Brad Sherman

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 20 seconds to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox).

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 20 seconds to simply continue the sentence and say: When a Member submits a bill, secures bipartisan cosponsorship, informs the Members of the House, works on it for almost a year, it is not appropriate to say that I am trying to short-circuit the process and ask for a quick decision.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the distinguished gentleman's remarks, but I submitted this as a bill virtually a year ago. In that time we have sent out several dear colleagues, we have secured nearly 40 cosponsorships, and I believe that I have done everything in a reasonable manner.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox).

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Sherman-Fox amendment, an amendment which is based on H.R. 2194 which was submitted to this House last year. That bill, which has not been heard by the House, secured the cosponsorship of over 13 Republican Members and over 20 Democratic Members. The purpose of this amendment is to allow parents who are the first line of defense that every child has against sexual predators to get the information that they need to protect their children from convicted sexual predators. Ever since Megan's Law was adopted and ever since that case came to the national fore, there has been a national consensus that parents need information about sexual predators, convicted sexual criminals who may come into contact with their children. The question is, what is the best way to effectuate that? One method, and not a method used in this particular amendment, is community notification. This works in small and closely knit communities where a town of a few thousand people, or even a community of tens of thousands of people may become aware that a particular individual is a sexual predator. However, we also have large cities in this country where it is impossible to notify the entire city that a particular person is dangerous. Even if a community within Los Angeles County is notified, a sexual predator may choose to operate at an amusement park in one part of Los Angeles County or seek a job as a child care worker in another part of Los Angeles County. A sexual predator may be convicted in one State but may move to a large city in another State. We in California have devised an excellent system to deal with those sexual predators who choose to lose themselves in big cities, who may be known by their neighbors but are not known by those at the amusement park across town or the child care center across town. That system is known as the California Sexual Predator Hotline. It is administered by California Attorney General Dan Lungren whose office has indicated that they support this amendment. The way it works is that a database is maintained in Sacramento. Parents who are concerned about their children, those who employ child care workers at schools, et cetera, can call that line to determine whether a particular individual is identified as a convicted sexual predator. There are two problems with the California line. First, it only tells you if an individual has been convicted in California. Second, it is available to protect only California children. What this amendment does, at no cost to the Federal Government except a small setup charge at the beginning, at no cost to the Federal Government, is it solves these problems. It provides us with a national database and it is available to parents across this country. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of amendment number 9, the Sherman-Fox amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox).

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, earlier today I was in contact with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They have informed me that while they do not, cannot currently support this amendment, they gave me no indication that they opposed it, and a year ago they gave me a letter simply saying they do not support it. They are trying to evaluate their situation now in light of additional arguments I gave them. But the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox) is absolutely right. We need more than one system. There is nothing in this national system that undermines the local system, and that is why those in California involved in informing children, involving parents that their children face a risk, the Kids Safe Organization and everyone else who got us the State hotline, prefers and strongly supports the idea of a national hotline. People all over America should be able to determine whether somebody applying to work in their child care center, which may be 10 miles, 20 miles from where that individual lives, has been convicted of a sexual predatory offense anywhere in the United States.