[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JAMES Z. HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the accomplishments, 
devout commitment, and exceptional service of James Z. Hernandez.
  James is a remarkable individual who has devoted his life to helping 
people throughout his community. His proactive approach and passionate 
spirit render him a vital resource and beloved community member. His 
innovative drug and alcohol prevention programs have triggered a domino 
effect of initiatives that can only be described as pure genius rooted 
in deep concern for others.
  James witnessed the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse 
that had been plaguing families and communities and understood the 
magnitude of the problem. Being the passionate spirit that he is, it 
comes to no surprise that he was a pivotal force in bringing access to 
culture-specific substance abuse prevention and treatment services to 
America's Spanish-speaking population. On a crusade to further his 
cause, James took the issue to the political arena and became involved 
with legislation affecting Latino youth and adults. He collaborated 
with government agencies and elected officials to bring much needed 
attention to drug and alcohol abuse within his Latino community. I had 
the pleasure of working with James, on groundbreaking legislation while 
I served in the California State Assembly. AB 1784, The Alcohol and 
Drug Treatment For Adolescents Act, was the first legislation of its 
kind to provide assistance to youth with drug problems. The legislation 
became law and set precedent for other youth rehabilitation programs. 
James has consistently focused on finding ways to help curb the rapidly 
growing rate of drug dependent Latinos. His work in this field has been 
tremendous in paving the way to for a drug-free tomorrow.
  In 2001, his credentials and expertise led him to become an appointed 
member of the Los Angeles County Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs 
Commission. Throughout his career, James has demonstrated his 
effectiveness in addressing the problem and finding a solution.
  James is now the Executive Director of the California Hispanic 
Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, lnc.(CHCADA), which maintains 
over 20 substance abuse prevention and treatment contracts throughout 
Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, and Solano counties.
  It is only appropriate that James receive praise from so many as he 
approaches 30 years of devoting his life to serving others. His ardent 
work in the field of drug and substance abuse deserves to be commended. 
It is because of his relentless persistence and astounding vision that 
a multitude of preventative services exists. Throughout counties in 
California, individuals with addiction problems can receive 
professional assistance in fighting a crippling disease. His life's 
work means so much to so many people. And, in the words of Jackie 
Robinson, ``A life is not important except in the impact it has on 
other lives.''
  And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this commendation of James Z. Hernandez 
to be included in the archives of the history of this great nation, for 
individuals like James are what make this nation great. His life 
represents hope for countless people across California who have 
confronted the perils of drug and alcohol abuse and can now be 
comforted with hope.

                          ____________________