George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ralph and Catherine Brosi as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. A party is being held in their honor on May 2, 2004 at the Dante Club in Fresno, California. Ralph and Catherine Brosi were married on May 2, 1954 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Fresno, California. They are both natives of Fresno, California and currently make their home in Clovis, California. Ralph graduated from Clovis High School in 1946 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Catherine graduated from Edison High School in 1945, and was later employed as a medical secretary. Ralph and Catherine started a successful farming and ranching business, Brosi's Poultry Farm. Ralph and Catherine have always set a strong example of family values for their children. Their son, Robert, was born in 1955 and is currently a dentist practicing in Oakhurst, California. In 1956 their daughter, Karen, was born. Karen currently works as a Financial Planner in Mountain View, California. They enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren, Deena, Jenna, and Cayla. The Brosi's are currently retired, but have been involved with various volunteer organizations in their community throughout the years. Ralph is a member of the California Water Fowlers Association, the Sons of Italy, Ducks Unlimited and has served as the President of the Clovis 20/30 Club. Catherine is an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ralph and Catherine Brosi on their Golden Wedding Anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing them many more years of happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nancy Schreiber on the occasion of receiving the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2004 RN of the Year Award for Advanced Practice. A banquet honoring her and three other award winners will be held Friday, May 7th at the Radisson Hotel in Fresno, California. Nancy Schreiber is a skilled, experienced nurse practitioner who provides exemplary care. She is currently a Perioperative Advanced Practice nurse at Community Medical Centers in Fresno and is an adjunct faculty member at Fresno City College. Nancy was a clinical nurse educator and neurosurgical coordinator. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Ms. Schreiber has been a significant part of Community Medical Center's surgical services for over 17 years. She is a genuinely thoughtful person who is not only doing her job to help others, but also, trying to make an impact on their lives. She is a founding member of the Fresno/Clovis/Madera OR Educators Group. Nancy is fluent in Spanish and provides classes in Spanish for Perioperative Services Providers and has developed an English-Spanish phrase manual for use in the Perioperative areas. She is also a ``hands-on'' educator and has been involved in the design and implementation of the Operating Room Scrub Class. Nancy has been involved in the process of writing two nursing standardized procedure manuals, The Nurses Pre-operative Screening of Patients by Criteria, and Assisting Endoscopic PEG Insertion. She has also contributed to nursing research in numerous projects and provided legal consultation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nancy Schreiber for her excellence in the field of Advanced Practice. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Nancy many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allen Giles on the occasion of receiving the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2004 RN of the Year Award for Clinical Practice. A banquet honoring him and three other award winners will be held Friday, May 7th at the Radisson Hotel in Fresno, California. Allen Giles consistently provides the highest quality care to all of his patients. He started his career with Community Medical Center in 1978 as a Registered Nurse and later became a clinical instructor. Allen is currently employed by Community Home Health as an RN. Allen demonstrates proficiency in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the delivery of patient care. He has a proven track record for accurate assessment and appropriate treatment plans, which has earned him the respect of the physicians and colleagues. Allen is an expert in IV management. He is a Certified Registered Nurse in Infusion and provides IV infusion training to other health care professionals on his own time. Allen reviews IV cases to determine if additional staff are needed. He assists in introducing new technology to the Home Care field by reviewing new product literature, field testing of the product and practical application in the Home Care setting. He collaborates with members of the health care team to formulate, implement and develop techniques for nursing care. Mr. Giles is a genuine humanitarian. He attends case conferences even on his days off so that he can communicate an accurate summary of care to his team members. Allen truly cares for every patient and does so with courage and poise that only a leader in the field of nursing could possess. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allen Giles for his excellence in the field of Clinical Practice. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Allen many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Doug Harrison upon his retirement after 33 years of service to the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. A reception will be held in his honor on April 15th in Fresno, California. Doug has achieved numerous accomplishments and has been involved in many noteworthy projects. Mr. Harrison has spoken nationally on urban storm water and flood control issues, including frequent testimony before the United States Congress and the California State Legislature. He has published numerous articles and was a contributing author for a national water resources policy white paper developed by the National Water Alliance for the George Bush administration. Doug's work in urban runoff quality research was recognized by the American Waterworks Association as the best water resources research effort of 1988. The State Water Resource Control Board acknowledged Mr. Harrison for Federal Clean Water Act program assistance, and was subsequently named by the American Public Works Association as one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders in the nation in 1993. Mr. Harrison has received various awards and recognitions. He was named Manager of the Year by the California Special Districts Association, and later given the 2002 Excellence in Water Leadership Award by the Association of California Water Agencies. During Doug's tenure, the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District has been awarded: The Theodore Roosevelt Environmental Award of the Association of California Water Agencies, Award of Merit from American City and County Magazine, and the Award of Excellence, California Park and Recreation