[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO MAURICE CALDERON, A TRUE CIVIC LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to a beloved community leader in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, 
and one of the most caring individuals I have ever known, Maurice 
Calderon of Banning, California.
  The son of a laborer, Maurice Calderon is a shining example of living 
the American dream to the fullest. He began with night classes at the 
local community college and an entry-level job as a teller at Redlands 
Savings and Loan. His long career led him to become the senior vice 
president for governmental affairs and community development with 
Arrowhead Credit Union, which he helped to become a community 
institution.
  Even as he was beginning his career, Maurice became the first 
Hispanic elected official in the city when he won a seat on the Banning 
Unified School District board in 1967. He served for nine years, 
becoming a champion of educational opportunities for the large Hispanic 
community. He later was elected as a trustee of the Mt. San Jacinto 
Community College District, serving for another nine years.
  His community involvement has been legendary. He has served on the 
foundation boards for the University of California, Riverside and 
California State University, San Bernardino. He was a leading member of 
the Inland Empire Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Inland Empire 
African American Chamber of Commerce and the Inland Empire Economic 
Partnership. He served as president of Sinfonia Mexicana and Chairman 
of the Inland Empire Hispanic Leadership Council.
  The list of his commitments to his community is impressive, but it 
does not do justice to the depth of Maurice's involvement. When he 
takes an interest in an organization, he brings a warmth and dedication 
that quickly make Maurice one of the most valued members. He has been a 
civic-minded connection tying all these groups together and making them 
all more effective.
  He has also helped Arrowhead Credit Union become a force for bringing 
the American dream to minority and working class neighborhoods 
throughout the Inland Empire. He led the drive to open the first 
banking office in the African-American and Hispanic neighborhoods in 
west San Bernardino. The credit union has been honored for its minority 
outreach programs.
  For his efforts, Maurice has received accolades from numerous cities 
and the two counties. He has had Banning street named in honor of his 
family. In 2004, he received the Ohtli Award, the highest recognition 
granted by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs to members of the 
Mexican American Community. He is in the Southern California Native 
American and Latino Hall of Fame.
  His devotion to his children and grandchildren has earned him honors 
as the Father of the Year. He and wife Dorothy--a community spirit in 
her own right--have spent 47 years together and in service to the 
Inland Empire.
  Madam Speaker, Maurice Calderon is retiring from his position with 
the credit union, but wIll most certamly remam active in his many other 
roles. I ask you and my colleagues to please join me in thanking him 
for his decades as a community leader, and wish him and Dorothy well in 
all their future endeavors.

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