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fran Pavley, for her leadership and efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Fran is a determined, hard working individual who is a shining example of a model citizen, and has been rightly named as the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Las Virgenes Homeowners Association. Fran's unwavering dedication to the Agoura Hills community spans back to the incorporation of the city in 1982. Serving as one of the first members of a budding, tightly-knit community, Fran has served continuously on the Agoura Hills City Council since it was created, the same year as the incorporation of the city. In addition, she was elected and served as the City's first mayor. Currently, in her fourth term as mayor, Fran continues to consider legislative, environmental and planning issues as top priorities. One past achievement that has highlighted a bright career was Fran's authoring the ``Transit Needs Study,'' which led to the creation of such programs as regional Dial-A-Ride and the Beach Bus. Currently, Fran is involved in planning and constructing a community center to serve the citizens of Agoura Hills and Calabasas. In recognition of these and other projects, she recently received the ``Distinguished Leadership Award'' by the American Planning Association. In addition to Fran's participation in politics at a local level, she currently serves on the California Coast Commission, which plays a critical part in regulating land-use issues along California's 1100 miles of coastline. In 1996, the council member served as President of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities. Currently, she represents eighty-seven cities in the Los Angeles County of Statewide Board of Directors for the League of California Cities. Fran has also served on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Committee, representing Agoura Hills and Westlake. Growing up in Southern California and completing a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning, Fran has voluntarily offered her personal abilities to enhance and augment our community. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Fran Pavley. She has shown an unwavering commitment to the community and deserves our recognition and praise.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Daniel C. Preece, for his leadership and effort to improve the quality of life in our community. Daniel is a determined, hard working individual who has dedicated 25 years of invaluable service to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. There are many areas in California of immense natural beauty that are designated as sanctuaries where plant and wildlife can live in an undisturbed, harmonious environment. Mr. Preece has dedicated tireless hours upon hours of service to preservation of State Parks all over California, and has much to show for his devoted career. Daniel first responded to his calling in 1972 with a nine month training course at the California State Park Training Center and the Regional Criminal Justice Training Center. Mr. Preece then served as a Park Ranger in the County of Orange, and later as a Supervising Ranger at San Clemente State Beach. Two years later Daniel began a ten year commitment as an Associate Park and Recreation Specialist. As a Specialist, he worked as a liaison between Director of State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation, and other groups. Highlighting this period, Daniel served for two years as the Supervisor for the California Statewide Recreation Needs Analysis, and for six years as the Grants Administrator for Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and the California State Parks Bond Programs. Feeling the need for a new challenge, Daniel moved on to become the District Superintendent for the Gaviota District in 1984. During his five year tenure at this position, he played an instrumental role in the acquisition and development of park lands and facilities, and the historic restoration at El Presidio de Santa Barbara. He also worked to minimize the impact of major oil production and transportation on state parklands, resources and visitors. Currently, Daniel is the District Superintendent and Deputy Regional Director for Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Angeles District. As District Superintendent, Mr. Preece oversees thirty-five units of the California State Park System, including Red Rock Canyon, Malibu Creek and Leo Carrillo State Parks. During this period, which began in 1989, Daniel has helped to add over 20,000 acres to the Santa Monica and Los Angeles Mountains District, has opened numerous centers for public use, has developed nature preservation programs and has worked to better the relationship between State Parks and their neighbors. He has also sat on numerous boards and teams, including the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Daniel C. Preece. He has shown an unwavering commitment to the community and deserves our recognition and praise.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Harold and Malkah Schulweis, two extraordinary individuals who have, throughout their 50 years of married life, dedicated themselves to strengthening our community. The Talmud tells us that, ``Great is charity. It uplifts the soul.'' By giving selflessly of their time, Rabbi and Mrs. Schulweis have not only enriched the lives of those around them, but they have also strengthened the bond of love that exists and continues to grow between them. They have challenged all of us who live in the San Fernando Valley to live ethical and moral lives, embrace their warm spirituality and their commitment to education and personal growth. For their efforts, Rabbi and Mrs. Schulweis will be honored by Valley Beth Shalom, their temple of over 25 years, as Couple of the Year at the Temple's annual awards gala. This honor is well deserved. For over 45 years, Rabbi and Mrs. Schulweis have dedicated themselves to teaching others about religion, culture and life in general. Privately, they have created a Jewish home which is caring, compassionate and alive with moral and intellectual dialogue. Publicly, they have ``sounded the call,'' challenging their fellow congregation members to study and share in their love of knowledge. But this dedication to others has not been bound by temple walls. Together, Rabbi and Mrs. Schulweis have coordinated a number of innovative community outreach programs, among them the Valley Beth Shalom Counseling Center, Food Bank, Prayer and Theological Commission, Day School, and Outreach to Jews By Choice as well as the now national Synagogue Havurah Program. Together, they have opened their hearts to all members of the community, regardless of race, creed, color, or gender. They have been shining examples of love and unconditional acceptance of others in our community. And it is this love between this remarkable couple that I wish to honor today. May their happiness continue to grow as it has through their first 50 years of marriage. