George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the California Armenian Home on the occasion of celebrating 50 years of dedication and service to the needs of the elderly people in the Armenian community on September 21, 2002. The California Armenian Home was established to provide housing for the aging population who could no longer live on their own. In 1952, the California Home for the Armenian Aged opened with accommodations for 35 persons in downtown Fresno, California. Since its inception, the Home has evolved into a community of 168 residents and is considered to have one of the highest standards of senior care. The highly skilled nursing staff provides excellent care for assisted living. The California Armenian Home was dedicated in honor of the K. Arakelian Foundation and the Armenian-American Citizens' League. Prior to the Home's grand opening, sponsorship of only eleven rooms in the Home had been assured, leaving twenty-four rooms without sponsorship. Mrs. K. Arakelian, a widow of one of the Home's founders, was concerned and decided to coordinate a ``Grand Opening Shower.'' More than 600 persons attended the shower and brought gifts such as blankets, sheets, pillows, and cash donations to help complete furnishing the Home. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate the California Armenian Home of Fresno on the occasion of their 50th year anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the California Armenian Home many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, America has an important shared legacy in its parks, forests and other public lands. They bring us close to the natural world and its wildlife; contribute to physical and mental health; add to our understanding of history and culture; and provide important economic opportunities to many communities across the West. Unfortunately, not enough people understand the multiple facets of America's public lands. As Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, I am happy to see a major effort being mounted to address this issue. ``American Frontiers: A Public Lands Journey'' is a 3,000-mile expedition currently being undertaken by two teams of adventurers. They are crossing only public lands and waters in six states, by foot, horseback, mountain bike, canoe, SUV and boat. Their two month journey will culminate in Salt Lake City on September 28, 2002, National Public Lands Day. Along the trail, they are sharing dispatches and individual journals relating their experiences and impressions of the public lands by videophone and through an interactive Internet website located at www.americanfrontiers.net. These communication efforts are especially directed at America's youth. I applaud the efforts of Public Lands Interpretive Association, which has spearheaded this project, along with the many dedicated individuals, volunteers, and sponsors of this impressive journey. I look forward to hearing more about their experiences in America's national parks.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, S. 941, as reported by the Committee on Resources, incorporates a number of legislative initiatives affecting California, as just described by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). For me and my constituents, however, S. 941 is very important for it includes language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and other educational services for Yosemite Valley, El Portal Elementary, and Wawona Elementary Schools located in or within Yosemite National Park. Since the devastating 1997 Merced River flood, there has been a dramatic reduction in park employees, and thus, fewer school children attending these schools, and fewer State dollars are committed. The result is that the superintendent for Yosemite National Park and the concessionaire serving park visitors cannot attract first-class candidates to work in the parks because families are not provided adequate schools. Also included in S. 941 is language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to locate facilities, including transportation systems, outside the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. This important provision will help continue the successful operations of the Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System, otherwise known as YARTS, which operates in three counties surrounding Yosemite National Park and provides visitors with a convenient alternative transportation system to and from Yosemite National Park. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the other important part of S. 941 is language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility and suitability study of a portion of State Highway 49 in Madera, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, as a national heritage corridor. I urge my colleagues to support S. 941, as amended. I also want to thank Senator Feinstein for her work on this bill in the other body, and again I thank the chairman for yielding me the time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding time to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to come to the floor and speak in favor of S. 1894, as amended. Mr. Speaker, this bill would study the feasibility of including the Miami Circle archeological site within Biscayne National Park. This is a good bill, and deserves the support and endorsement of the House. S. 1894 also contains a title that incorporates the text of H.R. 4622, which I introduced and which was passed in the Committee on Resources back in July. This title would help facilitate and improve the working relationship between gateway communities and Federal land management agencies. Too often, Federal land management agencies take for granted local gateway communities in their planning and decision-making