Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the Honorable Jared Huffman to recognize the opening of the Wine Spectator Learning Center for the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. The Wine Spectator Learning Center has transformed the previous University Commons building into a state of the art facility complete with three advanced-technology classrooms, student commons, a cafe and garden areas and meeting spaces for students, faculty and business leaders. The Wine Spectator Learning Center is a world class facility in which the next generation of California wine leaders can learn and grow through the Wine Business Institute. The Institute was established in 1996 as a public-private partnership for education and research within the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University. Sonoma State University is the first college or university in the United States to offer programs and degrees specializing in the business of wine, which is immensely important to our local economy. Additionally, the School of Business and Economics is the first in the world to offer an executive-level wine business degree. The Wine Business Institute, besides educating students, hosts conferences and symposia to the benefit of individual wine industry professionals, including winemakers, viticulturists, distributors and vineyard owners. The Wine Business Institute also provides programs and activities that help the wine industry evolve to meet the challenges of an increasingly fast-paced world. The Institute is particularly well- situated to address changing public policies and regulations and assist the industry in adapting to them. Mr. Speaker, the Wine Business Institute has had a great effect on the wine industry both in California and worldwide, and I am confident that the addition of the Wine Spectator Learning Center will only continue to benefit our great district. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the continued success of the Wine Business Institute and the Wine Spectator Learning Center here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dennis Crandall and his fourteen years as principal of Archbishop Hanna High School in Sonoma, California. He was aptly honored at Hanna Boys Center's 12th Annual Evening with the All Stars on April 21, 2018. Mr. Crandall is a Sonoma County native who graduated from Analy High School and received his Bachelor of Science in atmospheric science from the University of California, Davis. He also earned a Life Secondary Credential in physics and math from Sacramento State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from St. Mary's College. For the past fourteen years Mr. Crandall has been the principal of Archbishop Hanna High School, a school that serves at-risk teenage boys in Sonoma County. While at the helm of the school, he led the effort for the school to earn the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation. Mr. Crandall also worked on restructuring and improving the curriculum, focusing on how to best serve a large and diverse population. Some of his many accomplishments as principal include adding college prep and online courses, expanding the day students' program to better serve those who need greater assistance, developing a vocational viticulture program and starting an organic garden and orchard program to promote sustainability. Mr. Crandall is turning his energy to a new fundraising role in the development department of Hanna Boys Center. He believes he can make the greatest impact for the center and school by working on fundraising efforts for new facilities and an expanded educational program. Mr. Crandall is a devoted husband to his wife, Marcia, and caring father to their three children. He is also a dedicated volunteer, having serving on both St. Joseph Catholic Church and Cardinal Newman High School's Board of Directors. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Crandall is a dedicated educator and compassionate individual who has made education his life's work. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Dennis Crandall here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to the bill in its current form.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, and it would not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, less than 1 week ago, 10 people were shot and killed in their school in Santa Fe, Texas. As usual, Members sent thoughts and prayers. They said that things have got to change, and then they did nothing. We held our 47th moment of silence since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School 5\1/2\ years ago. For every Member who looks into the face of yet another grieving family and says, ``I am with you,'' and then does nothing, I have a message for you: You are complicit. You are allowing criminals and the dangerously mentally ill easy access to guns. Your inaction is leading to gravestone after gravestone. We have not had one vote on legislation to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. If we are not allowed a vote, there is blood on the hands of Congress. Since Sandy Hook, more kids have been killed by someone using a gun than all of our troops killed in combat since 9/11. Let that sink in. Seven thousand young kids are dead, in part, because of our inaction. I don't know about you, but that number keeps me up at night. These are children who are robbed of a lifetime of experiences and robbed of their future. Instead of going to their graduation, their parents go and visit their grave. This amendment is straightforward, and, if adopted, it will not kill the bill. It does two things: First, it provides grants to States to get more records into the background check system. I think we can all agree, for the system to work, it has to have the most up-to-date records. Second, it would expand background checks to all commercial sale of firearms. So if you walk into a gun show and try to buy a gun, you have to undergo a background check. If you go online and try to buy a gun, you