Eric Swalwell

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr Speaker, I rise with my colleagues Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Representatives Kevin Mullin, Anna Eshoo, Mark DeSaulnier, Barbara Lee, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta to recognize KRON4 evening news anchor, Pam Moore, on her retirement on June 29, 2023, after 32 years of keeping our community up-to-date and informed on local news and events. Born and raised in Detroit, Pam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Michigan. Following graduation, she began her career as a news reporter in Detroit at WJLB Radio, eventually working around the country, including at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles and WBZ-TV in Boston. In March of 1991, Pam began her career in the Bay Area with KRON as the KRON4 Evening News anchor and general assignment reporter. Throughout her tenure, Pam reported and anchored on all of KRON's platforms and interviewed numerous notable figures. such as: then- Senator Kamala Harris and the late Congressman John Lewis. In 1997, Pam received nominations for two Northern California Emmy Awards for her projects on medical reporting, namely, ``Diets Don't Work'' and ``The Brain.'' In 1997, KRON4's five-part series ``About Race,'' earned Pam the George Foster Peabody Award, the Pew Center Batten Prize for Civic Journalism, and Best Documentary Award from the California Associated Press Television Radio Association, among others. Pam's work on the ten-part series ``Who Owns Your Health'' in 2000, also received a Northern California Emmy Award. A decorated journalist, Pam was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle. She was also honored for her commitment to journalism by the Bay Area Black Journalists Association in 2009. Beyond her profession, Pam continually gave back to the community. She was active in numerous organizations, such as Women in Science, Girls lnc., Bay Area Black Journalists, and Performing Stars in Marin County. She was awarded the Vanguard Supporter Award for her work with the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Pam's commitment to her community was also recognized when she was made the inaugural recipient of the San Francisco NAACP Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Civil Rights Award in 1998. For over 32 years, Pam has remained steadfast in her commitment to journalistic integrity and supporting her community. Her absence on the KRON4 Evening News will not go unnoticed, but we will be lucky to still engage with her work at KRON as a special contributor. We wish her well-deserved rest and relaxation with her son, Anthony, as she enters this new chapter of her life.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the service of the president of the Building Trades Council of Alameda County and longtime member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 (Local 104), Rob Stoker, on the occasion of his retirement after over 30 years of service on Saturday, July 1, 2023. A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, Rob grew up in Castro Valley and graduated from Castro Valley High School in 1982. Rob's career in sheet metal began when his father, Wayne, signed him up for a class at Laney Community College. Upon completing his sheet metal apprenticeship in 1989, Rob began working at the Monterey Mechanical Company in Oakland, moving his way up from a journeyman to a division manager. Rob is a proud Local 104 member. He has served as a part-time instructor for the union's apprenticeship programs and as Local 104's executive board officer. Rob was elected as Local 104's union business representative in 2006, where he found his passion for recruiting future unionized sheet metal workers. Rob has remained a fierce advocate for all trade workers throughout the Bay Area in his roles as Local 104's political and public relations director and then eventually assumed the role of president of the Building Trades Council of Alameda County. He has negotiated countless project labor agreements, including with large Bay Area municipalities, major transit agencies, federal government bodies, and nonprofit agencies. More specifically, Rob's advocacy efforts helped pass CA Assembly Bill 841 in 2020, creating the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program providing funds for schools to test and assess HVAC systems and supporting unionized labor. For over 30 years, Rob has dedicated his career to the industry and the men and women that work within it. He has remained an integral part of the building trade community in the Bay Area, and I am sure he will be missed at both Local 104 and the Building Trades Council of Alameda County. I wish him well-deserved rest and relaxation, filled with quality time with Christine, his wife of 34 years, and his children Will, Lane, and Natalie as he enters this new chapter.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, this is not a House floor proceeding. This is a partners meeting of Insurrection, LLC. I ask them to tell me where Adam was wrong. He said at the first impeachment: Can we be confident that Donald Trump will not continue to try to cheat this 2020 election? The answer is: No, we can't. We can't trust this President to do the right thing, not for 1 minute, and not for one election. He will not change, Mr. Speaker, and you know it. Was he wrong when that President aimed and sent a mob into this Chamber and made all of us leave? Was he wrong when he said that Donald Trump has betrayed our national security and will do so again? Was he wrong when he said that Donald Trump stole and shared classified information? Was he wrong when he said that? Maybe he was wrong when he said to the country, you are decent. Donald Trump is not who you are. I ask my colleagues: Are you as indecent as Donald Trump? Will you be remembered as footnotes and foot soldiers in history's books that chronicle Donald Trump's corruption, or will you be as decent as Adam Schiff?

