July 9, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1129

ALAN LOWENTHAL, Congresswoman DORIS also worked as a news anchor at CNN–2, food, cooking in the kitchen or finishing home- MATSUI, Congressman JERRY MCNERNEY, which later became CNN Headline News. Be- work at the tables. Congressman GEORGE MILLER, Congress- fore arriving in Fresno, Bud worked as the Lebanese Taverna today, 35 years later, is woman GRACE NAPOLITANO, Congresswoman main news anchor at the ABC affiliate in Rich- a multi-concept collaboration with six res- GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD, Congresswoman mond, Virginia. taurants, four quick service cafes, a market, NANCY PELOSI, Congressman SCOTT PETERS, In 1987, Bud began his career at KSEE24. and full service catering division. Tanios and Congresswoman LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD, Since then, he has worked tirelessly to estab- Marie are easing into retirement (although still Congressman RAUL RUIZ, Congresswoman lish a solid reputation in the community for de- involved in quality control) while the five sib- INDA A´NCHEZ ORETTA livering accurate news. While at KSEE24, Bud L S , Congresswoman L lings, each with their own specialty, operate ANCHEZ DAM CHIFF has worked as the evening news anchor, S , Congressman A S , Con- the business. Today the Abi-Najm children still gressman BRAD SHERMAN, Congresswoman morning newscast anchor, and morning show greet old friends and welcome new ones into JACKIE SPEIER, Congressman ERIC SWALWELL, co-anchor. He has worked from both behind the restaurants where they grew up and Congressman MARK TAKANO, Congressman the desk and out in the field to deliver news shared their lives, in keeping with their motto, MIKE THOMPSON, Congressman JUAN VARGAS, that is relevant and important to residents in ‘‘good food enjoyed in good company.’’ Leba- Congresswoman MAXINE WATERS, and Con- the Valley. nese Taverna has come to symbolize the real- gressman HENRY WAXMAN to honor our dear The commitment Bud has made to his ca- ization of dreams and the rewards of dedica- friend Mike Garcia who is retiring after more reer and the Central Valley has not gone un- tion. than 30 years of service to working families in noticed. Throughout his time in the San Joa- California. quin Valley, Bud has earned a number of Mr. Speaker, once again, let me congratu- Mike served as the President of Service awards for excellence in journalism, including late Mr. and Mrs. Abi-Najm on their 35 years Employees International Union United Service an Emmy and several Associated Press and of success. This family embodies the very Workers West (SEIU USSW) between 1988 Radio-Television News Directors Association best ideals of the American dream; hard work and 2014, where he led 40,000 janitors, secu- awards. Most recently, Bud was recognized by and a strong commitment to family and com- rity officers and airport workers across Cali- the Fresno County Farm Bureau for his work munity. Congratulations on 35 years of suc- fornia in the fight for good jobs. Mike has been on a four-part series focused on the water cess! involved in the labor movement since 1980, challenges that farmers face in California’s when he began his career organizing janitors San Joaquin Valley. f first in San Jose and later in San Diego in the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me ‘‘Justice for Janitors’’ campaign. in recognizing the outstanding contributions IN MEMORY OF PAT TORO In 2010 he oversaw the merger of several Mr. Bud Elliott has made to the San Joaquin local unions into SEIU USWW, a statewide Valley. The lasting contributions he has made union of property service workers. Mike guided to our community as a news anchor deserve HON. GRACE MENG SEIU USWW through years of dramatic to be commended. OF NEW YORK growth, taking a union of 1,800 janitors and f building a powerful statewide local on the fore- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES front of fighting for immigrants’ rights and lift- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Wednesday, July 9, 2014 ing working families out of poverty. Mike had a deep understanding of policy HON. LOIS CAPPS Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in and the questions that matter most to working OF CALIFORNIA memory of my constituent, Pat Toro, deco- class Californians. He was also extremely IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rated Vietnam veteran, longtime former presi- brave; willing to face the strongest adversaries Wednesday, July 9, 2014 dent of the Queens chapter of the Vietnam when fighting for those who needed his help. Veterans of America, and retired law-enforce- According to Mike, his greatest accomplish- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to ment officer. Pat passed away on Thursday, ment was winning the historic janitors’ strike of be present for the following rollcall vote on July 3, at the age of sixty-four, after a long 2000 in Los Angeles, an action he proudly July 8, 2014, and would like the RECORD to re- battle with leukemia. notes ‘‘changed the lives of thousands of jani- flect that I would have voted as follows: rollcall tors and their families because USWW mem- No. 369: ‘‘yes;’’ rollcall No. 370: ‘‘yes.’’ Pat served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the bers—the real heroes of the strike—laid it all f on the line for a chance to win and bring their United States he continued to serve his com- CONGRATULATING LEBANESE families into the American middle class.’’ munity as a criminal investigator for the Port TAVERNA ON THEIR 35TH ANNI- In retirement Mike will remain a powerful Authority of New York and New Jersey. In ad- VERSARY voice for vulnerable populations and a strong dition to being the President of the Queens advocate for comprehensive immigration re- chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, form to help millions of aspiring citizens HON. JAMES P. MORAN Pat held the positions of Southern District achieve better lives. OF VIRGINIA Leader and National Director at Large. Mr. Speaker, we ask the entire House of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES During his tenure with the Vietnam Veterans Representatives to join us in honoring Mike Wednesday, July 9, 2014 of America, Pat was profoundly dedicated to Garcia for his service to our Country. improving the quality of life and preserving the Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to f history of his fellow veterans. He started a congratulate Lebanese Taverna on their 35th program to provide dignified burials for indi- RECOGNIZING BUD ELLIOTT Anniversary. Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm immi- gent veterans, which gave ninety people the grated to the United States in 1976, along with proper respect they had earned. One of Pat’s HON. JIM COSTA their five young children: Dory, Dany, David, goals was to construct a memorial that would OF CALIFORNIA Gladys and Grace. honor the more than 400 fallen Vietnam vet- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The family boarded a cargo ship, in the erans from Queens. Although this project re- dead of the night, to escape the Civil War in Wednesday, July 9, 2014 mains on hold, completing it would be a fitting Lebanon, bringing only what they could carry. honor to Pat’s memory. Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Their final destination was Arlington, Virginia recognize Mr. Bud Elliott as he celebrates his where other family members had already been There is not a better example of unbridled retirement as a reporter and news anchor for living. After working in local restaurants for patriotism and service than Pat Toro, who was KSEE24. For 23 years, Bud has been a part three years, the family saved enough to pur- inducted into the New York State Veterans of thousands of viewers’ lives, and we will all chase a small restaurant in the Westover Hall of Fame in 2006. undoubtedly miss watching him on the neighborhood of Arlington, near their home. I ask that my colleagues in the House of evening news. Being practical, they kept the original sign, Representatives join me and rise in memory of Bud’s career in journalism began years be- ‘‘Athenian Taverna,’’ changing just one word, the courageous and benevolent American fore his time at KSEE24. Bud worked at thus ‘‘Lebanese Taverna’’ was born. Each hero, Pat Toro, who provided an immeas- KHOW radio in Denver, Colorado, where he family member had a role at the original loca- urable service to some of the most deserving was news director for most of the 1970s. He tion, whether it was greeting guests, serving Americans.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:06 Jul 10, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09JY8.015 E09JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 9, 2014 PERSONAL EXPLANATION improve his irrigation management which will RECOGNIZING THE CALIFORNIA make his farm operation viable for years to FARM WATER COALITION HON. KEITH ELLISON come. OF MINNESOTA His conservation practices have included HON. JIM COSTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gated pipeline, water control structure, irriga- OF CALIFORNIA Wednesday, July 9, 2014 tion system sprinkler, irrigation reservoir, pest IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES management and nutrient management. Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, on June 26, Wednesday, July 9, 2014 In addition to his farm operations, Mr. Davis 2014, I missed Rollcall Votes No. 360–369 raises Black Angus cattle, is a member of the Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great due to commitments in my district. Had I been Lamar Elks and is currently working on his pleasure that I rise today along with my col- present I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on Rollcall second passion by training for his private pi- league Mr. VALADAO to recognize the 25th an- Vote 360, ‘‘yes’’ on Rollcall Vote 361, ‘‘yes’’ on lot’s license. niversary of the California Farm Water Coali- Rollcall Vote 362, ‘‘yes’’ on Rollcall Vote 363, tion. The Coalition’s contributions to Califor- ‘‘yes’’ on Rollcall Vote 364, ‘‘yes’’ on Rollcall I am pleased to recognize Rex Davis as the nia’s agricultural industry deserve to be com- Vote 365, ‘‘no’’ on Rollcall Vote 366, ‘‘yes’’ on 2013 Prowers County Conservationist of the mended. Rollcall Vote 367 and ‘‘no’’ on Rollcall Vote Year. Since 1989, the California Farm Water Coa- 368. lition has been working with farmers, law- f f makers, and the news media to provide fac- tual information emphasizing the importance of HONORING ELLENSBURG HIGH HILLSIDE HOSE COMPANY #1 OF farm water to California’s food production. The SCHOOL VARSITY BASEBALL MORRIS TOWNSHIP 100TH ANNI- Coalition was instrumental in increasing public TEAM VERSARY awareness about the resourceful water use practices that farmers partake in daily. Some HON. DAVID G. REICHERT HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN interest groups falsely criticize farmers for not OF WASHINGTON OF NEW JERSEY using their water efficiently, making these pub- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lic awareness efforts even more important. Wednesday, July 9, 2014 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Coalition is the largest organization in Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Wednesday, July 9, 2014 California that focuses solely on water for agri- culture and is