George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John G. Taylor for being selected as the Person of the Year 2000 for his accomplishments in the area of religious journalism. The Muslim Public Affairs Council-Fresno will present the award to Taylor on Saturday, April 28, 2001 at their annual awards dinner. John G. Taylor is a first-generation American. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1950. He worked as a reporter for a weekly newspaper and as a correspondent for the New York Times while he earned a degree in journalism at New York University. After college, he worked as a desk editor at newspapers in Hartford and New London, Connecticut. In 1981, John and his family relocated to Fresno, where he began a 20-year career working with the community paper, the Fresno Bee. Most recently, John's reporting focused on issues of religious significance to the Fresno community, including Pope John Paul II's World Youth Day gathering in Denver and the ``Stand in the Gap'' million-man Christian march in Washington, D.C. He eagerly pursued stories about people and matters of faith for the Fresno Bee until January of this year. John accepted a position as a senior communications specialist/senior writer with Community Medical Centers. John and his wife Judy have six children and seven grandchildren. I urge my colleagues to join me in praising Mr. Taylor's literary contribution to the city of Fresno and in wishing him continued success in the future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a former ranking member of the Committee on Resources.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker of the Punjab State Assembly. Mr. Atwal has been a respected member in the Parliament of India for over 20 years. Mr. Atwal visited the California Central Valley last year to attend the Commonwealth Speakers Convention, which includes Speakers from all over the world. In the fall of last year, Mr. Atwal also visited the Central Valley to meet with the local Sikh community. Mr. Atwal has been in the field of politics since 1957 and was first elected to the Punjab State Assembly in 1977. Sardar Atwal is a Dalit (Mazhabi Sikh) and a refugee from Pakistan who has risen from the grassroot worker's level to the top hierarchy of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Honorable Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal and his achievements for the Sikh community. I urge my colleagues to join me in praising Mr. Atwal's more than 40 years of service to the people of India.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Tom Stearns for his faithful dedication to improving the lives of others. Mr. Stearns died in a Missoula, Montana hospital on Sunday, May 27, 2001 after suffering a major heart attack. Tom had an extensive career in public service. Mr. Stearns began his career as a member of the Clovis City Council in 1983 and was named Mayor for two years starting in 1988. In addition to his public service, Mr. Stearns was president of the Clovis Rodeo Association, and represented the city of Clovis on he San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Mr. Stearns also served as president of the San Joaquin Division of the League of California Cities from 1991-1992. While dedicating much of his time to public service and private organizations, Mr. Stearns was employed by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. until his retirement in 1993. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Tom Stearns for his dedication to improving the lives of others in the local community. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Stearns.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Pete Mehas for being chosen as the 2001 recipient of the Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award. The Rose Ann Vuich Award, which was established in 1998, aims to recognize elected leaders who symbolize integrity, strength of character, and exemplary ethical behavior. Dr. Peter Mehas is in his third term as Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. He is a dedicated public servant who began serving the community of Fresno as a teacher in 1963. He quickly progressed from assistant principal at Clovis High School, to principal, to assistant superintendent, to associate superintendent in the Clovis Unified School District. Dr. Mehas holds a lifetime California Standard Secondary Teaching Credential and General Elementary Credential, as well as a lifetime School Service Credential in General Administration. In 1987, Dr. Mehas was appointed by Governor Deukmejian as his Chief Advisor on matters relating to all public education in the state of California. President George Bush, in 1991, appointed Dr. Mehas to a 17 member advisory commission to implement his executive order on Latino education. In 1998, Governor Pete Wilson appointed Dr. Mehas to the California Community College Board of Governors. The Rose Ann Vuich Award is sponsored by the Fresno Business Council, the Fresno Bee, and the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs. The award honors Senator Vuich, who consistently maintained high ethical standards and earned bipartisan respect throughout her career in the State legislature. The award aims to recognize elected leaders who symbolize integrity, strength of character, and exemplary ethical behavior. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Dr. Pete Mehas for being chosen as the recipient of the Rose Ann Vuich Award. I urge my colleagues to join me in praising Dr. Pete Mehas for his years of educational service in my district.