[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E611-E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DORIT AND SHAWN EVENHAIM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dorit and 
Shawn Evenhaim for their dedicated efforts to improve the quality of 
life in our community. Throughout their lives Dorit and Shawn have 
contributed countless hours of community service by supporting various 
organizations and effectively leading several groups. Their ongoing 
service to the San Fernando Valley is truly immeasurable.
  Dorit and Shawn's strong desire to serve the community dates back to 
their native Israel. They both grew up in Southern Israel in working 
class neighborhoods. Although they came from modest backgrounds, the 
principles and obligations of the Tzedakah were instilled at an early 
age. This is the Jewish ideal of aiding those who are less fortunate. 
This common bond that Dorit and Shawn shared growing up together 
eventually flourished into a romance as they served their military 
responsibilities in Israel.
  Shortly following their military service they ventured to the United 
States with hopes of new opportunities. Shawn quickly immersed himself 
in his brother's painting business. Although he had only been in the 
United States for a short time, by 1992 Shawn became president of a 
large in-fill development company in the San Fernando Valley. Soon 
after, Dorit encouraged Shawn to open his own development firm called 
California Homes in 1994. California Homes has become one of the 
largest in-fill home builders in the Los Angeles basin.
  One of the most important construction projects that Dorit and Shawn 
have undertaken was the creation of a new home for the Kadima Hebrew 
Academy in the San Fernando Valley. A member of Kadima's Board of 
Directors, Dorit was instrumental in convincing Shawn to take on this 
project. Dorit and Shawn quickly began searching for new investors who 
had the resources and desire to establish a new campus. Not finding the 
support needed, Dorit and Shawn took the search into their own hands. 
Shawn became aware of a private land auction in West Hills. Shawn, 
despite going up against several real estate investors, was the 
successful bidder, securing the facility and the surrounding land.
  Dorit and Shawn's efforts not only encompassed the purchase and 
acquisition of land. They were also deeply involved in all aspects

[[Page E612]]

of the project, using their contacts to acquire all necessary permits 
to expedite the process. As a result of Dorit and Shawn's efforts, San 
Fernando Valley residents can now take part in a unique educational 
experience at the newly developed campus.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dorit and Shawn Evenhaim, 
amazing individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of 
the San Fernando Valley.

                          ____________________