[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 149 (Wednesday, December 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GRACE McCARTHY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2000

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to the life and contributions of Grace McCarthy, who passed 
away just a few days ago at the age of 92.
  One of Pacifica, California's most passionate and influential 
citizens, Grace McCarthy added value and beauty to almost every aspect 
of civic life in Pacifica and in San Mateo County. Her countless 
contributions were not made simply from her strong sense of public 
duty, but from the affection and loyalty she had for the city and 
citizens of Pacifica.
  Mr. Speaker, the phrases ``ecologically sound'' and ``environmental 
protection'' were not as popular thirty years ago as they are today, 
but Grace did a great deal to give them meaning in Pacifica. Never 
bending simply because some opinion leaders may have disagreed with 
her, Grace was a maverick whose steadfast views and boundless energy 
were key to protecting Pacifica's natural splendor beginning in the 
1970's.
  Nothing demonstrates this more than Grace McCarthy's appointment to 
the first Coastal Conservation Commission for Pacifica and to the 
California State Coastal Commission. During her tenure, Grace fought 
unpopular battles and was often at odds with fellow commission members, 
but her views always earned respect because of her unquestioning 
devotion to protecting and preserving the coast in and around Pacifica. 
The Pacifica Tribune commented, ``As a member of the Central Coastal 
Conservation Commission, she catches it from both sides. Free 
enterprise businessmen and property owners figure she's aligned with 
those who would `close' the coast. The environmentalists accuse her of 
being aligned with the free enterprise business and property owners . . 
. Fortunately, Mrs. McCarthy is a practical, tough not easily 
intimidated or discouraged public servant who's doing a hard job 
well.''
  Mr. Speaker, Grace's inherent respect for natural beauty existed 
before she came to reside permanently in Pacifica with her husband and 
children. Grace and her husband, Carl, met at Yosemite National Park, 
where, fortuitously, Carl paid a chance visit and Grace was attending a 
nature convention. Grace and Carl's mutual love for nature augmented 
Grace's devotion to Pacifica's coast and its evergreens.
  Decades before environmental issues were in vogue, Grace McCarthy 
devotedly and doggedly fought for wilderness parks, open space, riding 
and hiking trails, and the dedication of parks in new subdivisions. 
Although she was a fierce, determined and indomitable conservationist, 
in her public activities and in her private life, she was the epitome 
of her name--Grace.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us who honor Grace McCarthy will look to 
Pacifica's treetops and coastline and know that much of what we cherish 
there is ours to enjoy because of Grace's energy, foresight, fierce 
determination and firm conviction. We will miss her in the fights that 
lie ahead, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide our 
actions.

                          ____________________