years before being named the head varsity coach. Coach Plummer remained at Tulare Western for eight years. In 1985, he was offered the position of Head Varsity Football Coach at Hoover High School. Since taking that job, Coach Plummer has compiled a record of 132 wins, 116 losses and 3 ties. He led his teams to six Fresno City Championships (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994) and two North Yosemite League Championships (1997 and 1999). In 2005 and 2006, Coach Plummer took a hiatus from coaching varsity football so that he and his wife, Micki, would have more time to watch his son, Shawn, play varsity football at a rival school. For those two years, Coach Plummer was the head freshman football coach at Hoover. In 2007, Coach Plummer returned to the Head Varsity Coach position. In his 25 years as the head varsity coach, he has coached several All-Star games including the Tulare-Kings All Star Game in 1985, the Fresno City-County All-Star game in 1989, 1993, and 1999, and the North-South All-Star game in 2003 and 2007. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Pat Plummer upon his retirement from Hoover High School and induction into the Hoover Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Coach Plummer many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Michelle Stauffer upon her retirement from Wawona School. Mrs. Michelle Stauffer has spent the past 29 years serving as a teaching principal at Wawona School; a kindergarten through sixth grade, one-room elementary school in Yosemite National Park. Wawona School has been serving the children that live in the park since the late 1800's. Park rangers, firefighters and other National Park Service employees rely on this community school, and Mrs. Stauffer, to educate and nurture their children. During its existence, the school has educated the children of many Yosemite pioneer families, including the Washburn, Bruce and Gordon families. Mrs. Stauffer is dedicated to providing a solid education for the students. Field trips to Washington D.C., museums, live theater and the San Francisco Opera are part of the curriculum at Wawona School. Mrs. Stauffer believes these field trips are an important part of exposing her students to life outside of the park. Mrs. Stauffer is an extraordinary person and educator. She is dedicated to the Yosemite community and especially to her students. She is committed to providing her students with the very best education in the most nurturing environment possible. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michelle Stauffer for her dedicated service to the student of Wawona School. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Stauffer many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team on winning the 2009 National Trophy Infantry Match at Camp Perry on August 7, 2009. The team will be recognized and honored at the annual National Rifle Association sanctioned high power match on Saturday, July 3, 2010. The California Grizzlies Junior Rifle team consists of seven juniors from around the state of California; team captain Anthony Henderson, Sonora; David Bahten, Jamestown; Chad Kurgan, Sonora; Jim Minturn, San Diego; Joshua Lehn, Lemoore; Cheyanne Acebo, Vacaville; and Matthew Chezem, Simi Valley. The team is lead by coach Jim O'Connell. The 2009 National Trophy Infantry Match winners shot a 1284, becoming the first junior team to ever win the event and the first civilian team to win in 79 years. The team has been a tough competitor in recent years. They finished fifth at the event in 2008, setting a record with a score of 1233. The team won the junior title, setting new records in 2008 and 2009 in the National Trophy Team event, shooting a score of 2870 to finish eighth overall. The team consistently has members in the President's 100, a group of distinguished shooters and members that receive notable rankings and points in various competitions. The competition at Camp Perry includes many different matches; the Infantry Team Match, established in the late 1920s, is the competition that most closely resembles battles from war. Teams of six shoot at eight targets, starting off at six hundred yards, moving to five hundred yards, then three hundred yards and ending at two hundred yards. These shots are taken in the three shooting positions: prone, sitting and standing. Each member of the team fires sixty-four total rounds with just fifty seconds to get into each position and fire. The best competitors can fire a shot a second and hit the target. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team upon their 2009 victory. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the team many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Johnny Deniz on being honored as the Madera Chamber of Commerce 2010 Senior Farmer of the Year. Mr. Deniz will be recognized at the annual Senior Farmer Dinner on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Mr. Johnny Deniz was born on July 24, 1931 in Madera, California. At the age of 18, he began his farming career. During his 60 years of farming, he has grown almonds, cling peaches, nectarines, plums, table grapes, wine grapes, tomatoes, cotton, prunes and alfalfa. Throughout his career, Mr. Deniz has owned and operated farms of all sizes, ranging from 450 acres to 2,000 acres. Mr. Deniz's legacy in Madera County agriculture has been his contribution toward protecting the county's water supplies, including fighting for historic water rights and federal contracts. Mr. Deniz has appeared before Congressional committees, as well as state and local water jurisdictions, as an expert on Madera County water rights. His honesty, integrity and knowledge in representing agriculture in the county and the Central San Joaquin Valley will continue to benefit future farming generations for years to come. Outside of the farm, Mr. Deniz has served on the board of the Madera Irrigation District for over 20 years, and on the boards of the Friant Water Users Authority and the Association of California Water Agencies. He also served on the board and was chairperson of LAID-CWD Power Authority. Mr. Deniz has been a member of the Madera County Farm Bureau and Western Growers for 25 years, and the Almond Tree Huller and the California Association of Wine Growers for 15 years. He is the co-owner of Madera Pumps, Inc. Mr. Deniz also serves on the Saint Joachim's School Board. For his service, Mr. Deniz has been recognized by the Future Farmers of America, and has received the ``Recognition of Service'' award from the Madera Irrigation District and the Association of California Water Agencies. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Johnny Deniz on being named the Made Chamber of Commerce 2010 Senior Farmer of the Year. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Deniz many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate The Whitney Foundation on ten years of successful grant making in the greater Fresno area. Their ten year celebration will be held in Fresno, California on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The Whitney Foundation was founded by Kathryn Whitney Stephens in 1999 and was based on the philosophy that one should share with others what one is given. When Ms. Stephens came into an inheritance the decision about what to do with the money was simple: share it with those that are less fortunate and bring a positive change in their lives. She wanted to help others become self-sufficient, productive members of society. With this vision, and a two million dollar endowment, The Whitney Foundation was created and the Board of Trustees was put into place in July 2000. Ms. Stephens and the board initially decided that the grants they provided would not fund direct services, but would support programs that develop self-determination and self- reliance through health, education and housing. While Ms. Stephens has since passed away, The Whitney Foundation still holds true to it's original mission. While the Foundation initially provided funding to a broad range of groups who worked in the areas of health, education and housing, the Board has since narrowed it's focus and created a niche within these areas to support groups who's goals involve overcoming obstacles, bringing about social change and lending assistance to organizations or projects that would otherwise fall through the cracks. The Whitney Foundation has helped to fund various housing projects including homeownership education classes, neighborhood improvement and the construction or rehabilitation of low income housing units. They have also funded projects that educate others about how to become more self- sufficient by learning new skills for future employment and living in safer and less violent neighborhoods. Finally, The Whitney Foundation has provided funding to a number of health projects that reach out to the uninsured, immigrant health needs and programs that promote culturally sensitive services. The Whitney Foundation has funded over twenty projects that have one or more of these principals. Through the Foundation's generosity, non-profits have been able to extend services that fulfill a need in the community. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate The Whitney Foundation on ten years of giving. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing The Whitney Foundation many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park volunteers upon their diligent work and commitment to restoring the famous Sierra No. 3 locomotive. The restored Sierra No. 3 made it's debut at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California on Friday, July 2, 2010. Sierra No. 3 is an 1891 vintage steam locomotive built by Rogers Locomotive Works in Paterson, New Jersey. The locomotive was originally purchased in 1891 for use on the Prescott and Arizona Central, a railroad owned by Thomas Bullock. Due to the failure of the Prescott and Arizona Central railroad, Sierra No. 3 was transported to California and used in the building of the Sierra Railway from Oakdale, California. In the early 1900's, Hollywood producers first discovered Tuolumne County and its historic trains. Since then, Hollywood has been filming Sierra No. 3, the photogenic steam locomotive along the Sierra Railroad's scenic route, to satisfy America's love affair with Western movies. Starring in more than 100 movies and television productions, Sierra No. 3 has appeared in more motion pictures, documentaries and television productions than any other locomotive. It appeared in The Virginian with Gary Cooper in 1929, the first sound movie filmed outside of a Hollywood sound stage. Shortly after it appeared in The Texan, Sierra No. 3 was derailed from the movie business as the depression hit and the Sierra Railway was struggling with bankruptcy and reorganization. In 1948, repairs were made to Sierra No. 3 and the locomotive hit the movie scene once more, appearing in High Noon, The Great Race, Bound for Glory, Back to the Future III and Unforgiven. The locomotive also appeared on numerous commercials and television shows, including Lone Ranger, Tales of Wells Fargo, Petticoat Junction, Rawhide, Death Valley Days, Lassie, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Wild, Wild West, and Little House on the Prairie. After sitting idle for many years, Sierra No. 3 was overhauled and returned to service in 1948. It operated for many years pulling special excursion trains and starring in movies. It was Sierra No. 3's use in the movies that preserved the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse when most railroads were scrapping their locomotives and demolishing the old railhouses. In 1995, the Federal Railroad Administration implemented new requirements to ensure the safe operation of the aging American steam locomotives. The 110-year-old Sierra No. 3 was assessed and it was determined that major repairs were required for it to be in compliance with the new regulations. In early 2000, a crew began to disassemble the locomotive, but the project was put on hold until a major fundraising effort was initiated in 2007. The restoration process took almost three years and cost 1.5 million dollars to complete. Today, Sierra No. 3 is fully repaired, restored and ready for its debut. The locomotive is housed at the original Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse (now Railtown 1897 State Historic Park). Railtown 1897 operates, preserves and interprets one of just two remaining, fully intact and still functioning steam-era shortline railroad roundhouse complexes in the United States. With the dedication of many volunteers and partnerships, Sierra No. 3, originally built almost 120 years ago, will be available to carry passengers along the historic gold country route. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park volunteers and the partners involved upon their success in bringing back Sierra No. 3. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing all involved many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. RADANOVICH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4805, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, would set Federal formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products based on the standards recently set by the State of California. Excessive exposure to formaldehyde can cause health problems, and health risks imposed by formaldehyde may indeed warrant a Federal emission standard for composite wood products. Although this bill has improved in several important respects since it was introduced, it still has a number of deficiencies that outweigh its benefits. Therefore, I urge all Members to vote against the bill. Before summarizing the bill's principal deficiencies, let me note some of the changes that we were able to make on the Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill before the House today provides greater clarity regarding the actual emission standards that the EPA must promulgate and mandates ``sell-through'' provisions that ensure fair treatment for merchants seeking to sell inventory manufactured before the emission standards take effect. Despite these improvements, the bill suffers from at least four critical deficiencies. First, the proponents of the bill failed to demonstrate that the emission standards themselves are reflective of the most recent scientific study and understanding. Second, the bill sets forth a theoretical national standard because it does not preempt State and local regulation. Third, the bill requires EPA to promulgate the standards without making a determination that they are technically feasible and that compliance is not prohibitively expensive. Finally, the bill requires EPA to regulate consumer products even though the CPSC appears better qualified for this task. I will now address each of these four deficiencies in more detail. Excessive exposure to formaldehyde can cause health problems, and we are not here to debate that point. I am concerned that this bill's stated emission standards do not reflect the levels science is telling us are necessary to prevent harm. Instead, I understand the bill relies on the increasingly