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Rabbi Harold and Malkah Schulweis for their controlled efforts to strengthen our community and the example of love for one another that they continue to set for each and every one of us to follow.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gary L. Barr, for his leadership and efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Gary is a determined, hard working individual who has dedicated his time to the law and judicial communities, and other organizations in the San Fernando Valley. After graduating from Southwestern University School of Law in May 1997, Gary worked as a Deputy City Attorney in the Office of the City Attorney in Los Angeles. After two years of work, including an intensive training program, trials, motions and daily court appearances, he moved on to act as the Supervisor, Central Trials Section, Criminal Branch, and then onto the General Counsel Section, Civil Branch at the Office of the City Attorney. In 1982, Gary decided to move into the private law sector, joining Alpert, Barr & Gross, where he is still a practicing member of the firm. With his vast law and judicial experience, Gary was appointed as a Family Law Mediator and judicial referee at the Los Angeles Superior Court. Currently, he spends time as a temporary judge in the Los Angeles Municipal Court's Small Claims Division and at the Los Angeles Superior Court. In addition to his career as a respected law practitioner, he has been elected president of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association in 1991 and 1992, and currently acts as the Vice Chair of Executive Committee of the Fee Attribution Panel of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He was also a trustee and director of the San Fernando Valley Community Legal Foundation and the San Fernando Valley Bar Association Settlement Services, Inc., respectively. Along with Gary's dedication to his judicial responsibilities, he has found the time to play a community leadership role in the San Fernando Valley. Since 1992, Gary has been a member of the California Manufactured Housing Institute, and acted as a Vice-Chair from 1995- 1997. Gary has also held important positions at the Neighborhood Planning Advisory Council for Woodland Hills/West Hills, TreePeople of Los Angeles, United Chambers of Commerce of San Fernando Valley and the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of Temple Eliyah since 1983 and was recently acknowledged for his work as a judge with the Los Angeles Times Community Partnership Award. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Gary L. Barr. He has shown an unwavering commitment to the community and deserves our recognition and praise.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss for the record the projects located in my district which I anticipate will be included in the impending Conference Report on H.R. 2400, the Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act, or BESTEA as we commonly refer to it in the House. The House-passed bill contains several worthy projects which I requested the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee include in the legislation and which will benefit the residents of the 24th Congressional District of California. I urge the Conferees to include as many of these projects as possible in the Conference Report, to even increase the spending for some of them, and to make certain changes in the project descriptions which I have furnished to members of the Conference Committee. I thank Chairmen Shuster and Petri, Mr. Oberstar and Mr. Rahall for their important work on this legislation so critical to our nation's infrastructure needs. I put these explanations in the Congressional Record today so that all members of Congress are aware of these details before they vote on the Conference Report on H.R. 2400. I am confident that these explanations will be satisfactory to the Congress and that no Member will seek to delay, amend, recommit or defeat the Conference Report because they disagree with the intended expenditures described below. I will identify these projects with the numbers as they appear in the House-passed version of H.R. 2400, as the Conference Report is not yet available. In general, for high priority projects which the House Committee agreed to primarily at my request--Numbers 29, 38, 100, 110, 254, 279, 338, 366, 374, 471, 528, 593, 697, 706 in Section 127 and Numbers 67 and 145 in Section 333 the following rules apply: If the project is located within an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County or Ventura County, then the relevant county transportation agency should be considered the lead agency, unless otherwise identified below. If the project is located within an incorporated city of these counties, then the city agency which deals with transportation should be considered the lead agency. Many of