[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ROBERTO GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Roberto 
Garcia, recipient of the Napa County Hispanic Network Lifetime 
Achievement Award, for his outstanding contributions to the youth of 
Napa County. He has devoted his life to promoting mutual understanding 
and respect in our community and is an excellent role model for us all.
  Roberto Garcia has placed a high priority on providing much needed 
positive role models for Latino youth, as well as promoting the 
importance of learning English and pursuing higher education. 
Undoubtedly, he is a dedicated educator and community leader. Over the 
course of his highly successful career, he has worked as a Migrant 
Education Secondary School Advisor, an ``English as a Second Language 
Instructor'' at Napa Valley College and an Outreach Specialist for the 
Citizenship Project of the Napa County Council for Economic 
Opportunity. He cares deeply for the problems that face our nation's 
youth and has worked tirelessly to find long-lasting solutions in the 
community. To that end, he has helped mediate gang conflicts, including 
the organization of the largest gang forum in the Napa County.
  Our community and our nation have benefited greatly from Roberto 
Garcia's time, effort, and dedication. He was a cofounder and past 
president of the Napa County Hispanic Network. Within this organization 
he founded the Napa County Hispanic Network Scholarship program. He has 
also served on the Board of Directors of the Mexican Cultural Center 
for the Bay Area, was a past docent of the Napa Valley Museum Hispanic 
Trunk Presentations and an active member of the Napa County Chicano/
Latino Democratic Caucus.
  Roberto Garcia's past achievements in his quest to educate the 
community have been numerous. He has organized many cultural events 
including the annual ``Christmas in Mexico Festival,'' Spanish Zarzuela 
Concerts and art exhibits of Yucatan Mexico. He was instrumental in 
bringing the Mexican Consul to the Napa Valley several times each year 
to issue documentation and address concerns of the local Mexican 
population. In addition, he was honored in 1998 by the Napa County 
Democratic Caucus as the Democrat of the Year.
  Roberto Garcia is a devoted father and has been blessed with two 
daughters, Christina and Lourdes Xochitl, and one granddaughter, Susan 
Parks.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Roberto 
Garcia for his dedication and commitment to so many important and 
worthwhile causes. He has devoted his life to addressing the concerns 
of the community and specifically the problems facing Latino youth. He 
has helped foster awareness and understanding, working to bridge gaps 
between our diverse community. For these reasons, it is necessary that 
we honor this leader and my good friend for his continuing 
distinguished service to the people of the Napa Valley and for 
receiving the NAPA County Hispanic Network Lifetime Achievement Award.

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