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Twilight Haven for 40 years of service to the elderly in our community. Twilight Haven was the first care facility for the elderly in the Fresno area. It was also one of the first homes for the elderly in the state that provided independent and assisted living with nursing care at one location. Twilight Haven is a volunteer, non-profit organization with government assistance. In 1957 a group of local leaders from the German community collaborated with a group of local churches to form the Twilight Haven Corporation. Over 700 people joined the organizers to form the initial corporation. Since the companies inception, 1500 people have become members and the corporation presently has 550 members. Although the corporation was initially established by members from local churches, it is fully independent and not a subsidiary of any religious organization. The Twilight Haven facility was opened in November of 1960 in Fresno. Over the course of its 40 year history, the facility has gone through vast renovation. Today, the facility can accommodate about 255 residents. The facility has served more than 6,000 senior citizens and their families. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Twilight Haven for serving the needs of the senior citizens in our community. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Twilight Haven for its many years of providing outstanding care to the elderly in Fresno.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Barbara Goodwin for being chosen as the recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award for 2001. The Excellence in Public Service Award honors courage, integrity and the striving for excellence by someone in the public sector. Barbara is currently the Executive Director of the Council of Fresno County Governments (COG), a position she has held since June of 1994. She has extensive experience with the responsibilities and functions of a metropolitan planning organization and regional transportation- planning agency. Barbara is currently the chairperson of the San Joaquin Valley GOG Directors Association. She also currently serves on Fresno County's United Way Vision 20/20 Leadership Committee. She is a cum laude graduate of California State University, Fresno, with a B.A. Degree in Journalism/Public Relations. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Barbara Goodwin for being chosen as the recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Barbara Goodwin many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, a great man has just passed to a more beautiful and gracious place. Calvin Diggs was the only surviving son of Edgar and Geneva Diggs. As a boy he was known to have tortured his younger sister Anita and bring life to the neighborhood. Although known as ``Lighting'' as a young man because of his laid back, slow attitude--he had his fun. Calvin married at a young age and produced a large family. While providing for this family he always found a little extra to help others. Calvin also had a streak of ornery that he did not lose even during his illnesses. He had a loud boisterous voice which could be heard throughout Hope Hill when he called for his family. He usually woke the family with his early morning calls. His sister living next door never had an alarm clock until Calvin moved his family to another home in later years. He worked several jobs before starting with the federal government at Fort Detrick, Maryland--later at Walter Reed. He retired after thirty- two years of service and spent his early retirement with daily visits to various family members until he was no longer able to drive. Calvin still maintained his humor after the medical problems. He loved to hear about the antics of his kids, friends and family. He would tease those around him or tell funny stories of the past. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, my ``yea'' vote (Rollcall No. 144) on May 23, 2001 was recorded in error. I intended to vote ``no'' and would like the Record to reflect my position on the Motion to Recommit.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John G. Taylor for being selected as the Person of the Year 2000 for his accomplishments in the area of religious journalism. The Muslim Public Affairs Council-Fresno presented the award to Taylor on Saturday, April 28, 2001 at their annual awards dinner. John G. Taylor is a first-generation American. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1950. He worked as a reporter for a weekly newspaper and as a correspondent for the New York Times while he earned a degree in journalism at New York University. After college, he worked as a desk editor at newspapers in Hartford and New London, Connecticut. John always made time to do freelance writing on the side. In 1981, John and his family relocated to Fresno, where he found a job with the Fresno Bee. In 1989, John landed a job as a religious reporter. He covered various historic religious events, including Pope John Paul II's World Youth Day gathering in Denver and the ``Stand in the Gap'' million-man Christian march in Washington, D.C. He eagerly pursued stories about people and matters of faith for the Fresno Bee until January of 2001. After his tenure at the Bee, John accepted a position as a senior communications specialist/senior writer with Community Medical Centers. John and his wife Judy have six children and seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John G. Taylor for his Person of the Year Award presented by the Muslim Public Affairs Council-Fresno. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing John G. Taylor many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, today, we pause in remembrance to honor all of America's patriots who gave what Lincoln called ``the last full measure of devotion.'' This spirit of remembrance was born out of the dark depths of the bloodiest, most divisive conflict in our history--a war where more than 620,000 men and women lost their lives. On April 25th 1866, a number of women in Columbus, Mississippi went to decorate the graves of their fallen. Near the final resting places of the Confederate soldiers were other graves--graves holding the remains of Union soldiers who had died on the same bloody battlefields. Those women wondered who would remember the enemy soldiers buried so far from their loved ones. Moved by compassion, kindness and sorrow, they decorated all the graves they found--those of their own and those of their fallen enemies. Their acts captured the imagination of our entire country and became the foundation upon which our current observance of Memorial Day is built. In 197 1, Congress expanded the Memorial Day tradition to include all soldiers who have died in service to our nation. Turning back the clock, the great patriot Thomas Paine once said: ``These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. But he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.'' These strong words spoke of a special kind of patriotic devotion and love of country that was needed if the colonists were going to win their struggle for independence. These words have become timeless and have continually rang true in our times of crisis. However, I would have to say that true patriotism goes beyond waving our country's flag or singing the National Anthem. Don't get me wrong, those are important gestures, but true patriotism demands loyalty to the ideals that lie behind those gestures. Our American patriots were not born with this pride, nor did they learn it in books. It's a pride that has taken root in their souls, growing greater as they experience the true meaning of freedom, liberty and prosperity. Patriotism is more sincere than attitudes of self- righteousness--it is the guardian of our Constitution. Patriotism is why America has prospered and grown to such greatness in a mere two centuries. When our country's first army gathered under George Washington in the summer of 1775, it was truly a citizen's army. Farmers, shopkeepers and tradesmen left their loved ones to rid our land of British rule once and for all. There were few uniforms and even less weapons, but these brave men were willing to battle Britain's best troops and Europe's fiercest mercenaries. These first American patriots believed in three essential ideals, independence from foreign tyranny, human equality, and democracy. It is our American patriots that will bear any hardship, will overcome any obstacle, and will conquer any foe in the pursuit of liberty and justice--for themselves, their children, their countrymen, and others who they will never know. It is our American patriots that have protected this great nation in the past, and will be the author of our bright future. It is our American patriots that we remember today. Unfortunately, not every American will take time today to visit the graves of those who have been taken by war, but every American should take the time to remember those who gave everything on behalf of our common good. Today from Omaha Beach to Arlington National Cemetery we honor the memory of American veterans whose remains consecrate the soil throughout the world. Let us promise that their lives and sacrifices shall not have been offered in vain. We must uphold the memories of their heroism with our respect, reverence, and heartfelt admiration. Those who have died on the field of battle deserve our enduring thoughts. It is our duty to make sure America remembers the martyrs of freedom's cause. It is our obligation to keep alive the great hopes of the American people, as they are embodied in the principles outlined in our nation's Constitution. We cherish the hope that the ideals of peace, freedom and prosperity will light our way through the 2 1 st century. Memorial Day is a celebration of that hope. It is the day we remember and honor those who lost their lives fighting for our nation. The men and women we remember on Memorial Day demonstrated the highest form of faith in the triumph of good over evil. Today we pause to remember the 26 million patriots living today who have served in the armed forces, and the more than one million who have died in America's wars. Today we recognize the power and virtue of their sacrifice. We remember those who gave their lives to strengthen and preserve the invaluable gift of freedom. In the dark hours of war and conflict, American patriots have answered the call, and they're the reason that the United States is the mightiest, wealthiest, and most secure nation on earth today. Should the day come when our American patriots remain silent in the face of armed aggression, then the cause of freedom will have been lost. Today, 179 of the world's 193 sovereign states elect their lawmakers. That means the earth is 93 percent covered by democracy--a greater proportion than water. Clearly, those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom did so for a supreme cause. However, history teaches us that the world will never run out of threats to freedom. Hitler was defeated and we won the Cold War, but we must continue to contend with terrorists like Asama Bin Laden and tyrants like Milosovic and Hussein. Clearly, future American patriots may be called upon again to sacrifice for freedom. As you reflect on our nation's past, remember that this great nation was not established by cowards. America has remained the land of the free through the noble selfless acts of our American patriots and those heroes who did not return. Today we honor you and today we remember. May your patriotism endure, may God continue to bless you, and may God bless America.