[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 98 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING RICK GONZALES, SR. FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND 
                      DEDICATION TO HIS COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
service of Rick Gonzales, Sr., who has been a respected community 
leader in Yolo County for more than 50 years.
  Rick Gonzales was born in Saguache, Colorado in 1919 and raised in 
Elko, Nevada. Drafted into World War II, he served in Okinawa during 
the Pacific campaign. After being discharged he settled in San 
Francisco where he attended barber school and met Angela Duran. In 1949 
they married and moved to Woodland, California, where they operated 
several barbershops and raised four sons, La Verne, Garry, Rick Jr. and 
Jerry.
  Rick Gonzales founded the Pan American Club, an organization that 
gave Latino youth an opportunity to play sports and attend social 
activities. Rick Gonzales has served on numerous boards and commissions 
that advocate for the youth and disenfranchised in the community. As a 
result of these efforts, he twice received the Yolo County Bar 
Association's Liberty Bell award. He is the only individual to be 
honored twice.
  Rick is one of the founders of the Mexican American Concilio of Yolo 
County. In 1983 the Concilio started its annual dinner-dance to 
recognize individuals who have made a contribution to the Latino 
community. Now a signature community event, the Concilio's dinner-dance 
provides a growing number of scholarships and awards to students and 
adults throughout Yolo County.
  Over the years Rick Gonzales endured insults and recriminations but 
his commitment to justice prevailed. His work helped to increase 
diversity in the local workforce. On June 22, 2004, in recognition of 
his service, the Yolo County Department of Employment and Social 
Services was named for Rick Gonzales. The dedication plaque reads, 
``Rick Gonzales has dedicated his life to giving a voice to the poor 
and disenfranchised of Yolo County and ensuring equal opportunities for 
all.''
  Mr. Speaker, Rick Gonzales Sr. has had a far-reaching and enduring 
impact on his community. His outstanding leadership and commitment to 
community service has significantly benefited the people of Woodland 
and has contributed to making Yolo County the vibrant and culturally 
rich community that is it today. It is appropriate that we acknowledge 
him today.

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