Juan Vargas

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Dorinda ``Dori'' Nicholson, an outstanding citizen and reproductive rights advocate who serves our community, both as a health care worker and a volunteer of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Dori is being honored for her efforts to provide high-quality reproductive health care necessities to constituents and educate our community about women's health issues. She is a long-time resident of City Heights and works as an X-ray technologist in the South Bay, providing care for those in need. Dori was moved to join the fight for reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, an impactful decision that changed the lives of many. From a young age, she received educational and health resources from Planned Parenthood and is proud to work alongside the organization she has since admired on projects and initiatives that benefit residents throughout our community. As a volunteer of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Dori provides care kits for patients, an important basic need that may be non-existent or disregarded in regular health care facilities. She has also helped Planned Parenthood with several important events, including the San Diego Pride Parade and the Planned Parenthood 60th Anniversary Annual Dinner. I am proud to honor Dori Nicholson as the 52nd Congressional District Constituent of the Month for March 2024. Her dedication, commitment, and advocacy have made our community a better place, and I can't think of a better person to have recognized during Women's History Month.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H. Res. 1068.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gabe Gutierrez, an outstanding citizen who serves the blood donor community, both as a donor and a Board member of the San Diego Blood Bank. More specifically, Mr. Gutierrez has donated more than 19 gallons of blood, and he continues to donate. He dedicates his time leading the San Diego Blood Bank's Community Advisory Committee, which aims to recruit and engage diverse donors throughout the region. Mr. Gutierrez upholds a diverse professional background, including his service as a policy advisor and community liaison for former members of the San Diego Board of Supervisors, and his work for a local Fortune 500 company. Currently, Mr. Gutierrez is working within the Office of Strategy and Innovation at the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. Mr. Gutierrez possesses an array of knowledge and experience, spanning over fifteen years on various boards and commissions, including as former Chairman of the Chula Vista Planning Commission, and as former Chairman of transportation, land use and housing think tank, Circulate San Diego. Mr. Gutierrez graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Public Administration, and graduated from the National Urban Fellows, America's Leaders of Change program, through the University of Kansas. Through leveraging his experience as well as his relationships, Mr. Gutierrez has fostered positive change in the San Diego region. Gabe lives in Chula Vista with his wife, Janice, and their two daughters, Mila and Ayla. He enjoys the natural beauty of San Diego, spending his spare time visiting the parks within the region. Gabe Gutierrez was honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month in January 2024, when National Blood Donor Month is celebrated. He is commended for his dedication and tremendous commitment to our local community and the larger San Diego region.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Ivan Rosario, an outstanding veteran, who served our Nation in the United States Navy for more than 17 years. Chief Rosario was born in Arkansas and spent much of his childhood abroad in Puerto Rico. He grew up with his five siblings, and as many military families do, moved to a new home depending on military orders. His father was a long-time servant in the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam numerous times. Chief Rosario followed both his father's and brother's footsteps and initially joined the United States Army at the young age of 17 years old. He was stationed in Germany for three years, and when he returned, he realized the difficulty of pursuing a career without a high school diploma. He searched for options, and after going to the United States Navy Recruiting Center, he found his true calling to continue serving his country. Chief Rosario dedicated 17 years of service with the United States Navy. He served as a Radar Systems Operator and completed several WestPac Tours overseas. Chief Rosario was on active duty, while he and his spouse raised two children. As a dedicated family man, he continues to support his family and our country by working with his wife's former students, who have expressed an interest in joining the U.S. military. He earned his High School GED in his first year as a sailor. Early on, he had a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies used on U.S. Navy ships. He achieved a college degree using the GI Bill, and he went on to receive both his bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in computer technology. Chief Rosario's academic achievements led to mentorship opportunities for others, and he earned rank as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. Chief Rosario has served the local community, volunteering at Sunset Elementary School in San Ysidro, California, and other schools. He has worked with students during special school assemblies and has helped them with their technological needs. During these assemblies, Chief Rosario has also talked about his service in the United States Armed Forces and the different training programs available to them. Chief Rosario was honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month in November 2023, when Veterans Day is celebrated. He is commended for his dedication and lifelong commitment to our Nation, and also for giving back to the local community.