[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BLANCA ALVARADO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise with 
Congressman Mike Honda to honor Santa Clara County Supervisor Blanca 
Alvarado on her 28 years of elected service and wish her the best upon 
her retirement.
  Supervisor Alvarado was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of 
Supervisors in March 1996 to complete my unexpired term upon my 
election to Congress. My colleague, Mike Honda had the pleasure of 
serving with Supervisor Alvarado during his term in office.
  As the County Supervisor for the Second District, Blanca represented 
over 350,000 residents living in San Jose. Her district has one of the 
Nation's highest concentrations of racial diversity and poverty where 
the lack of opportunity is prevalent for many individuals and families.
  During her time in office, Ms. Alvarado served on several committees 
as an engaged member of the board. As chair of the Children and 
Families' Committee, her efforts led to programs that focused on the 
comprehensive care of children and their families and reduced teen 
pregnancy. As chair of the Public Safety and Justice Committee, 
Supervisor Alvarado tackled issues of youth incarceration and provided 
productive alternatives to troubled youth other than incarceration. Her 
work established neighborhood programs to support anti-gang initiatives 
and she tirelessly pursued reforms that emphasized prevention and hope 
for the young residents of San Jose's poorest neighborhoods.
  Additionally, Blanca served as an advocate for programs for 
incarcerated women and gave crucial support for programs and services 
for female inmates in county jail. Her work was so significant that the 
County Domestic Violence Council Conference presented her with its 2007 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Always mindful of her cultural roots and the importance of ethnicity 
and race in America, Alvarado was the principal visionary behind the 
Mexican Heritage Plaza.
  Blanca Alvarado has appointed more Latinas to commissions and 
committees than anyone else throughout her 28 years of service. This 
year, Ms. Alvarado launched the Latina Leadership Project in an effort 
to ensure that Latina leaders continue to have opportunities in Santa 
Clara County to serve their communities and inspire each other in their 
dreams of civic service.
  It has been an honor for us to know Blanca Alvarado and on behalf of 
the many residents of the county of Santa Clara who have benefited from 
her leadership; we thank her and wish her the best upon her well-
deserved retirement.

                          ____________________