have to undergo a background check. This isn't some radical idea. 208 Members of this Congress, Democrats and Republicans, are cosponsors. Even 94 percent of gun owners support expanding background checks, and we can't get 94 percent of the people to agree that the sky is blue. This kind of consensus should unify us. It should empower us on this floor to do what is right. We know that background checks work. Every day, background checks stop more than 175 felons, some 50 domestic abusers, and nearly 20 fugitives from buying a gun. But in some States, these same folks can walk into a gun show and buy the same gun without a background check. This motion would change that. Yesterday, the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force heard from young leaders who are begging Congress to pass laws to help prevent gun violence. One of the hardest things for me to hear was one student saying that he was not actually surprised that there was a shooting at his school. Kids now have an expectation that one day it will happen to them. This is shameful, and it is the future that we are leaving for our children and our grandchildren. I know what the chairman is going to say. He is going to say the NDAA is no place for this amendment. First, this isn't an extraneous provision. The NDAA has language directly addressing guns and gun ownership. Without that language in the bill, we wouldn't be able to offer this amendment today. Second, the NDAA has long been a place for extraneous provisions. In this bill alone, the majority has weakened environmental oversight and permitted drilling, has addressed medical fees in national parks, and has addressed yacht safety, just to name a few extraneous provisions. So I ask you to join me: No more complicity. No more blood on the hands of Congress. No more moments of silence. It is time for moments of action. Vote ``yes'' on this motion. It will not kill the bill, but it will save lives. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Point of Order

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Al Haberger and his service to Napa County. Mr. Haberger was instrumental in conserving the natural beauty and character of the Napa Valley by establishing the Napa County Agricultural Preserve, the first of its kind in the nation. The Napa County Agricultural Preserve helped secure the future of Napa County as an internationally renowned grape-growing region. Mr. Haberger had the foresight to recognize that without proper protections, Napa's wine industry would not be able to grow and flourish. It was Mr. Haberger's determination that led to his idea for an agricultural preserve receiving public attention, and his passion for Napa County that led to its public support. The initial 1968 zoning ordinance protected 23,000 acres of agricultural land from overdevelopment, stretching from Napa to Calistoga. Today, the preserve has grown to 31,609 acres, from which no land has ever been removed. Instead, the ordinance allowed Napa County to grow steadily while balancing the needs of residents, developers, and farmers. All of us who enjoy the beauty and open space of Napa County today are indebted to Mr. Haberger's vision that agriculture is the highest and best use of the land. The agricultural preserve has ensured that Napa County will be an agricultural center of California well into the future, and the continued source of some the finest wines in the nation and in the world. In addition, the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve has led in agricultural protection and preservation in California for the last half century, thanks to Mr. Haberger and his efforts. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Haberger is proof that one person can truly make a difference, as he did in helping establish the Napa County Agricultural Preserve. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Al Haberger here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Susan Eakle and her commitment to public school education. Ms. Eakle is retiring after 42 years of service in public education at Pope Valley Union Elementary School in Pope Valley, California. Ms. Eakle was born in San Francisco, California and grew up in Mill Valley and St. Helena, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a multiple-subject teaching credential with a specialization in bilingual education at the University of California, Davis. She also received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and an administration services credential from Sonoma State University. After graduating from college she lived in Yountville, California until she moved to Pope Valley in 1983. At Pope Valley Union Elementary School, Ms. Eakle has taught combinations of kindergarten and first and second grades and has been the Principal and Superintendent. She currently teaches transitional kindergarten and first and second grades. Ms. Eakle is a natural educator who encourages her students to continue learning after they leave her classroom and inspires them with her love of reading and appreciation for knowledge. She is also active in the Pope Valley Scholarship Fund and has been a member of the California Teachers Association and National Education Association. In addition to her work in education, Ms. Eakle is active in our community in other ways. She was a Board Member of the Northern California Coastal Region of the American Red Cross and served on their Disaster Action Team. She has been a project leader in 4-H and a volunteer for liturgies at St. Helena Catholic Church. . Mr. Speaker, Ms. Eakle is a passionate educator who is dearly loved by her students, her colleagues and our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Susan Eakle here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Holly Finkelstein for her dedication to improving the health and well-being of children and families in our community and her involvement with the Community Health Initiative Napa County. Ms. Finkelstein has served three terms on the Board of Directors for Community