Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mi Sueno Winery and owners Rolando Herrera and Lorena Robledo Herrera upon the occasion of their twentieth Anniversary of producing excellent wines. Rolando Herrera and Lorena Robledo were both born in Mexico. Their families immigrated to the Napa Valley to seek better lives and opportunities for their children. Lorena's family taught her to tend vines and grow grapes, and Rolando was able to study enology and viticulture at UC Davis. When the couple met, ``it seemed like fate.'' Rolando and Lorena founded Mi Sueno Winery in 1997, the same year that they were married. Together they have built their dream winery with love, passion and deep understanding of the art of growing exceptional grapes and creating award-winning wines. As Rolando says, ``farming and making wine is not science, it's experience.'' Rolando and Lorena believe that creating truly unique wines requires careful attention to every stage of the winemaking process, from start to finish. From choosing the right plot of earth, to personally planting the vineyards and selecting the most attentive distributors, Rolando and Lorena have created a truly exceptional business and product. The White House recognized the quality of their wines by pouring three different Mi Sueno wines at state dinners. Earlier this year, the Smithsonian Institution honored them at their Fifth Annual Winemakers' Dinner. This month Rolando, Lorena and all their children will gather to celebrate their twentieth Anniversary. Rolando and Lorena have developed different single-vineyard, barrel-selected wines named after each of their six children. Their brave story of immigration, incredible hard work and passion is a perfect example of what it means to live the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, Mi Sueno Winery has been producing quality wine for the past 20 years. I am proud to have such a hardworking family living in our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Jeff Paganini upon his retirement after over forty years of firefighting in the Sonoma Valley. He has been serving as Captain at Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue since 1997. Captain Paganini began his fire service as a work experience student at Sonoma Fire Department in 1975. Two years later, at the age of eighteen, he became a regular volunteer firefighter and spent his summer working the fire season with the California Division of Forestry. In 1978, he served as a reserve firefighter for the Napa Fire Department before joining Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue as a paid Engineer. The department promoted Captain Paganini to Lieutenant in 1990 and Captain in 1997. In 1980, the Department recognized then Engineer Paganini as the Sonoma County Firefighter of the Year for his quick thinking during a house fire call. When he arrived to the scene with his crew, he witnessed a woman collapse and initiated CPR, an act that saved her life. Captain Paganini touched many lives during his years of fighting fires, serving the public and mentoring other firefighters. Many buildings and programs stand as a testament Captain Paganini's excellent career. He secured funding and helped design the museum at the Albert C. Mazza Fire Station in Sonoma. The museum shares the rich history of firefighting the Sonoma Valley and displays several original objects and photos. He played a major role in the design of a state of the art training tower that is still in use. In 2006, Captain Paganini started the ``Every 15 Minutes'' program at Sonoma Valley High School. This program demonstrates the fatal outcomes related to driving drunk or impaired. He used his experience and insight to set the specifications for the new ladder truck to service our communities. Captain Paganini was instrumental in the formation and ultimate success of the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, which started as a Joint Powers Authority between City of Sonoma Fire and Valley of the Moon Fire District. Through skillful negotiating and compromising, he paved the way to establishing the great organization that our community enjoys today. Mr. Speaker, Captain Jeff Paganini has led a long career serving the people of our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Miljenko ``Mike'' Grgich, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Grgich is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mike Grgich was born in Desne, Croatia and studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Zagreb before leaving to escape communism. He came to Napa Valley in 1958 where he has become a successful vintner and an innovator in the wine community. After arriving in Napa, Mike learned from some of the best vintners in the region. He became a winemaker for Chateau Montelena and made the Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris Tasting, forever changing the way the world views American Wine. George Taber documented this consequential decision in a TIME magazine article, ``Modern Living: Judgment of Paris.'' The resulting coverage of the Judgment of Paris created an immediate positive impact on the world of wine, and inspired among experts, consumers, and the trade a new appreciation for California wines. In 1995, Mike returned to the University of Zagreb at the age of 72 and finally received the degree in enology and viticulture that he earned as a young man. In 2002, he helped prove that the Zinfandel vine originated in Croatia. His work led to his