[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E308-E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MR. VICTOR MANUEL ARRANAGA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Mr. 
Victor Manuel Arranaga and his contributions to his family and 
community. Mr. Arranaga was a man who worked hard all his life to 
better the lives of those around him. He was also a man who instilled 
important values in his family and practiced those values everyday 
towards those around him. He died on December 30, 2002.
  Mr. Arranaga grew up in Del Rio, Texas, where he operated the 
Arranaga and Sons

[[Page E309]]

grocery store with his father, brothers, and sisters. He was known for 
extending credit with no questions asked and for offering free 
groceries to those who could not afford to purchase them. In 1967, Mr. 
Arranaga moved to San Jose, California, and began work at Food Villa in 
Santa Clara. As a dedicated employee for 20 years, he built a 
reputation for extraordinary customer service and was admired for his 
sense of humor. Mr. Arranaga was also a member of the Retail Clerks 
Local 428 Union.
  Mr. Arranaga was active in the community both in Del Rio and San 
Jose. Elected to the Del Rio City Council in 1958, he was the second 
Latino in the town's history to hold the office. As a city councilman, 
Mr. Arranaga formed a partnership with the neighboring border town of 
Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, in order to strengthen the relationships between 
the United States and Mexico. While performing his civic duties, he 
developed the city's first fire station and created high-quality low-
income housing in the disadvantaged Del Rio neighborhood of San Felipe. 
The development's first street was named ``Arranaga Avenue'' to 
recognize his dedicated efforts to the city and the project. Mr. 
Arranaga was also an active member of the Lions Club in Del Rio, where 
he was the first Latino to serve as President and Zone Chairman. He was 
also a member of the club's recruitment committee. While in San Jose, 
he was an active member of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church 
in Alviso, California.
  A devoted family man, Victor was married to his wife, Ina, for 54 
years. Together they raised seven children, eighteen grandchildren, and 
eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Arranaga encouraged his children to 
pursue higher education and to be active in their communities. He also 
imparted and practiced his core principles of love, honor, and respect 
for family to all of those around him.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering and honoring Mr. Victor 
Manuel Arranaga for his service to his community and his dedication to 
his family. He was a man of great integrity and an inspiration to all 
of us.

                          ____________________