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Richard Zahigian for his service and dedication to the United States Marine Corps. In addition, I would like to recognize his book, The Other Side of Conflict, which chronicles his stateside service to his country in the Vietnam Era, between the years of 1966-1968. While his exemplary career spanned a number of years, his service in the Marine Corps was highlighted on December 22, 1967. On that date, Corporal Zahigian was the honored recipient of the ``Meritorious Mast'' for his performance and devotion to duty, in keeping with the highest tradition of the Naval Service, as the ``Lone Marine'' of McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. The Other Side of Conflict is dedicated to the generations of young people who served in the Armed Forces, to Corporal Zahigian's fellow Vietnam Era veterans who trained alongside him, and especially to all those who did not return. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Corporal Richard Zahigian for his selfless dedication to this country and the freedoms that we enjoy. Please join me in celebrating Richard's career and literary success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jan Doets for his lifetime commitment to the tourism industry and his role as a goodwill ambassador for America. Jan Doets has been a leader and innovator in the tourism industry throughout his 40 year career, making him an invaluable resource to his colleagues and a strong force in the tourism community. Jan has a wide variety of talents, but has specialized exclusively in American travel arrangements for the last 20 years. He has been responsible for sending over 150,000 people to California to appreciate the beauty of our state. Jan Doets is truly the epitome of an entrepreneur. Already a successful member of the tourism community in the Netherlands, he was the first direct seller of tours from the Netherlands to the United States. It comes as no surprise then that after the American component of his business was founded, he and his wife Sietske watched their business flourish. Jan was so successful that in 1983 he was known as Mr. America #1 in the tourism community. In 1990, Jan renamed his business Jan Doets American Tours and it has continued to grow as he constantly adds new services and tours of the United States. Jan and his daughter Elske have traveled thousands of miles experiencing the country so that he might share his knowledge with others who wish to explore America. He has sent over a quarter billion dollars to the United States in business, and has been a frequent visitor to Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park. Throughout Jan's career he has shown deep ties, commitment and partnership with our country, communities and individual county visitor bureaus. He has made it his lifetime goal to share the best that America has to offer with his fellow citizens of the Netherlands. Jan has truly been a significant force in bringing the United States and the Netherlands closer together. As Jan Doets retires we not only honor his lifetime commitment to the tourism industry, but also his unparalleled generosity, strength and dedication to his work and loved ones. Jan Doets has truly left his mark on our community forever.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. I want to thank the gentleman for putting together this special order regarding this topic, which I think is very important to the American people. As we are speaking here with an audience of probably over 1 million people tonight, I really want to kind of pose a question to the American people. We were dealing with an issue that is important to you and important to me with regard to local influence over Federal Government lands and the management plans of our National Forests and our Federal lands, and it was said by some critic about local influences that those people that are closest to the resources really do not speak in the interests of the American people on public lands, which are lands for the American people, and that somehow the national organizations that send out contribution forms like which the gentleman just mentioned are somehow speaking for them. In some ways I wanted to agree that the local perspective on some of these resources, and keep in mind the Quincy Library Group, which is a group in California of local people that work together with Federal forest lands to develop forest policies that are not only good for the forests, but also good for the local communities, and it was a better plan than by far any Washington bureaucrat could put together. My concern was that while people might understand that a local person's influence may not represent the best interests in the American public for public lands, there is another side to that too, and that is when you have extreme sellouts like the list that you just mentioned of people that solicit, for any reason or another, money to keep their influence, it does not necessarily mean that those groups have the environment as the best interest in