[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SYD KRONENTHAL

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of the House 
Syd Kronenthal, whose remarkable record of 50 years of service as 
Director of Human Services for the City of Culver City has become a 
major source of civic pride.
  Syd began his work for Culver City on December 14, 1945, following 
his service in the United States Air Corps in World War II. His Culver 
City employment record was punctuated only by a brief hiatus in 1946, 
when General Omar Bradley summoned him to be rehabilitation supervisor 
for the Veterans Administration. He returned to Culver City in April of 
1947 where he has been ever since.
  One of his most significant contributions was his leadership in 
drafting and obtaining voter approval for Culver City's first major 
recreation bond issue after World War II. This bond issue enabled the 
city to construct the Veterans Memorial Building, the Olympic-size 
swimming pool, new recreation buildings at McManus Park and Culver West 
Park. It also provided the means to rehabilitate the old pistol range 
at Lindberg Park that has been converted into the present recreational 
facility.
  As a leader in the Sister City Program, Syd has been a pioneer in 
building bridges of understanding to people of other nations and 
cultures. His commitment to the Olympic movement dates back to the 
historic 1932 Olympic Games where he helped create the Olympic Village 
in the area now known as Baldwin Hills, and later served as a member of 
the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games Citizens Advisory Committee.
  It was under Syd's leadership that in later years Culver City 
developed a youth and community center, and converted the former county 
library into a multi-purpose senior citizen center. The Culver City 
Senior Center is widely recognized as one of the finest senior 
facilities in the United States. He continues his outstanding 
stewardship over a myriad of essential social services and recreational 
programs.
  In grateful appreciation of his many efforts on behalf of the city, 
McManus Park was re-named Syd Kronenthal Park in 1992.
  Over the years these important institutions have proven to be vital 
community assets which have greatly enriched the lives of the people of 
Culver City. Like a tall oak tree which has endured the test of time, 
his leadership and service become more valuable with every passing 
year.
  Mr. Speaker, on Friday, February 23, 1996, there will be a civic 
celebration and appreciation of Syd Kronenthal in Culver City. I know I 
speak for all of my colleagues in congratulating him on this 
extraordinary milestone, and offering best wishes for another 50 years.

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