[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 121 (Monday, September 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GROVER BARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2005

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Grover Barnes on the 
occasion of his 98th birthday. Grover Barnes is the oldest living 
African American Man in Santa Barbara, and a most esteemed citizen of 
our fair city. He truly is a rare gem and a community treasure.
  Grover Barnes, a Texas native, came to Santa Barbara over 62 years 
ago. In 1942 he was hired by the Miramar Hotel as a porter and one year 
later was the first African American promoted to Bell Captain where he 
served for thirty-five years. It has been said that Grover Barnes is an 
inimitable part of history of the city of Montecito. His level of 
service is remembered by generations of guests. He was known for his 
warm hospitality to the young and old, the rich and famous, and the not 
so rich and famous. In 2001, Grover Barnes was voted as a Local Hero of 
Santa Barbara and affectionately called ``The Ambassador of 
Hospitality.''
  The generosity of spirit that marked Mr. Barnes' professional life is 
many times amplified in his lifelong dedication to his friends and 
family, to community service and to his church. It is his deep devotion 
to his community, his concern for those who have been left behind, his 
commitment to making sure the right thing is done for someone in need, 
that makes him a true community treasure. He has worked tirelessly to 
advance just causes and has always stayed focused on the right issues. 
To this day, Mr. Barnes contributes to our community life by writing 
letters to the Santa Barbara News Press editor which are thought 
provoking and historically significant.
  Grover Barnes has received numerous honors for his greatest joy: a 
lifelong devotion to serving others and for making sure justice is 
done. He has been intensely involved in many community organizations 
including: the NAACP Santa Barbara Chapter, the Brotherhood of Santa 
Barbara, the Mason Lodge, the Eastside Study Group and the George 
Washington Carver Scholarship Society. As a man who has devoted his 
life to helping others, I today recognize Grover Barnes as a role model 
of the very best kind, a man who has been a friend to many and a 
teacher to all, a shining example of what makes this country and 
community great.

                          ____________________