their minds and in their hearts, and that they pursue public policy that is good for the American people and good for America's public lands and environment, because it is not. What it really boils down to is power and influence and keeping that. I think you have done that in an excellent way in demonstrating tonight it is not necessarily about good environmental policy for Federal lands; it is about power, keeping power, keeping power and influence. I think that the Federal policies become secondary to that. It is proven by some of the foolish notions that have come up in these last years, like roads moratoriums and the Sierra Nevada framework, a nightmare for the people in our Sierra Forest in California, and some issues where people with good intentions and maybe fears that on the Earth we are becoming too populated and that we have to reserve and guard these public lands at all costs, but are basically operating out of fear and not good common sense when it comes to management of public lands. So I just am grateful that the gentleman has pinpointed even the Sacramento Bee in California did a series of articles on the environmental community and how they are such a money-raising operation, whose sole interest I think these days has become to remain an influence, and secondarily was the environmental policy that they promoted, that it has really has become out of control. I think the American public needs to take a second guess, because groups like the Sierra Club and NRDC do not corner the market on good environmental policy in this country. I think the American people need to realize that. It needs to be balanced by somebody who is there. It is like an on-site landlord, rather than somebody who is never on- site on a piece of rental property. The one who is on site knows what is going on, knows the detail, knows the property better than anybody else. It is no different in our Federal lands with the Sierra Club and the NRDC and groups like that depend on people that are miles and miles away and never see the resource. So how do they know one way or the other if they are being improperly influenced by these groups or not? They do not know. They tend to react on the pictures of Bambi on the TV or mailers that they get, and they give money. But these people need to know those groups are not necessarily promoting the best environmental policy for public lands. That is why I wanted to come down and kind of reinforce it as to what you were saying, is that people need to really be aware of these groups, and they need to learn to second guess them and do not take for granted that what they are doing is good environmental policy. I thank the gentleman for holding this special order in order to bring up points like that, as well as many of the other points that you brought up.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I do, and I want to comment on one specific thing, because I think I have an unusual perspective on being from California, I say to the gentleman, and that is because we are going through the California energy crisis.

Mr. RADANOVICH. I know, and I love my State and it is the best State in the world, and do not mess with California. But what I am saying is that we have really seen the overinfluence of environmental zealotism in California and we are viewing that in our energy policy. We have had the worst problem with the nimby attitude on the development of energy generation resources in California, but it has all been backed by our top environmental groups who have really wanted not the population of California to grow, so they basically forced officials to stick their heads in the sand and pretend it was not happening until we have an energy crisis like now and an upcoming water shortage. Unfortunately, California is going to get to the point where they turn the faucet, they get no water; they flip the switch, they get no electricity because of the environmental influence on public policy in the State of California, and it is not just in California, it is happening all over the world. This summer, we are going to have to face the fact of we either force a temporary relaxation of air quality standards or we are going to have rolling blackouts and people are going to be dead, and those are the choices that we are facing in California. People are going to face that choice all over the country because of the undue influence of the environmental community in this country right now.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, May 20th will mark President Chen Shui- bian's first anniversary in office. Since his election the voters in Taiwan have continually given President Chen high marks for his performance. President Chen has continued to maintain a proactive stance on Taiwan's economy. He has ensured steady economic growth while minimizing the impact of the worldwide economic slowdown. Furthermore, President Chen has been busy strengthening relations with allies and gaining new friends around the world. He has made it very clear that Taiwan genuinely desires a meaningful dialogue with the People's Republic of China--a dialogue to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait. President Chen has made great strides to solidify Taiwan's relations with the U.S.--a relationship that subscribes to the principles of freedom, democracy, human rights, peace, and prosperity. Through his efforts, the future of bilateral relations between Taiwan and the United States is bright. I send my personal congratulations to the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan on this festive occasion.