Health Initiative Napa County. She has been a member of the Executive Committee as Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President. She currently serves as the Fundraising Chair. Ms. Finkelstein has been a passionate supporter of the Community Health Initiative's mission to ensure children and their families are covered by health insurance and have access to health care services. Since 2005 Community Health Initiative Napa County has enrolled 18,000 children and their families, individuals and seniors in health insurance. Ms. Finkelstein is involved in our community in other ways as well. She has served on multiple committees for the Napa Valley Vintners Association and is a graduate of Leadership Napa Valley, a Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce program. In 2007, Ms. Finkelstein was named one of the ``Forty Under 40'' Business Leaders by the North Bay Business Journal. Ms. Finkelstein is married to her husband Judd, with whom she has two daughters, Ruby and Talulah, who have followed in their mother's footsteps by spreading kindness through their Be Kind campaign. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Finkelstein is a giving person to those in need and her love for others is contagious. She has been an essential part of the Board of Directors for Community Health Initiative Napa County for nine years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. James Cotter for the positive impact he has had on the health and well- being of our community for many years and his work as President of the Board of Directors of Community Health Initiative Napa County for the past nine years. Dr. Cotter received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his medical degree from the George Washington University Medical School. He completed a three year residency in family medicine at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center. Dr. Cotter also holds a Master of Public Health from Touro University. Dr. Cotter has served three terms as Board President of the Board of Directors of Community Health Initiative Napa County. Prior to his position on the Board, he helped the organization develop their first evaluation plan, which has helped inform the community of their impact. Dr. Cotter has provided guidance and support for Community Health Initiative's efforts to enroll children and their families in health insurance and ensure that they have access to services. Community Health Initiative has enrolled 18,000 individuals in health insurance since 2005. Dr. Cotter has been an active and passionate advocate for access to healthcare for children and vulnerable populations from the beginning of his career. He served in the National Health Service Corps in Lake County from 1981 to 1985. From 1985 to 1990 he practiced as a solo family physician in Clearlake, California. In 1993 Dr. Cotter was appointed the physician in charge of the Kaiser Permanente Napa medical offices, a position he served in until 2014. He currently works at Partnership HealthPlan of California, which serves 560,000 Medi-Cal members in fourteen Northern California counties. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Cotter cares deeply about the health of children and their families. He has played a fundamental role in the success of Community Health Initiative Napa County as the Board President. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Dr. James Cotter here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steven Moulds, who has been named Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 2018 Grower of the Year. Mr. Moulds is an individual who has made a lasting impact on our community through his viticulture work, expertise and personal commitment to public service. Mr. Moulds was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Palo Alto and Los Altos in California. He graduated from Los Altos High School in 1962. He studied at Foothill College and graduated from San Jos State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1972. In 2005 he graduated from Napa Valley College with an Associate of Science in Viticulture. Mr. Moulds began his public service journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Porcupine, Honduras in 1964. His involvement with the Peace Crops established a foundation for his work as a social worker and his continued volunteerism. From 1964 to 1976 he worked with migrant farm workers in Irony, California, helping them remove barriers to employment. In 2000; after working in commercial real estate, Mr. Moulds and his wife Betsy purchased eleven acres in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley appellation where he planted Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. He is focused on producing high quality grapes and maintaining strong partnerships with winemakers. In addition to growing his own grapes, Mr. Moulds is active in our wine community. He is a Board Member and past President of Napa Valley Grape growers, a Board Member of the Napa Valley Farm worker Foundation and a previous Board Member of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley appellation. His philanthropic efforts include founder and sustaining member of NorteAmericanos Para Orocuina, Board Member and President of the Board of Peninsula Center for the Blind, and Board Member and President of San Jose Repertory Theater. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moulds has been recognized as the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 2018 Grower of the Year. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Steven Moulds here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognIze May 6 through 12, 2018 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Napa County, California, an occasion to commemorate, congratulate and celebrate the people who work in tourism and hospitality. Travelers and their spending are essential to Napa County's, and all of California's, economy. The tourism and hospitality industries are responsible for strengthening the economy in California's Fifth Congressional District. Tourism is the second largest industry in Napa County and supports over 13,000 jobs in our community, mainly in the restaurant, hotel and retail sectors. In 2016, 3.5 million visitors to the Napa Valley spent nearly $2 billion, an increase of 17.5 percent from 2014. This spending generated over $80 million in tax revenues to our local governments in Napa County. These tax dollars supported and benefitted our community in many ways, including improving infrastructure and public safety. National Travel and Tourism Week recognizes the important impact travel and tourism have on our economy and celebrates our community and the people that work in this important sector. Through their customer service and positive interactions with visitors they promote Napa County as a world-class destination. This week is a chance to commemorate members of the hospitality and related industries and acknowledge the work they do and the important role they play in our economy and community. Mr. Speaker, travel and tourism are essential to our region in terms of our economy and our community's character. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we recognize May 6 through 12, 2018 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Napa County, California.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Julie McClure's advocacy for community and after-school programs, in particular her leadership at CalSERVES, and I join CaliforniaVolunteers in recognizing the important work she has done. Ms. McClure is currently the Associate Superintendent at the Napa County Office of Education. For more than two decades, she has been a champion for the values AmeriCorps and national service can bring to a community. Ms. McClure has been essential to the success of AmeriCorps in California as a mentor to new programs and as a board member of Voices for California. In 1998 Ms. McClure started the CalSERVES tutoring program, in partnership with CaliforniaVolunteers and the Corporation for National and Community Service. She launched CalSERVES so students at Napa County Office of Education schools would have tutoring support. CalSERVES has been a model for community and after school programming and is known for its innovative use of AmeriCorps resources. More than 4,600 members have served 6.7 million hours in the community due in no small part to Ms. McClure's efforts. In 2009 Ms. McClure started the CalSERVES Volunteer Infrastructure Program in order to expand CalSERVES' outreach and services. Currently, 60 AmeriCorps members provide programming in Napa and Sonoma County schools and 140 Corps members work on building volunteer capacity at other organizations throughout California. In addition to her work with CalSERVES and AmeriCorps, Ms. McClure's advocacy work has included leading the California After School Demonstration Program and Healthy Behavior Learning Center. Mr. Speaker, Julie McClure has been a key contributor to the AmeriCorps experience in California for the last two decades and a tireless advocate for public service. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi for their leadership in raising the role of arts and culture in California's Napa Valley. Mr. and Ms. Khaledi have made many contributions to our community, particularly through their steadfast commitment to the arts. Mr. Khaledi was born and raised in Iran, where his fascination with wine began at an early age, due to his father's winemaking and the cultural history of winemaking of Shiraz, Iran. After building what was at one point the largest family-owned grocery business in California, Mr. and Ms. Khaledi founded Darioush Winery in 1997. Mr. Khaledi considers Darioush Winery to be the realization of his American Dream. His goal was to produce wines that celebrate both individualism and craftsmanship. For Ms. Khaledi it was essential that clients and guests be treated as family, which she considers to be more than a cultural tradition, but a way of life. Her welcoming philosophy has defined the Darioush experience and is derived from Tarof, the Persian art of social etiquette--in essence how to make your guests feel more at home ``than home itself.'' In addition to running their world-class winery, Mr. and Ms. Khaledi are active patrons of the arts and engaged community members. Mr. Khaledi is the Founding Chair on the Board of Directors for Festival Napa Valley, an organization that puts on an annual performing arts festival and also offers year-round programming. Mr. Khaledi is also a Board Member for organizations including Napa Valley Vintners, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Food Marketing Institute, Unified Grocers and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Ms. Khaledi are the kind of community members we should all strive to emulate. Their dedication to the arts in the Napa Valley has been crucial for the growth of our arts community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jean Barr Donaldson III, who retired on March 23, 2018 as the Undersheriff of the Napa County Sheriff's Office, after 30 years of service to Napa County. A native of San Francisco and Novato, Mr. Donaldson graduated from San Marin High School in Novato in 1981. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Sacramento State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1986. Mr. Donaldson then attended and graduated from the Basic Police Academy at the Santa Rosa Junior College Northern California Criminal Justice Center. Mr. Donaldson was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff in the Napa County Sheriff's Office in 1988. As a Deputy, he spent several years patrolling the Napa Valley and Lake Berryessa areas and was selected to be a member of the SWAT Team. Mr. Donaldson was then selected to work in the Investigations Bureau as a Detective. In 1988 he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to supervise the Patrol, Special Investigations and Animal Services Bureaus. Mr. Donaldson was promoted to Lieutenant in 2002 and worked as the manager of the Investigations and Civil/Coroner Bureaus. In 2008, he was promoted to Captain and spent several years as manager of the Operations Division and four years as the Chief of Police of American Canyon. In 2013 Mr. Donaldson was promoted to Undersheriff where he managed the day to day operations of the entire Sheriff's Office. Mr. Donaldson has also spent countless hours volunteering in our community. He has volunteered as a wrestling coach at the Napa Sheriff's Activities League and as a football coach at Napa High School. He is a loving husband to his wife Marni and a proud parent of their children Sean and Macki. Mr. Speaker, Jean Barr Donaldson III has dedicated his life to serving our community and protecting others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department for their 100 years of volunteer service to Rutherford, Napa County and California. This esteemed fire department was created in 1918, along with 22 other stations in Napa County, in preparation for a potential war. It has been in service ever since, operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In 1956 Napa County accepted the Rutherford Fire Department into county control and in 1986 the Rutherford Fire Department was incorporated. Rutherford Fire Department has not only served Rutherford and Napa County. The department has also responded to numerous fires, floods and earthquakes throughout and across California. In order to adequately respond to any and every crisis, the Rutherford Fire Department has been at the forefront of training and drilling. Rutherford Fire Department is more than just an exceptional fire department. Multiple generations of Rutherford residents have served and continue to serve our community as courageous volunteer firefighters who are ready to defend the lives of those in the Napa Valley and throughout California. The department stands tall as one of the nine remaining volunteer departments in the Napa County and is honored to be made up of community members, for the protection of community members. Mr. Speaker, the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department is an essential institution. Their unparalleled commitment to protecting Rutherford and Napa County make them a model volunteer fire department. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Rutherford Fire Department here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment which helps to ensure that communities ravaged by wildfires, including the recent October fires, get the help they need to recover. Last year, we saw the worst fire season in California history. The October fires alone included 21 major fires that were fought by 11,000 firefighters burning nearly 245,000 acres. Those fires forced 100,000 people to evacuate and destroyed 8,900 homes and structures. Tragically, 44 people lost their lives. The City of Santa Rosa is located in my district and was hit especially hard by the October fires with over 3,000 homes and businesses destroyed. In the Fountaingrove neighborhood, north of downtown, the contamination in the water system that resulted directly from the fire melting the plastic water lines and appurtenances servicing 350 homes, must be replaced due to ongoing contamination of benzene, a toxic organic chemical. As our communities move forward on the long road to recovery, we are finding that the needs of suburban and urban communities impacted by devastating wildfires don't always fit neatly into some of FEMA's current rules and regulations, which seem geared towards hurricane and flooding response and mitigation. Issues as simple as whether or not FEMA should cover the costs of removing standing burned trees or replacing water systems, like the one in Fountaingrove that was contaminated as a result of the October fires, are not so simple. My amendment provides FEMA with the capability and authority to mitigate these issues by explicitly stating that FEMA hazard mitigation funding can be used to remove standing, burned trees and replacing water systems damaged and/or contaminated by wildfires. I appreciate House leadership working with my office to include this amendment in the en bloc so that we advance this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that my district's fire recovery needs are being met.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the staff of The Press Democrat for being awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting ``for lucid and tenacious coverage of historic wildfires that ravaged the city of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.'' The Press Democrat is a locally-owned, daily newspaper that was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Santa Rosa, in my district. This national recognition of its exemplary reporting reinforces what our community already knows--that The Press Democrat is a world class newspaper with exceptional reporters, photographers, editors, online producers and page designers. During the historic October 2017 wildfires, the staff at The Press Democrat filled a dual role. They told the larger stories, reporting on the devastation and community-wide heartbreak and photographing the looming flames and incredible heroism. They also kept people in our community informed of whether they needed to evacuate, where they could go if they did and how to search for and locate missing family, friends and neighbors. Their updates were critical in keeping people in the Sonoma, Napa and Lake Counties aware of the rapid movement of the fires and events unfolding in our community. The Pulitzer Prize is well-deserved acknowledgment of the hard work of the staff of The Press Democrat. During the long days and nights and extreme uncertainty, the reporters, photographers and editors worked on the front lines and around the clock to keep the community informed and shared the horrors with the rest of the country and the world. Reporting on the fires demanded everything of them and they delivered, even as some were evacuated from their homes