George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deanne Meyers on receiving the Friends of Agricultural Extension's ``Award for Outstanding Achievement.'' The ``Award for Outstanding Achievement'' is designed to identify and bring broad recognition to educational programs devised by University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Farm Advisors and Specialists that represent the most significant contributions to production, agriculture and the consuming public. Ms. Meyers is a UC Davis-based Cooperative Extension Waste Management Specialist. She represents the University on an interagency work-group for confined animal feeding operations. Deanne presented her program on the subject,'' Environmental Stewardship Short Course for California Dairy Operators.'' She is recognized for her research which addresses key areas of environmental concern to dairy operators throughout California. Through her research, Ms. Meyers has focused on creating a balance between the current requirements of agricultural producers and possible future requirements by disseminating information to dairy producers regarding their obligations and liabilities for compliance with water quality regulations. Five other finalists are also honored: Lonnie Hendricks, Merced County, ``Integrated Pest Management in Almonds;'' Steve Koike, Monterey County, ``Unique County-based Plant Pathology Lab;'' Neil McDougald, Madera County, ``Rangeland Water Quality Research and Education Program;'' Michael McKenry, Kearney Ag. Center, ``Orchard Replant Problems and their Management;'' and Ron Vargas, Madera County, ``Cotton Week Management.'' Every program submitted is vitally important to production agriculture and every participant received at least one ``first'' from individual members of the panel. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deanne Meyers as Winner of the ``Award for Outstanding Achievement,'' and recognize each of the five finalists, Steve Koike, Neil McDougald, Michael McKenry, and Ron Vargas. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Meyers and each of the finalists best wishes for a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rape Counseling Service of Fresno, Inc. (RCS), on occasion of its 25th anniversary. Rape Counseling Service is a victim advocacy agency. Its mission is to alleviate the trauma due to sexual assault and/or child molestation, to educate the public and to raise the level of awareness regarding rape and child abuse prevention. RCS made its start with a small core of volunteers meeting in a dorm room at California State University Fresno. It now has a staff of 33 members, and 52 volunteers who aid in crisis intervention, prevention education, a 24-hour hot-line, hospital and court advocacy and individual counseling. For the past seven years, RCS has been ranked the number one rape crisis center in the state of California by the Office of Criminal Justice Planning, and for the past six years, has been the number one funded agency by Fresno County. The U.S. Department of Justice has named the RCS Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) as one of only two programs in the state to be listed in Promising Practices, a report to improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women. Over the years RCS has established a strong working relationship with the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's office. It also interacts with other community- based organizations: Sanctuary, House of Hope, Human Services Coalition, Fresno County Child Abuse Prevention Council, The Fresno Policy Academy and Comprehensive Youth Services. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rape Counseling Service of Fresno on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The services provided are invaluable to the well-being of the community and victims of assault. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing RCS many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fresno Rescue Mission on occasion of its 50th anniversary, and its plans for expansion. The mission has long served the homeless and downtrodden of Fresno. The Rescue Mission began in 1949 as a non-profit religious organization to be an arm of the churches of Fresno County. Over the past 50 years, the mission has been open 24-hours-a-day 365-days-a-year helping the destitute of Fresno, with three meals a day, shelter, clothing, bedding, appliances and furniture, all free of charge. Though it began as a ``men only'' organization, over the years, the mission has progressed to helping families who are in need of emergency shelter. The mission works with the Fresno County Department of Human Social Services in ``Rescue the Children/Craycroft Youth'' a collaborative effort to service, abused, neglected and abandoned children. There is also a year-long live-in recovery program for men with various dependency problems. After completion of the program, a transition home provides housing, and employment as staff members of the mission. At the home, men are encouraged to save their money so they can be reunited with their families, or be able to afford their own housing. Most important to the mission is its primary purpose, to provide love, and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have nothing left in this world. In front of the mission building hangs a sign which reads, ``If you don't have a friend in the world, you will find one here.'' Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fresno Rescue Mission on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The services provided are a boon to the community, and a blessing to those in most need. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno Rescue Mission many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, seventy years ago, while Californians were experiencing the security and success of the roaring twenties, a lone mountaineer was skiing his way up the 300 mile crest of the Sierra Nevada from south of Mount Whitney toward Yosemite Valley. This little known feat in the annals of American Mountaineering was accomplished prior to the existence of the John Muir Trail, the advent of organized search and rescue teams, or cell phones. Orland Bartholomew carried a 70-pound pack, a folding bellows camera and a double bit ax. He skied on custom made wooden skis without metal edges with only a crude wax system for climbing. He slept in a down robe with a half-tent and no stove. Fortunately, Orland wrote extensive journal entries and shot over 320 photographs of his adventure. Thanks to his son, Phil, these documents have been preserved. This spring, to celebrate this historic trip, a team of four skiers recreated this great adventure. In completing this trip they were successful in drawing attention to the legacy of this lone skier's accomplishment and its proper place in the history of mountaineering. Their stated goal was to encourage the U.S. Geological Survey to name a peak for Orland. By taking over 2,000 photographs and keeping detailed journals they also documented the state of the High Sierra during the last winter of the 1900's. The Fresno Bee has established a website to provide information on both of the trips and to report on the findings from their research. (www.fresnobee.com/man/trek) The High Odyssey II team followed as accurately as possible the original route of Orland Bartholomew based upon his original journals and photographs. They were assisted in their research by Phil Bartholomew and Sierra historian Gene Rose. The Team left Cottonwood Creek on April 2, 1999 and arrived in Yosemite Valley on April 28 after skiing 290 miles and crossing 20 passes over 10,000 feet. The four members of the Team are accomplished ski mountaineers and climbers with extensive winter experience in the areas in which Orland Bartholomew skied. They crossed high passes, did winter ascents of peaks en route, including Mt. Whitney, and forded rushing streams. At 17, Fritz Baggett represents the next generation of mountain adventurers. He has grown up in El Portal, the gateway to Yosemite, where he has climbed and skied since a babe in the backpack. He recently earned his Eagle Scout badge as a member of Yosemite Troop 50. As a musician and writer in the punk/shredder genera his contributions, like his skiing, are full of the zest and drive of true youth. Tim Messick has spent his adult life teaching others the joys of skiing the Sierra backcountry. As a guide for the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Yosemite Cross-County School since 1980, Tim has skied and guided extensively in the Sierra. He skied one of the first three-pin descents of LeConte Gully at Glacier Point and the Y notch on Mount Conness. His classic book, ``Cross-Country Skiing in Yosemite'' (now in its second printing), is a tribute to his skills as writer, teacher, and skier. Art Baggett has spent the past 25 years living in the Yosemite community. His mountain adventures include hiking the 2,040-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 1973, a 21 day ski of the Sierra Crest on wooden Bonna 2000 skis with a makeshift three pin set up, and numerous big wall climbing ascents. Art's background as a teacher-naturalist, field biologist, small town attorney and former Mariposa County Supervisor provides another unique perspective from which to view the terrain. Art's published works include papers and lectures on the public policy and legal conflicts between the practice of prescribed burning and the Clean Air Act. The team would not be complete without a true historian and mountain sage. Howard Weamer brings not only the wisdon of a lifetime spent traversing the Range of Light on skis and on foot, but the keen eye of one of the best known Sierran photographers. His book, ``The Perfect Art,'' the history of the Ostrander Ski Hut and skiing in Yosemite is a tribute to those that have gone before and the 25 years he has spent as the hutkeeper of this Yosemite institution. I commend the courage and resolve of these present-day mountaineers to help us to learn more of those that came before and that are part of the heritage of the great state of California and the United States frontier. Further, based upon their efforts, I will renew my efforts to ensure that the United States Geological Survey name a Sierra peak in honor of Orland ``Bart'' Bartholomew, a Sierra High Adventurer.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Harry Belafonte for receiving the 1999 Drum Major For Justice Award. The Drum Major For Justice Award banquet seeks to honor those Americans whose achievements most coincide with the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Belafonte was a confidant and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Belafonte's activity in the human rights struggle is respected world wide. He has always believed that his work for human rights and his artistic pursuits gave him the basis for a most productive and balanced life. Harry Belafonte had been called ``the consummate entertainer'' an artist in every field in which he has participated, including movies, Broadway, television, recording, concerts and producing. His first album ``Calypso,'' in 1955, was the first to sell more than one-million copies. Among other ``firsts'' were his being the first African- American to win an Emmy, and the first African-American television producer. However, it is Mr. Belafonte's dedication to the civil rights movement that has earned him this honor. His involvement dates back to the marches in Selma, Montgomery and Washington. Mr. Belafonte has also been chairman of the MLK Memorial Fund. He was named by President Kennedy as Cultural Advisor to the Peace Corps, and received the Dag Hammarskjold Peace Medal in 1981, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize in 1982. In 1987 he was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (only the second American to hold the title), and in 1990 he was host for the U.N.'s World Summit on the Child; this was attended by heads of state from all over the world. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Harry Belafonte for his accomplishments and for following the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Belafonte many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Boy Scout Troop 116 which is celebrating its 50th year of service to Madera, California. Troop 116 has influenced the lives of approximately 700 men and boys in the values of citizenship, leadership by example, caring for the environment, respecting one's fellow man, and respecting the religious values of others. During the troop's 50 years it has guided 42 of its members through the requirements to attain the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout. About eight percent of Troop 116's youth have attained the Eagle Scout Rank-- about four times the national average. Scout training has also enabled two scouts to receive the Life Saving Awards from the National Council for saving a life while greatly risking their own. Troop 116 has participated in several activities, and encourages volunteerism. It has sent many members to the periodic National jamborees held at various national historical sites. Scouts have initiated and participated in numerous food and clothing drives for the needy, a variety of clean-up and local improvement projects, as well as volunteering and doing a host of maintenance and upgrading projects in state and federal parks. The Eagle Scouts will recognize their sponsor, The United Methodist Church of Madera, by presenting an Eagle's Nest as a sign of appreciation for the church's sponsorship over the past 50 years. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boy Scout Troop 116 in their 50th Anniversary for doing its part to positively influence the lives of men and boys in the Central Valley, and contribute to the community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Troop 116 many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ed Boele for his dedicated loyalty to Electric Motor Shop for 53 years. Mr. Boele started working at the Electric Motor Shop on New Year's Day in 1946, and has been employed ever since. Ed Boele is as enthusiastic today as he was on his first day back in 1946. Electric Motor Shop has been in Fresno since 1913. The need for electric motors flourished in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley due to the agriculture. Ed Boele hasn't quite figured out what to call himself, he isn't an electrical technician, but he serves a vital purpose at the shop. Customer service is a large part of Boele's daily routine. He also purchases many of the electrical motors for the shop. When Ed started, he didn't know a nut from a bolt, his knowledge of electrical motors comes from years of working at the shop, and he says he's not done learning. Ed never considered quitting his work at the shop and told Frank that he would give him a years notice when he was ready to retire. In January 1998, at the age of 68, Ed finally gave Frank his years notice. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ed Boele on his retirement from Electric Motor Shop. Mr. Boele has been a dedicated employee from the first day he started. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ed Boele happiness in his retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rogan); the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior); the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), and a bipartisan group of legislators in introducing a resolution to bring together all the U.S. records on the Armenian Genocide and to provide this collection to the House Committee on International Relations, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, Armenia. U.S. archives contain extensive documentation of the widespread opposition to Ottoman Turkey's brutal massacres and deportations. They contain, as well, records of the unprecedented efforts of the American people to bring relief to the survivors of this, the century's first genocide. In introducing this legislation, we challenge those who would deny genocide, past or present. Please add your name today as a cosponsor of this legislation and join with me at the Armenian National Committee's Genocide Observance being held this evening at the Rayburn House Office Building.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that later this week I will be joined by my colleagues Mr. Rogan, Mr. Bonior, Mr. Pallone and a bipartisan group of legislators in introducing legislation to affirm the U.S. historical record on the Armenian Genocide. We take this step to bring together in a collection all the U.S. records on the Armenian genocide and then to provide this collection to the House International Relations Committee, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, here in Washington, DC, and the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. In so doing, we reaffirm the principled stand taken by U.S. diplomats, religious leaders, and government officials during the years of the Genocide, and in the years since that terrible tragedy. Our archives contain extensive documentation of the widespread opposition to Ottoman Turkey's brutal massacres and deportations. They contain, as well, records of the unprecedented efforts of the American people to bring relief to the survivors of this, the century's first genocide. As many in this Chamber know, the United States led the international humanitarian campaign to aid those who escaped the Genocide, the countless thousands who found refuge in the camps and orphanages established through the generosity of the American people. In introducing this legislation, we also take a stand against those who would, in a cold political calculation, deny genocide, past or present. By affirming the U.S. historical record of the Armenian Genocide, we challenge this denial and reinforce our national resolve to prevent future genocide. Please add your name today as a cosponsor of this legislation and join with me at the Armenian National Committee's Genocide Observance being held this evening in the Rayburn House Office Building.