outdated risk assessment conducted by the State of California in issuing its own regulations. Further, as explained and called into question by Dr. Mel Anderson in his expert testimony provided at the March 18, 2010, hearing before the Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, the California standards are much more restrictive than necessary to protect consumers from cancer risks. Further, assuming the health risks posed by formaldehyde in composite wood products warrant some type of Federal emission standard, the bill raises concerns because it does not preempt State regulation. The preemption provisions in section 18 of the Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, would not apply to these standards. Nothing in the bill would preclude States from imposing more stringent and conflicting standards than those mandated by the bill. States could create a patchwork of differing laws and requirements, thereby frustrating the stated goal of creating a uniform national standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. In addition, the EPA is currently considering a regulation under TSCA addressing the same issues addressed by this bill. If the EPA completes its current rulemaking process, any resulting formaldehyde standard would preempt State regulation as provided in TSCA. The bill would also require the EPA to issue the mandated emission standards regardless of whether they ultimately prove technically feasible and reasonably affordable. Congress lacks experience regarding the workability of these standards in the real word. We have learned through our experience with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that we should be very careful about mandating standards based on industry segment's confidence that it can comply with them. We learned the hard way that well-meaning bills can lead to unemployment for small manufacturers, and we should not repeat that mistake, with almost 10 percent unemployment. This bill does not provide the EPA with any discretion if one or more of these standards proves technically not feasible to meet or if the high cost of compliance with the standard would prevent any manufacturers from remaining in business. It doesn't make sense to impose a standard which has not been ``road tested'' and that industry potentially cannot meet. Moreover, the bill would provide for EPA rulemaking and enforcement of the emissions standards under the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, even though the CPSC would be in a better position to handle the program under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Under TSCA, the EPA regulates industrial chemicals and mixtures rather than consumer products, while the CPSC regulates unsafe consumer products under a different statutory framework. Given that the bill addresses supposedly unsafe consumer products and provides for emissions standards as well as labeling and testing requirements, the CPSC arguably is better situated than the EPA to handle this. The CPSC's more extensive experience and expertise on issues relating to consumer product safety, sell-through, labeling, and consumer product testing suggest that we should entrust this program to the CPSC instead of handing it off to EPA. Had the above deficiencies been resolved more satisfactorily, this bill would more likely warrant passage. Unfortunately, I cannot support the bill in its current form and urge a ``no'' vote. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patrick Creer upon his retirement from the California Highway Patrol, Oakhurst Area Office. Officer Creer will officially retire on June 30, 2010 after 28 years of service. Officer Creer graduated from Simi Valley High School in 1972. He served in the United States Air Force from 1976 through 1982. After completing his service in the military, Officer Creer was appointed to the California Highway Patrol academy in 1982. Upon graduating from the academy, he was assigned to the Santa Cruz Area Office. In 1988 Officer Creer was transferred to the Fresno Area Office. After serving 6 years in Fresno, he was transferred to the Central Division, where he worked in the recruitment unit for 9 years. In 2003, Officer Creer was transferred to the newly opened Oakhurst Area Office. Officer Creer has been married to his wife, Vicki, for 34 years. They have 1 son, Matthew. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Patrick Creer for his tremendous service to the State of California upon his retirement from the California Highway Patrol. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Officer Creer many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Edward Moffat and his service to the community. Judge Moffat passed away on January 16, 2010 at the age of 63. Judge Edward Moffat II was born on December 20, 1946 in Denver, Colorado, to Edward and Josephine Sansone-Moffat. In 1963 the family moved to Oakland, California. Upon graduating from Bishop O'Dowd High School, he attended St. Mary's College at Moraga, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history. He attended Golden Gate University and graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1972. Later that year, he was admitted to the California Bar. Judge Moffat moved to Madera, California to become an assistant district attorney. Over the next 12 years he gained broad experience in both criminal and appellate law with successive positions with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Public Defender's Office, Tulare County Public Defender's Office, as well as private practice. In 1986 Judge Moffat ran for Madera County Superior Court and was elected. He was re- elected in 1992, 1998 and 2004. Judge Moffat served as the Presiding Judge in 1989, 1991-1992, 1996 and 2002-2004. During his career, Judge Moffat also served as Presiding Judge of Appellate Division, Judge of Appellate Division for Madera Superior Court, Judge of Appellate Division for Mariposa Superior Court and Associate Justice pro tempore of the Court of Appeals, Fifth Appellate District. Outside of the court room, Judge Moffat was a member of the California Judges Association, Cow County Judges Association, California State Bar, La Raza Lawyers Association of Fresno, Madera County Bar Association, and the California Public Defenders Association. Judge Moffat served as a Madera County Law Library Trustee for twenty-four years. He was also involved with many community organizations, including the Young Men's Institute, the Italo American Club, the Italian Catholic Federation, the Knights of Columbus, the Pan American Club, Madera Elks Club and Madera Noon Lions. He also worked tirelessly with local youth and the Boy Scouts of America. For his contribution and service, Judge Moffat received many awards and honors. He was named ``Man of the Year'' by the Young Man's Institute and the Pan American Club and the Dad's Can Cook 2003 ``Father of the Year''. Judge Moffat was honored by the Madera County Office of Education in 2001 when he was awarded the ``Golden Apple Award'', and again recently when they named the Mock Trial program in his honor. Judge Moffat spent his free time golfing with his children and friends at the Madera Golf and Country Club, at home baking with his grandchildren or playing penny slot machines at the casinos with his wife, Veronica. He was a sports enthusiast, always finding opportunities to discuss major league baseball and the Denver Broncos; he read the sports section of the San Francisco Chronicle often. Judge Moffat is survived by his wife of 35 years, Veronica; their children, Gina, Edward III, Sarah and Matthew; brothers John and Joe; sister Marie Capri; grandchildren Kobe and Devon. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, a tireless community leader and a great friend to many. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Edward Moffat. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and wishing the best for his family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kathleen Garabed upon her retirement as the founder and Executive Director of Stone Soup in Fresno, California after almost twenty years of dedicated service. Ms. Garabed will be honored on Saturday, June 19, 2010. In 1992, Ms. Garabed was working as a resettlement officer for Church World Service; the office was located in a foursquare block of Fresno that was notorious for high crime. One day, an eight year old Cambodian boy visited Wesley United Methodist Church where her office was located and placed a pistol on her desk. He told her he was supposed to shoot someone to join a gang; he had come to her in search of help and hope. Ms. Garabed immediately jumped into action with faith and a vision for the community. Without a building, program or money, she started a summer program for children on the church lawn. Ms. Garabed worked tirelessly and continued to knock on doors that remained closed for many years. She was determined to gain support and cultivate good will for this young boy and many others like him. She found a few volunteers that were willing to share their time, skills and talent to replace their violent activities with role models and productive programs. Over the years, the original summer program grew into Stone Soup Fresno, a multi-million dollar community center, offering health services, education, cultural preservation and leadership development. Stone Soup Fresno, under Ms. Garabed's leadership, has impacted a number of lives. The literacy rate of almost one thousand children served by the organization has shown dramatic improvement, based on pre-post test scores from standardized tests. More than one hundred and twenty young leaders from the neighborhood have graduated from the Stone Soup's leadership program, increasing leadership in the community. There are two hundred new Hmong refugee families in the process of becoming new Americans who have participated in civic activities through Stone Soup. Ms. Garabed also helps to empower young Hmong women to become advocates in their community. Since the conception of Stone Soup Fresno, Ms. Garabed has been recognized for the exemplary work she does. The organization has received the ``Presidential Points of Light Award'', ``Distinguished Public Service Award'' from Delta Gamma Chi State chapter, the Fresno Police Department's ``Outstanding Citizen Award'', ``Temple Beth Israel Social Action Award'', ``Spirit Award'' from the Volunteer Bureau, and ``Leadership Award'' from the Central California Forum on Refugee Affairs. HUD has recognized Stone Soup's stewardship as a ``Best Practice'' in developing the community center. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Kathleen Garabed upon her dedicated service to, and retirement from, Stone Soup Fresno. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Garbed many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Todd DenBeste upon his retirement from the California Highway Patrol, Oakhurst Area Office. Officer DenBeste will officially retire June 30, 2010, after twenty-eight years of service. A party will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 26, 2010 in Oakhurst, California. Officer Todd DenBeste graduated from West High School in Torrance, California. Upon graduating from high school, he worked in the private sector until he was appointed to the California Highway Patrol academy in 1982. Upon completing the academy, he was immediately placed in the South Los Angeles Area Office, where he was later assigned to the motor squad. Officer DenBeste served in South Los Angeles for nine years. In December 1991, Officer DenBeste was transferred to the California Highway Patrol Resident Post in Oakhurst, California. When the Oakhurst Area Office was formed in 2003, Officer DenBeste was assigned to that office. Officer DenBeste has been married to his wife, Leisa, for thirty- three years. They have two children, Justin and Melissa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Todd DenBeste for his tremendous service to the state of California upon his retirement from the California Highway Patrol. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Officer DenBeste many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Phyllis Weber upon her retirement as the Principal of El Portal School and Yosemite Park High School. After thirty-two years in education, Ms. Weber will be honored at a retirement party in El Portal, California on Thursday, June 10, 2010. Ms. Weber received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Dayton in Ohio and her Master of Arts degree in environmental and outdoor education from San Francisco State University. After three years as an environmental investigator for the Environmental Protection Agency, she became an instructor for the Yosemite Institute starting in January 1976. The Yosemite Institute is one of the nation's leading environmental education organizations dedicated to bringing school age children to Yosemite where they have an opportunity to experience and learn about the majestic place. Ms. Weber became known as a dynamic naturalist and teacher who had an amazing ability to connect with her students, a trait that carried forward throughout her career. At the Yosemite Institute she also met Mr. Art Baggett, a fellow instructor, and now her husband of more than thirty years. In 1978, Ms. Weber began teaching first, second and third grades at El Portal Elementary School. She has also taught courses for a wilderness program for the Saratoga/Los Gatos High School District, winter ecology for Antioch College, mountain ecology for the University of California at Santa Cruz, Yosemite Natural History for the College of Marin and various college courses for the Yosemite Institute. As the principal of Yosemite National Park's El Portal School and Yosemite Park High School since 2000, Ms. Weber has gracefully inspired teachers, staff and students to perform at high levels, as confirmed annually by the high test scores at the El Portal School. She has an uncanny ability to see the potential in her students and to draw them out in a way that helps them fulfill their potential. She has also developed a very positive reputation for her community through her school's ability to communicate with, and educate, Spanish-speaking students while making them feel welcome and part of the community. Ms. Weber's hallmark has been her enthusiasm to encourage new and innovative programs proposed by her teachers, students and parents and to actively seek creative ways to fund these programs. She has become a master at working within school district budgets and has diligently travelled with the district office to Mariposa, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to support her budget, as well as working closely with parents and the local community on fundraising and support. In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Weber has been very involved in public service and her family has been an integral part of the Yosemite community for several generations. As part of her public service, Ms. Weber was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Yosemite Natural History Association in November 1979 and she began her service on January 26, 1980. For the past thirty years she has served on the Board for the Yosemite Natural History Association, the Yosemite Association and now the Yosemite Conservancy, where she is currently the chair of the education and programs committee. In this role, Ms. Weber and her family share their deep passion for Yosemite and Mariposa County. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Principal Phyllis Weber upon her retirement from El Portal School and Yosemite Park High School. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Weber many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Yosemite Conservancy upon its conception. The Yosemite Association and the Yosemite Fund have come together to launch this new organization to protect Yosemite National Park and inspire enduring connections for current and future generations. In January 2010 the Yosemite Association and the Yosemite Fund, two non-profits with over one hundred years of combined experience in supporting the park, merged. Since 1923, the Yosemite Association has provided opportunities for people to learn about, enjoy and experience Yosemite National Park. The focus has primarily been on providing publications, outdoor programs, history museums, volunteering and a wealth of visitor services. The Yosemite Fund was established in 1988 to focus on projects that enhance the visitor experience, including trails, restoration of vital habitats, preservation of art and artifacts. The Yosemite Fund has supported over three hundred projects funded through fifty-five million dollars in grants. The Yosemite Fund has more than forty projects planned for 2010. The organization has four hundred volunteers annually to assist park visitors, restore natural areas and help with operations, events and fundraising activities. With the merging of these two organizations, the Yosemite Conservancy was created. The Yosemite Conservancy is the only philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and preservation of Yosemite National Park and enhancement of the visitor experience. With the experience and knowledge of the Yosemite Fund and the Yosemite Association, the Yosemite Conservancy will provide the best of both organizations. It will aim to create new benchmarks in innovation and quality through its programs and projects. The 2010 signature project is a one million dollar effort to support Youth in Yosemite an experimental learning program that will also improve campgrounds, repair trails, preserve images from Yosemite's archives and expand educational programs and exhibits at Happy Isle Nature Center. Different programs and projects will be put in place in 2010 as well, such as Outdoor Adventures programs to teach people about the park, Yosemite Art and Education programs, meadow restoration, bighorn sheep monitoring and pacific fisher research and bear canister rental and wilderness permits. Under the leadership of Mike Tollefson, former superintendent of Yosemite National Park, the Board of Trustees and the permanent staff, the Yosemite Conservancy will work toward their mission to provide for Yosemite's future by inspiring people to support projects and programs that preserve and protect Yosemite National Park's resources and enrich the visitor experience. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Yosemite Conservancy for its commitment to better serve and protect Yosemite National Park. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the organization many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Riley Walter upon thirty years of business in the legal field. Mr. Riley will be honored at a reception on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Mr. Riley Walter attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 and a Master of Arts degree in 1974, both in Agriculture. While working towards his Masters degree, he worked as an assistant professor of agriculture business management at Cal Poly, Pomona. Upon completing the masters program, Mr. Walter attended Western State University in southern California and received a Juris Doctorate in 1980. During this time, he was also working toward becoming a tenured associate professor at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Later, Mr. Walter became certified as a Business Bankruptcy Specialist by the American Board of Bankruptcy Certification. In 1980, Mr. Walter passed the bar and in May began practicing in a commercial law firm where he was working on reorganization, insolvency and bankruptcy law in Central California, from Bakersfield to Sacramento. His primary area of practice has become insolvency law, specifically Chapter 11 and specializing in large scale agricultural and agribusiness cases including creameries, processors, wineries, feed mills, farms, ranches and dairies. Mr. Walter also works on consensual restructuring, workouts, liquidations, receiverships, assignment for benefit of creditors and other insolvency and restructuring matters. For these types of issues, Mr. Walter has Worked with cities, hospitals, developers, energy companies, manufacturing, service and retail businesses. During his thirty years of practice, he has represented debtors and trustees in over three thousand cases under Chapter 11, 12, 7 and 9. Mr. Walter is actively involved with many legal organizations. He has served as president and director of the Central California Bankruptcy Association and the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He has served as the chair of Business Law Section and the Agricultural Law Section of the Fresno County Bar Association. Mr. Walter also served as the director and co-chair of the California State Bar Agribusiness Committee. He has served as director of the California Bankruptcy Forum and the Central California Receivers Forum. He is, or has been, a member of the American Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, American Inns of Court and Society of Agricultural Lenders. He is a former chair of the Agricultural Law Review Advisory Committee at San Joaquin College of Law. He is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Class XIII and is a Delegate to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. Mr. Walter was selected as a Northern California Super Lawyer for 2004 through 2009. Outside of his practice, Mr. Walter taught agriculture law as an adjunct professor at San Joaquin College of Law in Fresno from 1989 through 1993. He was also an adjunct professor of management (entrepreneurial studies) at California State University, Fresno. He has authored, co-authored or contributed to many articles. Because of his extensive experience and involvement, Mr. Walter has lectured on bankruptcy topics to business and legal groups numerous times. Mr. Walter has a long history of involvement in civic and cultural organizations. He currently serves as the vice chair on the board of the Lyles Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of California State University, Fresno. He is general counsel to the Central Valley Business Incubator and the Bulldog Fund. Mr. Walter recently retired from the board of the Central Valley Business Incubator, after thirteen years of service with the organization. He was formerly on the boards of the Fresno Business Council, the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno City and County Historical Society and the Lee Institute for Japanese Art. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Riley Walter upon thirty years of legal service to the Central Valley. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Walter many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Stanislaus County Medical Society upon celebrating its 100th anniversary. The medical society will be celebrating the anniversary during the annual membership meeting to be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto, California. During the 1820s, early settlers to California began migrating near the Stanislaus River. In 1848, California was ceded to the United States, gold was soon discovered and in 1854 the boundaries were set for Stanislaus County. Between the gold rush and the Central Pacific Railroad laying tracks through the area, Stanislaus County was growing fast. In 1878, there were 10 men listed as licensed to practice medicine in Stanislaus County. By 1891, a county hospital had been built and the number of practicing physicians had risen to 15. In 1903, Dr. Surryhne built the first private hospital in Stanislaus County. By 1910, the Stanislaus County Medical Society was established with Dr. W.J. Wilhite serving as president and Dr. Surryhne serving as secretary. The society meetings typically took place at the Hotel Modesto, with an attendance of eighteen to twenty members. By 1946, physicians were returning from World War II and the Society grew in numbers and specialties, such as obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, G.U., general surgery and internal medicine. The physicians of the Stanislaus County Medical Society formed the Stanislaus Foundation for Medical Care to guarantee the delivery of quality medical care on a prepayment basis at a just and equitable cost to both the patient and physician. The foundation was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1957, and acts as a health management system. It was created and operated by local physicians to serve the best interests of the public and professional community. Today, the Stanislaus County Medical Society has over 650 active, retired and resident members. The members serve the purpose of ``promoting and developing the science and art of medicine, conserving and protecting the public health, promoting the betterment of the medical profession, cooperating with organizations of like purposes and uniting with similar societies from other counties of the State to form the California Medical Society.'' Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Stanislaus County Medical Society upon 100 years of service. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the Society, and all of the members, many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce legislation today supporting a project that provides an enhanced visitor experience for tourists at Yosemite National Park and an additional administrative site for employees outside the Park boundaries. Yosemite is the crown jewel of the National Park System; each year over 3.5 million visitors travel to Yosemite to enjoy the scenic vistas, hiking, and Valley destinations. This proposed legislation authorizes the National Park Service to purchase up to 18 acres of land in Mariposa County, from willing sellers, for visitor and administrative uses. The proposed site for this center will be at the junction of State Highway 140 and State Highway 49, located in Mariposa just outside the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park. A visitor center at this location will not only provide Yosemite National Park with an opportunity to enhance their visitor services, it will be a tourist destination for travelers in the gateway community of Mariposa as well. This non-controversial bill enjoys a broad array of local support including the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, and County Tourism Bureau, in addition to the current Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Fund. Additionally, this authorizing legislation is PAY-GO neutral and does not authorize direct spending. Madam Speaker, I am eager to lend my support to a project that will benefit the local economy of Mariposa by providing tourism opportunities as well as enhancing the visitor experience at Yosemite National Park. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation as it moves through Congress.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, my colleague from California, Mr. Costa, and I rise today to commend and congratulate the Central California Veterans Home Support Foundation upon the groundbreaking ceremony of the Veterans Home of California in Fresno. The ceremony is to be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at the future site of the home and is a true testament of the hard work and dedication of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Central California Veterans Home Support Foundation. Having a home dedicated to serving the needs of the veterans in the San Joaquin Valley has been a long time goal of the Central California Veterans Home Foundation, CCVHF. This goal became achievable when the Millennial Healthcare Act of 2000 through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USDVA, was placed into effect, changing the way projects were evaluated for State Home Grant funding. Under the new rules, new Veterans Homes receiving grant funds would have to be located near veteran population centers; California has been listed by the USDVA as one of two states in ``great need'' for additional Veterans Homes, and Fresno is a region with a large veteran population and healthcare hub. In response to the federal recognition, the state legislature and then California Governor Gray Davis, responded by passing the Veterans Home Bond Act of 2000 and Assembly Bill 1077 of 2004. This state legislation made funds available to develop and construct new Veterans Homes in Lancaster, Ventura, West Los Angeles, Fresno and Redding, and met the matching requirements of the federal funding. CCVHF was formed and conversations were held with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as local elected officials, to insure the Fresno project would happen. In 2003, funding was cut short due to budget issues within the state. The board members of the foundation took many trips to Sacramento to fight for the funding they were initially promised. After a six-year struggle, the state and federal government signed off on construction of the new Veterans Home in southwest Fresno. The twenty-seven acre site in West Fresno will be the site of a three-hundred bed facility for veterans, offering complete medical and dental care amidst the amenities of a small town atmosphere. CCVHF envisions a home where residents can participate in on and off campus activities, civic affairs and attend veteran service organization meetings. Residents will also have the option of participating in the Therapeutic Employment Program, visiting the on- site libraries, or attending events such as dances, social gatherings, special programs, arts and crafts, as well as staying active while gardening or swimming. The goal of the facility and CCVHF is to enable residents to achieve their highest quality of life in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Madam Speaker, Mr. Costa and I rise today to commend and congratulate all of the organizations and individuals that have made the groundbreaking of the Veterans Home of California in Fresno possible. I invite my colleagues to join us in wishing the home and future residents great success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, my colleague from California, Mr. Costa, and I rise today to commend and congratulate the Central California Veterans Home Support Foundation upon the groundbreaking ceremony