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the East Bay Municipal Utility District, hereinafter EBMUD or ``The District'', which celebrate 100 years of operation on Monday, May 8, 2023. EBMUD was initiated on May 8, 1923, by seven cities in the East Bay Area under the California Municipal Utility District Act to build, operate, and manage the infrastructure providing the region with a reliable water supply from the Sierra Mountains. The District built the Pardee Dam and the Moeklurnne Aqueduct in 1929 and began delivering drinking water to its 460,000 customers. In 1944, EBMUD expanded its services to include wastewater treatment, establishing Special District One to protect public health and the San Francisco Bay. EBMUD continued to expand its infrastructure, building two additional aqueducts and three reservoirs in the 1950s and 1960s. Working to create regional solutions to water supply security, EBMUD partnered with the Sacramento County Water Agency to create the Freeport Regional Water Project to meet the water needs of a growing Sacramento and as a supplemental water source for the East Bay community in dry years. The District remains a leading advocate for water safety by removing all known lead services from its systems in the 1990s, well before the issue was garnering national attention. Recognizing the detrimental impacts of lead, EBMUD sponsored California's ``Get Lead Out'' legislation which became state law in 2006 and advocated for the ``Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act,'' which became law in 2011. Today, EBMUD serves 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The District operates and maintains the Pardee and Camanche Reservoirs, 4,200 miles of pipelines from the Sierra Foothills, five East Bay reservoirs, and hundreds of operating facilities. The District remains committed to sustainable water use, water recycling, renewable energy, and establishing watershed master plans that take into account biodiversity and recreational use. EBMUD was also the first wastewater agency in North America to produce more renewable energy than it uses through methane gas capture from waste treatment processing. For 100 years, EBMUD has provided a vital service to East Bay residents. I join EBMUD, its customers, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area in celebrating its centennial celebration and wish it many more productive years to come.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with Congressmembers Greg Pence and Victoria Spartz, in remembrance of Doug Harris, who passed away on March 19 after a battle with brain cancer. Doug was born in 1960 in Muncie, Indiana, and attended Ball State University where he received his BS and his MBA. Doug then graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-- Madison and received the Credit Union Executive Society CEO institute training at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business while simultaneously advancing his career. Doug began his career at First Merchants Bank in Muncie and married the love of his life, Jan Harris. The family then moved to Columbus, Indiana, where Doug filled the roles of Senior VP and CFO at Centra Credit Union before being promoted to President. He later served as President & CEO of Land of Lincoln Credit Union before moving East to Maryland where he finished his career as Senior VP and CFO for Tower Federal Credit Union. In addition to his impressive career, Doug was a true friend and mentor to all who had the pleasure of working with him. Doug's passion for financial literacy and responsibility was also passed onto his family. Outside of work, Doug could often be found wearing one of his several iconic tracksuits, planning family game nights, listening to his extensive iTunes library, or setting up trick-shot basketball contests. As one of the founders of the Muncie Baseball and Softball Association, Doug had a real passion for sports. He enjoyed competition whether it was a friendly game in the church softball league, playing in a tennis tournament, or spending hours on the course and at the range perfecting his golf swing. All of his children have also followed in his passion for sports. Doug was a thoughtful and loving husband to his wife, Jan, whom he married on August 10, 1991; a loving father, and a dear friend and will be missed deeply by his family. He was a role model for Jan's three sons, Joseph, Malachi, and Zach, and their two children, Chase and MacKenzie. He is also survived by four loving grandchildren, Liam, Reese, Harrison, and AJ Greiner; and sisters DeAnn and Dana.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congresswoman Titus, in remembrance of Samuel Lionel, who passed away at the age of 103, after a remarkable legal career. For decades, Sam represented one of the largest law firms in Nevada, fighting for issues critical to the state, including tourism and economic development. Sam was passionate about law from the start. He studied at St. John's University in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from the University and later received honorary doctorate law degrees from St. John's, UNLV, and California Western School of Law. Sam retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and JAG officer in the Army. During World War II he was stationed in North Africa and Italy and taught at West Point for his last three years of active duty. He was also stationed at the Pentagon for three years while working as a JAG officer. Sam subsequently moved to Nevada to practice law, and in 1967, founded the law firm Lionel, Sawyer, Collins (LSC) with former Governor of Nevada Grant Sawyer as his partner. LSC gained a national reputation for its representation of the Las Vegas hotel owners and other notable figures. Sam was also Chairman of the Board of the Nevada Bar and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He argued three significant cases in the Supreme Court and served as a member of the Ninth Circuit Senior Advisory Board of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial council. In addition to his notable career, Sam was also active in the philanthropic community. He was a member of Congregation Ner Tamid and a key supporter of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, endowing the namesake Samuel S. Lionel Professor of Intellectual Property Law position at the William S. Boyd School of Law. Sam leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest American trial lawyers. He is survived by his wife Lexy Lionel; his daughter, Dana, and her four sons, Shaun (Kylee), Christopher, Austin, and Andrew (Courtney); two great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Kiera; four stepsons, Hal Barber IV (Laura), Zachary Capp, Joshua Capp, and Daniel Capp; four step-grandchildren, Neil Uchitel (Carla), Rachel Uchitel, Stoney Barber, Missy Barber; and several great-grand-children, nieces, and a nephew.