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Maria Rosales, an outstanding community member and small business owner. Her journey to the United States was challenging, as she faced a treacherous route while sustaining her basic needs and facing the fear of the unknown. Ms. Rosales came to the United States on this journey from Mexico when she was only 16 years old, alongside her sister and her sister's husband. Maria met her husband here in the United States in 1987, and in 2011 they were both granted citizenship. This allowed them to get one step closer toward achieving their American Dream. Ms. Rosales' first job as a nanny paved the way to her newfound passion for taking care of children--and she grew this passion enough to also help others. In 2019, while many parents within her community were having a tough time finding the proper care and attention that their children needed, Maria stepped up to provide a safe and loving place to leave their children while they work. Her commitment led her to an opportunity to complete a childcare class with the San Diego & Imperial Women's Business Center, which is an 8-week accelerator program to become an in-home family childcare facility. She was determined to be the best at what she does, and she took classes in marketing, finance, and other courses to start her own business. This training provided her with the tools to develop a safe space for children where they can develop their academic and socio-emotional abilities. Ms. Rosales opened Vienna's Daycare, a home daycare, where children are encouraged to reach their developmental milestones that help them succeed in the future. Ms. Rosales continues to be a beacon of light for those who aspire to take their passion and apply it toward valuable community service. Ms, Rosales was honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month, during National Women's Small Business Month in October, for her admirable commitment to supporting families and parents, and for her unwavering strength, which will inspire others for generations to come.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Linda Kay Mitrovich, a beloved friend, leader, and mentor. Linda was born on May 18, 1947, in Whittier, California. She was a dedicated public servant. She served on the Poway City Council and was deputy mayor from 1986 to 1988. She committed her life to the betterment of others. She took on many important causes, including environmental protection and Native American sovereignty. She played a significant role in creating the first wildlife corridor in California, the Coal Canyon Wildlife Reserve, which supported the ecological well-being of over 22 million people in southern California. Linda also created the first national conference on Native American sovereignty in 2000. The California State legislature recognized her accomplishments by naming her Woman of the Year in 1988 and in 1991. Linda's legacy is remembered through her husband and five children. Her memory is cherished by those fortunate enough to have met her.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Linda Kay Mitrovich, a beloved friend, leader and mentor. Linda was born on May 18, 1947, in Whittier. California. She was a dedicated public servant. She served on the Poway City Council and was Deputy Mayor from 1986 through 1990. She committed her life to the betterment of others and took on many important causes, including environmental protection and Native American sovereignty. She played a significant role in creating the first Wildlife Corridor in California. the Coal Canyon Wildlife Reserve, which supported the ecological well-being of over twenty-two million people in Southern California. Linda also created the first national conference on Native American Sovereignty in 2000. The California State Legislature also recognized her accomplishments by naming her Woman of the Year in 1988 and 1991. Linda's legacy is remembered through her husband and five children, and her memory is cherished by those fortunate enough to have met her.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robb Lally, a dedicated public servant and volunteer for more than 35 years. Robb Lally entered the seminary at a young age, and as a deacon, served in a Catholic parish and later for the Salvation Army. In 1988, Robb Lally headed to San Diego to work with the Alpha Project, a nonprofit human services organization that serves over 4,000 men, women, and children daily. Robb carried out Alpha Project's mission to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery, and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. Mr. Lally's years of service were instrumental to the organization's mission and growth by working on and contributing to many critical housing projects. On June 7, 2023, Robb's life and legacy were honored at a celebration of life in San Diego, California. On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I will express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Robb Lally. His legacy is felt and his presence will be greatly missed. He was a great man.