of the Veterans Home of California in Fresno. The ceremony is to be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at the future site of the home and is a true testament of the hard work and dedication of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Central California Veterans Home Support Foundation. Having a home dedicated to serving the needs of the veterans in the San Joaquin Valley has been a long time goal of the Central California Veterans Home Foundation, CCVHF. This goal became achievable when the Millennial Healthcare Act of 2000 through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USDVA, was placed into effect, changing the way projects were evaluated for State Home Grant funding. Under the new rules, new Veterans Homes receiving grant funds would have to be located near veteran population centers; California has been listed by the USDVA as one of two states in ``great need'' for additional Veterans Homes, and Fresno is a region with a large veteran population and healthcare hub. In response to the federal recognition, the state legislature and then California Governor Gray Davis, responded by passing the Veterans Home Bond Act of 2000 and Assembly Bill 1077 of 2004. This state legislation made funds available to develop and construct new Veterans Homes in Lancaster, Ventura, West Los Angeles, Fresno and Redding, and met the matching requirements of the federal funding. CCVHF was formed and conversations were held with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as local elected officials, to insure the Fresno project would happen. In 2003, funding was cut short due to budget issues within the state. The board members of the foundation took many trips to Sacramento to fight for the funding they were initially promised. After a six-year struggle, the state and federal government signed off on construction of the new Veterans Home in southwest Fresno. The twenty-seven acre site in West Fresno will be the site of a three-hundred bed facility for veterans, offering complete medical and dental care amidst the amenities of a small town atmosphere. CCVHF envisions a home where residents can participate in on and off campus activities, civic affairs and attend veteran service organization meetings. Residents will also have the option of participating in the Therapeutic Employment Program, visiting the on- site libraries, or attending events such as dances, social gatherings, special programs, arts and crafts, as well as staying active while gardening or swimming. The goal of the facility and CCVHF is to enable residents to achieve their highest quality of life in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Madam Speaker, Mr. Costa and I rise today to commend and congratulate all of the organizations and individuals that have made the groundbreaking of the Veterans Home of California in Fresno possible. I invite my colleagues to join us in wishing the home and future residents great success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all of the 2010 Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree recipients through the Nisei Diploma Project. All honorees will be recognized on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at a special awards ceremony to be held at California State University, Fresno. During World War II, an estimated two hundred and fifty Japanese- American and Japanese immigrant students from California State University, CSU, campuses across the state had their education abruptly interrupted when Executive Order 9066 was executed in 1942. These students were forcefully removed from the west coast and incarcerated for the duration of the war. Once released many of these former students went to work and did not return to school. On September 23, 2009 the California State University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to award Special Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degrees to the CSU students that were affected by the Executive Order, known as the Nisei Diploma Project. Through the passage of this project, CSU strives to heal the wounds of the Japanese-Americans living in California during World War II. By identifying the former students enrolled in the CSU system when the order was initially passed, they will honor the academic intentions of the Japanese- American students enrolled at the time by presenting an honorary degree to the former students or their families and welcoming the former students back to the campus. California State University, Fresno has determined that there are eighty-seven eligible students through the Nisei Diploma Project. Today, they are honoring all eighty-seven students and presenting a Special Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree to nineteen of those students. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the 2010 Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree recipients through the Nisei Diploma Project. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the honorees.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Susie Snedden upon being named as a 2010 Common Threads honoree. Mrs. Snedden will be honored by California State University, Fresno at the 2010 Common Threads Award luncheon to be held on Friday, April 16, 2010. Mrs. Susie Snedden grew up on the family farm in Maricopa, California. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors Degree in political science. While in school, she interned for then-Congressman William Ketchum in his Washington, DC, office, the Republican State Central Committee and was the first intern for the California Cattleman's Association in Sacramento. As a young adult she returned to the family cow-calf operation that she now co-owns with her husband, Richard. Mrs. Snedden is very active in the Kern County community. She has served as president and director for the Kern County CattleWomen and as a state director for the Kern County Cattlemen's Association. She and her husband served as state membership co-chairs for R-CALF, USA, a national cattle producer's organization. Mrs. Snedden operates an educational booth at, and assists with, the annual Farm Day in the City, has been involved at Maricopa School on the School Site Council and School Bond Committee. She often gives presentations about beef, its by-products and the cattle ranching business to classrooms and organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Snedden have hosted visitors from around the world, providing them with a taste of ranch life. Mrs. Snedden is active member of her church, where she has led mission trips to Mexico, and has opened her home to Vacation Bible Schools and women's retreats. For her efforts, Mrs. Snedden was named ``Kern County Cattle Princess'' in 1972 and ``Kern County CattleWoman of the Year'' in 2001. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Susie Snedden upon her achievements. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Snedden many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Justice Steven Vartabedian upon his retirement from the California Fifth District Court of Appeal. After serving for twenty-nine years as a judge, Justice Vartabedian will officially retire on May 31, 2010. Justice Steven Vartabedian is a native of the San Joaquin Valley. He attended, and graduated with honors, from California State University, Fresno in 1972. Upon graduation he studied at Santa Clara University, School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1975. He passed both the state and federal bar in 1975. Early in his career, Justice Vartabedian returned to the Valley to practice family law and real estate litigation with, now former State Senator, and current justice on the Fifth District Court, Charles Poochigian. Justice Vartabedian began serving on the Sanger Justice Court in 1981 and moved to the Fresno Municipal Court in 1983, where he served for four years, two of which he was a presiding judge. He joined the Fresno County Superior Court in 1987, serving as presiding criminal judge. In September 1989, Justice Vartabedian was appointed as an associate justice of the Court of Appeal by Governor George Deukmejian. While serving on the state judiciary, he participated on the planning committee of the Appellate Justice Institute and on a committee studying weighted caseloads. Justice Vartabedian's most recent participation was with the Appellate Court Legacy Project Committee. He has authored articles on the topics of sentencing, court delays and sex abuse cases, all of which have been published in the Pacific Law Journal and the Judges' Journal. While busy with his practice and serving with the various courts, Justice Vartabedian found time to teach. He taught business law at California State University, Fresno from 1976 to 1981. In 1992 he was a symposium speaker and panelist at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, for the ``Victims Rights in California'' program. In 1995, Justice Vartabedian moderated a state bar program entitled ``To Appeal or Not to Appeal,'' and has lectured on the subject of the appellate process to county bar associations and community groups on numerous occasions. Justice Vartabedian and his wife, Marilyn, have three adult daughters, all engaged in careers in law. The family is active in symphonic activities, as his daughters are all musicians. He has served in the community as a past founding member of the local board of directors of World Impact, an organization that focuses on inner-city youth ministry. He is a former trustee of the Armenian Community School of Fresno and is an elder and bass soloist in his church. For his service, Justice Vartabedian received Sanger Unified School District's Outstanding Contribution to Education Award in 1982 and the Armenian Community School Outstanding Service Award in 2004. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Justice Steven Vartabedian upon his retirement from the Fifth District Court of Appeal. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Justice Vartabedian many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all of the 2010 Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree recipients through the Nisei Diploma Project. All honorees will be recognized on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at a special awards ceremony to be held at California State University, Fresno. During World War II, an estimated two hundred and fifty Japanese- American and Japanese immigrant students from California State University, CSU, campuses across the state had their education abruptly interrupted when Executive Order 9066 was executed in 1942. These students were forcefully removed from the west coast and incarcerated for the duration of the war. Once released many of these former students went to work and did not return to school. On September 23, 2009 the California State University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to award Special Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degrees to the CSU students that were affected by the Executive Order, known as the Nisei Diploma Project. Through the passage of this project, CSU strives to heal the wounds of the Japanese-Americans living in California during World War II. By identifying the former students enrolled in the CSU system when the order was initially passed, they will honor the academic intentions of the Japanese- American students enrolled at the time by presenting an honorary degree to the former students or their families and welcoming the former students back to the campus. California State University, Fresno has determined that there are eighty-seven eligible students through the Nisei Diploma Project. Today, they are honoring all eighty-seven students and presenting a Special Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree to nineteen of those students. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the 2010 Honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degree recipients through the Nisei Diploma Project. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the honorees.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Justice Steven Vartabedian upon his retirement from the California Fifth District Court of Appeal. After serving for twenty-nine years as a judge, Justice Vartabedian will officially retire on May 31, 2010. Justice Steven Vartabedian is a native of the San Joaquin Valley. He attended, and graduated with honors, from California State University, Fresno in 1972. Upon graduation he studied at Santa Clara University, School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1975. He passed both the state and federal bar in 1975. Early in his career, Justice Vartabedian returned to the Valley to practice family law and real estate litigation with, now former State Senator, and current justice on the Fifth District Court, Charles Poochigian. Justice Vartabedian began serving on the Sanger Justice Court in 1981 and moved to the Fresno Municipal Court in 1983, where he served for four years, two of which he was a presiding judge. He joined the Fresno County Superior Court in 1987, serving as presiding criminal judge. In September 1989, Justice Vartabedian was appointed as an associate justice of the Court of Appeal by Governor George Deukmejian. While serving on the state judiciary, he participated on the planning committee of the Appellate Justice Institute and on a committee studying weighted caseloads. Justice Vartabedian's most recent participation was with the Appellate Court Legacy Project Committee. He has authored articles on the topics of sentencing, court delays and sex abuse cases, all of which have been published in the Pacific Law Journal and the Judges' Journal. While busy with his practice and serving with the various courts, Justice Vartabedian found time to teach. He taught business law at California State University, Fresno from 1976 to 1981. In 1992 he was a symposium speaker and panelist at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, for the ``Victims Rights in California'' program. In 1995, Justice Vartabedian moderated a state bar program entitled ``To Appeal or Not to Appeal,'' and has lectured on the subject of the appellate process to county bar associations and community groups on numerous occasions. Justice Vartabedian and his wife, Marilyn, have three adult daughters, all engaged in careers in law. The family is active in symphonic activities, as his daughters are all musicians. He has served in the community as a past founding member of the local board of directors of World Impact, an organization that focuses on inner-city youth ministry. He is a former trustee of the Armenian Community School of Fresno and is an elder and bass soloist in his church. For his service, Justice Vartabedian received Sanger Unified School District's Outstanding Contribution to Education Award in 1982 and the Armenian Community School Outstanding Service Award in 2004. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Justice Steven Vartabedian upon his retirement from the Fifth District Court of Appeal. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Justice Vartabedian many years of continued success.