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Alameda County Sheriff's Department Division Commander and Dublin Police Chief Garrett Holmes on the occasion of his retirement after over 28 years of service on Friday, March 17, 2023. Growing up in Pleasanton and graduating from Amador Valley High School, Garrett has called the Tri-Valley home for over 45 years. In 2011, he graduated from the FBI National Academy, earning one of the most stringent police officer training certificates in the country. In 1993, Garrett started his career as a Reserve Deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), working at the North County Jail and Santa Rita Jail. In 2005, Garrett joined Dublin Police Services (DPS), serving on patrol, crime prevention, and investigations. In the years that followed, Garrett took the responsibilities of field training officer and supervisor, patrol supervisor, and administration sergeant, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2009, Garrett left DPS to serve with ACSO as a Captain and Commanding Officer at the Oakland International Airport. In 2015, Garrett returned to DPS to oversee operations and administration and, in December 2017, was promoted to Division Commander and Police Chief. Under Garrett's leadership, DPS initiated transparent and accessible community policing, offering regular meetings with the public, publishing a Dublin Police Annual Report, and hosting ``Coffee with the Chief'' events. Outside of his career, Garrett has consistently engaged with the community, coaching local Pleasanton soccer and softball teams. Garrett and his family also run a statewide nonprofit called ``Cal Rare'' that focuses on advocating for rare disease patients. For nearly 30 years, Garrett has diligently served the Alameda County community. His dedication to community safety and transparency has made him an asset at DPS and the community. I wish him well-deserved rest, relaxation, and many Major League Baseball stadium visits with his wife, Angela, and his children, Delaney, Cassidy. and Andrew, as he enters this new chapter.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Representatives Barbara Lee, Mark DeSaulnier, and Ro Khanna to recognize the life of Alameda County Board Supervisor Richard Valle on the occasion of his passing on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Richard was born and raised in Union City and attended schools in New Haven Unified School District. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a medic and served in the Vietnam War in 1970. Upon his return, Richard attended Chabot College and California State University, East Bay to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Public Administration. In 1980 Richard founded Tri-City Economic Development Corporation, more commonly known as TriCED Community Recycling, which provides employment opportunities and job training for underprivileged youth. As President and CEO of Tri-CED, Richard oversaw the organization's growth into the largest nonprofit recycling organization in California. Richard began his career in public service in 1997 when he was first elected as Union City councilmember, where he served for 13 years until 2010. In 2012, Richard was appointed and subsequently re-elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to represent District 2, which includes Hayward, Union City, Newark, and portions of Fremont. During his 11-year tenure, Richard was a tireless advocate for sustainability, safety-net services, and community programs for youth. Supervisor Valle held annual volunteer appreciation events, the Niles Canyon Stroll and Roll event to promote walkable neighborhoods and helped create Science in the Park to promote STEM-focused youth programs. He served on the Board of St. Rose Hospital and was vice- chair of the statewide Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling. Richard was a pillar of the Tri-City community for over two decades. Despite his two-year battle with prostate cancer, Richard remained dedicated to helping others. Alameda County has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of this committed public servant. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara, his son, Andrew, his daughter, Monica, and his three grandchildren.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Susan Sperling in honor of her retirement as President of Chabot College after 11 years. Dr. Sperling is the ninth president of Chabot College and the second- longest-serving president. During her 11 years as president, the college improved fiscal stability by securing funding for major infrastructure projects across the campus and helped secure Hayward Promise Neighborhood grants that bring federal resources to the most underserved communities of Hayward and deepen partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions. In addition, under Dr. Sperling's leadership, Chabot College established the Dream Center for undocumented students, the Black Cultural Resource Center and more than a dozen agreements and partnerships with feeder K-12 school districts. Most recently, Dr. Sperling led the college through the unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic and the impacts this has had on students, faculty and staff. Even before serving as President, Dr. Sperling's service to Chabot College goes back 36 years. She first served as an anthropology instructor, where she developed a new program curriculum. Dr. Sperling has also served in a series of faculty leadership roles, including faculty union president, college curriculum chair and dean of social sciences. An anthropologist by training, Dr. Sperling received her doctorate at the University of California, Berkeley, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of California San Francisco. This led to early career academic posts at University of California Berkeley, San Jose State and several community colleges. As a community college serving marginalized and low-income communities, Dr. Sperling has brought a democratic vision to Chabot College, advocating for equal access to education and improving access to career pathways. I join the community in celebrating the many achievements of her career and wish her rest and relaxation. I know Dr. Sperling looks forward to focusing more of her time on anthropology, serving her community and spending quality time with family, including her husband, Marc Janowitz, son, Max Landes, and daughter-in-law Emily Mraz.