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Mr. Robb Lally, a dedicated public servant and volunteer for more than 35 years. Robert (Robb) Lally entered the seminary at a young age and as a deacon, served in a Catholic Parish. After finishing seminary school, Mr. Lally continued to help and aid those in need through his work with the Franciscans at Arch Street, and later for the Salvation Army. In 1988, Robb Lally headed to San Diego to work with the founder of the Alpha Project, a non-profit human services organization that serves over 4,000 men, women and children daily. As director, he empowered individuals, families and communities by providing work, recovery and support services to those who were motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. During his tenure, Robb was instrumental in the overall mission and growth of the organization and had assisted with over 1,000 apartment units that were preserved and created. On June 7, 2023, Robb's life and legacy were honored at a Celebration of Life in San Diego, CA. On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Robb Lally. His legacy is felt, and his presence will be greatly missed.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Tina Matthias, outstanding sustainability advocate and community member in the 52nd Congressional District. Ms. Matthias is being honored for her long-time advocacy for the sustainability of our planet and commitment to environmental issues. She created the nonprofit organization, South Bay Sustainable Communities Network. Ms. Matthias originally founded the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network in 2020 and in 2022 established the ``Youth 4 Sustainable Future'' program at local high schools, providing students and youth with environmental education and tools to take action to reduce the impact of climate change. As Founder and Executive Director, she works directly with the South Bay community advocating for the importance of how to lead a sustainable lifestyle through composting, organizes community clean-ups, hikes and hosts monthly educational zero waste workshops. The nonprofit organization has worked directly with 16 local neighborhoods to compost 49,800 pounds of food waste which prevented 1,992 gallons of gas used in waste transportation, and 33,665 pounds of Carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Ms. Matthias began her career at the Living Coast Discovery Center as the Volunteer and Programs Manager, serving for more than 32 years. For her dedication, Tina Matthias was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Lions Club International Foundation and her nonprofit received the Organization Award for Sustainable Champion from the City of Chula Vista. Ms. Matthias is being honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month in April 2023, during the month of Earth Day. She is recognized for her decades-long commitment to bring awareness of long-term solutions to address climate change, as well as education about sustainable practices to use in our everyday lives.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Ray Daniel ``Danny'' Hernandez, an outstanding Chicano advocate in the 52nd Congressional District. Mr. Hernandez was a committed and respected community leader who believed in the power of community to invoke equitable and long-term change. He worked tirelessly to uplift, empower, and serve our Latino/ Chicano, multicultural and other diverse communities. Mr. Hernandez was one of the founding members of the Chicano Federation's Latino Leadership Institute in 1985, whose mission is to establish the next generation of Latino civic leaders. Mr. Hernandez made valuable contributions to organizations including San Ysidro Health, the National City Chamber of Commerce, La Maestra Community Health Centers, MANA de San Diego, and Project New Village. He was the Director of Community Relations for San Ysidro Health and, over the years, provided extensive contributions in developing a wide array of outreach, community awareness, and promotional programs to provide access to high quality and affordable healthcare. Mr. Hernandez also supported the advancement of Latinas and assisted MANA de San Diego to increase membership, create awareness of their programs, and connecting the organization with donors. On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Ray Daniel ``Danny'' Hernandez. He is survived by his wife, Leticia Ibarra, and his sister, Christine Rosa Maestas. Furthermore, I would like to formally extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Hernandez for his unwavering commitment to providing equitable and accessible resources to our region throughout his nearly 45-year long career as an advocate and leader. His legacy will continue, as he inspired many.