[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF CEIL CIRILLO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an invaluable member 
of the Santa Cruz community. After two decades of service, Ceil Cirillo 
has announced her retirement from her post as director of 
Redevelopment/Economic Development for the City of Santa Cruz. Ceil 
began her work in the Santa Cruz community after numerous buildings and 
homes had been destroyed in the Loma Pierta earthquake of 1989. As a 
part of her work as a director, Ceil acquired the challenge of 
reconstructing a devastated historic downtown Santa Cruz. Her success 
is evident today by the vibrant destination for shopping and dining 
that Pacific Avenue is today. Yet this endeavor was only the beginning 
of her accomplishments and contributions that continue to benefit the 
Santa Cruz commnunity.
  To rebuild the commerce affected by the quake, Ceil oversaw local 
building expansion. Under her direction, the agency created a new 
department for the redevelopment of downtown, as well as a business 
outreach program to ensure commercial success both downtown and 
citywide.
  Ceil's humanitarian efforts made a great impact on Santa Cruz 
citizens who needed help the most. One of these accomplishments was 
overseeing the construction of low-rent units; providing housing for 
families with limited incomes. She also facilitated the installment of 
emergency housing units, 26 of which are in their planning stages or 
already under construction. These projects, along with others, have 
resulted in 407,000 square feet of newly available housing; placing 
roofs over the heads of those who would otherwise have no place to call 
home.
  In her reconstruction aid, Ceil has not let her artistic side go but 
rather channeled her passion for the arts in her efforts. She is keen 
on preserving and cultivating the rich culture of the community, and 
instituted the Tannery Arts Center and Pacific Avenue Multi-Modal 
Station, which today serve as outlets for local artists. In addition, 
in the unique spirit of Santa Cruz, she instated commercial facade 
projects, murals, landscaping and similar projects all over the city. 
These public artworks give significant aesthetic appeal to a city that 
had once been reduced to shambles.
  Prior to coming to Santa Cruz, Ceil was the Director of Redevelopment 
for the City of Signal Hill, California, and in addition to some 
private sector employment, was a Special Assistant to the City Manager 
in Pasadena, California. She has received numerous awards in 
recognition of her works in the Santa Cruz community and has served on 
the Board of Directors of several local charities.
  Madam Speaker, the City of Santa Cruz will miss Ceil's vision and 
leadership, but there is no doubt that she has left the City in a 
better place from when she first arrived. I wish Ceil the best in 
retirement and look forward to her continued involvement in the Santa 
Cruz community.

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