[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E119-E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN MEMORY OF JOHN GELFF, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCILMEMBER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay my 
respects to an individual whose contributions to his community were 
exceptional. San Juan Capistrano City Councilman John Gelff recently 
passed away and today I would like the House of Representatives to 
recognize his contributions to his community.
  John's life is marked by his service to community and others. He 
served in many public capacities throughout Orange County during

[[Page E120]]

his life and six years ago moved to San Juan Capistrano. His immediate 
devotion and commitment to San Juan Capistrano was evident in his 
leadership as Mayor in 2003 and his service as Chairman of the City's 
Redevelopment Agency.
  Community members remark on his love for the city and charitable 
organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association's South Orange 
County Walk and his service on the Orange County Library Commission. 
His accomplishments during his short time as a city councilmember 
include the prevention of a second railroad track in town, the 
prevention of a San Diego Gas & Electric electrical substation being 
located in the City, and working with the Orange County Transportation 
Authority to make traffic improvements along the San Diego Freeway 
corridor.
  In 2000, my congressional district changed to include part of San 
Juan Capistrano and immediately I was impressed with John's passion and 
commitment to his community. San Juan Capistrano is undoubtedly a 
better place because of John Gelff's contributions. His leadership and 
energy will be truly missed.

                          ____________________