comprised of a diverse member- honor the Ellensburg High School Varsity Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Baseball Team. On Saturday May 31, 2014 ship, which includes water districts, agencies, today to honor the Hillside Hose Company #1, farmers, and organizations from the entire the team won the Class 2A Washington State located in the township of Morris, County of Championship, the first baseball state cham- state. For the past 25 years, the Coalition has Morris, New Jersey, as it celebrates its Cen- provided an outlet for their members to share pionship in the school’s history. tennial. This group of young men overcame adver- their views and accomplishments with the pub- sity and, through extra practices and hard The Hillside Hose Company #1 was found- lic. work, came to finish their season with a 10 ed in 1914 by local citizens as a ‘‘not-for-prof- The California Farm Water Coalition works game winning streak and winning 14 of their it’’ volunteer organization. The Company now diligently to increase public awareness so indi- last 15 games. It is this perseverance that serves as Station 3 of the Morris Township viduals understand the important role that earned them this incredible championship. Fire Department, protecting more than 22,000 water has in California’s economy. Since None of this would have been possible, of residents. When needed, it also helps other 1996, they have reached millions of motorists course, without the exemplary leadership of municipalities’ with mutual aid. Along with through a billboard campaign with the slogan, the Bulldog’s Head Coach Todd Gibson, who fighting fires, their dedicated volunteers also ‘‘Food Grows Where Water Flows.’’ They has inspired and directed these student ath- conduct neighborhood safety patrols and en- strive to stay innovative in their marketing letes for the past 5 years. sure safety for events such as the July 4th techniques so that consumers are educated The young men on the team deserve indi- fireworks, graduation ceremonies, or other about the importance of water to growing their vidual recognition as well. They are: Xander permitted events. Recently, Hillside Hose nutritious fruits and vegetables. Orejudos, Travis Lyman, Cameron Curtis, Company received a Unit Citation from the In addition to educating the public on the Cameron Campbell, Kyle Hickman, Bobby Morris Township Committee for exemplary importance of farm water, the Coalition partici- Ward, Tyler Wyatt, Dalton Mandelas, Garrett service during the natural disaster of Hurri- pates in key legislative meetings to provide Hull, Junior Ledgard, Tyrel Panter, Alex cane Irene. valuable data pertaining to farm water and Ponchene, Alonso Bibiano, Ceanu Strom, Hillside Hose Company also provides com- pending legislation that will affect farmers and Kyler Watts, Taylor Smith, and Million Zimmer- munity programs to their residents by hosting their use of water. Their participation and re- man. The coaching staff also: Brian Kelley, events for children at Halloween, and Christ- sources were useful in the development of the Travis Gibson, Casey Kelley, DJ Smith, Ryan mas. Some of their most successful events in- Central Valley Water Plan. Kellogg, and Gage Gibson. clude the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween cos- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the I am honored to have Ellensburg High tume parade, and the annual Christmas tree U.S. House of Representatives to join Mr. School as part of the Eighth Congressional fundraiser sale. These events are open to the VALADAO and myself in recognizing the 25th District of Washington and I congratulate them public and have a high attendance of children anniversary of the California Farm Water Coa- on their success, and earning the 2014 Class that love to participate every year. lition. The State of California’s agricultural in- 2A State Championship. Thank you. A considerable amount of the Hillside Hose dustry has benefitted immensely due to the hard work and efforts made by the California f Company #1’s budget supports scholarships for local students; youth sports teams, and do- Farm Water Coalition. HONORING MR. REX DAVIS nations to numerous charitable causes. Hill- f side awards $1,500 scholarships to graduating IN HONOR OF PAUL S. AMOS HON. CORY GARDNER high school seniors who pursue higher edu- OF COLORADO cation. HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Company takes pride in educating the OF GEORGIA Wednesday, July 9, 2014 residents they serve about the importance of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to smoke detectors and safety evacuation plans. Wednesday, July 9, 2014 honor Rex Davis, from Lamar, Colorado. They offer important information about when Mr. Davis owns a 298 acre irrigated farm in to change the batteries in the detectors and Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is southern Colorado and has participated in the teaching children what to do in the event of a with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance Environmental Quality Incentive Program and fire. that I rise today to pay tribute to an out- the Conservation Stewardship Program since Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues standing citizen and servant of humankind, Mr. 2007. to join me in congratulating everyone that is Paul S. Amos. Sadly, Mr. Amos passed away Throughout the years Mr. Davis has intro- associated with the Hillside Hose Company on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Funeral services duced efficient and sustainable practices to #1, and as they celebrate their Centennial. were held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 3:00

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