[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E234-E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING RUTH SWIGGETT'S LIFELONG COMMUNITY SERVICE TO EL SERENO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and extend birthday 
wishes to an inspirational African-American woman from my district who 
has demonstrated a life long commitment to the community of El Sereno. 
For several decades, Ruth Swiggett has been a pillar in one of the most 
diverse communities in my district. The life of Ruth Swiggett takes on 
monumental significance as we will be celebrating her 99th birthday on 
Friday.
  Ruth Swiggett has worn many hats in her lifetime--wife, mother, and 
community activist. She is the co-founder of the El Sereno Coordinating 
Council and has also served as advisor and president of the El Sereno 
Seniors. She has also been heavily involved with the El Sereno Youth 
Center, a community-based organization that fosters an educational 
enriched program and provides an after-school literacy based technology 
center for the children of the surrounding school community. As a proud 
Benefactor of the El Sereno Youth Center, Ruth has always worked 
tirelessly to help raise funds and coordinate supplementary educational 
resources for this important youth center.
  Our nation is always in search of positive and meaningful role models 
to enrich our lives and foster innovative approaches that embrace 
positive character and virtue. One need not look any further than the 
community of El Sereno--for there is a sweet, caring woman who 
continues to make monthly visits to the El Sereno Youth Center where 
she celebrates every holiday with the children from the neighborhood 
who love and respect her.

[[Page E235]]

  I am privileged to have befriended Ruth Swiggett and am proud to 
speak of this renowned woman who has taught us all the significance of 
humanism and social justice.

                          ____________________