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congresswoman Barbara Lee to honor the life of Ann Rapson, an active member of the Piedmont community who recently passed away from advanced-stage brain cancer. In addition to her professional achievements as an attorney with the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, Ann served her community, as chairwoman of the Piedmont Park Commission and as a talented glockenspiel player for the Piedmont Community Marching Band. Furthermore, Ann was an accomplished baker, winning the Alameda County Fair blue ribbon award for multiple pie contests over 15 years, most notably for her chocolate pecan pie. Ann was also a local political organizer, where she volunteered for candidates whom she felt passionately would provide stable and steady leadership for her community. This has included candidates for district attorney, city council, mayor, and county judges. In addition, Ann was active in the Jewish community as Vice President and active congregant of Temple Beth Abraham, an American Israel Public Affairs Committee lay leader, and a supporter of the Jewish Community Relations Council. We're grateful for her leadership in the community and the legacy she created. Ann is survived by her loving family, including her husband David, daughters Pearl Mizrahi and Lilly Rapson, brother Louis Goodman, son-in-law Aron, mother-in-law Ellen Rapson, brother-in-law Jeff Rapson, and granddaughters Grace and Lilah Mizrahi.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, when I heard that we are going to remove a Member of this House from their committee for anti-Semitism, I raced down here because I thought, finally--finally--in this Chamber there is going to be some accountability, some accountability from this Conference that continues to allow its members to root for rioters, to show sympathy for the insurrection, a Conference that harbors a wanted international criminal and has members who choose violence over voting every single day. Finally. I thought that if we were going to hold someone accountable for anti- Semitism, surely it is the author of this tweet: ``Kanye. Elon. Trump.'' October 6, written by Chairman Jim Jordan. October 8, what does Kanye say? That he is going to declare ``death con 3'' on the Jews. So, surely, this tweet came down, that it was deleted? No. Two more months it was kept up. Don't come here looking at us for anti-Semitism. Look in your own damn mirror before you ever come over here.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize former California State Senator Robert ``Bob'' Wieckowski, who left office Monday, December 5, 2022, after 12 years serving in the California State Legislature. Bob was born in San Francisco and grew up in Fremont, California. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1977 and moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as staff for Congressman Don Edwards until 1982. He returned to school and received a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University Law School in 1985. From 1986 until 1988, Bob studied Polish in Krakow, Poland. While practicing bankruptcy law, Bob began his political career serving on Fremont's City Council from 2004 to 2010 and served as vice mayor from 2008 to 2010. From there, Bob was elected to the California State Assembly to serve District 25 in 2010. He served as the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Insurance Committee, Health Committee, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, and Social Security Committee. He also launched his ``Made in California Jobs Initiative'' in 2011. In 2014, Bob was elected to the California State Senate to represent District 10. In that chamber he served on the Judiciary Committee, Transportation Committee, Appropriations Committee, Budget, and Fiscal Review Committee, Housing Committee, and Chaired the Environmental Quality Committee. Notably, Bob passed legislation that expanded housing by removing barriers and allowing residents to construct accessory dwelling units through, increased wage garnishment restrictions, and pushed for more robust climate adaptation. For 12 years, Bob Wieckowski diligently served in the California State Legislature, serving our mutual constituents. His work has left a lasting impact on the Tri-City community and California more broadly. I wish him well-deserved rest and relaxation with his wife, Sue, and son, Luke, as he enters this new chapter.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize former California State Assemblymember Bill Quirk, who retired Wednesday, November 30, 2022, after 10 years serving our community in the California State Assembly. Bill was born in Summit, New Jersey, and moved to the Bay Area when he was 15 years old. He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Applied Physics in 1967 and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics in 1970 from Columbia University. He then moved back to California to work as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. Bill continued his work as a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. In 1973, he supervised the first global three-dimensional model of the earth's climate. Bill then moved to Hayward in 1978 and began his work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he contributed his talents for 26 years. He specialized in foreign nuclear programs until his retirement in 2005. His expertise was vital in negotiating the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1996. In 2004, Bill began his political career when he was elected to the Hayward City Council. During that time, he also served on the board of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency and the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency. In 2012, Bill ran and was elected to represent California's 20th Assembly District and was re-elected 4 times before announcing his retirement. During his tenure, he served on the Assembly Rules Committee, Appropriations Committee, Public Utilities and Commerce Committee, Agriculture Committee, Public Safety Committee, and chaired the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. Bill and his team prioritized legislation that addressed issues related to energy, climate change, transportation, and public safety. He helped pass numerous critical bills, including one that made it easier to request restraining orders to prevent repeated episodes of domestic violence, and another that increased resources for testing lead levels in drinking water. For 10 years, Bill Quirk has diligently served our mutual constituents. His work has left a lasting impact on the community in Alameda County and California more broadly. I wish him well-deserved rest and relaxation with his wife, Laurel, children, Ian and Zephyr, and grandchildren, Rory and Emily, as he enters this new chapter.