Society, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doug Harrison upon his retirement from the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Doug a fulfilling retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald E. Stearn on the occasion of celebrating 40 years of dedication and service to the city of Sonora as a council member. He was sworn into office on April 21, 1964. An event will be held in his honor on April 19 in Sonora, California. In his 40 years of service, Mr. Stearn has served in many roles within the community. He was mayor of Sonora for three 2-year terms and has only missed 3 council meetings throughout his career. Ron is known as the Parking & Traffic expert, providing a wealth of knowledge and history about the infrastructure of the city of Sonora. He has always voted based on what he believes is best for the city and strives to accurately represent the people of Sonora. Ron has committed himself to the city of Sonora and its organizations for numerous years. He remains open to new ideas while respecting and promoting the city's history and well-being. Mr. Stearn's dedication to the city has been an inspiration to his fellow council members as well as the public. In addition to being a council member Ron has been a lifetime member of the Independent Hose Company, a volunteer fire organization, since 1950. He also managed and worked for Mundorf's Hardware for 47 years. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Ronald E. Stearn on the occasion of his 40th anniversary on the city council of Sonora. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ron many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central California in celebrating 50 years of compassionate care and for honoring the Fansler Foundation's 20th Anniversary as well. In recognition of these milestone events, UCP of Central California will be hosting a Starlight Fantasy Ball on Saturday, March 27th in Fresno, California. UCP of Central California is a non-profit, voluntary health agency that was incorporated in 1954 and is affiliated with state and national UCP Associations. The mission of UCP is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of persons with disabilities. UCP of Central California serves seven counties in the San Joaquin Valley including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare; serving over 500 children, adults, and family members everyday. The core purposes of UCP are to advocate on the behalf of children and adults with cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, Down Syndrome, head trauma, and muscular dystrophy. They seek to create local, as well as national, awareness of programs and services available to children and adults with disabilities while raising revenue to support program services they provide. UCP of Central California is honoring the Fansler Foundation for its support of the community. The Fansler Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 1984, by David (Paul) Fansler, Sr. Paul's primary vision was to assist developmentally challenged youth and aid other qualified charities working with children who do not have the opportunity or support to get ahead. The dream was to help provide for these charities in the Fresno County Area; the Fansler Foundation has supported such groups as the American Lung Association, the Marjoree Mason Center, Break the Barriers, and UCP of Central California to name a few. The Fansler Foundation has given over six million dollars of support to numerous organizations over the last 10 years alone. Since Paul's death, Marlene Fansler continues the dream that Paul began 20 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I commend United Cerebral Palsy of Central California and the Fansler Foundation for their continued dedication to those who have disabilities. I urge my colleagues to join me in praising them for their years of establishment and hard work.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lillian Draxler, Debbie Jacobsen, Margaret Jensen, Mary Wickstrom and Bernice Woolf, the recipients of the 2004 Central Valley Common Threads Award. This award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable contribution to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Lillian Draxler has been dedicated to the dairy industry her entire life. She helped establish the JCJ Dairy 30 years ago. For 38 years, Lillian has been engaged in the 4-H program both in Fresno and Kings counties serving in every capacity and coordinating every major event on the 4-H calendar. She provides leadership and funding to the Make-A- Wish Foundation, helps the Kings County Dairywomen amass scholarship funds for needy agriculture students, and is involved with the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Lillian also assists the Farm Bureau and its Education and Agriculture Together programs. Debbie Jacobsen has been active in the grape and teaching industry for more than 20 years. She is one of several principles in the family- owned J&L Vineyards and is teaching at Washington Union High School. Debbie currently serves as president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and is the first woman to hold the position. She is a leader in the Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom program, speaking in classrooms and inviting school tours to her farm. She serves as co-chairman of the Fresno Fair Ag Education Fabulous Food Machine. Debbie is also on the Board of Directors for the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and received the group's prestigious Volunteer Educator Award in 1995. Margaret Jensen has been involved in agriculture throughout her life. She helped plant and develop the pistachio industry in Madera County and was involved in the first commercial citrus planting in Madera County in 1958. Margaret is involved with Fresno State's Ag One Foundation and has been a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau since 1935. She has contributed to numerous projects that have helped to benefit Fresno and the entire San Joaquin Valley. Some of these include the Break the Barriers building fund and helping to fully fund the chapel at Children's Hospital of Central California, a place that provides comfort and quiet for all faiths. -Mary Wickstrom has been a tireless advocate for agricultural advancement during her life. She established her own dairy in Chicago and, along with 11 other dairy families, formed the Hilmar Cheese Company. For several years, Mary shared the buying duties for items to be sold there. She is devoted to the preservation of productive farmland through good land use planning, and she puts those values to work. Mary participates as a member of the Merced County Planning Commission and as a charter member of the Merced County California Women for Agriculture. Mary has also been involved in the Hilmar FFA Booster Club and served as a leader in the 4-H program. Bernice Woolf has been involved in numerous agricultural activities during the course of her life. She served three terms as a board member of the California Agricultural Education Advisory Board and currently serves on the board of the family businesses, Woolf Farming and Woolf Enterprises. These entities have her involved in the production, processing, and marketing of numerous agricultural products. Bernice is also a member of the Central Valley Chapter California Women for Agriculture, American Agri-Women, and served as director of Children's Hospital of Central California, the Fresno Arts Museum, and the Fresno City/County Historical Society. She also contributed to West Hills Community College Farm of the Future. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the 2004 Central Valley Common Threads Award winners. These women have shown outstanding involvement, not only in agriculture but also in strengthening their respective communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing these honorees a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Assyrian New Year 6754 and extend my warm wishes to the Assyrian community; Kha B'Nissan. The Bet-Nahrain, an Assyrian organization in Ceres, California, will be honoring this day on March 21 through their numerous broadcasts which are viewed worldwide through satellite and internet. The celebration of the Assyrian New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Assyria about 4,000 years ago. In the years surrounding 2000 B.C., the Assyrian New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox, which is the first day of spring, March 21. According to Assyrian belief, the beginning of spring is the logical time to start the New Year because it is the season of rebirth, planting of new crops, and blossoming of trees and flowers. The Assyrian New Year typically lasts for 12 days, with each day having a particular theme for celebration. The Assyrian population has made countless contributions to our community, and the Bet-Nahrain is an organization that attests and attributes to that fact. Bet-Nahrain is an Assyrian educational and cultural organization dedicated to the national aspirations and well- being of the Assyrian people. In December of 1975, it was incorporated under the State laws of California as a nonprofit education and public benefit organization. Bet-Nahrain established and inaugurated the world's first ever Assyrian radio station, KBES 89.5 FM in 1979, and KBSV TV 23, the world's first Assyrian television broadcasting station, in Ceres in 1996. Their intent is to use their technology to reach millions of people, Assyrian and non-Assyrian, with their message and information. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Assyrian New Year 6754 and extend my best to the Bet-Nahrain and the Assyrian community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Assyrian community many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ann Marie Sudduth for 37 years of dedicated service to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ann will retire from the Fresno HUD Office on April 2 and will be honored at an event held in California. Ann was recruited by HUD for clerical work at the D.C. office from her high school in the coal mining mountains of West Virginia. From 1967 to 1978, she served as a Secretary/Stenographer in the Single Family Division of HUD. Ann then became the Personal Assistant to the Director for Property Disposition and supervised all clerical staff. In 1980, she was promoted to Mortgage Service Specialist, where she served until 1986. In just 6 years she was appointed Chief of the Insured Servicing Branch and was responsible for national oversight of the policy procedures governing the service of approximately 6 million FHA- insured mortgages. In 1994, Ms. Sudduth was selected as Director of Single Family Property Disposition Division. Ann has also served as senior Community Builder of Field Office Director for the Fresno Office, whose jurisdiction includes the eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley. Ms. Sudduth has received numerous awards for her work including the Federal Housing Commissioner's Award. She has supervised the expansion of the Continuum of Care throughout the region, building the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to carry out housing and community development programs. Ann has distinguished herself by improving upon her abilities to serve by continuing educational opportunities and through her hard work and dedication. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ann Marie Sudduth upon her retirement from public service. Although her career in public service has ended, her contributions will be felt for generations to come. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ann a fulfilling retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Robert Angell, who has received the 2003 Volunteer of the Year award for exemplary volunteer service with the Friends of The Sunshine Place. He will be awarded at a reception on April 22nd in Modesto, California. Mr. Angell is involved in numerous volunteer activities. His most recent activities include facilitating a Dual Diagnosis group, which helps people with substance abuse problems and mental illness. Robert is also a member of the Mental Health Board and the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Quality Improvement Committee. Amongst his volunteer accomplishments, Mr. Angell has returned to college with the goal of working in the mental health field so that he can continue to assist others. The Sunshine Place is a socialization/recreational drop-in center that is run under the patronage of the Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. They offer recreational opportunities for a variety of populations, ranging from chronic mentally ill adults and the physically disabled, to the homeless in their community. They operate with a minimal staff and depend on volunteers for all of their day-to-day functions. The Volunteer of the Year is selected by the people who donate their time to The Sunshine Place, and this year Robert's peers selected him for this honor. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Angell, The Sunshine Place's 2003 Volunteer of the Year honoree. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Robert many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Cohen, Parry Mead Murray, Margo Souza and Barbara Vineyard, the recipients of the 2004 Sacramento Valley Common Threads Award. This award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable contribution to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Susan Cohen has been involved in numerous agricultural activities throughout her life. Since 1989, she has held the position of the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights & Measures. She serves as a key part of the regulatory system that promotes and protects California's $28 billion agricultural industry. Susan was Monterey County's Senior Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in the Salinas Valley, where she started out as a Produce Inspector and worked her way up to a wide variety of regulatory inspections. She also administered the county Agricultural Advisory Committee, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and became a point person for minor crop pesticide regulations. Parry Mead Murray has been active in the grape industry for over 20 years. She served as Mead Ranch Vineyard Manager for 22 years and assisted with the conservation easement placed on the property. Parry currently sits as board member of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association. She serves as Vice President of the Giles W. & Elise G. Mead Foundation, whose contributions go toward conservation and resource management issues. Parry is also a committee member of the Archer Taylor Preserve Land Trust of Napa County, a committee that targets the planning and implementation of long-term property management for one of the oldest and largest strands of Redwood trees. Margo Souza has been dedicated to the dairy industry her entire life. She has spent the past 20 years as a successful manager in all facets of dairy farming. Margo played a key role in securing a $100,000 grant from the Buy California initiative to place milk vending machines in selected high schools. She was chair of the Western United Dairymen's 2003 Convention, the year of their biggest trade show ever. Margo also served as the first woman president for the Growers Harvesting Committee in 1996. In addition, she has had several professional appointments that include the California Agriculture and Water Committee in 1999, the California Milk Advisory Board since 1997, and the Western United Dairymen since 1994, among others. Barbara Vineyard has been an active leader of 4-H for 47 years. She was on the 4-H County Council serving as president, secretary, and area coordinator. Barbara has chaired many County and Regional events and served on the Regional and State Leaders Councils, as well as director of the California 4-H Foundation. She is chairman of the Mt. Pleasant Hall Committee and assists with fundraisers for the community hall, which is owned by the Placer County Farm Bureau. Barbara also helped form the Placer County. Farm Bureau Young People's organization which she remains active in today. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the 2004 Sacramento Valley Common Threads Award winners. These women have shown outstanding involvement, not only in agriculture, but also in strengthening their respective communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing these honorees a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the decision made by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on March 2, 2004 with regard to the United States Telecom Association's challenge to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Triennial Review Order. This is a decisive victory for consumers, for innovation and for free markets. The decision in the case of USTA v. FCCII has once again, as it did previously in 2002 in USTA v. FCC I, correctly interpreted the intent of Congress regarding the unbundling requirements of Section 251 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC, on the other hand, has for 8 years now rejected that intent, even after two previous Federal court decisions rejecting their unbundling rules decisions. The FCC must comply with the decisions of the Federal Courts without delay.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Koinonia Foster Homes, Inc., for their hard work and dedication on behalf of thousands of children and families who are in need of their services. A great example of their efforts will be taking place as they sponsor a community-wide, interdenominational Honorary Pastors and Wives Luncheon on February 17th in Fresno, CA. In 1982, Koinonia Foster Homes, Inc., was founded by Miriam Golden who had previously fostered over 37 abused and neglected children in addition to raising her own four natural children. ``Koinonia'' is a Greek word that means to communicate relationship and fellowship, which entails that their staff and foster parents relate to children from a position of trustworthiness, dependability and a deep moral commitment. Koinonia Foster Homes is a State-licensed, nonprofit organization that works in cooperation with county social service agencies that remove children from their homes due to abuse and neglect and then refer them to Koinonia for placement in a foster home. Once referred to the program, Koinonia places these children in agency-certified homes where they receive love and guidance from caring, committed and trained foster families, as well as therapeutic services provided by master's- level social work staff. Koinonia Foster Homes' mission is to provide the highest quality treatment foster care program available for children, youth and their families. Regional offices throughout California and Nevada support over 1,000 foster children, utilizing approximately 500 certified foster families. Koinonia's largest program is its Therapeutic Foster Care Program which provides treatment-based foster care to children between the ages of birth through 18 years of age who have been removed from their homes. Other programs include Residential Group Homes, The Crisis Resolution Center, The Day Treatment Program, and Bridgehaven which is a co-ed transitional housing program for youth ages 18-20. Koinonia Foster Homes is regarded as a leader in the care of at-risk children and the recruitment of new foster homes. Mr. Speaker, I commend Koinonia Foster Homes, Inc., for the hope and compassion that they have provided for our children and communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing them many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses the most serious of dangers to the peace of the world. Chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists could bring catastrophic harm to America and to our friends around the world. We must oppose that threat by any means necessary. The men and women of our intelligence community have already found a very revealing component of Iraq's biological weapons program. Two mobile production facilities equipped to produce biological weapons. Iraqis allege that these trucks are pharmaceutical labs. But what possible reason could there be for two such mobile labs in the middle of the desert? And why, if these vehicles were merely pharmaceutical trucks, did the Iraqi soldiers wash them out with bleach while the war was going on? President Bush's decisive action and leadership is keeping our country and allies safe from terrorist groups that are unrestrained in their choice of weapon and undeterred by conventional means. Our perseverance and our belief in the success of liberty assures our security, and we will not relent until this war is won.