[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 9 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO GWEN REGALIA, MAYOR OF WALNUT CREEK

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 15, 2009

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
honoring Gwen Regalia for her many accomplishments and contributions to 
the city of Walnut Creek.
  Gwen Regalia has provided remarkable leadership as a member of the 
Walnut Creek City Council since 1987. As Mayor of Walnut Creek, Gwen 
served for an unprecedented five terms and my congressional district 
has been greatly enhanced by over two decades of her service. Now, as 
Gwen retires from public office it is my great privilege to pay tribute 
to her work in the Congressional Record.
  Gwen's career began upon her graduation from the University of 
California at Berkeley. She began teaching elementary school when she 
moved to Walnut Creek in 1958 and now holds a Life Credential in 
Elementary Education. Gwen's political career began in 1978 when she 
ran for the Walnut Creek School District board and served for almost 
ten years; she also served as president for two of those years.
  In 1987 Gwen was elected to the City Council, but her duties did not 
stop at the Walnut Creek boarder. While in office she also served as 
President of the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund, she 
was president and former director of the Diablo Valley Foundation for 
the environment, she is a forty-year member of the American Association 
of University Women, member of the League of Women Voters of Diablo 
Valley, Diablo Regional Arts Association member, as well as other local 
cultural organizations.
  Under Gwen's leadership in the City Council several capital projects 
were completed, including the Lesher Center for the Arts, the 
Shadelands Art Center, the Iron Horse Trail Bridge, two gyms, five 
parks and seven ball fields, as well as the acquisition of 305 acres of 
open space.
  Gwen Regalia's twenty-one years of public service is an example to us 
all, and we are lucky to have her vision and her commitment to the 
citizens of Walnut Creek. It is my honor to recognize Gwen Regalia as 
she retires from public service and I wish her success and happiness in 
her future endeavors.

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