these projects are deliberately described in the statute in a manner which gives the lead agency considerable discretion. Project 29 provides funds to the City of Thousand Oaks for those of the following uses considered of highest priority by the City: general street improvements, repairs and resurfacing; construction of sound walls along SR23 in accordance with the priorities of the City's sound wall prioritization list; or contributions by the City to be used along with other available State or Federal funds to widen SR23, but only if funds otherwise available for that purpose are insufficient. Projects 100, 338, 593, and 697 will provide for street improvements, repairs and resurfacing, and/or for the construction or improvement of bicycle paths, in Oak Park, CA, Westlake Village, CA, Calabasas, CA and Agoura Hills, CA, respectively. The individual projects will be selected by the applicable lead agency. For Project 110 the lead agency is the City of Los Angeles. These funds are to be used in conjunction with the ongoing efforts to improve the business climates of the Canoga Park and Reseda communities of the City of Los Angeles. For project 254 the lead agency is the Los Angeles City Department of Transportation. This project consists of the construction of a bikepath mostly along the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority's right-of-way, commonly known as the Burbank-Chandler right-of-way. The bike path will connect the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area with Pierce Community College. For Project 366 the lead agency is the National Park Service (NPS). Funds are to be used for the creation of recreational trails (including the acquisition of parcels necessary for the right-of-way of each trail, and the physical construction of the trails themselves) in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area according to priorities established by the NPS, with the highest priority being the Backbone Trail. Funds to acquire the right-of-way for the Backbone Trail are included in a list presented by the Administration to the Appropriations Committees for the anticipated expenditure of $699 million appropriated in FY98 for high priority land acquisitions, etc. by the NPS and other federal agencies. In the extremely unlikely and unfortunate event that the funds ultimately provided from FY98 appropriations for purchasing the right-of-way of the Backbone Trail are insufficient, funds provided by Project 366 would be used for that purpose. In the expected circumstance that funds sufficient to purchase the right-of-way of the Backbone Trail are made available from funds appropriated for FY98 in the Interior Appropriation Bill, then $200,000 of the funds provided in Project 366 are available for the physical construction of the Backbone Trail on such right-of-way. In any event, after all necessary funding is secured for the completion of the Backbone Trail, the remaining funds provided for Project 366 are to be used for the creation of other recreational trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area selected by the NPS. Such trails could include the Upper Mulholland Trail, the Fering Trail, the Nicholas Flats-Charmlee Connector Trail, and the Stone Ridge Trail. It is my hope that in addition to Project 366, additional funds for recreational trails in the Santa Monica Mountains will be included in the Conference Report, perhaps in a separate section detailing priority projects primarily authored by Senators. The cost of completing the important and worthy Recreational Trail projects (including right-of- way acquisitions) mentioned in the preceding paragraph exceeds $20 million. Accordingly, any and all funds provided from FY98 appropriations, and from the funds provided in H.R. 2400 for Project 366, and any funds provided in other provisions of H.R. 2400 for the creation of Recreational Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, are not surplus or duplicative. Rather, all such moneys will be used by the NPS to create as many Recreational Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area as funding from all sources will allow. The NPS is quite qualified to determine how the various other Recreational Trail Projects should be prioritized behind the #1 priority--the Backbone Trail. Finally it should be noted that most or all of the other trails the NPS would like to create in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area branch-off of, or connect with, the Backbone Trail. For Project 528 the lead agency is the City of Malibu. Of the amount allocated for this project, $50,000 is to be used to construct a low frequency traffic alert radio station to serve those traveling in the Malibu area, particularly on the Pacific Coast Highway. The remaining funds are made available to plan, engineer and implement safety improvements, especially median barriers, on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. I also want to take this opportunity to urge the Conference Committee to fully fund the projects in other parts of Ventura County, particularly Project 1048 to widen SR23.