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dublin City Council member Shawn Kumagai at the conclusion of his council membership on December 20, 2022. Shawn's career is demonstrative of his commitment to public service. It began when he enlisted in the Navy in 2001, serving active duty and ascending in rank to Chief Petty Officer until 2011. He continues his service in the Navy Reserve with an intelligence unit at Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area as Master Chief Petty Officer. Shawn received his Associate of Arts degree in Chinese Mandarin from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in 2001. While on active duty, Shawn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University in 2007. Shawn later received his Masters of Instructional Science and Technology from California State University Monterey Bay in 2013. In 2016, Shawn moved with his brother to Dublin while he worked as an instructional design consultant for Pacific Gas and Electric. In 2019, Shawn became the District Director for California Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, representing the 16th district. When he was elected to Dublin City Council in 2018, Shawn made history as the city's first openly gay elected official. He helped the city maintain a balanced budget and receive the highest credit rating possible. Shawn also successfully advocated for displaying the pride flag at Dublin City Hall in 2019. In December 2020, Mayor Melissa Hernandez appointed Shawn as a vice mayor, and in that role, he helped secure $1 million in funding for small business rent relief grants during the pandemic. As a council member, Shawn served on various committees, including the Alameda County Fire Department Advisory Committee, Alameda County Housing Authority, Association of Bay Area Governments General Assembly, East Bay Regional Park District Liaison Committee, Economic Development Committee, Tri-Valley Affordable Housing Committee, Military Communities Committee, and the Tri-Valley Water Liaison Committee, among others. For the past four years, Shawn has worked to ensure the City of Dublin is responsive to the needs of its residents. I join the Dublin community in celebrating his numerous achievements. I wish him quality time with his loving husband, Alex, and brother, Kevin, as he moves forward to his next adventure.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize outgoing Dublin Unified School District Trustee Megan Rouse as her term ends on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, after nine years of serving Dublin's students. Megan graduated from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1993. After moving to Dublin in 1997, she returned to school and earned a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of California Berkeley's Haas School of Business in 2001. Megan began her career in corporate investment banking in New York and San Francisco. She remains a Certified Financial Planner practitioner and owner of her own financial planning business, helping individuals and families reach their financial goals. She also served on the board of the Financial Planning Association of the East Bay for 11 years. After she was appointed as a Dublin Unified School District trustee in 2013, Megan was elected to her first full term in 2014 with a successful bid for re-election in 2018. As a school board member, she serves on the wellness committee, budget committee, and grading committee, while also participating in programming for the Tri-Valley Special Education Local Plan Area and Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program. Through all of this, Megan has remained an active member of the Dublin community. Since 2014 she has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Dublin, holding various leadership positions. She also serves as a deacon and finance elder at John Knox Church, served on the board of Joy Preschool and Daycare for five years, and was the committee chair of Cub Scouts Pack 930. I thank Megan for lending her diligence and leadership to the Dublin Unified School District Board for nearly a decade. I join the Tri- Valley community in celebrating her numerous accomplishments and wish her and her loving husband, Gordon, and two children, Maribel and Gabe, all the best as they decide what challenges to take on next.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize District Attorney Nancy O'Malley who is retiring after serving as the chief law enforcement officer in Alameda County for 13 years. Nancy's career began as a rape crisis counselor volunteer where she witnessed firsthand the way in which victims of crime were disregarded or disrespected by the justice system. It inspired her to go into law enforcement and rise to the rank of chief assistant district attorney. She has now served the county for 37 years and has developed a national reputation for excellence as the county's first elected female district attorney. She also created the one-stop shop idea of a family justice center replicated across the country providing legal, health, housing, psychological, and other support services. She has also written and sponsored 60 bills that have become law in California helping people with disabilities access the courts, as well as making sure that victims of crime have their day in court, too. Nancy also founded the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, or HEAT, which has led the Nation in response to human trafficking. Furthermore, I am fortunate for Nancy's guidance as my former boss, mentor, friend, and even officiant at my wedding. As Nancy's service to the office comes to an end next year, her work to serve justice will go on. I congratulate Nancy and wish her and her husband, John, a happy retirement.