[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO HERB CAEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, the relationship between elected 
officials and the media has historically been one of love and hate. 
Those of us in the public eye realize that by entering into the arena 
we are subject to criticism and commentary from the media. After you 
have spent time in public life you learn to accept the fact that there 
are going to be those who disagree with you on a variety of issues. 
Some commentators can give fair, and well-reasoned arguments for why 
they have a difference of opinion, and some choose to just throw mud. 
Herb Caen never threw mud.
  On Saturday, February 1, the people of northern California lost one 
of it's most beloved figures. Herb Caen was more than just a columnist, 
he was a towering figure in the city where he wrote for the San 
Francisco Chronicle for almost 60 years. Every morning thousands of 
people in the bay area and beyond awoke to read Herb's unique blend of 
local news, gossip, jokes, one-liners, and political commentary. In May 
1996, Herb was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for his ``extraordinary 
and continuing contribution as a voice and a conscience of his city.'' 
In addition to his column for the Chronicle, he also wrote magazine 
articles, and 12 books including, ``One Man's San Francisco'' and 
``Don't Call it Frisco.''
  In fact, the people of San Francisco admired him so much that upon 
his public announcement last summer that he had inoperable lung cancer, 
the city of San Francisco dedicated a 3.2-mile promenade stretching 
from China Basin to Fisherman's Wharf as Herb Caen Way. Besides being 
an entertaining writer, and political watchdog, Herb was a crusader, 
who used the power of the pen to tackle injustice, and to fight for 
what he believed in. Many credit Herb with saving the cable cars, and 
preventing the Golden Gate Park from being paved over by a massive 
highway project. But more than anything, it was the way in which Herb 
lived his life that he will be most remembered for. Whether it was 
dancing the night away to a jazz band, or just strolling along his 
beloved waterfront, he always had a good time. I am sure that I am 
joined by all of northern California in saying that we will miss Herb 
Caen.

                          ____________________