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I spent over 20 years working for genuine campaign finance reform. Nothing does that effort more harm than the mutant and perverted effort at campaign finance reform symbolized by Proposition 226. In California we spend too much money on campaigns, but at least often, that money is balanced, and often, the interests of corporations are well represented, but the interests of working men and women are represented by organized labor. We need to hear from both sides in California campaigns. Unfortunately, Proposition 226 is intellectually dishonest. It says that the money of labor union members cannot be spent by labor leaders on political efforts, but at the same time, it welcomes corporate money, money that belongs to shareholders, to be spent on politics by corporate management. What it does is it gives us a lopsided input into California politics. Mr. Speaker, in the last election we in California raised the minimum wage. We did so because of the input of organized labor and working men and women. I urge Californians to join with the Sierra Club and the League of Women Voters in opposing Proposition 226.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding collection of individuals for their unwavering commitment to the Jewish community in Los Angeles and their support of Israel throughout its 50 years. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mr. and Mrs. Eric Alon, Ms. Lily Artenstein, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Davidov, Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Erem, Mr. and Mrs. Jona Goldrich, Mr. Jonathan Mitchel and Ms. Gal Haas, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sandel, Mr. and Mrs. Yehochai Schneider, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Shapow, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Shepher, Dr. and Mrs. Jose Spiwak and Mr. and Mrs. Ike Starkman for their innovative leadership of the years. The Talmud states ``He who does charity and justice is as if he had filled the whole world with kindness.'' In the spirit of these words, these leaders have infused Israel and Los Angeles with a sense of purpose and pride. Through their work, they have upheld the Judaic tradition of generosity and concern for others. Their exceptional leadership has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a strong and cohesive Jewish community in the City of Los Angeles. In August of 1897, over a century ago, the first Zionist Congress affirmed its aspiration to form a Jewish homeland in the historic State of Israel. After the horrors of the Holocaust, in which one-third of the Jewish population of the world lost their lives, the Jewish people returned to their ancient homeland and established the State of Israel. Since the Nation's founding, over a million Jews from throughout the world have sought refuge in Israel. Over the last 50 years, Israel has rebuilt a nation, maintained a pluralist democracy--the only one in the Middle East--and based that democracy on freedoms and the rule of law. It has developed a thriving economy and society, transforming the desert into a land of milk and honey. The State of Israel was formed in the face of tremendous adversity. Its survival has depended upon the support and involvement of people such as these special leaders. I rise today to congratulate these leaders along with the people of Israel on the 50th anniversary of their rebirth and independence.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Herb and Sheila Frankel for their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Although Herb and Sheila both spent their childhoods in Chicago and the families knew each other, the two met and married a year later in Los Angeles. With Herb having already served in the US Army and working in the family retail business and Sheila working as a dental assistant, the family moved to the San Fernando Valley in 1974 and began to focus their energy on Jewish community involvement. The Talmud states, ``He who gives charity serves the Holy One daily, and sanctifies his name.'' The Jewish community of the Shomrei Torah Synagogue and the San Fernando Valley have appreciated and enjoyed the charity of the Frankels for many years, as the devotion of their energies have given the community the strength to expand, and set into motion programs that will not only benefit today's members, but also the next generation. The Frankel family has devoted a large amount of time to the Jewish communities of Temple Beth Ami and Shomrei Torah Synagogue. Their efforts illuminate a zealous determination to contribute to and support a growing Jewish community. Herb has held many leadership offices such as Financial Secretary, Vice President and a three year term as President of Temple Beth Ami. He also co-chaired the merger committee of Temple Bet Ami and Congregation Beth Kodesh when the two Jewish communities joined to form Shomrei Torah Synagogue. Currently, Herb is the co-chairperson of the High Holy Days seating committee. Sheila has served as an active member of the Sisterhood of Shomrei Torah Synagogue on the Donor Committee and as the chairperson of numerous Donor luncheons. Herb and Sheila have had three beautiful children, Paul, Laurie and Adam. Unfortunately, Laurie was lost to cancer in 1995. Sheila's sister Roberta and Brother-in-law Ron Katz are also members of Shomrei Torah Synagogue. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring two outstanding individuals of our community. Herb and Sheila Frankel are dedicated members of Shomrei Torah Synagogue and role model for the West San Fernando Valley Jewish community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lou and June Lorch for their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Lou and June have exhibited exemplary leadership with their active participation in the Jewish communities of Congregation Beth Kodesh and Shomrei Torah Synagogue. Each has spent countless hours working for the benefit of others, and together they have contributed to the successful development of a growing Jewish community. Lou's positions and accomplishments illustrate a zest for life and a vigorous dedication to the causes which he supports. At Temple Beth Kodesh, Lou served at various times as Religious Vice President, Ways and Means Vice President, Executive Vice President and as the Men's Club President. After Shomrei Torah Synagogue was formed by the merging of Temple Beth Kodesh and Temple Beth Ami, Lou served as the co- chairman of the High Holy Days seating committee. Currently, he holds a seat on the Jewish National Fund's Board of Directors and the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce. June's contributions to the Jewish community embody the spirit of enthusiasm and leadership as well. Having served most notably as Ways and Means Vice President on the Congregation Beth Kodesh Sisterhood Executive Board, she has also held positions including Party Shop Chairperson and Chanukah craft and needlepoint workshops instructor. As a result of her tireless efforts for the community, June was awarded the Chayem Olam award, the Sisterhood's highest honor. In addition, June was named an honorary member of the Men's Club and served as the National Governor of the CAIR Evolution Versus Society. Besides Lou and June's individual achievements, they have joined forces to chair the Congregational Blood Bank Drive and together played an integral role in planning the synagogue's auction and annual dinner dance. The Lorch's achievements in the Jewish community highlight a successful career in the insurance industry with the Lorch Insurance Agency. Lou has served as the President of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association and as the State Director of the California Insurance Agents and Brokers Association. A highlight of his career came in 1988, when he was awarded the prestigious Van Dawson Award. In the past, June has served as the Lorch Insurance Agency's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to two distinguished members of our community. Lou and June Lorch epitomize community leadership and awareness, and should be recognized for their contributions.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Sandy Candiotty for her outstanding commitment to others that has done so much to improve the quality of life in our community. Both as a successful business woman and as an avid supporter of charitable projects, she has used her intelligence and charisma to distinguish herself as a woman of valor. The Talmud tells us that ``He who does charity and justice is as if he had filled the whole world with kindness.'' Sandy has had a long tradition of service to the community through her family. Her father's family, the Taylors, founded Taylortown, Pennsylvania in the 1700's as well as Belmont County in Ohio. In addition to this, one of the family's most famous sons was Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States. In the business community, Sandy served in management and supervisory positions at Bank of America, Great Western Savings and Mercury Savings. While serving in these positions she was involved in all aspects of marketing. At Mercury, she also developed an entirely new staff training program for the company. Sandy converted to Judaism and married Max Candiotty on June 2, 1991. At the Sephardic Temple-Tifereth Israel she has served as Sisterhood Co-President and as Vice-President of Programming. She is a board member and serves on the executive board of My Discovery Place where she has chaired three major fund raisers. At the Maimonides Academy she has co-chaired two Chinese Auctions and has helped out in numerous school related projects. Sandy also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sephardic Educational Center, and is active in the UJF Sephardic Women's Division, the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Women's League of the University of Judaism where she received the coveted Torah Fund Award. As a supporter of the humanities and the arts she has assisted the American Friends of Israel Museum, the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan, the Los Angeles County Museum, and has been appointed Chair of the Levy Sephardic Museum. Mrs. Candiotty has served her own family as well, and has raised both her son Stephen and her daughter Dana to be successful and contributing members of the community. We are told in the Talmud that ``When you teach your son you teach your son's sons,'' and Sandy has taken her commitment to education seriously. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Sandy Candiotty. Her dedication to charity and service has improved the community and made her a role model for us all.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Herb and Shirley Cane for their devoted efforts to improve the quality of life in our community. Herb and Shirley have played an instrumental role in leading the Jewish community of the San Fernando Valley. Their continued community activism demonstrates a commitment to the further enhancement of the organization to which they have already dedicated so much valuable time and effort. Herb Cane's rentless and unselfish dedication to the Jewish community has set the foundation for many growing Jewish youth programs. After his term as the first president of the Kadima Hebrew Academy for two and a half years, Herb headed the committee that would establish Kadima as an independent community school. In addition to this effort, he was also greatly committed to the fiscal stability of the young institution. Herb has served on the advisory and grant selection committee of the Ann Zatz Memorial Fund and the B'nai Brith Youth Organization. This organization has