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Fred T. Macedo. Fred was born in Carlsbad, California, on May 14, 1944, and attended Carlsbad High School where he helped to win his school's first football CIF championship. In 1965, Fred joined the Laborers' International Union of North America, LIUNA, Local 89. Fred enjoyed a 37-year-career at LIUNA, building numerous high-profile projects that had lasting impact on the San Diego region. His legacy can be seen today through his work on the Coronado Bay Bridge, Units 2 and 3 of the San Onofre Power Plant, the San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant, and the Point Loma Water Filtration Plant. After retiring from LIUNA, Fred continued his service as president of the Advisory Council, where he was active in community service activities. He has helped to provide a space for retiring members to give back to their union and the broader community. Fred will be remembered for his contributions to the County of San Diego where he was a friend and mentor to many. His family and community are forever grateful for the contributions he has made in our region. San Diego lost a giant when we lost Fred T. Macedo.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, many times, things around here get topsy- turvy. We have a group here involved in an anticapitalist crusade against free-market principles, attempting to prevent financial institutions from allocating capital in accordance with investors' preferences and risk management priorities. Under their proposed resolution, investment advisers can no longer consider environmental, social, and governance factors that materially impact a company's performance and bottom line. That means that your hard-earned dollars cannot be adequately invested because you, the American worker, are now exposed to greater risk. It is interesting it doesn't say that you must invest in ESG. All that the Biden administration says is that you can if you want to. Whatever happened to capitalistic ideals that you should be able to invest in what you want? You are trying to force people to say: No, you cannot invest looking at a strategy of ESG. That doesn't make any sense at all. It doesn't make any sense at all. It is anticapitalistic. It is antimarket. We should not support this resolution.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Joanna Sansoterra of the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families in the San Diego Region. As the Program Coordinator of the organization, Ms. Sansoterra has worked tirelessly on the Onward to Opportunity program, which helps veterans, members of the selected reserves, and military spouses transition from military service to civilian life, Ms. Sansoterra has been instrumental in creating and enhancing the Onward to Opportunity program within San Diego's Navy Region Southwest area, with the goal of also partnering with private sector companies committed to training and hiring military talent and their spouses. Ms. Sansoterra has dedicated her life to the service of our country. Before her work at the D'Aniello Institute, Ms. Sansoterra served in the U.S. Air Force, both in active duty and as a reservist, and she is now a 33-year veteran. As a volunteer for her community, Ms. Sansoterra has served on the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Defense, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, as well as on the Board of San Diego Pride. She also volunteers for the Foundation for Women Warriors, which helps to honor and empower veteran women. Ms. Sansoterra has also played a significant role in advancing equality. She was instrumental in pushing for the first military parade in uniform with San Diego Pride, and she was inducted into the San Diego LGBTQ+ Veterans Wall of Honor, recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans. Ms. Sansoterra lives in the City of Imperial Beach, CA, with her wife, Stefanie, and she recently completed her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership & Management at University of San Diego. Ms. Sansoterra was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month, during National Veterans and Military Families Month in November 2022, for her outstanding commitment to supporting military families and veterans, as well as all her service and efforts that have helped those in need build a brighter future.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alex Villafuerte, outstanding advocate and community member in the 52nd Congressional District. Mr. Villafuerte is a committed volunteer, working tirelessly to uplift, empower, and serve our Asian and Pacific Islander (API), multicultural and other diverse communities. He is the co-chair and co- founder of the San Diego API Coalition, whose mission is to facilitate conversations with API communities and advocate for representation by amplifying and cultivating leadership. He helped organize a joint statement with more than 70 API-serving organizations denouncing the xenophobia, racism, and increasing acts of violence toward API communities. Mr. Villafuerte was the Director of Marketing and Communications at San Diego Pride. He also helped to create the San Diego Queer APIMEDA Coalition, with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for meaningful discussion about the intersection of individuals who identify as Desi, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian and LGBTQ+. Mr. Villafuerte served as Director of Communication and Community Engagement for San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee. He now serves as the Executive Director for the Pacific Arts Movement. He continues to work to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion for all in our region. Mr. Villafuerte was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in May 2022, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. He is recognized for his work in uplifting and empowering our multicultural communities of the Congressional