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harry Baker on the occasion of his retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Harry attended his last board meeting on December 15, 1998, after 12 years of dedicated service. Harry Baker was born in Eastern Madera County over 70 years ago. As a veteran of World War II, Harry was a first hand witness to the most turbulent time in the history of the twentieth century. Today Harry is a life member and Past Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8753 and a life member of the American Legion. Thanks to the GI Bill, Harry was able to go to college and finish his education, he is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. Harry has been successful not only in politics, but also in business. In addition to serving as President and Chairman of the board of Sierra Tel Tronics, he also serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Sierra Telephone, Sierra Cellular, Sierra Tel Logic, Sierra Tel Internet, Sierra Telephone Long Distance, Sierra Tel Tronics Business Center, Sierra Tel Tronics Business Systems, El Dorado Cellular, and ST Air Services. Harry has operated Sierra Telephone, one of the area's largest employers, for over 48 years. Harry has taken the company through remarkable growth, increasing in size from 200 customers and 4 employees, to 20,000 customers and 230 employees. Harry was a founding member of the Western Rural Telephone Association and served as its president in 1967, he's been on the Board of Directors for 14 years. Despite a busy work schedule, Harry makes time for many worthwhile community activities. He's a Life Member of the Madera County Historical Society and was appointed to the Madera District Fair Board by former Governor George Deukmejian. Harry is a Charter Member of the Gateway Yosemite Elks Lodge, and a member of the Sierra Oakhurst Lions Club. Harry is also an example to youth, he is a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop Leader as well as a 4-H Leader. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harry Baker, on the occasion of his retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Baker has been a devoted public servant during his 12 years of service. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Harry Baker many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dianne Nury on her election as Chairman of the Wine Institute for the 1998-99 fiscal year. Dianne is the first woman to become Chairman of the Wine Institute. Dianne Nury is president of family-owned Vie-Del Company in Fresno. Nury heads one of California's largest bulk winery, distillery and fruit juice processing operations, contracting with 1,000 growers located predominantly in the Central Valley. Nury is a native and resident of Fresno, she began her career as area sales manager for Seagrams after graduating in 1982 from California State University, Fresno with a degree in business. She joined Vie-Del in 1985 as a sales representative, she then became vice president of the company in 1988 until assuming the presidency in 1991 from her father. Dianne Nury is immediate past president of the National Juice Products Association and is current vice chairman of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center at CSU, Fresno. As Chairman of the Wine Institute, Nury pledges to continue the focus of the Institute's progress for international market development and research funding. She will also emphasize the public policy issues that the Wine Institute has taken on, such as taxation and free and fair trade here and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dianne Nury, as Chairman of the Wine Institute. Dianne's chairmanship carries on a legacy set by her father, Mike Nury. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dianne Nury many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Larry Shehadey for receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Institute of Family Business conference. Mr. Shehadey is in his 50th year with Producers Dairy Foods, Inc. Larry Shehadey, 91, remains chairman of the board for the Fresno based Producers Dairy Foods which has a full line of dairy products, fruit punches and orange juices. Producers Dairy was not Larry Shehadey's first career. He began a successful soap business and sold it to Safeway, Shehadey then bought half interest in Producers as an investment. He became general manager and began controlling the company. Today Larry Shehadey presides over a family business that expanded from 25 to 300 employees, sells milk products from Eureka to Santa Barbara, operates a chain of convenience stores and farms 7,000 acres of land on the west side of the Valley that provides feed for the company's 7,000 head of cattle. Producers is capable of milking 2,500 cows, twice a day. Shehadey is proud to be one of the few remaining locally owned independent businesses in the Central Valley. He has served on many dairy boards, including the Dairy council of California; Dairy Institute of California as president, California Growers Association; and The All Star Dairy Association, where he held the position of charter member. Larry Shehadey was married for 63 years to wife Elayne, who passed away recently, and has two sons, Richard and John and eight grandchildren. Richard, president of Producers, runs the company with his father. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Larry Shehadey on his Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Shehadey's service to the community is commendable. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Larry many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Corporal Jack Selvian on receiving a Purple Heart. Jack served the Far East Air Service Command of the United States Air Force in World War II. The initial liberation of the Philippine Islands from Japanese occupation, operation RENO, began on October 20, 1944, on Leyte Island. The primary purpose of the Leyte campaign was to establish Allied air and logistic bases to support subsequent operations. On October 20, 1944, after two hour naval bombardment, assault waves of four divisions landed between Dulag and Tacloban and quickly secured beachheads. Tacloban was October 24, and an air base was established. Leyte was never provided the major Allied air fields envisioned, but its seizure had other, more important results. By electing to fight a decisive battle at Leyte, the Japanese had committed their fleet and a major part of their air arm, both suffering crippling losses. Jack Selvian, Corporal United States Air Corps was wounded in the line of duty, while serving at Tacloban Air Base on Leyte Island. Jack was working near the flight line next to stacked aircraft engines, stacked two and three high. After dusk, work was being done under the illumination of artificial light, a Japanese fighter performed a low altitude bombardment in an attempt to destroy the stacked engines. There was a space of 6 inches between the crates, and debris was blown through this gap hitting Jack in the left wrist and the left knee. Jack was later released from duty on December 24, 1945. After four years away from his family, he left the U.S. Air Corps with an Honorable Discharge, yet no one ever submitted his name to receive the Purple Heart. The records have been corrected and Jack will receive the Purple Heart on January 2, 1999. This honor will be bestowed 54 years after being earned. Jack was born in Fresno on June 21, 1921, and upon his return from the war he married the former Violet Shumavon, the couple have been married for 51 years. They have two daughters, Susan Millard and Betty Gross, and have been blessed with five grandchildren. Jack and Paul Shumavon were proprietors of a grocery store for 20 years, and later co-owned the Chestnut Avenue Disposal Site. More recently Jack has been involved in farming grapes for raisin production. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jack Selvian, Corporal, United States Air Force. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Jack Selvian best wishes for the future and sincerest thanks for his wartime sacrifice.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the City of Visalia and the Kaweah Delta Health Care District to recognize Mary Louise Vivier upon her retirement. Mary Louise is the former mayor of Visalia and has worked the past 17 years at the Kaweah Delta Hospital. Her accomplishments and activities are vast and varied and they have contributed much to the good of her community. Mary Louise's education began in 1952 when she studied nursing at the University of California at Berkeley. Later, at the Kaiser Foundation School of Nursing she became a registered nurse. Mary Louise did not end her educational endeavors there; from 1958 to 1967 she went on to obtain three more degrees from the University of California system. Mary Louise took her educational background to many fields. Most recently she was the Community Outreach Program Director for Kaweah Delta District Hospital for which she also served as Clinical Nurse Specialist. Mary Louise held several nursing, instruction, lecturing and leadership positions in the medical field. Along with her extensive employment history, Mary Louise has been and still is involved with a number of organizations. She is currently involved in the American Association of University Women, the Sons of Italy in America Lodge, Networking for Women, the Tulare County Women's Symphony League, Soroptomists International of Visalia, Police Activities League, the Tulare County League of Mexican American Women and Pro Youth Visalia. In 1995 she was elected to the Visalia City Council, and served as Mayor of Visalia from 1995 to 1997. Mary Louise Vivier has gone far above the call of duty to immerse herself in the needs of others and her community. She has dedicated her life to making Visalia a great place to live. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mary Louise for her service and dedication and wishing her a fulfilled and successful future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Claude Laval III and his family for their continual support of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF). This year, the JDF chapter in Fresno is honoring Claude Laval and family as the first recipients of the ``Living & Giving Award.'' The Laval family played an instrumental part in the Pediatric Diabetes Center in Fresno, at Valley Children's Hospital. The mission statement of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation is to ``Find a cure for Diabetes and its complications through the support of research.'' Mr. Laval is an active participant in promoting the JDF mission statement. The Laval family became involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation 20 years ago when their daughter was diagnosed with Diabetes. Along with their support for JDF, the Laval family supported numerous Diabetes camps, making it possible for many children to attend the camps. They are also dedicated supporters of the JDF walks to cure Diabetes. Claude Laval was born and raised in Fresno, he graduated from Stanford University in 1957. He is the sole owner and president of the Claude Laval Corporation. The Claude Laval Corporation is an International manufacturing company of filtration devices and down hole cameras. The Corporation is in its 27th year. In addition to his Corporation, Claude is deeply committed to our community and actively serves on several state and local organizations. He has been on the Executive Committee of the Fresno Business Council since 1993, Chairman of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and a member of the Fresno Business Council since 1996. Mr. Laval has served as Chairman of the Central Valley Business Incubator since 1997. His service is not only limited to the Central Valley, he serves as Director of International Forest Products in Vancouver, BC, Canada since 1994 along with a committee in Washington, DC where he is currently active on the Irrigation Association Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Claude is Director of GDT Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona and the Director of American Ground Water Trust in Concord, New Hampshire. These are just a few of the services that Mr. Laval has committed himself to. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Claude Laval III and his family, for their service to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Mr. Laval is a faithful public servant, who has taken it upon himself to be a active participant in numerous causes and organizations throughout the United States and Canada. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Laude Laval and his family many more years of continued service and success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Cardinet as an outstanding citizen in California. On April 10th, a parade, trail ride and dinner was held for George in celebration of his 90th birthday and his 65 years of trail building. I want to join those individuals in California who held the event last week in thanking George for his lifetime of achievements in trail building. His contributions to trails in California include founding the Tahoe Rim Trail, California Riding and Hiking Trail and being the Founding Father of the DeAnza National Historic Trail. In 1998, he was given a bronze medal and the superior achievement award by the state parks for his volunteer service. George worked that same year with Yosemite National Park and horse organizations to include horses in the Yosemite General Management Plan. He was named ``Grandfather of the Trails'' by the National Park Service in 1995, and honored as a Life Member of Back Country Horsemen of California for his efforts in preserving campsites and trails for equestrians. These actions, and many others not mentioned, demonstrate George's leadership and personal love for equestrian issues. I commend George for his work and look forward to many other contributions from him to our state.