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern after 33 years of service to Alameda County. Greg graduated from Saint Mary's College with a degree in Economics and Business Administration and from the National Academy at the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Greg joined the Alameda County Sheriffs Department in 1980 and was promoted to sergeant at the age of 28. He has served as Sheriff since 2007, where his leadership led to the implementation of many new programs that serve the community. Greg developed an Urban Shield tactical training exercise, which was the first of its kind in the nation, and was replicated by other cities throughout the nation. After the Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Police credited Greg's urban Shield exercise with bringing the bombers to JustIce. In addition, as Sheriff, Greg supported the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Activities League (DSAL)'s staff in their creation and expansion of athletic programming for youth, re-entry internships, and work to address food equity in Alameda County. The DSAL boxing and soccer leagues are known county-wide, and Dig Deep Farms, founded in 2010 under Greg's leadership, is not only providing internship opportunities to increase job training opportunities for the recently incarcerated, but also makes deliveries of fresh produce for patients of public health clinics in need of healthy food. He also organized and implemented a Tri-Valley Substation for additional patrol and community policing coverage for the rural eastern part of Alameda County and increased staffing, participation and grant funding for the Narcotics Task Force, interoperable communications, training, and DNA cold case investigations. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Greg managed various departments as the Director of Emergency Services for Alameda County, overseeing housing. testing, vaccination, hospitalizations, supplies and providing emergency workers. Under Greg's leadership, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office is better equipped, has become more technologically advanced, and is better prepared to manage large-scale emergencies. Greg helped create a professional culture with well-trained staff that treats the community with dignity and respect. I thank Greg for his career of serving and protecting Alameda County, in addition to his wife, Kathleen, who supported him throughout his service. I wish him and his family the best in his retirement.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dot Theodore, who concluded her service as a trustee oh the board of the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) on November 9, 2022, after 8 years of service. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Francisco State University in 1998, Dot began to work in biotech research in the Bay Area. In 2004, Dot and her husband chose to lay down roots in Castro Valley. Dot then continued her education and obtained a Master's in Public Health in 2013 from the University of California, Berkeley. Currently, she serves as the interim director for the Alameda County Public Health Department's Office of HIV Care, where she provides support for local organizations that serve low-income individuals living with HIV. With 2 children attending Castro Valley Unified schools, Dot became heavily involved in school affairs. From 2011 to 2016, Dot served as PTA President for Castro Valley Elementary. In 2012, she served as an executive board member for Creekside Middle School Parents Club. Dot has also served on CVUSD's Local Control Accountability Plan Steering Committee and recently served as the Head of the Safe Routes to School program at Castro Valley Elementary. In that role, she coordinated events promoting active transportation and safety for students. She also participates with Bike/Walk CV to add more sidewalks in Castro Valley. In 2014, Dot was elected as a board trustee for CVUSD and re-elected in 2018, serving as board president until her departure. While on the board, Dot worked to embrace the growing diversity of the district and ensure students could access a high-quality education at all grade levels. She has overseen new dual immersion programs, the creation of an Engineering pathway for students, placement of social workers and counseling support for elementary students, and the implementation of culturally responsive curricula for educators. Dot was also instrumental in creating wellness centers for students at Castro Valley High School and both Canyon and Creekside middle schools through Measure G Bond funds. For 8 years, Dot has remained a fierce advocate for the students of CVUSD and worked to ensure that the district lived up to its ``All means all'' motto. Her presence will be missed on the board, but I am sure she will continue to fight for our children. I join the community in celebrating her numerous achievements on the board and wish her rest and relaxation with her children, Ben, and Daphne, as she starts her new chapter.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to recognize the life of Joseph ``Joe'' Howard Santarlasci, Jr., a decorated Vietnam veteran, investment banker, professor, and thought leader who passed away on October 29, 2022 in Brooklyn, NY. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Joe graduated from Malvern Prep in 1963, Brown University in 1967, and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 1973. Joe was in ROTC at Brown and served his country as a Navy Lieutenant from 1967 to 1971 with two tours of active duty in Vietnam. He was part of the ``brown water navy'' and got his jump wings. Joe was also awarded the Vietnamese Medal of Honor. He was the duty officer during the recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts when they splashed down in the Pacific on July 24, 1969 and carried ``the football'' during the mission. Joe followed in the footsteps of his father Joseph Howard Santarlasci, a fighter pilot who was shot down numerous times during World War II. After graduation from UVA, Joe started his first job as an investment banker at First Chicago. On the weekends, he was a fly half for the USA Eagles rugby team. He then moved to New York City, where he specialized in M&A at several