District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Marisa Ugarte, Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC). Ms. Ugarte has worked diligently to combat human trafficking in San Diego County and Tijuana. BSCC's mission is to preserve the dignity and wellbeing of commercially and sexually exploited women and children through prevention, intervention, and education. In 1997, Marisa Ugarte founded the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, and it was constituted as a 501(c)3 to coordinate services and advocate for victims of human trafficking. Ms. Ugarte's mission became clear when she came across rape camps among the canyons of San Diego, forced labor in agricultural fields, and child prostitutes in Tijuana's infamous Zona Norte. She knew something had to be done. Today, the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition encompasses over 150 government and non-governmental agencies in the United States and Latin America who are dedicated to combating trafficking and empower victims. Ms. Ugarte convenes an annual anti-trafficking conference in San Diego to bring awareness of the dangers and threats-imposed from active human trafficking across both sides of the border. With a plethora of years of experience in human trafficking and crisis intervention case management, Ms. Ugarte is a human rights advocate who rescues victims from the brutal and exploitative system. Ms. Ugarte has been an active speaker at conferences nationwide and internationally to discuss the commercial and sexual exploitation of woman and children. Her public speaking engagements have included but are not limited to: The Millennium Conference in Texas and the International Institute for Restructuring the Justice System in Mexico. Ms. Ugarte has received grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department to support her work. The International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance awarded her for bringing sanctuary to girls in illegal brothels in Southern California who had been smuggled across the border. Ms. Ugarte was honored as the 52nd District Constituent of the Month, particularly during National Human Trafficking Prevention month in January 2023, for her outstanding commitment to supporting victims of human trafficking.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Judy Handler. Judy was born in Romania in 1935. After an upbringing fractured by World War II, Judy and her family fled the postwar communist regime, escaping through Europe to Israel. Judy's arduous childhood taught her the power of human compassion, something her family says saved her life more than once. Judy then came to the United States and quickly found the love of her life, Dr. Jerry Handler. The couple married and moved to California, where they spent 65 years making San Diego their home. The thing that Judy was most proud of was the loving family she built with her husband. Having extended her heart so fully to her family and community, it is no wonder that Judy is deeply missed. Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to Jerry and the family, and I honor her courage, curiosity, and compassion. May her memory be a blessing.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Diana Amador, outstanding women's health advocate and community volunteer in the 51st Congressional District. Ms. Amador is being honored for her efforts to provide greater access, bring equity to, and educate the community about women's reproductive health. She is also being recognized for many other volunteer efforts on other important issues. As a volunteer of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Ms. Amador provides reproductive and sexual health education to destigmatize and encourage conversation, particularly in underserved neighborhoods where these resources are not a priority or non-existent. She has also helped Planned Parenthood with several projects, including 2022 Pride Parade and the ``Bans off Our Bodies'' rally in May 2022. Ms. Amador has also led a Black/Latinx AIDS project where she provided sexual education to underserved high school students, along with information on navigating higher education. She has also worked with other communities in Southern California and Mexico to bring health fairs, offer preventative care, help address food insecurity, and provide STEM education and hands-on demonstrations. Ms. Amador is being recognized as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in August 2022, during the Day of Action for Women's Health Equity, for her selfless commitment and her positive impact to others. She is a long-time resident of National City, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Evolutionary Medicine from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Germiniano ``Gerry'' Fuentes Tubao and Angeles ``Angie'' Marijana Tubao, outstanding citizens and business owners in the 51st Congressional District. Mr. And Mrs. Tubao immigrated in the 1950s from the Philippines to the United States, where they met and eventually married in Worcester, Massachusetts. Mr. Tubao served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years as a sailor and Angie worked as a nurse at National City's Paradise Valley Hospital. They have worked in the real estate market in the 51st District for more than 60 years, establishing a legacy of property ownership, management, and development throughout the region. Mr. Gerry Tubao is the principal founder and developer of Market on 