and unsure if they would have a home to return to. Mr. Speaker, The Press Democrat is an important newspaper and institution in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the staff and their accomplishment of winning a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Office of Structure Maintenance & Investigations upon the occasion of its 90th anniversary since its creation. The Office of Structure Maintenance & Investigations engineers and structural technicians perform ongoing inspection of more than 24,000 state highway and locally owned bridges within the boundaries of the Golden State. They ensure the safety of the traveling public and to protect the public's multi-billion dollar investment in its bridge inventory; and Since its creation in 1927 California's bridge inspection unit has completed nearly 770,000 routine bridge inspections, and thousands of special steel, underwater, hydraulic, sign structure and tunnel inspections. The bridge inspection program has become the model for other bridge departments in the United States and around the world. Structure Maintenance & Investigations, based on the findings of its inspections, has worked with its District Maintenance counterparts to complete hundreds of millions of repairs to ensure the safety and structural integrity of each public agency bridge in California. The dedicated personnel of Structure Maintenance & Investigations has responded over its nine decades of service to every emergency impacting the state's bridge inventory, including the 1989 Loma Prieta and 2011 Napa earthquakes. Mr. Speaker, Caltrans Office of Structure Maintenance & Investigations and its employees have kept California's highways and bridges safe. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Office and employees past and present today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve. In 1968, the Napa Board of Supervisors passed a zoning ordinance to preserve open space and prevent future over-development by creating the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, the first agricultural preserve in the United States. The ordinance established agriculture and open space as the best use of the land in the valley and foothill areas of Napa County. Originally the ordinance protected 26,000 acres of land and today the preserve includes 31,609 acres. The Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve has been a vital component to the health of Californian agriculture and has lead the way in agricultural protection and preservation in California for the past half century. As we continue our efforts to preserve the Napa Valley, property owners have voluntarily placed their land into conservation easements to ensure the acreage remains rural through the preserve. The ordinance was written to monitor development and ensure that the natural landscape would be protected and that the environment would be utilized in a mutually beneficial way for residents, farmers and developers. The protection from rapid urbanization has enabled agriculture to flourish in the 21st century and has allowed Napa to remain the premier county for California wine growers. The preserve has ensured the long-term conservation of Napa County's agricultural legacy and its future as an essential agricultural region in the United States. Because of the preserve the region will continue to be the ideal location for producing wine grapes and other types of agriculture. Mr. Speaker, Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve is crucial to the preservation of the agricultural output of Napa County and all of Northern California. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor its 50th anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Norma Fulinara Placido as she retires from 20 years of service as the President of the Filipino Community of Solano County. Ms. Placido was born in San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Philippine Christian University and taught at an elementary school in her hometown until she immigrated to the United States in 1971. There she joined her husband, Leonardo Placido, who was serving in the U.S. Navy. While her husband was stationed in San Francisco, California, Ms. Placido returned to school at Peralta College where she studied data processing. They later moved to Solano County where they raised their three daughters, Norielyn, Arlene, and Lena. During her 20 year tenure as President of the Filipino Community of Solano County, Ms. Placido helped raise over $170,000 to provide scholarships for Filipino-American students pursuing higher education. She also spearheaded major renovations of the Filipino Community Center. She oversaw and fundraised for the remodel of the original center and eventually the purchase of a newer and bigger building that was better equipped to meet the needs of the Filipino community. Finally, under her leadership, the Filipino Community of Solano County contributed eyeglasses, books, and much needed funds to the survivors of devastating natural disasters in the Philippines. Ms. Placido has led the organization with continued strength, humility, and fortitude. She has been a great asset to the lives of all Filipino-Americans in our community. Ms. Placido also mentors other Filipino-Americans in our community, with an aim to nurture their talents. Additionally, she promotes political empowerment and has helped Filipinos seeking public office, assisting mayoral and city council candidates in Vallejo as their campaign manager. Mr. Speaker, Norma Fulinara Placido deserves to be recognized today for her leadership and commitment to the Filipino Community of Solano County. I am proud to have such a motivated and charitable person living and working in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bob Hurley upon his retirement from a long and distinguished culinary career in Napa Valley. Mr. Hurley grew up in San Francisco, California. After graduating from high school in 1972, he purchased a van and traveled around the United States. He worked in