[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 118 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF MANUEL SANTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of 
Manuel Santana, Santa Cruz County's 2008 Artist of the Year and beloved 
contributor to Central Coast art. He sadly passed away July 8, 2008, 
ten days before he was to present his award-winning work at the Museum 
of Art & History in Santa Cruz.
  Mr. Santana was born on March 31, 1927, to a family of Mexican 
descent, and began demonstrating his artistic talent in his youth, 
drawing bugs and collecting comic books. He grew up in Los Angeles, 
initially pursuing a career as a teacher but later discovering his 
talent as an artist. After moving to Santa Cruz in 1961, Manuel worked 
diligently as owner of the restaurants Manuel's in Aptos and Jardines 
de San Juan in San Juan Bautista, all while caring for his family.
  Manuel's art incorporates a deep connection to Mexican traditions, as 
well as politics and social movements like that of Cesar Chavez. The 
numerous sculptures, paintings, and acrylics he produced display a 
vibrant use of colors, which provide new aspects of the pieces with 
each view.
  In addition to art, Mr. Santana was also intimately involved in the 
community. He founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation 
at the University of California Santa Cruz, served on the University of 
California's Water Resources Advisory Board and the Board of Directors 
for the Bear Republic Theatre Company, and was president and lifetime 
board member of the Cabrillo Music Festival. He also was president of 
the Central Coast Counties Development Corporation, working to organize 
and empower farm workers in Monterey County.
  Many people were touched by Manny's generous and enlightening spirit, 
and his passing leaves our community greatly saddened. Madam Speaker, 
on behalf of the House, I would like to extend our nation's deep 
gratitude for Manuel Santana's commitment to his local community. I 
know I speak for every Member of Congress in offering my condolences to 
the entire Santana family: his daughter Angelina, son Leonardo, 
daughter-in-law Patricia, and grandchildren Oliver, Joaquin, and 
Valentin. California has lost a great citizen, but the legacy he leaves 
behind is priceless.

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