[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1991-E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MR. PAUL SALAZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of El 
Sereno's finest citizens, Mr. Paul Salaz. Even in the last years of his 
life Mr. Salaz continued to work on behalf of the people in his beloved 
home of El Sereno. However, on Friday, November 5, 2004 the community 
lost a great asset when Mr. Salaz passed away.
  Mr. Salaz was originally from Santa Paula, California. He married his 
wife Julia in 1934 and the couple celebrated their 70th wedding 
anniversary just this year.
  It was after his retirement as an upholstery salesman that Mr. Salaz 
dedicated his life to community service and helping the people of El 
Sereno. After 40 years in sales he became an active leader in Los 
Angeles City Council District 14, most importantly as a member of the 
Citizens Unit for Participation in Housing and Community Development.
  I was fortunate to get to know Mr. Salaz while I was a member of the 
California State Senate. Mr. Salaz's ability to work with all members 
of the community was remarkable. He was able to work with the El Sereno 
Coordinating Council and elected officials of the city of Los Angeles 
in order to advocate an improved quality of life for all residents.
  He also worked with local elected officials on numerous community 
improvement projects. Some of his accomplishments included the 
installation of new stop signs at dangerous intersections and the 
opening of the new Public Library in El Sereno.
  Though he was involved with the community all year long, Mr. Salaz 
always did a little extra for special occasions. During the holiday 
season Mr. Salaz made sure that impoverished families received food, 
and gifts for children. He also personally ensured a U.S. flag would be 
present at the Dr. Donald Newman Memorial every year. And in addition, 
he encouraged neighbors and schools to participate in

[[Page E1992]]

the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Huntington Drive.
  And while he did so much for others, never once did he seek any 
personal reward. Fortunately, Mr. Salaz's efforts did not go unnoticed. 
As a result of his extensive community involvement, he won the title of 
Honorary Mayor of El Sereno from 1998-2002.
  I can truly say that Mr. Salaz was a wonderful example of community 
activism, and he found a true reward in helping others. Though he is no 
longer with us, his memory will live on through his wife, Julia, their 
5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

                          ____________________