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the ``Go Red for Women'' national campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association. This initiative is brought forth to raise awareness in women about heart disease. Friday, February 6th is National ``Wear Red Day,'' a day when people nationwide are encouraged to take women's health to heart by wearing red to show their support and raise awareness with the public that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. By showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, Americans will unite in the national movement to give women a personal and urgent wake-up call about their risk of heart disease. In Fresno County, more than 763 women die each year of cardiovascular disease. Fresno's luncheon event on Thursday will serve as a kick-off for the national event. Dr. Catherine Winchester is the only woman cardiologist in central California, and she will serve as the keynote speaker and several women heart survivors will also share their personal stories. The ``Go Red for Women'' luncheon is a wonderful way of reminding the public that February 6th is national ``Wear Red Day.'' The American Heart Association is committed to the support of ongoing medical research to advance knowledge in the areas of prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. It launched its new initiative, ``Go Red for Women,'' to empower women to live longer and stronger lives and to help reduce their risk factors for heart disease. This has served as a call-to-action endeavor to educate women on how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and how to better their health. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Fresno County American Heart Association for hosting a ``Go Red for Women'' event that will help to educate and empower the women in its community. I urge my colleagues to join me in praising the American Heart Association for its service to our Nation.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Representative Dooley, Representative Nunes and myself, to honor Dr. Joe Sabol on the occasion of his being distinguished as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. This designation will be bestowed upon Mr. Sabol at the annual conference of this organization. Selection for this distinction is reserved for ``special individuals who have, over a period of time, demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture.'' The mission of the California Agricultural Leadership Program is to enhance the long-term viability of California agriculture through leadership development, which in turn benefits the people and the communities that agriculture serves. In 1963, Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in General Agriculture from California State University, Fresno. He obtained his M.Ed. in 1965 from University of California, Davis and his Ph.D. in 1976 from Colorado State University. Dr. Sabol came to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1972 to teach Agricultural Education. He later became Associate Dean and the Dean of the College of Agriculture, as well as Project Director of the Costa Rica E.A.R.T.H. Project. He was named Director of Outreach Services in 1993 and currently teaches within the College. Among his special teaching projects Joe counts the Mexican Ag Education Program, the Pakistan Project, an Advisor's Workshop for Vocational Student Organizations, and the Victorian (Australia) College of Agriculture and Horticulture. Joe has been involved with the Western Region American Association of Teacher Educators in Agriculture, the FFA Alumni Association, Farm Bureau, the San Jose Unified School District Agriculture Program, and the California Agriculture Teachers Association. He has been named an honorary CFFA Member, Honorary State Farmer with FFA and Grange Youth Booster of the Year for California. In 1987, Joe received the Honorary American Farmer Degree at the National FFA Convention and has been recognized as a ``Teacher of Teachers'' for 10 consecutive years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Dooley and Representative Nunes, to pay tribute to Dr. Joe Sabol as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Joe many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Representative Dooley, Representative Nunes and myself, to honor John W. Lake on the occasion of his being distinguished as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. This designation will be bestowed upon Mr. Lake at the annual conference of this organization. Selection for this distinction is reserved for ``special individuals who have, over a period of time, demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture.'' The mission of the California Agricultural Leadership Program is to enhance the long-term viability of California agriculture through leadership development, which in turn benefits the people and the communities that agriculture serves. A native Californian, John graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also completed 1 year of graduate work in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In 1974, Mr. Lake began his career with Rain for Rent, working his way through the Engineering and Manufacturing Departments and management of Lake and Lake International, irrigation subsidiaries of Western Oilfields Supply Company. He founded Lake Leasing Company in 1983, Rain for Rent's agricultural irrigation equipment financing division. John has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since April of 1990. Since its beginning in 1934, Western Oilfields Supply Company/Rain for Rent has evolved and expanded in its product offering and the markets it services, providing solutions to temporary liquid-handling problems. Their products and services cover a wide variety of industries, including, but not limited to: construction, petro- chemical, municipal, environmental, agricultural, and other industrial businesses that are serviced by 47 branches and 650 professionals nationwide. During John's tenure as President, the company has expanded into the tank, pump and specialty rental markets. Mr. Lake is active in the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Advisory Council, the California Agricultural Leadership Program, the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International, Quest Club, Idaho Irrigation Association and Safari Club International. John and his wife, Sheila, have two sons and attend Fruitvale Community Church in Bakersfield, California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Dooley and Representative Nunes to pay tribute to John W. Lake as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing John many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Leibham for 33 years of dedicated public service. Ms. Leibham will retire from the District Attorney Compliance and Closure Unit in early February. On Saturday, January 24, she will be honored at an event held at the SOS Club in Modesto, California. Mary was born in North Dakota, but was raised in