processes, and this bill would go a long way toward engaging gateway communities as meaningful partners in the planning process. The bill would also provide important assistance to these communities in order to allow them to be meaningful participants in the planning process. Numerous examples have been provided throughout the country of how cooperative efforts have resulted in positive results, including valuable and important environmental benefits. These are real environmental benefits that would not have been realized if the Federal agencies had not consulted with the local gateway community. Some have made the inaccurate accusation that this bill would provide veto power to gateway communities to prevent Federal agencies from taking a particular action. This is simply not true. There is nothing in this bill that would do that. However, the premise of the bill is that, just as Federal agencies formally consider impacts upon wildlife, issues of habitat, and natural resource and environmental issues before taking a proposed action, that they should also consider and include gateway communities in their decision-making process. Congress has repeatedly passed laws based upon the supposition that informed decision-making is good decision-making. This bill would simply ensure that that takes place. Cooperation and coordination ought to be the standard operating procedure, rather than simply anecdotal stories of where Federal agencies are doing what they ought to be doing anyway. Ultimately, the Federal lands and their visitors will benefit from these requirements. For example, transportation plans for Federal lands will be vastly improved when Federal agencies understand, through coordination that has taken place from the earliest stages, where that community plans to direct its own resources and its own traffic outside the park. It is also interesting to me that some have expressed concern that this bill is flawed because it does not impose new requirements upon a gateway community that would prevent them from going forward with an action unless they have certified that it would not impact a park unit. What this amounts to is that they would like to have veto authority over what takes place outside Federal lands if it is perceived to have an impact upon those lands, but at the same time refuse to allow that simple coordination that must take place with a community as part of the decision-making process. I believe communities are most likely to take actions that are also in the best interests of the Federal lands when their decision-making rests upon a foundation of cooperation and coordination. Our public lands will be better served by a process that ensures that cooperation and coordination are a standard part of the process. I am particularly pleased that the ranking Democrat member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Christensen), has offered her strong support for this legislation. I appreciate the strong working relationship that we have had with the gentlewoman, and commend her for her efforts in fostering this working relationship. I also appreciate the strong support of the administration for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fresno City Fire Department for their devotion to protecting the citizens and community of Fresno. The year 2002 marks the 125th Anniversary of the Fresno City Fire Department, which will be celebrated at the 4th Annual Fresno City Firefighters' Chili Cook-Off on September 14th, 2002 at California State University of Fresno. In 1877, Leopold Gundlefinger and other citizens formed a Hook and Ladder Company in order to protect the city from fires. Unfortunately, in 1882, fire destroyed the original Hook and Ladder Company, but was replaced by dedicated volunteers who were named ``Fresno Alert No. 1.'' The Fresno Fire Department was officially created in 1902 and has protected a large portion of the Central Valley ever since. In 1984, a grant was established to create a community volunteer fire prevention program called ``Burn Aware.'' The goals of the volunteers were to implement and create a wide spread network of fire prevention programs. In 2002, the Fresno City Fire Department received national praise for its inventive and advanced approach to alternate methods of providing municipal fire protection. This fire protection agency has the highest ideals in providing fire protection service and is a leader in California. The special occasion will include a chili-tasting contest among fire departments from throughout the Valley, live rescue demonstrations, and fun for the entire family. Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor the Fresno City Fire Department for their dedicated and selfless service to the Central Valley. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing this organization many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Hanna Christen on the occasion of being honored by the Alurmni of the Armenian Evangelical High School in Anjar, Lebanon, at a ceremony taking place in Southern California on August 24, 2002. Sister Hanna served 30 years at the High School as a long time missionary from the Hilfsbund Missionary of Bad-Homburg in Frankfurt, Germany. Sister Hanna Christen was born in the city of Rothenburg on the Tauber near Nuremburg, Germany. She was raised in a Christian home with her father as a preacher. Upon completion of her studies, her parents suggested she enter a Protestant monastery. She then became a nun and started providing her services to an orphanage. She continually felt a call from God for her to travel to another country and serve. She went to serve in the Boys' section of the Boarding School of the Armenian Evangelical High School of Anjar, Lebanon. She served as a missionary to these students who are now well established in communities throughout the United States. Since 1980, she has served in nursing homes in Beruit, Germany and now serves in Yerevan, Armenia. Today, Sister Hanna is a certified general and geriatric nurse at the Nursing Home No. 1 of Yerevan, where she takes care of the residents' hygienic, emotional and spiritual needs. The 125 elderly residents of the home are grateful for the loving care and compassion of this German woman, who speaks fluent Armenian. Sister Hanna is considered the ``Mother Theresa'' for Armenians, and she considers Armenia her ``Hayrenik'' (fatherland). She has adopted Armenia to be her homeland and continues to serve as a volunteer missionary for the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) gaining the respect and admiration of people for her humanitarian services. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Sister Hanna Christen for her dedication as a volunteer missionary and for touching the lives of so many. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Sister Hanna Christen many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Oliver Espinola, a Madera County farmer, on the occasion of being selected to receive the Madera District Chamber of Commerce Salute to Agriculture's 21st Annual Senior Farmer of the Year Award. Oliver has been involved in farming for 55 years and has lived in Madera County for 52 years. In 1951, Oliver and his family moved from Caruthers, California, to Chowchilla, California, and has been involved in farming corn, silage, hay, oats, trees, beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Mr. Espinola has served the farm industry and the community in many aspects including serving as Director and Chairman of the Danish Creamery Board and the Challenge Dairy Products Board, serving on the Board of Merced Milling Company, and on the Dairy Heifer Replacement Committee. Oliver also contributes to the FFA, 4-H, and Madera Ag Boosters. He directs and has served as president of the Chowchilla Portuguese Association, is an active member of the Elks Lodge, is active in the Catholic church, and is a member of the Young Men's Institute of the Catholic Church. For the past 30 years, Mr. Espinola and his wife, Virgie, have donated, organized and served the ice cream at the Chowchilla Fair Dairy Days. Oliver is also a contributor to the Chowchilla Historical Society and the Lions Club Eye Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Oliver Espinola for his admirable service and contributions to the farming industry. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on his outstanding achievement and wishing him many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Darmanian. Mr. Darmanian is being honored for ``50 years of service to his community'' at the annual banquet of the Armenian National Committee of Central California. Mr. Darmanian has lived in California's Central Valley since he was a young man. He graduated from Caruthers High School and received his B.A. in History and his Masters Degree in Guidance & Counseling from California State University, Fresno. Richard began teaching at Roosevelt High School in Fresno; where he also served as counselor and Dean of Boys. In 1969 he moved to Edison High School where he became principal in 1972. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Hoover High School as Principal. Richard served his community through his active involvement within the school system, but at the same time he contributed greatly through other organizations. He became a member of the Armenian Cultural Foundation in 1950, and served as a member of the Regional Executive Committee and the Central Executive Committee. Mr. Darmanian's educational expertise was well utilized when he became a founding member of the Armenian Community School of Fresno. He is also a very spiritual man who has been highly involved in the Holy Trinity Apostolic Armenian Church, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees and a member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Darmanian for his recognition by the Armenian National Committee of Central California for his years of service. I invite my colleagues to Join me in thanking him for his tremendous service to the community and for his dedication to excellence.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor His Eminence The Most Reverend John T. Steinbock for his 10th Anniversary as the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno. The Bishop has dedicated much of his life to service within the church and Fresno is grateful to have him as a part of their community. Bishop Steinbock was born in Los Angeles on July 16, 1937. He was ordained May 1, 1963, at the Cathedral of St. Vibiana in Los Angeles where he served as Associate Pastor and ascended to Parochial Vicar. The Most Reverend also served as President of the Los Angeles Priests Council and on the Board of Consultors to the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Reverend Steinbock was appointed Titular Bishop of Midila and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange, California, by Pope John Paul II, on May 29, 1984. Two years later, the Board of Consultors of the Diocese of Orange appointed him diocesan administrator. On January 27, 1987, the Reverend had the honor of being appointed 3rd Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa by Pope John Paul II. After five years of diligent service with the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Steinbock as the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno. The Bishop is revered for his positive attitude and as one of the few bishops who has made a hole in one! Bishop Steinbock has been instrumental in efficiently overseeing eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley. The Fresno Diocese is extremely pleased to have such a spiritual and accomplished Bishop working with them. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate His Eminence Bishop John T. Steinbock of Fresno on his 10 years of service with the Diocese of Fresno. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his community service and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Madera Police Chief Jerry Noblett, Commander Michael L. Jeffries, Sergeant Leon C. George, Detective Walter Dale Padgett, and Crime Prevention Officer Joe R. Garza on the occasion of their retirement from the Madera Police Department. A retirement celebration will be held for these dedicated individuals on July 20, 2002. Chief Jerry Noblett's efforts have made a tremendous impact on the Madera Police Department. He began his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy in 1972, and in 1973 he was appointed as a police officer. Jerry obtained a bachelors degree in Criminology from California State University, Fresno. He swiftly moved up the ranks and, in 1977, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the patrol division. When Chief Colston retired, in July 1997, Jerry was promoted to Chief of Police. Chief Noblett's contributions have been expansive through his career in law enforcement, but Jerry has also served the community by participating on many boards, including the Madera Chamber of Commerce and the Madera Kiwanis. Commander Michael L. Jeffries began his law enforcement career with Madera in August of 1972. He earned the department's Medal of Valor in 1996 for his bravery in the handling of a barricaded suspect. Sergeant Leon C. George also joined law enforcement in 1972, but began his career in Los Angeles. He joined the Madera Police Department in December of 1984 and has received many commendations for his performance. Police Officer Walter Dale Padgett began his career in October of 1970 with the Madera Police Department. He was chosen as the Police Officer of the Year for the department in 1997. Crime Prevention Officer Joe R. Garza's law enforcement career originated in Fresno in June of 1977. Two years later he joined the Madera team, and has worked on a range of cases, including being the first Crime Prevention Officer in Madera. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate these men on the occasion of their retirement. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking them for their service to the community and for their valor.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, there has been some concern regarding the provision regarding the reversionary interest in the land and the potential liabilities to the Government. I would like to clarify the issue for the record. It is our intent that the California Five Mile Regional Learning Center shall be liable for any contamination of the property by hazardous substances since it commenced occupancy in 1989. In the event that the property reverts back to the United States under section 2(c) of the Act, the Center or its successors shall continue to be liable for environmental contamination under existing law, and the Secretary shall require environmental remediation in such event before retaking possession.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dan Malcolm, editor of American Vineyard, on the 10th anniversary of his magazine's publication. Dan has been the patron of American Vineyard through its ten years and he has every reason to be proud of everything the magazine has accomplished. In 1993, the magazine became the highest grower circulated grape publication in the country. Then, in 1994, American Vineyard journeyed to Mexico, and the growers were both impressed by what they saw and encouraged to compete with the growers south of the border. The magazine hosted its first grape expo in Caruthers in 1996 and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of support received, over a thousand growers attended. In 1998, Dan Malcolm was honored with the Viticulture & Enology Research Center's Grape Day Industry Award. American Vineyard published their biggest issue in 2001 and the magazine is still going strong. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dan Malcolm for his vision and unending pursuit of his ambitions. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his contribution to agriculture and the community and wishing him and his family continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Shehadey on the occasion of being granted an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from California State University, Fresno. Mr. Shehadey received the degree during graduation ceremonies on May 25, 2002. Shehadey, a prominent Fresno businessman, and patriarch of Producers Dairy Foods, a well-known and respected Fresno-based business, is well known for his generosity and contributions to the community. The eight- story clock tower of the new Fresno State athletic facility will be named ``The Larry A. Shehadey Clock Tower,'' and the Grand Lobby at the Southeast entrance will be named after Shehadey's late wife, Elayne. In 1949, Shehadey sold a successful soap business to Safeway Supermarkets and bought a major interest in Producers Dairy Foods. Larry built the company into one of the largest independent family owned milk producers in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Shehadey for his honorary degree bestowed by California State University, Fresno. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Shehadey for his support of the Fresno community, and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Walter Buster upon his retirement as Superintendent of Clovis Unified School District. Dr. Buster was honored at a dinner among his colleagues, friends, and family. Dr. Buster has dedicated his life to education and has served many communities throughout California. Walter's colleagues agree, regardless of his position, he contributes vision, leadership, and ingenuity to his team. He has orchestrated many programs in the Clovis Unified School District in the seven years he has been there. Four of his top programs illustrate his unique ability to visualize current needs with respect for the future. He implemented ``Laptops for Learners,'' a joint venture with Microsoft and Toshiba to supply all students with laptops to perform their daily classroom activities. Dr. Buster saw another of his visions come to fruition with the development of the Center for Advanced Research and Technology. The center will provide up to 1,800 11th and 12th grade students with advanced project- based training in 12 different technology based laboratory environments. Walter realizes the importance of reading to students, and put into action yet another program, called ``Community of Readers.'' Volunteers from the community dedicate one hour per week to read with the students. Always keeping in mind the importance of being an influential citizen within the community, Dr. Buster started ``Character Counts!'' a program that teaches students six core principles: responsibility, respect, fairness, caring, citizenship, and trustworthiness. Dr. Buster's contributions to the Clovis education system are obvious, but he has also made a tremendous impact on the community. He serves on many state and local education and business committees. The State Board of Education recently appointed Dr. Buster to the WestEd Board of Directors, a non-profit research, development and service agency dedicated to improving education and other opportunities for children, youth and adults.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, my vote on June 21, 2002 (Rollcall No. 248) which is recorded as absent was recorded in error. I intended to vote ``yes'' and would like the record to reflect my position on final passage of H.R. 4931, the Retirement Savings Security Act of 2002.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Massud and Zarrin Nury on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Massud S. Nury and Miss. Zarrin Shanin both emigrated from Iran to the United States. They were married on December 22, 1951, in San Francisco. Mr. Nury attended the University of California at Berkeley and Davis. He graduated with his B.S. and M.S. degrees in food science. The Nurys moved to Fresno in 1953. Mr. Nury started at Vie-Del Company, a California winery, in 1953 as a research chemist. Later he became President and in 1990 purchased Vie-Del Company. Mr. and Mrs. Nury have 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren. They have been and are currently involved with the following organizations: Wine Institute, American Society of Enology and Viticulture, Fresno Philharmonic, Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno Business Council, Institute of Food Technologists and various other organizations. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Nury on their 50 years of marriage. I encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing the Nurys many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luther Khachigian for his many years of service as a board member of the California Grape Rootstock Commission and the California Grape Rootstock Research Foundation. In January, Mr. Khachigian retired from his service on these boards, but remains an active member of the organizations and the agriculture community. Luther graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in pomology and a minor in viticulture. In 1962, he founded Cal- Western with a one acre nursery and has expanded to a farming and nursery operation, which is now known throughout California's Great Central Valley. Cal-Western specializes in table grapes, wine grapes, walnuts, and the production of grape rootstock. Mr. Khachigian has dedicated his time, efforts, and finances to the improvement of more than just the agriculture industry in California. In addition to the Commission and the Foundation, Luther is a member of the College of Sequoias Board of Trustees, the University of California Ag Issues Center, and the University of California, Davis, Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Luther Khachigian for his many years of devoted service to agriculture and his participation on the Boards of the California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission and the California Grape Rootstock Research Foundation. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Luther many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Joseph E. Sabol on the occasion of his retirement from California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo, CA. Dr. Sabol has spent the past 29 years as a teacher educator, faculty member, administrator, club advisor, and director of Outreach for the College of Agriculture. Dr. Sabol has also touched the lives of many through his work with Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Grange, and California Rare Fruit Growers. In addition, he has worked with the Agricultural Education Foundation through its California Agricultural Leadership Program since 1972. Over the course of his career, he has worked with teachers in Mexico, Pakistan, Australia, and Costa Rica. A ceremony will be held to honor Dr. Sabol on June 22, 2002, at California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo, CA. Dr. Sabol is also working to establish a teaching endowment in the name of his mother and teaching mentor, Dorothea Sabol, in order to assist highly motivated teacher candidates in joining the teaching profession. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Dr. Joseph Sabol for his dedication to higher education in California and his many contributions to California agriculture. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Sabol for his service to the education and agriculture communities and wishing him continued success in all future endeavors.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) for its contributions to California's San Joaquin Valley. SHE was formed in 1965 with the purpose of providing improved living conditions to low- income families in the eight-county rural area of the San Joaquin Valley. The idea of SHE dates back to the 1930s and to the program American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). This organization studied the desolate lives of coal miners and developed a self-help housing program. It also provided financing of 20- to 30-year loans at 2% interest. AFSC transformed into a national program with its efforts in Goshen, California, located in the center of the San Joaquin Valley. Affordable, suitable housing in adequate numbers was not available to meet the needs of the low-income families in the area. The AFSC office in Visalia worked side by side with farm workers and others on the implementation of a plan to construct homes. Rather than pay a developer to construct housing, the rural residents worked together to build their own housing developments. AFSC encouraged legislation which would make housing loans eligible to rural residents other than farmers under Section 502, and USDA's Rural Housing Service allowed the rural residents to earn credit for ``sweat equity'' because they build their own homes. The success of this program led to the development in February 1965 of Self-Help Enterprises, the first rural self-help housing organization in the nation. SHE is still dedicated to serving low-income rural families after over 30 years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Self-Help Enterprises for its tremendous dedication to the community. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking SHE and wishing the program continued success in the future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Reynolds on the occasion of his retirement from the National Park Service. I have had the pleasure of working with him in my capacity on the Resources Committee and as the Representative from the 19th District of California. John is the son of a park ranger, having been born in Yellowstone National Park. He is the brother of a park superintendent who served around the country in superlative national parks. He has spent the last 37 years crisscrossing the country, changing assignments every couple of years, and charting the course of a moderate and flexible national park system. He will retire August 2 as regional director of the Pacific West Region. His distinguished career began as a park planner and he developed a lifelong love of Yosemite National Park after serving as team captain for the first master plan. John has served the National Park Service diligently in numerous positions across the country. Among these John has acted as the Director of the Service Center located in Denver, Colorado, the Regional Director to the Mid Atlantic Region, in Philadelphia, and the Deputy Director of the National Park Service here in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career with the Service, John Reynolds has consistently demonstrated a level of care, commitment, leadership and vision of America's National Parks. I anticipate that John will continue to generously share his thoughts and vision for these treasures long into his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Reynolds on his retirement. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking John for his outstanding service to the nation's National Parks and in wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Fresno County Deputy Sheriff Dennis Phelps. Deputy Phelps was killed in the line of duty on May 19, 2002. Dennis was born in Leon, Iowa, on October 11, 1954. His family moved to Fresno, California, where he graduated from McLane High School in 1972. Deputy Phelps began his career in law enforcement in the early 1980s as a special guard/bailiff assigned to the courts in Fresno County. After some time away from the department, he returned as a reserve deputy sheriff in June of 1999. He was hired as a full-time peace officer on October 30, 2000. Deputy Phelps successfully completed field training and was promoted to Deputy Sheriff Two on January 7, 2002. Dennis was Deputy Sheriff on Patrol of the Northeast Field Services. In this time of unyielding resolve in our support of those who protect our nation both internally and externally, I offer my deepest sympathy and heartfelt appreciation to Deputy Phelps' wife, Dana, and children, Nicole and Kenny. I also thank the Fresno County Sheriff's Department for the services they provide and extend my condolences to them as they grieve the loss of their colleague. Deputy Phelps is a hero for his service and his sacrifice and we honor him for both. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Phelps. I invite my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence and in honoring Deputy Phelps for his service to the community.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Avenue of Flags Ceremony of Visalia, California, performed on Memorial Day. The Avenue of Flags service is held to remember the fallen veterans of past wars. Prior to the program, the casket flags of these veterans are flown on display at the Visalia Cemetery. The Avenue of Flags has been a Memorial Day tradition in Visalia for 12 years. This year, 1,292 casket flags will be flown on Monday, May 27. On Saturday May 25, 3,000 small flags will be placed at each of the military grave marker stones at the Visalia Cemetery. Some graves date as far back as the Civil War. Dr. Manuel Garcia, commander of the Avenue of Flags Veterans Association, along with many groups of volunteers including school groups, service organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Sea Scout Cadets, Navy, Marine, and Army personnel are responsible for the success of this memorial celebration. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Visalia Avenue of the Flags Memorial Day Ceremony. I invite my colleagues to join me in remembering the fallen veterans of Visalia, and in thanking the Visalia community for their continued dedication to the memory of past veterans.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Pete Beiden on the occasion of the dedication of a statue in his honor at Beiden Field at California State University, Fresno. Beiden served as the baseball coach at Fresno State from 1948-1969 and the field was renamed for him in 1972. Coach Beiden had an impressive resume with a record of 602-268 in his tenure at Fresno State with winning seasons every year and 10 Conference Championships. Pete was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1964, the College Coaches Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Fresno State University Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Coach Beiden's contributions to baseball extended well beyond Fresno State. His extensive understanding of the fundamentals of the game and his talent for teaching the skills to young athletes enabled Pete to reap a harvest of gifted ball players, coaches, and entire teams. His legacy lives on in those he coaches and mentored. Coach Beiden's legacy goes beyond the baseball diamond, however. Pete is also, and perhaps best, remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was a farmer who loved his ranch, a reader who loved history, and a music lover. Pete's wife, Martha, died in 1997 after 69 wonderful years of marriage. Their son, Roland, a renowned pianist and teacher, died in 1980. Coach Beiden passed away on March 6, 2000. A statue, sculpted by William Behrends, will be unveiled at Beiden Field on May 25, 2002, prior to the Fresno State baseball game. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Coach Pete Beiden and thank Fresno State for commemorating his life and service. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Coach Beiden for his service to baseball and his community.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize KSEE 24 and 2002 Companies that Care, Warner Company Jewelers and Gottschalks, for celebrating Asian-American month by honoring five distinguished local leaders. Currently in its eighth year, the Portraits of Success project combines specially produced public service announcements, a five-part news series, plus an awards luncheon to publicly recognize the contributions of Jay Louie, Kathleen Omachi, Bobby Porte, Lue Yang, and Khloeung You. Jay Louie, businessman and President of Louie Foods, was nominated for all-round ongoing service to the Chinese community. Kathleen Omachi has been involved in community organizing and social services development for over thirty years but is being honored primarily for her work on the Chinatown Revitalization Board of Directors. Eighty- nine year old Bobby Porte served as President of the Filipino Community Club for 20 years and is a respected ``elder statesman'' of the South Valley Filipino community. As executive director of the Fresno Center For New Americans, Lue Vang has led the FCNA from a small, one-project organization to a multi-faceted organization that provides general health education, advocacy, acculturation, and employment opportunities for new Americans. Khloeung You is a farmer, businessman, and Chairman of the Cambodian Buddhist Temple. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor these five community leaders for being selected for Asian-American history month's Portraits of Success. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking KSEE 24 and Companies that Care for sponsoring this project and wishing the honorees many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sam and Cathee Vaughn for receiving the 2002 Citizen of the Year Award from the Hughson Chamber of Commerce. These two outstanding individuals have contributed greatly to their community. Sam Vaughn attended Hughson High School, and graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. He began substitute teaching in 1959 while awaiting induction into the army. He was employed by Ceres Unified Schools where he not only taught 7th grade, but also was instrumental in school programs. Sam is an educational leader, as well as an involved member of the community. He served as president/chairperson for the Lions Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Counseling Center Advisory Board of Hughson Youth Center, and the Salvation Army Extension. Cathee Vaughn is from San Diego. She received specialized training in community organization and Mental Health consultation. Mrs. Vaughn has been active within her community throughout her career. She was Coordinator of the Outreach Homeless Mentally Disabled Project, and she has a long history as a Patients' Rights Advocate. Cathee has made herself available to the community through her job, but also through participation in activities within the community. She served on the Hughson City Council, Family Service Agency of Stanislaus County, State of California Commission on the Status of Women, and many other boards. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sam and Cathee Vaughn for receiving the 2002 Citizen of the Year Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking them for their tremendous service to the community and their dedication to excellence.