[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO GEORGE AND VIE OBERN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to two 
special citizens, George and Vie Obern.
  George and Vie Obern have dedicated themselves to improving 
conditions for bicyclists, hikers and equestrians throughout Santa 
Barbara County. George and Vie Obern's work led to the successful 
development of local trail and pathway projects, including the Maria 
Ygnacia Creek Bikepath, the Coastal Route Bikepath, the Juan Bautista 
de Anza National Historic Trail and many others.
  During the 1970s, George and Vie Obern assumed a leadership role in 
the development of many bikepaths and trails, working to bring 
consensus among local homeowners, special districts, Caltrans, the 
Southern Pacific Railroad and county government regarding the need to 
build six miles of paved bikepath in the midst of an urbanized area.
  The Coastal Route and Maria Ygnacia Creek bikepaths are the primary 
recreational facilities for the Goleta Valley and are two of the best 
urban pathways in the State. On January 20th, 2004, the Santa Barbara 
County Supervisors designated the Coastal Bike Route in Goleta Valley 
as the ``Obern Trail'' in recognition of the hard work and dedication 
that George and Vie Obern exhibited in their work to develop the 
trails. It is my pleasure and honor to recognize the Oberns at this 
time for their work in our community. The generosity and dedication of 
people like George and Vie Obern are what make our community special, 
and I am happy to salute them.

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