provided yearly scholarships for youth leadership training in Israel. Shirley has also shown a great commitment to expanding the Jewish community in the San Fernando Valley. She played an integral role in founding the Honor Chapter of B'nai Brith Women in Canoga Park and presided over the Honor Chapter for a period. Shirley is a past president of Kidney Infection Needs Detection (K.I.N.D.) and served on the Cedars-Sinai Liaison Council. In addition to these roles, she has also held executive positions on the board of Congregation Beth Kodesh, the Congregation's Sisterhood and served as President of Friends of Kadima. Shirley is currently serving on Kadima Hebrew Academy's Board of Directors. As a tribute for her hard work, Congregation Beth Kodesh awarded her with the Sisterhood Chayeh Olam Award. Married for thirty-five years, Herb and Shirley are the founders and main supporters of the Stacey Cane Youth Theater, named after their daughter whom they lost to breast cancer. Their continued support of the Shomrei Torah Synagogue is greatly appreciated as it continues to successfully expand into the next century. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Herb and Shirley Cane. They have shown an unwavering commitment to the community and deserve our recognition and praise.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arthur Gilbert, for his leadership and philanthropy in our community. As Arthur celebrates his 85th birthday, it seems an appropriate time to acknowledge his distinguished career and extraordinary contributions to the development of our community and our country. Working in Los Angeles and other parts of the country, Arthur has used his talents to construct industrial buildings of several million square feet, industrial parks ranging from 20 to 100 acres and shopping centers ranging from 5 to 30 acres. His true leadership in this industry was demonstrated with the conclusion of the first real estate joint venture with a life insurance company in the United States. It is nearly impossible to drive along Wilshire Boulevard and not come across some project that has involved Arthur Gilbert's capable and careful planning. Examples of Arthur's work include Union Bank regional headquarters; the Bankers Life Insurance Building; the American Cement Building; California Federal Savings; and Gibralter Square. Arthur has also been involved with developments throughout the country from Kansas City to Palm Springs to Chicago to Virginia. In addition to the physical development of our community, Arthur has played an integral role in its cultural advancements as well. He created the premier micro mosaic collection in the world, and is a patron of art history in this phenomenal genre of art. Arthur has amassed an incomparable collection of silver and gold boxes which he has shared with the public in Los Angeles. This world renowned collection will be permanently housed at Somerset House in London for international audiences to enjoy. Arthur is a stalwart supporter of the U.S.--Israel relationship and a vigilent critic of anti-Semitism. He speaks forcefully, thoughtfully and with a command of the facts. When he thinks the community and press is not listening sufficiently he buys a large newspaper advertisement so we all get the message. Arthur is also a honorary Trustee for the Arm and Hammer United World College of America West, a member of the National Board of Directors of the American Technion Society and a Fellow of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He plays a leadership role in a variety of other organizations; and many charitable organizations and educational institutions have been enriched through his philanthropy and advice. Arthur has done all of this in a mere 85 years. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in celebrating the birthday of one of the preeminent citizens of Los Angeles, Mr. Arthur Gilbert. We know that Arthur, along with his wife Marjorie, Son Colin and step- daughter Susan will be benefitting our community for many, many years to come.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Metuka Benjamin for her contribution to the education of the children of the Stephen S. Wise Temple schools. Because education without vision is like a present without a future, Metuka Benjamin has dedicated her life to improving the future of the Jewish people by making available to their children the finest educational programs in the United States. For more than 34 years, since the founding of Stephen S. Wise Temple in 1964, Metuka Benjamin has worked closely with the distinguished Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin to ensure that every child would receive the benefit of a first class education. Now, in 1998, Metuka Benjamin serves as Director of Education over all the Stephen S. Wise Temple schools as part of the largest synagogue in the world. At this time, the synagogue, its membership and the community are witnessing the realization of their dream with the completion of the Arts and Sports Pavilion, the Science and Study Building and the Administration Building of the Milken Community High School of Stephen S. Wise Temple. The Milken Community High School students and faculty are now occupying their new and permanent home on Mulholland Drive. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Israel, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of Metuka Benjamin, as well as her commitment to Stephen Wise Temple and its schools, Jewish Life and Israel. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring one of the most respected educators of our time, Metuka Benjamin.