8th, located in National City and established as South County's first ethnic-themed food hall and beer garden. Market on 8th pays tribute to National City's radiant history with its collection of original murals, artwork, and vintage photos. Mr. Tubao is retiring from managing his family-owned company, Pacific Point Properties, and will continue to serve as a consultant. He and his wife Mrs. Angie Tubao leave a legacy of commitment and generosity to the residents of National City and the larger San Diego community. Mr. and Mrs. Tubao have written a memoir of their history in a book called ``A Land of Opportunity,'' which tells their story and perspective on faith, resilience, and prosperity. Their sons Joel Jon and Gene Joseph will succeed Mr. Tubao in shared leadership roles, continuing the business and serving the community in various volunteer roles.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Carmen Martinez, outstanding healthcare advocate and community member in the 51st Congressional District. Ms. Martinez is being honored for her long-time commitment to supporting healthcare and public health access. She was one of seven founding ``Mothers'' of San Ysidro Health, founded by residents in search of medical services for their children. Ms. Martinez originally established ``el Club de las Madres,'' and in 1969 opened the ``casita,'' the Centro de Salud de la Comunidad, which was a small house with only 2 rooms and 4 dedicated volunteers. San Ysidro Health, one of San Diego's largest non-profit community health providers, has grown to having a $50 million budget, 650 employees and 24 medical, dental, counseling and other services. San Ysidro Health has provided care for more than 110,000 patients and has more than 50 clinic and program sites, serving patients who have no insurance and receive Medi-Cal or Medicare. For her dedication, Mother Carmen Martinez was awarded with Southwestern College's honorary degree. She has been honored in the community for her strength, wisdom, perseverance, courage and love for its people. Ms. Martinez is being honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in September 2022, during Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as, during the month she turns 99 years of age. She is recognized for her work in paving the way to provide greater access and affordable healthcare services for all constituents, and she also continues to inspire the next generation of supporters of healthcare access.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hilda Beatrice MacFarland. Hilda was born in National City, California, in 1949. She was a pioneer and a trailblazing woman in the 1970s when the Mexican-American community was still relying on demonstration politics. Hilda worked for Housing and Urban Development, and she managed the senior citizen building Horton House in San Diego. She was heavily involved with countless nonprofit organizations where she fought for the poor, working-class, and elderly rights in the county. In 1976, Hilda was the first major contributor to La Gloria Infantil Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, and spent her entire life providing services to the orphanage. She was a heroic woman who stood up for education and human rights. She helped her community with the entirety of her heart and soul. With her strong and genuine spirit, she stood up for the disenfranchised, the abandoned, and the injured wherever she was. Hilda was loved by many and influenced so many of us. Her accomplishments and contributions to the community were profound, and she will be sorely missed.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Director of the Department of Commerce San Diego Office, Mr. Matthew David Andersen. A dedicated public servant, Mr. Andersen spent 37 years committed to developing U.S. commerce on the world stage. Mr. Andersen served as the Director of the Department of Commerce San Diego Office for 25 years before recently announcing his well-deserved retirement. Those who had the pleasure to work with Mr. Andersen say that he touched the lives and careers of many and will be dearly missed. A testament to his hard work, Mr. Andersen received the Department of Commerce's Bronze Award for Superior Federal Service in 2015. Mr. Andersen was an avid sports fan, loved animals, and enjoyed listening to The Beatles. He is survived by his partner, Brooke Palmer, his sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews. On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Matthew David Andersen. Furthermore, I would like to formally extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Andersen and his unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of service throughout his decades-long career with the Department of Commerce. He is greatly missed.