leading investment banks. Joe moved to Washington, D.C. in 1985 to co-found the turnaround management firm Whitby, Santarlasci & Co., Inc. with Von Whitby of Salt Lake City, Utah. He took great pride in restructuring companies with the goal of saving as many jobs as possible. From 2013 to 2019, Joe taught Entrepreneurial Finance at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. After he stopped teaching, he stayed in touch with his students and continued to help them along their journeys. He then co-founded the Brown University Veterans Alumni Council. Under his leadership, Brown extended need-blind admission to veterans and eliminated the estimated family contribution, replacing it with scholarship, enabling Brown to meet the total cost of attendance for qualified veterans. In 2021, Joe moved to Brooklyn, NY to be closer to his sons Nicolas and Marco. Seeing how bereft Joe was feeling without his students, Marco showed Joe how to use Twitter, where he became a leading voice for tolerance, kindness and justice. News of his death trended as #RIPJoe, was liked by over 50,000 people and commented upon by more than 7,000. Everyone who knew him treasured his heart, intellect, and quick wit. In addition to his father and son, Joe was predeceased by his mother Rosemary Theresa Donovan Santarlasci. He is missed by his wife of 34 years, Elizabeth Ann Stanton (Betsy Santarlasci); their sons Nicolas Donovan Santarlasci (Rachel ``Rai'' Manning) and Marco Foster Santarlasci of Brooklyn, NY; brother Stephen Michael Santarlasci (Eileen Taubman) of Paoli, PA; and Stephen's daughter Michelle Santarlasci Carini (John) and their children Cecelia and Anthony of Malvern, PA.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize New Haven Unified School Board Trustee Linda Canlas on the occasion of her retirement on November 30, 2022. Linda immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1970 and became a naturalized citizen at 18 years old. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University East Bay in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in History and obtained her California State Teaching Credential. After spending some time in the classroom, Linda received a master's degree in Educational Leadership and a professional school administrative credential from the State of California. After beginning her teaching career in Norfolk, Virginia, Linda returned to the Bay Area to teach in the Newark Unified School District and remained there until 1996. During this time, Linda served her students in various capacities as a teacher, district student at-risk/ support services coordinator, district performing arts coordinator, mentor teacher, and vice principal. Linda then served as a principal in Hayward Unified School District until 2016. Under Linda's leadership, two public elementary schools were able to significantly raise their academic performance, demonstrating her commitment to upholding California curriculum standards and Common Core implementation. Linda was first elected as a Board Trustee for New Haven Unified School District in 2010 and was reelected in 2014 and 2018. During her three terms on the board, she served in the roles of clerk and board president, all while earning another master's degree in Governance from the California School Boards Association. One of her passion projects while a trustee was to rename a middle school in honor of co-founders of the United Farm Workers movement, Larry ltliong and Phillip Vera Cruz. Thanks to her efforts, Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School is the first public school in the country to be named after a Filipino- American. Outside her official duties on the Board, Linda has been an active advocate for education in the community. She is a board member for the New Haven Schools Foundation, she has been President of the Alameda County School Boards Association since 2017 and has been a member of the East Bay Coalition for Public Education Leadership Team since 2019. She is also an active Filipino American National Historical Society member and serves on the Board of the Ukulele Festival of Northern California. Because of her history of contributions to education, governance, and community, in 2017, Linda was recognized by the Filipina Women's Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the world. For over three decades, Linda Canlas has played a pivotal role in ensuring quality education for the students of California's 15th congressional district. I join the community in celebrating the many achievements of her career and wish her rest and relaxation with her husband, Dennis, and her daughters, Camille and Jacqueline, as she begins her retirement.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, to recognize Daniel ``Dan'' Franklin--a distinguished World War II veteran, and a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather--who has just celebrated his 95th birthday. Dan was 16 when he joined the Navy in 1942 and was only 17 on D-Day, where his landing craft was charged with delivering soldiers and ammunition to Omaha Beach. The ship was shot out from under Dan, and although he lost many of his crewmates, Dan survived by creating an artificial breakwater. In 2013, he received the French Legion of Honor medal, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and considered France's highest honor, one that has been awarded to surviving American veterans for their heroism on D-Day. Recipients of the Legion of Honor are known as ``Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion d'Honneur.'' Dan was discharged from the Navy in February 1946, at the age of 19. Initially resuming work at a florist shop in Kansas City, Dan decided to look for a different occupation. Through help of friends, family and the local Jewish Federation, Dan embarked on what was to be a 43-year career in the paper distribution business. Even though he did not complete high school, Dan advanced his career, moving to Dallas, Chicago and finally Moraga, California, as a vice- president of a seven-billion-dollar corporation. He has survived his wife Marilyn, but is still the center of a family of four children, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim DeMersman on the occasion of his retirement as the Executive Director of Pleasanton's Museum on Main on Friday, November 4, 2022. Jim graduated from Houghton University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Business