Sacramento, California. For the past 25 years, she has lived in Modesto, California. In 1971, Mary's extensive career in the Department of Social Services began as she transferred to the District Attorney Family Support Division as a family support officer. She returned to the Department of Social Services as a welfare fraud investigator in 1979. Less than a year later, Mary went back to the District Attorney Family Support Division as a family support officer and has since served as a senior family support officer, Family Support Program analyst, and is currently serving as Manager II, supervising the Compliance and Case Closure Unit (formerly District Attorney Family Support Division). Ms. Leibham has had numerous accomplishments and has been involved with many noteworthy projects. She is the recipient of the 2001-2002 California Family Support Council Director's Award, as well as the 2001-2002 California Family Support Council Contribution in Training. Mary has participated in the Welfare Reform Task Force, the CDDA FSO College Committee, and the Stanislaus County Employee Mentoring Program-AIM Project for Everett Elementary and Chrysler Schools. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Leibham upon her retirement from public service. Although her career in public service has ended, her contributions will be felt for generations to come. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mary a fulfilling retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Butler for 30 years of dedicated service to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office. On Friday, January 30th, he will be commended at an event held in his honor in Modesto, California. Dale was raised in the Westside of Stanislaus County and was employed as a migrant farm worker. He served as a Personnel Specialist in the United States Navy for 4 years beginning in 1962. In 1967, he worked as the Production Control Scheduler for Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant. Mr. Butler later went to California State University, Stanislaus, to be the Tutorial Supervisor under the Educational Opportunity Program. In 1971, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus. Dale began his career with the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office in 1971 and held numerous positions in the Personnel Department. At present, he holds the Deputy Executive Officer position and oversees the Purchasing, Central Services, and Fleet Services Divisions. Mr. Butler is an active member in a vast number of professional as well as community associations. He currently holds membership in the Central California Chapter of International Personnel Management Association, the California Association of Public Purchasing Officers, the National Association of Purchasing Managers for Central California, and the Institute for Supply Management. Dale's community activities involve being president of the Stanislaus County Fair Board and being associated with Stanislaus County's Latino Community Round Table, the Hispanic Leadership Council, the Mabuhay Club and the Modesto Bee's Hispanic Advisory Council. The awards and accomplishments achieved by Mr. Butler have been great in number and prestigious in status. He was given a Special Recognition Award for Promoting Equal Rights by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, an Outstanding Latino of the Year Award by his Latino Community Round Table, and a Humanitarian of the Year Award by the California Association of Physically Handicapped, Inc. He is co-owner of Hispanic Enterprises, LLC, a multiservice Hispanic-Owned Business, and has graduated from the Intergovernmental Management Training Program and the Leadership Modesto Program. His fluency in Spanish and dedication to the community add to the success he has achieved over the years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Butler upon his retirement from the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Dale a fulfilling retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Representative Dooley, Representative Nunes and myself to honor Dr. Joe Sabol on the occasion of his being distinguished as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. This designation will be bestowed upon Mr. Sabol at the annual conference of this organization. Selection for this distinction is reserved for ``special individuals who have, over a period of time, demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture.'' The mission of the California Agricultural Leadership Program is to enhance the long-term viability of California agriculture through leadership development, which in turn benefits the people and the communities that agriculture serves. In 1963, Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in General Agriculture from California State University, Fresno. He obtained his M.Ed. in 1965 from University of California, Davis and his Ph.D. in 1976 from Colorado State University. Dr. Sabol came to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1972 to teach Agricultural Education. He later became Associate Dean and the Dean of the College of Agriculture, as well as Project Director of the Costa Rica E.A.R.T.H. Project. He was named Director of Outreach Services in 1993 and currently teaches within the College. Among his special teaching projects Joe counts the Mexican Ag Education Program, the Pakistan Project, an Advisor's Workshop for Vocational Student Organizations, and the Victorian (Australia) College of Agriculture and Horticulture. Joe has been involved with the Western Region American Association of Teacher Educators in Agriculture, the FFA Alumni Association, Farm Bureau, the San Jose Unified School District Agriculture Program, and the California Agriculture Teachers Association. He has been named an honorary CFFA Member, Honorary State Farmer with FFA and Grange Youth Booster of the Year for California. In 1987, Joe received the Honorary American Farmer Degree at the National FFA Convention and has been recognized as a ``Teacher of Teachers'' for 10 consecutive years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Dooley and Representative Nunes, to pay to Dr. Joe Sabol as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Joe many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Representative Dooley, Representative Nunes and myself, to honor John W. Lake on the occasion of his being distinguished as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. This designation will be bestowed upon Mr. Lake at the annual conference of this organization. Selection for this distinction is reserved for ``special individuals who have, over a period of time, demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture.'' The mission of the California Agricultural Leadership Program is to enhance the long-term viability of California agriculture through leadership development, which in turn benefits the people and the communities that agriculture serves. A native