[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HAL BERNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, We rise today to pay tribute to Hal 
Bernson, for his leadership and efforts to improve the quality of life 
in our community. Hal is a determined hard working individual who has 
dedicated 25 years of invaluable service to our city as a Los Angeles 
City Councilman and as an Honorary Chairman of the Annual North Valley 
Family YMCA Booster Club Dinner.
  Hal Bernson, a native of the San Fernando Valley since 1957, has 
devoted much time and energy to improving his community. He has been a 
driving force in cultivating relations between the private businesses 
in Los Angeles and the public sector. Throughout his public career, 
beginning in 1979 as a newly elected official, he has focused on 
improving the quality of life in Southern California by spearheading 
ordinances to preserve Southland parks and residential areas.
  Beginning in 1990 Hal formed the 12th Council District TMA, the first 
city-side Transportation Management Association. He has served as the 
City of Los Angeles Earthquake Preparedness Coordinator, and as a 
member of the State of California Seismic Commission. Along with 
overseeing such committees, he has also worked to improve the state's 
earthquake preparedness, funding to retrofit sub-standard buildings as 
well as the implementations of state and local educational programs. 
His efforts have been instrumental in establishing a policy that 
considers jobs, housing and transportation, to create an environment 
which has strengthened the local economy.
  Under the direction of Hal, the Annual YMCA Booster Club Dinner has 
managed to raise the highest amount in its history. His commitment to 
the YMCA was tremendous, and as a result, the YMCA contributed $1 
million in essential funds for the local chapter to meet the health and 
social service needs of the community.
  City Councilman Hal Bernson has received a number of awards 
recognizing his efforts as an outstanding community leader, including 
the Governor's award for Earthquake Preparedness; the News maker of the 
Year Valley Press Club Award; the North Valley YMCA Benefactor of Youth 
``Golden Helmet'' Award; the Founders Awards from the 12th Council 
District Transportation Management Association; the Alfred E. Alquist 
Award for achievement in Earthquake Safety. Lastly, he was named Man of 
the Year in 1995 by the Association for Commuter Transit.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing City Councilman Hal 
Bernson. A man of strong integrity. A leader with vision willing to 
cross partisan lines to work with all people and all constituents for 
the betterment and common good of our great state of California.

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