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kelly Fujikawa for being named Youth Citizen of the Year. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce will present the award to Kelly at Fowler's annual Community Recognition Banquet. Kelly is currently a senior at Fowler High School, where she is active in school sports, clubs, and student council. She is an honor student and is involved in the Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon and California Scholarship Federation, Spanish Club, Asian Club, Peer Helper Program, and the school band. Kelly also earned the prestigious honor of being named student representative to the Fowler School District Board for the fall semester. Her community involvement includes: Girl Scouts, 4-H, Buddhist Church of Fowler, Japanese dance teacher, Sunday School teacher's aide, volunteer pianist, lunch service at the Edwin Blayney Senior Center, and aided at Fowler and National Grange events. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kelly Fujikawa for her Youth Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Kelly Fujikawa many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lee Johnson for being named Citizen of the Year. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce will present the award to Lee Johnson at Fowler's annual Community Recognition Banquet. Lee has been a business owner in Fowler since 1946, when he bought Star Cash Grocery. Several years later he bought Brady's Store and changed the name to Lee's Market. Lee's Market has been a Fowler landmark ever since. The old store building burned down in 1991. Lee, who was 80 years old at the time, decided to rebuild the store along with two adjacent office spaces. The new building stands as a great source of commerce in the middle of Fowler. Lee has been involved with several professional and community organizations including: Fowler Merchants Association, Fowler Chamber of Commerce, 4-H, Fowler Grange, the new Youth Grange, Fowler Police Department's Volunteers in Patrol Program, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Lions Club, Fresno County Crippled Children's Fund, and the Presbyterian Church of Fowler. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Lee Johnson for his Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Lee Johnson many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Goode for receiving the Friend of Fowler Award. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce will present the award to John at Flowler's annual Community Recognition Banquet. While Mr. Goode currently lives in the Bay Area, he remains involved in Fowler affairs. John regularly contributes to the Fowler High School and Sutter Middle School bands. He has also recently endowed a scholarship in memory of his parents to the University of California, for which preference is given to Fowler High graduates. He plans to host the 40th reunion of the Fowler High School Class of 1962 in conjunction with the 2002 Fowler Fall festival. John credits many of the values he learned growing up in the Fowler- area as guides for his career. He has been honored as a ``Forbes Honor Roll'' winner for his skills in risk management. He has managed the Smith Barney Fundamental Value fund for 10 years. John is currently the chairman and chief investment officer of Davis Skaggs Investment Management. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John Goode for his Friend of Fowler Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing John Goode many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fowler Pizza Factory for being named Business of the Year. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce will present the award to the Pizza Factory at Fowler's annual Community Recognition Banquet. Tim and Denise Hamblet are the proprietors of the Fowler Pizza Factory. From 1986 until 1998 the Hamblets owned and operated a heavy equipment business in San Bernardino. Denise also worked for several car dealerships during that time. A Hamblet family friend, who had bought the Pizza Factory in Firebaugh, persuaded the couple to look into the Fowler franchise. The couple liked the Pizza Factory and decided to buy the restaurant and relocate. Since the fall of 1998, the Hamblets have developed the Fowler restaurant into the fourth-rated franchise out of about 100 in the entire chain. Tim has served on the Fowler Planning Commission. Denise has plans to become involved in various community activities in Fowler. Both are originally from Southern California. They were married in 1973 and have 3 children. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fowler Pizza Factory for their Business of the Year Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Hamblet family and Fowler Pizza Factory many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hiyama Farms for being named Industry of the Year. The Fowler Chamber of Commerce will present the award to Hiyama Farms at Fowler's annual Community Recognition Banquet. Hiyama Farms is truly a family operation. Kazuo and Edith Hiyama purchased 20 acres of vines in Eastern Fowler during the 1930's. Over the years the farm has gradually grown, increasing their acreage and focusing on growing tree fruit. The farm currently produces Zante currant raisins, cherries and tree fruit. Howard, the son of Kazuo and Edith, operates the farm with the help of his sons, Darren and Gene, and his brother Dean Hiyama. Hiyama Farms is one of the original growers to associate with the Fowler Packing Company and they share many of their innovative farming inventions with them. Kazuo invented agricultural equipment called ``automatic movable platforms.'' His invention greatly improved pruning and thinning of fruit trees. Before the advent of mechanized farming, Hiyama Farms utilized ``dried on the vine,'' mechanical raisin harvesters, and other efficient farming practices. The Hiyama sons' current goal is to continue to improve the mechanization of the farm. These innovative farming methods singles out Hiyama Farms of Fowler as a leader in agriculture. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Hiyama Farms for their Industry of the Year Award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Hiyama family and Hiyama Farms many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Sarah Patricia McCamman, who died suddenly at her home on Tuesday, April 17. She was the sister of John McCamman, my Chief of Staff, who has been with me since I started my career here in the House of Representatives. Sarah was born in Bakersfield, California on November 27, 1951 to Gertrude Wachob and Kenneth Taylor McCamman. She was a Kansas City, MO resident for the past 26 years. She was a graduate of University of California at Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, and earned a Masters Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Kansas. Sarah was a pediatric nutritionist at the Kansas University Medical Center where she was the Director of Training and Nutrition in the Child Development Center. Sarah trained medical personnel to teach mothers breastfeeding techniques and taught parents of developmentally disabled children how to provide nutrition support. Sarah was recognized as Young Dietitian of the Year of the Kansas and Missouri Dietitian Association (1978 & 1981) and was awarded the US Public Health Service Medallion in 1986. She was listed in Outstanding Young Women of America (1977). She published numerous articles and training materials associated with lactation management education and promotion and lectured nationwide. Sarah was on the non-profit Board of Directors of Open Options for many years, and was key to the development of the Southern Road group home. In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Sarah traveled widely in Asia and Central America, and particularly enjoyed exotic and challenging destinations. Sarah was active in Chinese adoptive groups and in ensuring the continued interest of her adopted children in their native culture. Sarah and her daughters were active members of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. She is survived by her two young daughters, Kai Li (7) and An Mei (3) McCamman; her partner Rick Zbinden; her mother, Gertrude Wachob McCamman formerly of Ventura, CA and now of Kansas City, sisters Claire Westdahl of Atlanta, GA, Jean McCamman of Oakland, CA; brother John McCamman of McLean, VA. She was devoted aunt to Meaghan, Sarah and Michael McCamman of Virginia and Steven and Jon Westdahl of Georgia. Sarah leaves behind many friends and associates. Mr. Speaker, please join me in offering the McCamman family are sincerest thoughts and prayers as they cope with the loss of their beloved sister, aunt, mother, and friend.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fresno Area Congregations Together (FACT) for their service to the community of Fresno. They recently celebrated their 2nd Annual Awards Banquet. FACT has played a vital role in the community of Fresno since 1997. FACT's mission is to develop neighborhood leaders, while improving the quality of life in areas throughout the city. FACT members fulfill their obligation to seek social justice, dignified relationships, and healthier communities in a meaningful, hands-on manner. The 10 congregations/organizations that form FACT are: Anabaptist Community Action, First Mexican Baptist, Grace Lutheran, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Saviour's Lutheran, St. Alphonsus, St. Helen's, St. John's Cathedral, San Antonio Maria Claret, and San Ygnacio Episcopal Mission. FACT uses a systematic approach to addressing community concerns. Congregational committee's meet with neighborhood residents to listen to their memories, concerns, pressures, sources of pain, and hopes for a better tomorrow. After community concerns are identified, research is conducted to learn about causes and possible solutions to the concerns. The concerns are then brought to the attention of the public official responsible for facilitating positive results. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate FACT for their exemplary community service in the city of Fresno. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing FACT many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pauline Blayney for being named ``Silent Servant'' of the year 2001 by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. Pauline was bom in Fresno and has been a Fowler resident since the age of six. In 1946 she married Laurice Blayney. The couple has three children and nine grandchildren. Pauline has been involved with several community activities in the community, including: Fowler Improvement Association, Friday Book Club, Iowa Community Club, Presbyterian Church of Fowler, Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Edwin Blayney Senior Center, Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pauline Blayney for her ``Silent Servant'' of the year 2001 award presented by the Fowler Chamber of Commerce. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Pauline Blayney many more years of continued success.