Californian, John graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also completed one year of graduate work in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In 1974, Mr. Lake began his career with Rain for Rent, working his way through the Engineering and Manufacturing Departments and management of Lake and Lake International, irrigation subsidiaries of Western Oilfields Supply Company. He founded Lake Leasing Company in 1983, Rain for Rent's agricultural irrigation equipment financing division. John has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since April of 1990. Since its beginning in 1934, Western Oilfields Supply Company/Rain for Rent has evolved and expanded in its product offering and the markets it services, providing solutions to temporary liquid-handling problems. Their products and services cover a wide variety of industries, including, but not limited to: construction, petro- chemical, municipal, environmental, agricultural, and other industrial businesses that are serviced by 47 branches and 650 professionals nationwide. During John's tenure as President, the company has expanded into the tank, pump and specialty rental markets. Mr. Lake is active in the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Advisory Council, the California Agricultural Leadership Program, the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International, Quest Club, Idaho Irrigation Association and Safari Club International. John and his wife, Sheila, have two sons and attend Fruitvale Community Church in Bakersfield, California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Dooley and Representative Nunes to pay tribute to John W. Lake as an Honorary Alumni Member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's California Agricultural Leadership Program. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing John many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to clarify a key provision in Fiscal Year 2004 Foreign Operations Appropriations which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004. As you know, this Congress continues to be a supporter of strong U.S.-Armenian relations to include economic and related programs. In fact, this bill appropriates $75 million to help Armenia with its continued progress toward a market-oriented democratic nation. However, it is not just economic assistance that Congress is voting on today. We are also voting on a provision which expressed the intent of Congress that the U.S. Agency for International Development provides sufficient funding to establish and operate a Central Diagnostic Laboratory in Armenia that can serve the Caucasus region. Currently, there is no such resource in Armenia or the region to safeguard human health and food safety against the threat of contamination or spread of disease. I believe it is the intent of this Congress that the U.S. Agency for International Development utilize the services of the Armenian Technology Group, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, to work with Armenian officials to establish and begin operations of this Central Diagnostic Laboratory. Furthermore, I believe it is key that this work begin as early as possible so that the Caucasus region, and by extension the United States, can benefit from the protection provided by this Central Diagnostic Laboratory.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Perez Brothers upon their induction into the 2003 Stanislaus County Ag Center Foundation Ag Hall of Fame. Their contributions to agriculture have been felt across the nation. The brothers, Tom, Earl, Daniel, and Mike, will be honored at the 2003 Ag Hall of Fame Dinner on December 4 at the Stanislaus County Ag Center in California. The Perez Brothers have been leaders in the agricultural industry since the 1940s, but the legacy was started earlier by their father, Juan, in northern Spain. In the early 1900s, the search for greater opportunities led Mr. Perez to California. In 1936, the family moved to the San Joaquin Valley and started farming 280 acres. Their father had visions of the valley being rich in agriculture. Today, with an operation that stretches nearly 80 miles, the brothers farm over 8,000 acres of melons, beans, cotton, tree crops, and, most-notably, tomatoes. The family is one of the largest tomato shippers in the country. The family's commitment to the environment and to agricultural and community organizations has been evident through the years. The brothers have served on several boards and committees and offer their time to numerous community organizations. Harvesting with the latest and cleanest machinery, as well as the support offered for research and improvements in farming, have earned the Perez Brothers an earth- friendly reputation. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to commend the Perez Brothers for their induction into the 2003 Stanislaus County Ag Center Foundation Ag Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the Perez Brothers continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Saint Agnes Hospice in celebrating 25 years of compassionate care. An open house was held to commemorate this milestone on Monday, November 24th in Fresno, California. In its 25th year, Saint Agnes Hospice continues to focus on pain and symptom management in patient care, and strives to raise awareness among the public and physicians about the value of Hospice care. Since its establishment in 1978, the organization's main purpose has been to reflect the mission of the Saint Agnes Medical Center by extending Christ's love to the terminally ill and their families; recognizing that each person is unique and deserving of compassion while stewarding the human and financial resources. Their goal is to meet and serve the needs of individuals, promoting dignity, comfort, and peace to enable them to live until they die. Founded by Sister Raphael McGrath, CSC, BSN, MSNE, Saint Agnes Hospice has made it possible for terminally ill patients to live out their final days with dignity in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Hospice focuses on living and maintaining the patient and family's quality of life. Saint Agnes Hospice has grown dramatically over the years and continues to offer patients and families a variety of levels of care. During fiscal year 2003, it served 346 patients, an increase from 265 patients in 2002. The Hospice Team is staffed around the clock by an outstanding group of individuals; physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers. The four levels of care available are Routine Home Care, Continuous Home Care, Inpatient Respite Care, and General Inpatient Care. FOOTSTEPS, an expressive arts support group is available for children who have experienced difficult life losses and their caregivers. Finally, Bereavement care is planned and available to support families for a year following the loss of a loved one. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Saint Agnes Hospice on its 25th anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing them many years of compassionate care for the citizens of the Central Valley.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues to the efforts of Kazakhstan, a predominantly Muslim secular nation that spares no effort to promote better understanding and dialogue between the Western world and the Islamic world. Some people may wonder why Kazakhstan would engage in such efforts and why it is succeeding in their efforts. I suggest they read a recent article by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Kanat Saudabayev, published by the Institute on Religion and Public Policy so they may learn of Kazakhstan's experience in achieving these goals. I therefore ask unanimous consent of my colleagues to introduce the article into the Congressional Record. [From www.religionandpolicy.org, Nov. 26, 2003] We Call for Dialogue, Not Hate (By Ambassador Kanat Saudabayev) Extremists often use religion to create hate and further their selfish agendas which have nothing to do with religion. But, all religions are similar in that they denounce terrorism and teach tolerance, harmony and brotherhood. That was the message delivered to the world by participants of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, who gathered in Astana at the initiative of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president of a secular Muslim- majority Kazakhstan. At the end of the Congress, senior clerics from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism and other faiths adopted a declaration stating, ``extremism, terrorism and other forms of violence in the name of religion have nothing to do with genuine understanding of religion, but are a threat to human life and hence should be rejected.'' ``Inter-religious dialogue is one of the key means for social development and the promotion of the well-being of all peoples, fostering tolerance, mutual understanding and harmony among different cultures and religions,'' the religious leaders said after the closing joint prayer. Far from the ``clash of civilizations'' many see as part of the world's future, this Congress was a strong response to all who spread intolerance, hate and terrorism. The Congress also showed the world the noble goals of inter-religious peace are very real and very achievable. There's convincing evidence of this in Kazakhstan, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists and others live in peace with each other and where freedom of religion is the crucial value of our society. Pope John Paul 11 called Kazakhstan ``an example of harmony between men and women of different origins and beliefs.'' Indeed, at the whim of often cruel fate in the past, Kazakhstan, however paradoxically that may sound, has truly become a center of unique diversity and tolerance. During much of the 20th century, Kazakhstan was under the totalitarian domination of Soviet communism. The Soviets conducted cruel experiments with our land and our people. The forced settlement of the traditionally nomadic Kazakh people was followed by a widespread famine in the 1930s. Coupled with almost 500 nuclear tests during 40 years, this led to deprivation, death and emigration of millions of ethnic Kazakhs. In the 1940s, Stalin dumped hundreds of thousands of Germans, Chechens, Koreans and others in Kazakhstan as his regime deemed them untrustworthy in the face of the invading Nazis in the West and the Japanese in the East. Thousands of ethnic Russians and others were sent to Soviet concentration camps, part of the Gulag, in Kazakhstan. Many Soviet Jews were exiled to Kazakhstan for their religious beliefs. In the 1950s, more than a million ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, Byelorussians came to Kazakhstan to farm under the Virgin Lands program. In those difficult years, the native Kazakhs gave all these people shelter and shared bread. Official Communist ideology, however, did not encourage people in their natural yearning for a religious life. Religious life was instead suppressed; ancient mosques, churches, and synagogues were used as shops, storage areas or even discos, rather than houses of worship. Religious reawakening and freedom of conscience returned to Kazakhstan only after our independence. During the short 12 years, ancient mosques, churches and synagogues were restored and hundreds of new ones built across the country. In 2002, Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) put a cornerstone into the new synagogue currently under construction in Astana. Today, there are some 3,000 religious congregations representing more than 40 religious denominations serving the needs of 100 different ethnic groups. Recently, President Nazarbayev announced plans to build a single center in Astana which will have houses of worship of many religions. This history of mutual respect and harmony is the background which led President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to convene the recent Astana Congress. The eager response of world's religious leaders to the call for the Congress is a reflection of the respect they carry for the President and his policies. This is also the reason why many leaders from the United States and other countries have supported our endeavors to build bridges between religions and civilizations. President George W. Bush, in his letter to President Nazarbayev, said, ``For the United States, itself a multi- ethnic and religiously diverse nation, these meetings underscore the importance of working with our friends in Central Asia to advance the values of tolerance and respect that form the foundation of democracy.'' A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Congressmen in a letter to President Nazarbayev called the Astana forum ``Kazakhstan's worthy contribution to the promotion of peace and harmony during these difficult times.'' Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Conrad Burns (R-MT), representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Joe Pitts (R-PA), Robert Wexler (D- FL), Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa), Edolphus Towns (D- NY) and others also thanked Kazakhstan ``for taking consistent and concrete steps to bridge the growing divide between Muslims and Jews at a time when tension in the Middle East is at a fulcrum, and intolerance and anti- Semitism are rising worldwide.'' The recent report to Congress by the Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim worlds, led by Edward Djerejian, points out the need for dialogue between the Muslim and Western worlds is more important today than ever before. Such a conclusion is obvious. Similarly obvious are difficulties in putting it into practice. But the example of Kazakhstan, working well with the United States, the West, and the Muslim world and speaking for dialogue of religions and civilizations, gives us ground for optimism that tolerance and mutual understanding, not hate and violence, will prevail.