[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN TRIBUTE TO ALAN AND ROMI SKOBIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alan and 
Romi Skobin for their civic and philanthropic service to Los Angeles 
and the city of San Fernando and, particularly, their good work for the 
residents of my district in the San Fernando Valley.
  On March 26, 2006, Alan and Romi Skobin are being honored by the 
executives of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging for their 
outstanding involvement with the organization. Their care for the 
elderly residents of the home demonstrates to all of us the importance 
of taking care of our parents and grandparents--this country's most 
important national treasures.
  Mr. Speaker, Alan and Romi have a record of community and civic 
service that spans more than 30 years. Alan, a graduate of California 
State University, Northridge, has been a longstanding business leader 
in the San Fernando Valley. Currently he serves as vice president and 
general counsel of Galpin Motors, Inc. and is a member of the executive 
committee and board of directors.
  He has also served as a commissioner with the Los Angeles Police 
Department since 2003. In this capacity, he has focused on the 
Community Based Policing program along with many other issues. His work 
for the city and the Los Angeles Police Department truly affects each 
Angelino personally.
  Alan is a founding director and executive committee member of the 
Sheriffs Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County, which funds education 
and intervention programs for at-risk youth. Alan, a two-time cancer 
and brain tumor survivor, is also involved with Padres Contra El 
Cancer, a nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for 
children with cancer.
  Romi Skobin truly exemplifies the American dream. Her inspirational 
story began when she came to the United States as a refugee from Cuba 
in 1969. Romi also received her education locally, at Los Angeles 
Valley College, and began her career in public service when she joined 
the San Fernando Police Department in 1974. She currently serves as the 
records/system administrator, the highest ranking civilian position in 
the SFPD, and is the city of San Fernando's most senior employee.
  Romi has also played an important role in Alan's success by raising 
their two successful children, Jeff and Jennifer, thereby allowing Alan 
to attend law school and participate in numerous civic activities.
  Mr. Speaker, Alan and Romi Skobin are integral parts of the San 
Fernando Valley community and I wish to congratulate them 
wholeheartedly on being honored by the executives of the Los Angeles 
Jewish Home for the Aging.




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