induction into the Vintners Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State Fair. His 366-acre property, Grgich Hills, is completely organic, solar powered and strongly supports community organizations. Mike is an active member of Roots of Peace, an organization that works to replace land mines with grape vines all over the world. In 2007, Roots of Peace presented Mike with their Global Citizen Award for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Miljenko ``Mike'' Grgich for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I want to thank all my colleagues who worked in a bipartisan manner to make it happen. Patients and providers in my district and across the country will benefit from these important improvements, and I am proud to support them. Two provisions come from bipartisan bills that I have worked on for a number of years. The first helps patients get the devices they need while keeping fraudulent providers out of Medicare. The change we are debating today will ensure that any documentation created by device experts will be included in a patient's medical record to support the physician's directions. The second provision that I authored comes from the comprehensive telehealth packages that I have been working on with Representative Black and our colleagues from the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Welch and Mr. Harper. This change will allow for virtual visits and remote patient monitoring for kidney failure patients living at home. Letting these patients utilize telehealth ensures that they can access the services they need from the setting that they prefer: their homes. This bill is another step forward in the expansion of telehealth, but we can do a lot more. Our telehealth bills offer a menu of options for moving forward. Policies like paying for telestroke services or adding telehealth to the Medicare Advantage program have bipartisan support among both Houses, as well as a broad coalition of support from stakeholders. We know they save money. I have worked on telehealth for decades. When I was in the California State Senate, I wrote the State's first telehealth legislation to bring critical services to folks enrolled in the State Medicaid program. That was in 1996. Now it is 2017, and we still haven't passed, in Congress, comprehensive telehealth legislation that would expand access for Medicare beneficiaries. It is long past time for Congress to come to the conclusion that California reached long ago: telehealth saves money, and it saves lives. I am optimistic that the passage of this bill is just a small sample of what is to come in regard to telehealth in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Allied Clean Fuels Plaza upon the occasion of their Grand Opening Celebration. This fuel service center is the first business in Northern California to specialize in offering clean fuel options for all types of vehicles. In addition to the traditional three grades of unleaded and diesel gasoline offered by most service stations throughout the country, the Plaza offers a broad range of fuels and energies which address the ecological issues of the twenty-first century. These fuels include E-85 ethanol, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), renewable hydrocarbon diesel, Propane Autogas and six fast-fill compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers. The Plaza also features the option to recharge electric cars with a state of the art Tesla Supercharger Station. The Supercharger is capable of charging, eight Tesla vehicles simultaneously in just 20 minutes. The Allied Clean Fuels Plaza is addressing the serious issue of climate change by making cleaner sources of energy available to our community. The station is already equipped to offer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Hydrogen to meet the demands of our community as these fuels become more popular. The Plaza represents the first of the types of businesses we will need to protect the vitality of our environment for future generations. While the Plaza is looking toward the future, they are firmly rooted in the history and values of our community. They are affiliated with Allied Propane Service, which has been operating in Northern California for 50 years. Their emphasis on clean fuel reflects the desires of members of our community to be responsible consumers. Their full service Circle K convenience store sells sandwiches, soups and regional cheeses from local vendors, and they offer premium wines from Napa and Sonoma, the best wine in the world. Mr. Speaker, the Allied Clean Fuels Plaza is an innovative, responsible and impressive new service station in my community. Stan Teaderman is the driving force behind the Plaza and is an important member of our community who works hard to benefit the environment and support many charitable causes. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today and wish them the best of success.