[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E286-E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FRANK DEL OLMO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pride that I rise today 
to recognize and honor one of this country's finest journalists--Mr. 
Frank del Olmo--as he celebrates 25 years of service at The Los Angeles 
Times.
  For over two decades, Frank has written for Los Angeles' awardwinning 
daily and has delivered more than just a story and a byline.
  Frank began his career at The Los Angeles Times as an intern in 1971 
and was hired as a reporter upon completion of his apprenticeship. 
After spending a year reporting local news, he soon became a staff 
writer specializing in Latin American affairs--a stint which lasted 
nearly 10 years and distinguished him as one of the best writers at his 
hometown paper.
  Frank rose to the rank of editorial writer and held the position for 
9 years before beginning his 6-year tenure as deputy editor of the 
editorial pages. Today, Frank is assistant to the editor at The Los 
Angeles Times. He holds the highest position of any Latino at the 
newspaper, and he continues to be one of the few high-ranking Latinos 
in newspaper management in the country.
  Frank has earned a reputation for being a journalist with integrity--
a risk-taker who knows how to thread the needle--a man confidently 
anchored as much in his words as by his deeds.
  Perhaps one of the most defining moments in Frank's career was born 
in a dissenting opinion he wrote a few years ago while deputy editor of 
the editorial pages. When The Times issued a gubernatorial endorsement 
with which he strongly disagreed, Frank put his pen to work despite the 
brewing tension that many believed might lead to his permanent 
departure from the paper. For Frank, expressing his opinions publicly 
was a matter of conscience. He could not sit back while the official 
Times opinion so offended California's ethnic and immigrant 
communities. His efforts brought him greater respect from journalists 
in the newsroom; and management fully realized the talents and crucial 
voice that Frank brings to its pages.
  As assistant to the editor, Frank continues to write an insightful 
column for Sunday's opinion page, and he has greater input in what the 
paper will run each day. Frank earned this responsibility because he 
worked hard, because he was vigilant on behalf of his paper and his 
principles. He earned it because he dared to speak his mind--
legitimately, constructively.
  The quality of Frank's work over the years has earned him public 
acclaim. In 1991, he was a co-winner of The Los Angeles Times 
``Editorial Award'' for pieces written on the Rodney King/LAPD/Darryl 
Gates case. In 1984, Frank received the prestigious ``Pulitzer Gold 
Medal for Meritous Public Service'' for a series of articles on 
Southern California's Latino community.
  While Frank is highly regarded in the Los Angeles newsroom where the 
has worked for over 20 years, the story is no different outside the 
newsroom.
  Frank, the highest-ranking Latino at The Los Angeles Times, serves as 
a role model for Latinos and other minorities, especially young 
aspiring journalists. His commitment to advancing the lives of young 
people and desire to see more Latinos blaze the journalist path 
inspired him to join with his colleagues to establish the California 
Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) nearly 25 years ago.
  Today, the 500-member organization serves as a valuable resource for 
working journalists and aspiring journalists alike. Frank was a 
principal architect in the designing of the summer high school 
journalism workshops that are synonymous with CCNMA. The workshops 
allow participating students to acquire--through one-on-one training 
with professional journalists in actual newsrooms--the necessary tools 
to report the world.
  From covering the local beat as a rookie reporter, to reporting the 
violence and bloodshed of civil disturbance in Central America, to 
writing commentaries and helping students, Frank

[[Page E287]]

has surpassed the expectations and standards of a journalist. In a time 
when so many take liberty to belittle and bash members of the media, it 
is with great pleasure that I honor Frank today and share a piece of 
his life with you.
  Mr. Speaker, as friends and associates gather to congratulate Frank 
for his 25 years of outstanding work, I ask that my colleagues and my 
country join me in saluting this exceptional individual--An individual 
who is a tremendous journalist and an active community leader--an 
individual who, until I memorialize it in writing, may never understand 
just how proud he makes so many of us feel.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank del Olmo is a humble and thoughtful man who 
carefully conceals the passsion and determination of a warrior. He is 
most deserving of our words of tribute. How I only wish that my pen 
would sing like his.

                          ____________________