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Anamaria Labao Cabato, an outstanding arts and culture advocate and community member in the 51st Congressional District. Ms. Cabato is being honored for her long-time commitment to advancing multicultural arts through various programs and initiatives. She is the Executive Director of PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company and has been involved with the organization since its inception 52 years ago in 1970. PASACAT is comprised of dancers, instrumentalists, and ``harana'' singers. As many as thirty performances are given yearly to various educational, cultural, religious, and social organizations in the region. Ms. Cabato serves as a board member of the San Diego Area Dance Alliance, was a founding partner of VOCAL, (Voices of Community at All Levels) and is a member of the City of San Diego Cultural Diversity Committee. Most recently, Ms. Cabato was the co-chair of the new Filipinos of South Bay Exhibit (FOSBE) at the Chula Vista Library, which shares stories of Filipinos of the South Bay in San Diego County. Ms. Cabato is being honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in October 2022, during Filipino American History Month. She is recognized for her work preserving and promoting Asian Pacific culture through the arts and contributing to the overall cultural vitality of the 51st Congressional District. She has vast experience as an arts administrator and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from San Diego State University.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Christina Paquian, outstanding blood donor and community volunteer in the 51st Congressional District. Ms. Paquian has made tremendous efforts to help meet regional blood needs and save lives around the region. She has been donating blood for more than 10 years, and recently reached a milestone of donating a total of four gallons. As a Guardian Circle Member of the San Diego Blood Bank, Ms. Paquian donates within 8 weeks from the day she is eligible to donate. She donates whole blood, platelets, double red blood cells, and plasma. During the pandemic, she was able to donate Convalescent Plasma, which includes Covid-19 antibodies. Ms. Paquian continues to donate blood to various organizations in San Diego County and was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in January 2022 during National Blood Donor Month, for her selfless commitment and her positive impact to others.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Detective Jamie R. Huntley-Park. A San Diego native, Detective Huntley-Park grew up in the La Jolla area, where she excelled as a hockey player, going on to play at Elmira College (EC) in New York. At EC, Detective Huntley-Park was a four-year letter winner on the women's ice hockey team. She helped the EC Soaring Eagles win two Eastern College Athletic Conference West titles and reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Tournament three times, including a runner-up finish as a senior in the 2009 national championship game. Detective Huntley-Park was honored as a member of the All-ECAC West Second Team after scoring a career-high 40 points (19g-21a) in her senior season. She also spent two seasons as an outfielder on the softball team. As a sophomore in 2007, Detective Huntley-Park started 18 games and recorded nine hits, 14 runs, and a team-high eight stolen bases. Additionally, Detective Huntley-Park earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice. In 2012, Detective Huntley-Park enrolled as a recruit in the San Diego Police Academy. It was there where she would meet her future husband, and fellow recruit, SDPD Detective Ryan Park. They married in February of 2016 and were both promoted to homicide detectives on the same day two years later. Detective Huntley-Park went on to work in the SDPD Southern Division, her husband, Detective Park, in the SDPD Homicide Unit. Amongst her peers, Detective Huntley-Park was tremendously respected. Her rapid ascent to a homicide detective in the department's Southern Division was a testament to her ability as an officer as well as her desire to serve the public. She gracefully and diligently upheld this promise to her community until her End of Watch on June 4, 2021. Detective Huntley-Park also gave back to her community through the sport she loved, coaching and refereeing girl's hockey during her free time. She was a referee for USA Hockey, the International Ice Hockey Federation, and the National Women's Hockey League. She was a role model for many girls and young women in Southern California, she coached several age groups in the San Diego Angels and Jr. Gulls programs. Detective Huntley-Park also made history as part of the first-ever all-female officiating crew for the 2021 National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) season. As an official, Detective Huntley-Park had worked for the NWHL since its inaugural season in 2015. She also gained significant experience in big games on the international stage. She officiated three International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championships in 2015, 2016, and 2019, and, before her passing, bad been assigned to work the 2021 championship tournament in August. Detective Huntley-Park was a giving community member who will be remembered for her selflessness and positive character. Sadly, both Detective Jamie R. Huntley-Park, and her husband Detective Ryan Park, were killed when their department vehicle was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. Detective Huntley-Park is survived by her parents, Edward and Cherisse. Detective Park is survived by his mother, Lana; brother, Justin; and father, Richard. On behalf of the residents of California's 51st Congressional District, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Detective Jamie Huntley-Park. Furthermore, I would like to formally extend my sincere gratitude to Detective Huntley-Park for her unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of service to her community throughout her nearly decade-long career with the San Diego Police Department. She is greatly missed.