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear all these great amendments that have been made in order, and I was glad to hear my friend from Alabama reference the fact that this is a bill to make the people of America safe. I rise in opposition to this rule because there was one amendment that makes the people of America safe that was omitted from the list that was approved. It was a bipartisan amendment by myself, Mr. Young from Alaska, and Mr. Jones from North Carolina that would declassify a 50-year-old DOD project that sprayed biological and chemical weapons on our servicemembers and some civilians, and that amendment was not made in order. Convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure, and death--those are just a few of the most severe side effects of sarin gas, a chemical weapon so deadly and debilitating that it was outlawed as a weapon of mass destruction. When Syria's military used it, we retaliated. But in the 1960s and 1970s, the United States Department of Defense sprayed biological and chemical weapons like sarin, VX nerve gas, and e. coli on our own servicemembers. In the years since, many of those exposed have suffered debilitating health effects. For 40 years, the Department of Defense has not provided a comprehensive public accounting of these tests nor have they notified all the veterans and all the civilians who were potentially exposed. We can't allow this information to continue to be released piecemeal. These veterans can't wait any longer. Their health continues to decline, and some have already passed away. To sweep this under the rug is shameful. These veterans served honorably for the security of our Nation. These tests are an ugly part of our history. They put veterans' lives at risk, and our veterans have every right to know what it was they were exposed to and how much they were exposed to. We need to think about their safety and their security.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill, and I rise on behalf of the fishermen, the landowners, the delta and north-of-delta farmers, the conservationists, the sportsmen, coastal communities, the counties in my district, and the water users across our State that will be harmed by this bill. This is a disappointing effort to take care of the San Joaquin Valley's massive agro businesses at the expense of everyone else. More times than I can count, I have stood on this floor with many of my colleagues from California to explain that our State's water system is complicated. It is because there are hundreds of stakeholders. There are decades of rules, laws, and court cases from every level of government and industry that regulate the delivery of water to users across our State. Once again, this body is proposing to end-run that delicate balance to benefit one interest. That is wrong. Once again, we are gutting Federal protections for fish and wildlife that support our State's $3.5 billion hunting and angling industry and our $1.5 billion salmon industry. Once again, we are preempting California laws and regulations, telling States across America that we are okay with the Federal Government undermining State and local experts from coast to coast, but this time they are going further. This bill isn't just about water anymore. It is about giving contractors a pass on their obligations to be good stewards of the resources they are using in the Central Valley of California; it is about reneging on this body's commitment to the restoration of wildlife and habitat that have suffered the consequences of water management plans that already put them last; it is about cutting stakeholders out of the picture and determining winners and losers in Federal statute; taking a blunt ax to our State's water system over the objections of our Governor, both of our Senators, and many of our colleagues in the House. This is wrong for California. It won't alleviate water shortages, but it will kill jobs, and it will ruin drinking water for millions. We need real solutions that are based on sound science and that work for everyone. This bill is not that solution. It is bad for California's economy, bad for our State sovereignty, and bad for our environment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor bloomers, a full-service floral shop in San Francisco, California, upon their 40th Anniversary. On July 9, 1977, Patric Powell opened bloomers, which offers artistic arrangements designed with fresh flowers of exceptional quality. bloomers' reputation for excellent service and beautiful arrangements has established an incredibly high standard in the flower community. Patric and the designers at bloomers have decades of experience choosing local flowers and materials to incorporate into their designs. After many years of cultivating relationships in the business, Patric and his employees have become good friends with their customers and the wider community. Their work has brought delight, happiness and pleasure to many people over the years. Patric also frequently donates flowers, arrangements and gift certificates to local schools, churches and charities. Making it in the small business universe is a challenge for anyone. Establishing a business that is successful for 40 years is a testament to Patric's business acumen and his wisdom in hiring and retaining talented people. Success only happens when a great boss cares about both his business and the people that work for him. Patric is passionate about his work and is committed and loyal to his employees and customers. His employees praise Patric as the most kind, generous and dedicated person they know. Mr. Speaker, Patric T. Powell and bloomers has been providing well- designed floral arrangements to his customers in the Bay Area of California for the past 40 years. I am proud of this hardworking man and everyone that has made bloomers a success over the years. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Francisca ``Cisca'' P. Tisher upon her retirement as a judge on the Superior Court of Napa County in California. She is retiring after more than 20 years of judicial experience and service and has been an active member of our community for many years during her successful career. Born in the Netherlands, Judge Tisher emigrated with her family at the age of three. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Davis in 1974. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate degree in 1980 from the Empire College School of Law in Santa Rosa, California, and was admitted to the California State Bar later that year. Prior to her appointment as a judge, Judge Tisher specialized in family law. She and her husband Tim have three children, so she worked hard to balance her family life and her career. In 1993, she received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award for Napa County. Judge Tisher was appointed to the Napa County Superior Court by California Governor Pete Wilson in 1995, becoming the first female judge on the court. She served as the presiding judge from 2006 to 2008. Over her 22 years as a judge, Judge Tisher ruled on many cases on a variety of topics. For Judge Tisher, no case was trivial, and every case mattered and was important to the parties involved. In addition to her work in the judiciary, Judge Tisher has been an active member of the Napa community. She has served on several boards, including the Napa Valley Domestic Violence and Prevention Board and the Napa Valley Activity Center Board. Judge Tisher is a compassionate and determined individual, and she has made a tremendous impact on Napa County. Mr. Speaker, Francisca ``Cisca'' P. Tisher has led a long career in our community's judicial system. She is an active member of our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor sisters, Ms. Carmela Sandoval and Ms. Maria Sanchez, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Sanchez are very deserving of this award and recognition. Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Sanchez are daughters of Mexican immigrants to the United States. Together they own and manage Bere's Bridal and Christening Wear in Vallejo, California. They are both successful and inspiring community leaders. Prior to moving to Vallejo, Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Sanchez grew up and attended school in Los Angeles. Though she loved school, Maria had to withdraw to begin working to support her family. Their diligence, perseverance and sacrifice for their family at such a young age embodies the ideals of the American dream and foreshadows their future roles as dedicated community leaders in Vallejo, California. Carmela and Maria volunteer regularly for Vallejo Together, a nonprofit in our community that provides resources to homeless individuals. They also volunteer for Centro Latino, an organization that advocates for Latino youth in Vallejo. Every year, the sisters organize a holiday ``posada'' for underserved children, which includes a gift drive and a hot meal for all the youth in attendance. While Carmela and Maria are ambitious leaders, they remain humble and willing to lend a helping hand. Both sisters take pride in being loving parents, and, for Maria, being a grandparent as well. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Carmela Sandoval and Ms. Maria Sanchez for their achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Amelia Ceja, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Ceja is very deserving of this award and recognition. Ms. Ceja was born in Las Flores, Jalisco, an agricultural village in Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. She is a successful businessperson and an important member of our community. Ms. Ceja moved with her family to the Napa Valley American Viticulture Area in California as a child. Her parents worked for a local vineyard management company, her father as a mechanic and her mother as a farm worker. She met her husband, Pedro Ceja, while picking grapes with their families. In 1983, the Ceja family came together to purchase 15 acres and to plant their own grapes. The family later founded Ceja Vineyards, Inc. in 1999. Today they own 113 producing acres. Ms. Ceja is the first Mexican American woman to be the president of a California winery. Her vineyard and winery are famous for their quality grape harvests and production of premium Carneros wines. Ms. Ceja cares deeply about the family business and employees. She is dedicated to producing the highest quality of wine. The California Legislature recognized her contributions to the community on March 15, 2005 by naming her ``Woman of the Year.'' Ms. Ceja's story is one of sacrifice and determination. Stories like hers make America great. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Amelia Moran Ceja for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Nataly Deherrera, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Deherrera is very deserving of this award and recognition. Ms. Deherrera was born in Angeles City, Philippines and immigrated to the United States. She is a successful business owner and a compassionate volunteer. Ms. Deherrera is driven by integrity. Her personal success and contributions to our community are examples of the American Dream at work. As owner of TaxAce Group Inc., a five star accounting firm, she voluntarily assists hospice groups, firefighters, and teachers with their aunual tax returns. She also provides free tax classes for small business owners and free educational workshops for families. She volunteers for the national organization, City Impact, which supports urban youth, families and neighborhoods. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Accounting and Computing, Ms. Deherrera has set an exceptional example for her two daughters, Natasha and Andrea. Natasha is a graduate of the University of California at Davis, and Andrea is currently attending San Francisco State University. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Nataly Deherrera for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. William K.W. Kim, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to California's 5th Congressional District communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Kim exemplifies these attributes and is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Kim was born in Daegu, South Korea and immigrated to the United States. He and his wife Yolanda came to Vallejo in 1980. He is a successful business owner and a hard-working member of our community. Over the past 36 years, Mr. Kim taught over 10,000 students to be leaders in society through Taekwondo in Vallejo. The philosophy of Taekwondo and Mr. Kim's teaching have helped students from all walks of life. Many struggling young people have found support and personal growth through their lessons from Mr. Kim. He currently operates William Kim's Taekwondo Center, one of the nation's largest martial arts facilities. He holds the highest rank in Taekwondo, the 9th Degree Black Belt, and was inducted into the ``Taekwondo Hall of Fame'' in 2009. In addition to running his business and mentoring our youth, Mr. Kim is an active member of the Vallejo community. Most notably, he initiated the Sister City Relations with Jincheon, South Korea and the City of Vallejo in 1999. He has helped us improve our community's relationship with the people of South Korea. Mr. Kim currently serves as the International Liaison Officer for the two cities. Mr. Kim and his wife have a son and two daughters. They strive to live positive lives and help others do the same. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. William K.W. Kim for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Luisa Acosta, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Acosta is very deserving of this award and recognition. Ms. Acosta was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States. She is a successful community activist and is committed to social justice, particularly for employee rights. Luisa Acosta, the daughter of immigrant farmworkers, spent her childhood in the fields harvesting pears and walnuts and working in a fruit packing facility, Though this work was difficult, her time as a farmworker instilled in her a fierce determination, resilience and desire to better her community through social justice work. She has worked as a Lake County Substance Abuse Counselor, a paralegal and a grant writer for United Farmworkers of America, a representative for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local and an internal organizer for National Union of Health Workers. Ms. Acosta is an active participant in local politics and serves on the Lake County Democratic Central Committee. She finds time to direct and instruct various Latino cultural programs, including the Kelseyville Ballet Folklorico and the Lake County Fair Latino Fiesta. Ms. Acosta cites the farmworker activist and leader, Cesar Chavez, as one of her inspirations, and she strives to impact her community as he did--through humility, kindness and fearless leadership. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Luisa Acosta for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gustavo Brambila, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Brambila is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Brambila was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in 1957. He is a successful vintner and his hard work and ingenuity makes him one of our community's finest entrepreneurs. Mr. Brambila developed an interest in wine making as he watched his father work in winery maintenance. He later joined Mike Grgich and Jim Barret in 1976 at Chateau Montelena to begin his career in the wine community. Shortly after, he joined Mike Grgich in the opening of Grgich Hill Cellars in 1977, where, in his first harvest, he produced the winning chardonnay in the Great Chardonnay Showdown of 1980. Inspired by old-world wine making techniques, Mr. Brambila produced his first wine under the Gustavo Wine label in 1996. Mr. Brambila has been a trail blazer for both vintners and Mexican- Americans. He was one of the first Latinos to earn a degree in Fermentation Science from University of California, Davis's oenolgy program. He has also traveled to Washington, D.C., with a group of Mexican-American Vintners to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Brambila has been active in our community, appearing on our local news channel and hosting events like an outdoor movie night for local families. He has gained international recognition with his involvement in the landmark wine competition known as the Judgment of Paris. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Gustavo Brambila for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mayor De Vera is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mayor De Vera was born in Cebu City, Philippines and immigrated to the United States. She has lived in Hercules, CA since 1991. She is a successful insurance agency owner and public servant. Mayor De Vera learned the value of community service from her parents who were both active in their Cebu City community. She began volunteering with the Cebu Jaycees and Rotary Club of Cebu-West when she was six years old. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of the Philippines before immigrating to the United States. Mayor De Vera honors her parents' Filipino heritage and legacy of community service by working with organizations such as the Filipina Women's Network and Hercules Democratic Club. Mayor De Vera was elected to be the Mayor of Hercules in 2011, 2014 and 2017. She is the only women and Filipina on the city council, something she does not take lightly saying, ``I took on the challenge of changing the stereotyping of Filipinas.'' Ms. De Vera dedicates herself to public service not just in Hercules, but throughout the region, serving on various commissions and committees to help improve the lives of those around her. Her great work led the Hercules Chamber of Commerce to name her Citizen of the Year in 2014. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mayor Myrna Lardizabal De Vera for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Art Ibleto, whom l have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Ibleto is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Ibleto was born in Argentina and raised in Sesta Godono, Italy. He immigrated to the United States in 1949. He is a successful businessman and a well-known Italian chef. During World War II, Mr. Ibleto was imprisoned for refusing to fight for Mussolini's army against the Americans because he was opposed to fascism. He escaped and joined an underground network known as the ``Partisans'' to oppose Nazi Germany and the Axis Powers. Following the war, Art immigrated to the United States and settled in Sonoma County, California, where he worked as a vegetable picker, a mechanic, truck driver, and factory worker. He and his wife Vicki joined the Sons of Italy in 1958 to help other Italian Americans in the United States, and he served as both the Vice President and President of the California State Chapter. He continues his public service as a member of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. His business career began in 1961, when he bought a small farm to raise hogs and cows and grow potatoes, before moving on to sell Christmas trees and building duplexes. In 1974 he began Spaghetti Palace at the Sonoma County Fair and it became an instant success, leading him to begin a career supplying pasta and Italian cuisine to Californians. His reputation and the success of Spaghetti Palace has led him to become affectionately referred to as ``The Pasta King.'' He now owns a restaurant and catering business by the same name in addition to 75 acres of grapes used by local wineries. He cooks pasta for many charity organizations in our community. His successes and volunteer work have led him to be the recipient of both the City of Santa Rosa and City of Rohnert Park Honorary Citizen of the Year. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Art Ibleto for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Suzanne Smith, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Smith is very deserving of this award and recognition. Suzanne Smith was born in Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She is the successful Executive Director of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority. As Executive Director of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Ms. Smith has orchestrated numerous projects, including the widening of Highway 101 and the development of the SMART rail line. She lobbied at the state and federal levels to secure funding for these projects while also securing a voter approved sales tax measure to support future transportation developments in Sonoma County. She is the founder of the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), where she helped establish a climate action plan in Sonoma County to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020. The RCPA was recognized by President Barack Obama as one of sixteen Climate Action Champions in the United States. Suzanne Smith serves on the boards of the Red Cross, Leadership Santa Rosa, Tomorrow's Leaders Today and as a member of Sonoma County's Democratic Central Committee. Ms. Smith holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and an MPA from the University of San Francisco. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Suzanne Smith for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Maryam Mohsenzadeh, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Dr. Mohsenzadeh is very deserving of this award and recognition. Dr. Mohsenzadeh was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. She moved to St. Helena, California in 2006 with her husband, Dr. Hossein Razavi. She is the Director of Queen of the Valley Hospital's Mobile Dental Clinic Community where she delivers oral care to the most vulnerable children of our community. Dr. Mohsenzadeh grew up in a small town in Iran, where she did not have the right to an education. Her ambition to go to school and her brave choice to leave her home without her parents' knowledge, shows the grit and determination she needed to immigrate to the United States. With a Doctoral degree in Dental Surgery and additional training in Hospital Dentistry, Dr. Mohsenzadeh is an example of how hard work and sacrifice enriches our communities. Dr. Mohsenzadeh transformed her suffering into the empathy she needs in order to be a focused, compassionate and fearless dentist for the most vulnerable members of our community. Through her work with Queen's Mobile Dental Clinic, Dr. Mohsenzadeh delivers free dental care to children and young adults who are uninsured or unable to pay for the high cost of dental care. She has made more than 45,000 clinic visits to children from the under-served population of Napa County since 2008. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Dr. Maryam Mohsenzadeh for her achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Sonu Chandi, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Chandi is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Chandi was born in India and immigrated to the United States in 2000, at the age of sixteen. He is the successful founder and CEO of Chandi Hospitality Group, which manages fourteen restaurants and the North Bay branch of Mountain Mike's Pizza. Though Sonu Chandi arrived in the United States with little money and knowledge of English, his powerful work ethic helped him achieve his dream of owning a restaurant. After seeing his father work tirelessly in restaurant kitchens, Sonu and his brothers helped their father open his own restaurant, forming the Chandi Hospitality Group. In 2007, the Chandi Hospitality Group invested in the Mountain Mike's Pizza franchise and became integral to the franchise's development in the North Bay area of California. Mr. Chandi's business strategy is community centered, and he has used his profits to support local organizations, such as Food for Thought, The Cancer Society, The Living Room, and The Heart Association. The Chandi Hospitality Group has also funded programs for Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State University and several local public schools. Sonu Chandi is an active member of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. He is a fine example of a socially conscious businessman, using his impressive success to nourish his local community. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Sonu Chandi for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Newton Luu and Mrs. Jackie Truong, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mr. Newton Luu and Mrs. Jackie Truong are very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Luu was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States in 1975, following the fall of Saigon in the Vietnam War. Mrs. Truong, also born in Vietnam, arrived in the U.S. shortly after the end of the Vietnam War. Newton Luu and Jackie Truong met while attending San Francisco State University. Newton is now the president and founder of LeChat Nail Care Products. Jackie is the head of international product education and is the driving force in product development. Together, they have built a company that does business with hundreds of distributors and salons in over 40 countries. Newton and Jackie received the U.S. Department of Commerce President's ``E'' Award for their business. Though Newton and Jackie have achieved international business success, Mr. Luu and Mrs. Truong have kept the company headquartered in the Bay Area, with facilities in Hercules and Richmond providing employment opportunities for underserved communities. Newton and Jackie volunteer for local Vietnamese American groups and fundraise for local elections. Their greatest happiness is being parents to two daughters: Logan, age 13, and Megan, age 12. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Newton Luu and Mrs. Jackie Truong for their achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today with the American Dream Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Marilyn Hopkins upon her retirement as Provost and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Touro University, California. She is retiring after more than 35 years of administrative and teaching experience in higher education. Dr. Hopkins has been an active member of the academic and medical communities during her successful career. Dr. Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at California State University, Sacramento in 1970. She went on to earn her Master's and Doctoral degrees in Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco. Prior to her appointment as Provost and Chief Operating Officer in 2009, Dr. Hopkins worked as a registered nurse for nearly 20 years at three different hospitals in California. She was employed as a full professor with tenure at California State University, Sacramento from 1974 to 1997, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses on diverse medical subjects. Dr. Hopkins then served as the Dean for the College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Sacramento. Touro University, California offers accredited graduate programs in several medical fields, and is located in Vallejo, California. As Provost and COO, Dr. Hopkins provided leadership in institutional assessment and comprehensive strategic planning. She created a campus infrastructure to support research, grant-writing and publication opportunities for faculty and students and worked closely with the academic deans to recruit and retain a talented and diverse faculty. Since moving to Solano County, Dr. Hopkins has been actively engaged in local and regional community initiatives. She serves on the Board for the Vallejo Education Business Alliance and was recognized by the Solano County Library Foundation during Women's History Month for her contributions to women and the community. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Marilyn Hopkins has led a long career in both nursing and academia. She is an active member of our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late L. Pierce Carson. He passed away on May 20, 2017 at the age of 76. He was an impressive journalist who had a remarkable career at the Napa Valley Register. He possessed a cheerful and energetic personality in the Napa community and was a champion for local food, wine and art. Pierce was born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1940 and attended Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before serving our country in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. After returning home, he began his career with the Napa Valley Register, a position he held for nearly fifty years before his passing last month. He will be remembered as a mentor of young journalists and for his sponsorship of the Tri-High Gazette, a student run section of the Register. Mr. Carson wrote about and loved Napa. In recent years, he found a second home in Prague where he enjoyed living part of each year. In his nearly fifty years of work as a journalist, Mr. Carson showed himself to be a friend and champion of Napa Valley food, wine and art. For many years, he served on the board of the Napa Valley Symphony and made it his priority to review their performances. Pierce could always be counted on to lend his writing talents to good causes. Over a twenty-five year period he volunteered for the Napa Valley Academy Awards party to raise funds and awareness for AIDS and HIV prevention and treatment. Mr. Speaker, Pierce Carson was generous, kind and an excellent writer. He brought our Napa Valley community together. His newspaper stories taught us the value of friendship, culture, generosity and good wine. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and legacy here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. L. J. ``Jay'' Templeton upon the occasion of his retirement as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga. Mr. Templeton has dedicated his career to serving young people, and has had a tremendous impact on our community. A native of Washington State, Mr. Templeton graduated from Glacier High School and received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Washington in 1973. Mr. Templeton began working for the Boys and Girls Clubs in 1969. He has held nearly every position in the organization, from a rank-and-file program assistant to the highest leadership roles. He became Executive Director of the St. Helena and Calistoga Clubs in 2012. Mr. Templeton received the Masters and Mentors Award in 2013 based on his contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs movement over a sustained period, successful mentoring of Academy members, and demonstrated excellence in the Boys & Girls Clubs profession. Mr. Templeton is retiring not only as the Executive Director of the St. Helena and Calistoga Clubs, but from a 47-year career with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He is a model professional and executive-- always keeping his focus on planning, development, leadership, and programming. He has received numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career. He has influenced the lives of thousands of children who have grown to become productive members of their own communities. Mr. Speaker, Jay Templeton has led a dedicated and distinguished career with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I am proud to have such a man working and living in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul and Shery Loewen, from Lakeport, California, upon their retirement from an exemplary career in the field of aviation. Mr. Loewen was born in Amarillo, Texas, and moved to southern California with his family when he was five years old. He attended Glendale College where he earned his Airplane and Powerplant License, learned to fly and met Shery--whom he married in 1964. Mr. and Mrs. Loewen moved to our district in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Loewens established Lake Aero Styling and Repair, providing dozens of local men and women in our community with highly skilled jobs. Mr. and Mrs. Loewen have sold Lake Aero Styling and Repair and are retiring after decades of developing and selling unique aircraft modifications. They are being honored by the Lake County Airmen's Association (LCAA) at Lampson Field this summer. Their products have a world-renowned reputation for quality and reliability. Thousands of Mooney Aircraft planes bear one or more of their modifications. These parts proved so successful that the manufacturer, Mooney International, later incorporated the modifications on its factory models. Additionally, Mooney Aircraft International awarded Mr. Loewen the Charles Taylor Award, which is an award given to senior mechanics who have led excellent careers. Paul and Shery Loewen are also prominent members of our community. Mr. Loewen served as president of the Lake County Airmen's Association, and Mrs. Loewen held the role of secretary. While serving as president of the LCAA, Mr. Loewen organized and staged several successful Lampson Field Air Fairs. They have also produced several pilot-oriented travel videos entitled Flying the America's. Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Loewen have created their own business and have contributed to our Lakeport community as industry leaders, job creators and community volunteers. It is with great pride that I honor Paul and Shery Loewen today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.