hotels and restaurants along the way, his first foray into the restaurant business. He realized his passion for cooking and returned to San Francisco, where he enrolled in the culinary program at City College. Post-graduation, Mr. Hurley spent two years traveling in Europe, India and North Africa learning how food and culture were connected. Mr. Hurley and his wife Cynthia eventually moved to Napa Valley where he quickly became an essential part of our Yountville community. He opened Hurley's Restaurant in 2002, which is unquestionably a community staple and favorite spot for locals. Ensuring the restaurant's success meant his normal workweek was Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. After announcing his plans to retire and close Hurley's Restaurant, Mr. Hurley has shown the character we all know him to have. He is working to help members of his team, which he considers to be family, find new jobs. Mr. Hurley's unwavering commitment to our community goes beyond his restaurant. He is the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Lincoln Theatre at the Yountville Veterans Home. He helped create the annual Veterans Day Celebrity Chefs Luncheon and has been a chef for Hands Across the Valley, a fundraiser to help feed those in need throughout Napa County. He has taught annual etiquette classes at Yountville Elementary School, organized fundraisers for Yountville Little League, and supported numerous programs at Connolly Ranch. During the October 2017 wildfires Mr. Hurley worked for four consecutive nights cooking for first responders. He brought hundreds of meals from his restaurant to the field where the responders were stationed. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hurley is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. He is known for making everyone feel important and special. For many years he has provided our community with a welcoming place to gather. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Bob Hurley here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marcelo Defreitas as the 2018 Honorary Alcalde for the City of Sonoma, California. Mayor Madolyn Agrimonti nominated Mr. Defreitas as Alcalde, the Spanish word for mayor, in recognition of his contributions to our community. Mr. Defreitas is from the Southern part of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, in the city of Uruguiana. He grew up on a cattle ranch with his parents, Jurema De La Vega Rodrigues de Freitas and Homero Maydana Rodrigues de Freitas and two older brothers, Homero and Jose Mario. Mr. Defreitas studied public relations in college in Brazil and began working in his field at the largest publishing company in South America. In 1984, he moved to San Francisco to finish his degree and to learn English. After graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in graphic arts, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University. In 1988, he joined Primo Angeli Inc., and worked his way up from junior designer to art director. Mr. Defreitas has served as the President of the Board of Directors for La Luz Center since 2016. He has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers such as ``Noche de Moon,'' which has furthered the Center's role in the immigrant community. He has also fundraised and organized committees to support local non-profits, including the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Jack London State Park, Lyon Ranch and Sonoma Valley Fund. Recently Mr. Defreitas' service has expanded to include helping victims of the October wildfires. Through his 10 to 12 hour work days at La Luz Center, he helped distribute $1.2 million in disaster unemployment assistance, individual assistance disaster relief funds, rent assistance and other services. This is not out of character for him. As he says, ``service is my passion.'' Mr. Speaker, Mr. Defreitas is the hard working leader and dedicated community member we should all strive to be. He has seamlessly blended his professional and personal passions, leaving a legacy of community collaboration. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Marcelo Defreitas as Sonoma's 43rd Honorary Alcalde.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Tamara Jones, whom I have named Woman of the Year in Napa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. Ms. Jones was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from California State University Hayward. After graduation, she moved to Napa, California and became the owner and lead planner of Tamara J Events, a boutique wedding and event design firm. During the October 2017 wildfires, Ms. Jones volunteered to assist evacuees at the Napa Valley College Shelter. Ms. Jones and her team, affectionately known as the Honey Pot Crew, used social media and an extensive network of community relationships to secure donations and other assistance for the evacuees. She also coordinated all of the donations and supplies for the whole shelter. Ms. Jones and the Honey Pot Crew received, organized and distributed the donations, both in the shelter and in parking lots. They also created an area for first responders that was always available for pick-ups, cleaned their showers and packed over 750 ``Go Boxes'' for first responders. As the fires began to subside, Ms. Jones ensured that any remaining donations were properly distributed to community organizations. For the past twelve years, Ms. Jones has served as the fundraising and event chair for the National Cemetery Support Committee for the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. The committee provides beautification efforts, including placing the flags on the Avenue of Flags and for Veteran's Day. Ms. Jones' passion stems from her mother, who was the second person laid to rest in the cemetery. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jones is a dedicated and active community member, who is always willing to lend a hand and go above and beyond. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Tamara Jones here today.