[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             BOBBY D. ARIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good 
friend Bobby D. Arias on the occasion of his 60th Birthday. Bobby is 
being honored by his many colleagues, family and friends for his 
dedicated career as President of the Communities in Schools of Greater 
Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley.
  As a lifelong resident of Southern California, Bobby began his career 
as an Executive Director of USC's Learning Center and the Director of 
Athletics at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. While at 
LMU, Bobby was instrumental in bringing the 1984 Olympic Weightlifting 
Competition to that institution, in addition to negotiating contracts 
for the Lakers/Clippers and the NBA Summer Pro-League to practice at 
LMU facilities.
  I know first hand of Bobby's commitment to our community. Since 2004 
Bobby has volunteered to be the Master of Ceremonies at the annual San 
Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade. Additionally, Bobby has committed 
himself to improving the minds, spirits, and bodies of children 
throughout Southern California as the Southwest Regional Director for 
our nation's largest Drop out Prevention Program, Communities In 
Schools, Inc. He developed public and private partnerships between the 
community and its schools, brokering in-need resources to at-risk youth 
and their families. In 1996, he also served as the Chairman for the 
Executive Committee for Arnold Schwarzenegger's inner City Games, an 
Olympic style sporting/academic event for 100,000 at-risk youth 
throughout the Los Angeles County.
  As a result of his professional achievements, Bobby has received 
numerous awards including the prestigious ``Man of the Year'' award for 
youth empowerment from MCI and Hispanic Magazine, and the ``California 
All Star Dad's'' Award by the California Department of Social Services.
  Madam Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I ask you to join me in 
wishing Bobby Arias a happy birthday and best wishes for continued 
success.

                          ____________________