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mariposa High School girls track and field team, the Lady Grizzlies. Upon the completion of the 1998 season, the Lady Grizzlies secured their fourteenth consecutive Southern League championship. This sets an all-time record for girls track and field in the State of California. During their streak, no opponent has posed a true threat to the Mariposa team. In 1985, the Lady Grizzlies won their meet with a score of 100, outdistancing their closest competitor by 24 points. In the 13 seasons since, they have more than doubled the score of the second- place team on 10 occasions. To add to the accomplishments of the Lady Grizzlies from 1985 to 1998, their relay teams have won 24 of the available 28 league championships, and their athletes have won 120 out of 186 possible individual league titles. Among the team members from 1990 to 1997, 8 members of the Lady Grizzly team have gone on to compete in track and field on the college level. Since 1985, the year this winning streak began, the number of teams in the Southern League has fluctuated between 6 and 10 squads. Also in that time, Mariposa has seen 5 different head coaches, 3 principles, and 4 district superintendents. The stability the Lady Grizzlies have maintained throughout these 14 years is a testament to the dedication of the athletes, as well as to the encouragement they have received in the community. Mr. Speaker, the Lady Grizzlies of Mariposa High School have performed exceptionally throughout the last decade and a half. They have illustrated the virtues of dedication, tenacity, and team work. I encourage them to continue on this path, and wish them the best of luck in the future. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Mariposa Lady Grizzlies track and field team.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alfred ``Al'' Ginsburg on his retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Ginsburg has served the Board of Supervisors for 24 years. Al Ginsburg is a native Californian born in Tulare County. The Ginsburg family then moved on to Chowchilla where Al attended Chowchilla elementary schools and Chowchilla High School. Al then graduated from Fresno State College, now known as California State University, Fresno, with a degree in business administration. From 1948 to 1950 Al owned and operated a family shoe store, but in 1950 he became a full time farmer, this was before his interest in government brought him into the political arena. Al Ginsburg has served the people of Madera County in many capacities, serving as an elected leader and devoting his time to community service. Al served as a member of the Chowchilla city council for 16 years, several times during the 16 years, he held the position of Mayor. He also served on the Chowchilla High School Board for 10 years and served as a member of the Madera County Civil Service Commission for 12 years. Al was also a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission and the Local Transportation Commission and Authority. During his time on the Madera County Board of Supervisors, Al has taken on numerous tasks. Al served as a member of the County Supervisors Association of California, CSAC, and presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Al is a current member of the CSAC Public Finance and Operations Policy Committee. He has also been a member of the Regional Council of Rural Counties Board of Directors. A resident of Madera County for 67 years, Al Ginsburg is in his sixth term as a Member of the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Al Ginsburg on the occasion of his retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Al Ginsburg leaves behind a proud legacy of community service. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Al Ginsburg many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Patricia (``Patty'') Logoluso on the occasion of her retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Patty has a long standing record of dedicated involvement in Madera County. Patty Logoluso was born and raised in Madera. Patty along with her two older brothers and two sisters lived on the family farm in southern Madera. Her mother and father, Ben and Esther Bishel, taught their children the values of thrift and hard work. By the age of 12, Patty was already playing an active role in the daily operation of the farm. Despite her responsibilities on the farm, Patty made time to participate in school sports such as volleyball, basketball, baseball and track. In 1963 she became a finalist at the Junior Olympics. Patty was also a member of the California Association of American Athletes. She showed an early interest in government becoming involved in Student Council, and held various offices throughout her elementary years. Patty's high school years were even more active, and with the support of her parents, she ran for Freshman Class vice-president, she later became president the following year. Additionally she was a member of the North Yosemite League of Student Councils, Commissioner of Awards, and Student Court Reporter. She was also a member of the California Scholarship Federation and was named Soroptomist Girl of the Month. Patty's dedication to her family and community has always been evident. Since 1973, she has been a member of the Madera County Farm Bureau and in 1985, became a member of the Raisin Bargaining Association, the Italo American Club, Inc., and the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation. From 1978 to 1992 she served on numerous school site councils involved with principal selection committees and the Evaluation Committee for the High School State Report. In January of 1996, Patty was honored by Governor Pete Wilson, when he appointed her to fill an unexpired term of the Board of Supervisors, District 1. In November of 1996, Patty was elected as County Supervisor of District 1 on her own merit. In her time as Supervisor she has served on the Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging, Interagency Children and Youth Services Council, CSAC Policy Committee for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Economic Development Commission and the Foreign Trade Zone Advisory Board. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Patty Logoluso on the occasion of her retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors. For the past six years Patty has been a valuable asset to the public. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Patty best wishes for a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Fowler, CA, upon its reopening. St. Gregory the Illuminator is the fourth oldest Armenian Church in the United States. St. Gregory first opened its doors in 1906 as the Armenian Apostolic Church. The services were held in the Episcopal Church of Fowler, and officiated by Father Sahag Vartabed Nazaretian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church in Fresno. During this time, the congregation of the St. Gregory Church consisted of 75 to 100 families. In 1907, the First Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Apostolic Church was celebrated. Immediately following the liturgy, the congregation elected a board of trustees, their objective being the selection of a suitable site for a church building. On April 15, 1909, the present church site in Fowler was selected and purchased. Construction of the church building on February 3, 1910. On April 17, the church was consecrated in a ceremony in the presence of a large congregation. The St. Gregory Church became the fourth established Armenian Apostolic Church in America, under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Over the years, the original church building has expanded, and a church hall and Sunday school classes have been added. In 1993 the church decided to expand further. The site has since been enhanced by a park, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground and a courtyard, all of which are frequently used and enjoyed by parishioners. Most recently, construction has taken place to expand the sanctuary and church offices; a library and conference room have also been added. During this time of construction, services have been held in Markarian Hall, and a drastic increase in the congregation has been observed, making the re-opening of the sanctuary highly anticipated. It is the memorable event that St. Gregory celebrates as it serves its third generation of Armenians, as well as many converts. It is the prayer of the parish that St. Gregory will be able to meet the challenge of inspiring those who worship in and make St. Gregory their spiritual home. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Fowler on its longtime service to the Christian community, and its efforts to serve better through expansion. May it long continue its growth and success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Meher Chekerdemian on receiving the Third Annual Armenian Education Foundation's Educator of the Year Award. Mr. Chekerdemian has been an outstanding educator for many years. The Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) has a proud history of supporting educational causes. The AEF is on a journey to recognize the fine educators who have preformed above and beyond the call of duty, and have contributed immensely to the betterment and quality of life for Armenian students. The role that an educator plays is of critical importance to the future. Meher Chekerdemian has spent 32 years with Fresno Unified School District as a teacher, counselor, vice-principal, and principal. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in Social Studies, a master of arts degree in Education from California State University, Fresno (CSUF) and various credentials and certificates. Currently Meher is the Executive Director of the Fresno Consolidated Charter, Association of California School Administrators and a part time faculty member at CSUF. He has been a member, vice-chair, and chairman of various education committees and councils and has served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Armenian Schools under the auspices of the Western Prelacy Armenian Apostolic Church. Meher is an active member of several Armenian organizations and has received many awards and honors from organizations such as the Fresno City Council PTA, Fresno City Youth Development Program, Armenian Community Schools of Fresno and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Fresno. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Meher Chekerdemian on receiving the Armenian Educational Foundation's Educator of the Year Award. Meher has been an outstanding educator for many years. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Meher Chekerdemian many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a Fresno Bee article on the Fresno Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers has been a valuable asset in fighting crime in Fresno. ``A televised Fresno Crime Stoppers recently won first place for best re-enactment of a crime for cities with a population of 250,000 to 1 million in a worldwide competition. More than 300 cities around the world took part in the contest, judged by Crime Stoppers International, which rates entries on their creativity and authenticity. The Fresno entry was a re-enactment of robbery and homicide at the Ritz Bar in Fowler last year. Two representatives of Crime Stoppers received a plaque at the Crime Stoppers conferences in Gillette, Wyoming. Crime Stoppers is published in The Fresno Bee to help Fresno County law enforcement agencies capture crime suspects. The Bee features a Crime Stoppers page, which began in January 1998, and is published every other month. The Full-page Crime Stoppers layout contains names and photographs of the 24 most wanted suspects sought by Fresno County's law enforcement agencies and a 24-hour confidential hot line to report tips. In July 1998, the Crime Stoppers hot line led to the arrests of 27 fugitives. The suspects were arrested on charges ranging from spousal abuse to drug sales to assault with a deadly weapon. Tipsters collected $3,600 in rewards. Callers who provide anonymous tips that lead to arrests can collect as much as $1,000 in reward money. Callers are not required to testify in court. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Fresno Bee article, ``Fresno Crime Stoppers Wins First-place Award.'' This Organization is a valuable asset to Fresno. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno Crime Stoppers many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Karney Hodge for his many years of service to the community. Mr. Hodge has been a dedicated public servant and successful businessman. Karney is an investment banker and vice president of Salomon Smith Barney and has spent his life in service to the community, initially as a volunteer. Hodge most recently worked as a financier of projects aimed at improving the facilities that Fresno is able to offer to its residents. Hodge was an avid baseball player in his college days at California State University, Fresno. He seriously considered playing professionally, but he eventually left college to become a partner in the family clothing store, Hodge and Sons. He still played baseball and got his first taste of public service from an avid fan. In the 1960's Mayor Selland of Fresno, appointed Hodge to the planning commission, sparking Karney's interest in public service. In 1982 Governor George Deukmejian was looking to involve members of the private sector in agencies like Retail Development and Planning. State Senator Ken Maddy surmised that Hodge's background in retail and long history of community service made him a perfect candidate for such a position. In 1983 Hodge and his wife Marilyn relocated to Sacramento and he embarked on his second career, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency. Karney built a structure for the young agency by bringing in the best people. Under his leadership the agency became a major provider of housing to residents of California and is considered one of the highlights of Governor Deukmejian's term. Today Hodge is a vice president at Salomon Smith Barney. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Karney Hodge on his remarkable service to the community. Mr. Hodge has served well in both the public and private sector. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Karney Hodge for a job well done and wishing him many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Grandmarie's Chicken Pie Shop on the occasion of their 42nd Anniversary. Grandmarie's has enjoyed 4 decades of success at their Tower District location. Keeping it simple and keeping it delicious was the slogan of Marie Ross, the restaurant's namesake, original owner, and grandmother of current owner Gary Ross. The Ross chicken pie tradition dates back to the early part of the century when relatives to Marie Ross made creamy chicken tarts and left them on the window sill to cool. A legendary treat was formed and soon the Chicken Pie Shop was formed. After 42 years, Grandmarie's Chicken Pie Shop still follows Marie's advice, make it ``simply delicious.'' Simplicity is the key, large portions with all of the food groups represented at a reasonable price continues to attract thousands of Fresnans. A visit of Grandmarie's is a must for those new to the Fresno area, nothing can compare to the fine foods prepared there daily. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Grandmarie's Chicken Pie Shop on the occasion of their 42nd Anniversary. Grandmarie's remains one of Fresno's finest traditions. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Grandmarie's and the Ross family, many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Stelio Manfredi on his retirement from Lucca's Restaurant. Mr. Manfredi has been a respected member of the Madera community for many years. ``After all these years, it's finally time to turn the lights out,'' Manfredi said. Stelio Manfredi was already one of the most well-known men in town; a life-long Maderan, his face, and name, are among the most recognizable in the community. Manfredi was a bartender at Lucca's Restaurant for 40 years, and during that time he shot the breeze with many, many community members, and listened to the problems of so many more. He always tried to lend a sympathetic ear or give them some advice from the wisdom he's gained in his 83 years of living. The restaurant's decision to only serve lunch prompted Manfredi's decision to step away, giving himself more time to spend with his wife of 59 years. Being friendly was always Manfredi's nature, as he worked behind the bar at Lucca's. Manfredi, known for his margaritas, will now spend more time in his garden and tending to his many trees and bushes. Leaving behind the people that he befriended will be the hardest part of retiring from the job. Stelio and Eve Manfredi have lived in the same central Madera home for 52 years, and during that time they have nurtured their shrubs and trees to the point that it is a lush, virtual paradise. ``It's therapy for me,'' Manfredi said of the many hours he spends outside tending to Mother Nature's creations. Manfredi hopes to go to the Madera Center and work on his General Education Diploma (GED). Stelio and Eve have two children and six grandchildren. As they raised their family, Stelio worked as a bottling room foreman at Hueblein Winery. He also had his own bar on Gateway Drive for 16 years. The couple has developed a deep respect and commitment for Madera as they grew up, a feeling they continue to have to this day. Madera has grown tremendously since the early days of their childhoods, they say there will never be another place they will call home. The couple attends St. Joachim's Church and Stelio is a member of the Italo- American Club. Stelio Manfredi said he couldn't ask for more out of life. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Stelio Manfredi on his retirement and service to the community of Madera and Lucca's Restaurant. Stelio Manfredi has been a fixture in the community for many years. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Stelio and Eve Manfredi many years of continued happiness.