[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF RALPH R. ESPARZA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Ralph R. 
Esparza who, in his 25 years of service to the City of Los Angeles, has 
demonstrated his unwavering commitment and dedication to improving the 
living conditions of the city's residents.
  Throughout his career Mr. Esparza has successfully led many of the 
city's key housing departments and programs. After only 4 years as a 
Rehabilitation Project Coordinator in the Community Development 
Department, he was promoted in 1983, to be the Community Housing 
Program Manager where he oversaw the federal Section 8 New Construction 
program.
  Mr. Esparza's skill and enthusiasm in managing complex housing and 
community development projects led to his appointment as Assistant 
Chief Grants Administrator for the Community Development Department. 
Later, he was instrumental in the creation of the Los Angeles Housing 
Department, where in 1990, took charge of planning, operation, and 
management of the city's housing programs.
  From 1995 to 1996 and again from 1997 to 2000, Mr. Esparza served as 
Director of the Program Support Division. In the year between his two 
directorships, he administered multiple programs including the Davis-
Bacon Compliance Monitoring Program and the Housing Opportunities for 
Persons with AIDS Program.
  In 2000, Mr. Esparza's exceptional management skills were once again 
called upon as the Assistant General Manager of the Housing Department. 
Under his guidance, the Housing Department ushered in a new century 
with creative solutions to help address the affordable housing crisis 
and to improve the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles.
  For his commitment and leadership and for improving the homes and 
lives of Los Angelenos, I thank Mr. Esparza and I wish him well in his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________