Administration in 1980. He began his museum career at the Genesee Country Museum as an assistant to the director of education and curator. He then moved to the Bay Area to work as the executive director of the Hayward Area Historical Society until 2007. In 2009, Jim became the executive director of Pleasanton's Museum on Main. Jim helped to expand the museum's annual visitor numbers from 9,000 to 30,000 by promoting enriching exhibits and upgrading the permanent exhibit room with additional technology to expand public access. Jim also expanded the offerings at the Adobe Historical Facility by addressing numerous historic program needs. In addition, Jim oversaw joint programs that helped connect the museum to the community through building a network of supporters by hosting multiple nonprofit events in partnership with Pleasanton's Downtown Association, Heritage Association, and Art League. Jim's leadership at Museum on Main also saw the creation of new and exciting programs. Jim helped create the first Wine and Valentines event, which has become an annual fundraiser. The museum also popularized and expanded an Ed Kinney series to include matinees and evening performances. When the pandemic struck, Jim helped the Museum on Main pivot to virtual programming to allow staff to continue to serve the community. Popular fundraising events like the Ghost Walk Event moved to a virtual format, allowing even more community members to engage and enjoy the museum's activities. Even with remote work and financial hurdles, Jim sustained operations by utilizing grant funds from public and private foundations. For 13 years, Jim DeMersman has played a pivotal role in preserving the history and culture of California's 15th Congressional District. I join the Tri-Valley community wishing him rest and relaxation with his husband, Richard, as he begins his retirement.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Frederick ``Fred'' Eugene Zehnder, founder and editor of the San Leandro Times, the Castro Valley Forum, and prominent KTVU news director, on the anniversary of his passing on June 27, 2021. Born on a dairy farm in Lakeport, California on March 5, 1934, Fred's love for journalism began at the age of 10 when he started the Scotts Valley News. This one-page weekly report was written, edited, and delivered all by Fred. In 1952, Fred attended Humboldt State College where he earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism. While studying at Humboldt, he worked part-time at the local radio station in Eureka, California. In 1956, Fred was drafted into the Army. At his posting in Fort Bliss, Texas, he worked as an Army public information officer under Sam Donaldson. After his time in the Army, Fred worked for KVIQ-TV in Eureka as the station's first news director. He later worked for several other networks, including KPIX Channel 5, CBS-TV, and KGO-TV. In 1988, Fred became the news director at KTVU Channel 2 in Oakland, California, until his retirement in 1999. For over 20 years, he worked with talents such as Dennis Richmond, Barbara Simpson, Elaine Corral, Leslie Griffith, Julie Haener, Bill Martin, and Mark Ibanez. While working at KTVU, Fred founded the San Leandro Times and later purchased the Castro Valley Forum. Every Wednesday, over 22,000 copies of the Castro Valley Forum continue to be delivered for free to Castro Valley residents and businesses. Additionally, on Thursdays, over 38,000 free copies of the San Leandro Times are distributed to businesses and residents throughout San Leandro. Fred tragically lost his life at the age of 87, after being struck by a drunk driver while walking in his Alameda neighborhood. Fred shaped the journalism landscape in the East Bay, both in print and television. We're grateful for his commitment to community journalism and the legacy he created. He is survived by his three brothers, John, Robert, and David; his seven nephews and niece, Andy, Chris, Jim, Mark, David, Rob, Mitch, and Carolyn; and his long-time friends and business partners Howard and Claudette Morrison.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Art Pulaski, who is retiring after 26 years with the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, which represents over 2 million union members in manufacturing, transportation, construction, service and the public sector. Art has a long history with labor advocacy. He began his organizing career at age 16 when, as a supermarket clerk, he joined the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union. After working his way through college and graduate school, he worked as a union organizer. Art most recently served as the Chief Officer, after serving as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, where he built coalitions with union and community groups to protect workers and retirees. Under his leadership, the Federation has more than doubled in size and has had numerous legislative achievements. The Federation restored daily overtime pay, raised the minimum wage, and passed the nation's first Paid Family Leave law. In 2010, the Federation led a successful campaign to ensure that every California Democrat in Congress voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act. Furthermore, in 2003, Art led the creation of the Stand for California Coalition, a group of labor unions, religious organizations, civil rights groups and business interests, as well as helped to develop the Apollo Alliance, a national coalition for cleaner energy and better jobs. Art has also served on numerous gubernatorial panels and commissions on economic progress and workforce development. He was a founder of one of California's model childcare centers, called PalCare, and served as president of nationally televised PBS series ``We Do the Work'', the Labor Project for Working Families and the California Works Foundation. Art has spent his career protecting our community by advocating for workers, ensuring they are paid fairly, and improving workplace conditions. Art will be missed by the entire Federation but is looking forward to continuing his commitment to the labor community as a volunteer and spending time with his four children: Erin, Katie, Luke, and Kaleb, and his two grandchildren, Wilder and August.

Mr. SWALWELL

Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5274) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide training for U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances, and for other purposes.