[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HELEN PEDOTTI TRIBUTE

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                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tremendous woman.
  Helen Pedotti was a rancher, business owner, activist, 
philanthropist, educator, wife and mother. She died on January 25 and 
with her passing, our community lost a wonderful friend whose talents 
were as limitless as her generosity.
  Throughout the Central and South Coasts of California, Helen was 
known in many circles. Along with her husband Pida, she ran Rancho 
Arbolado on the Gaviota Coast, where they also raised their four 
children: Holly, Tina, Jon and Chico. Active in the ranching community, 
Helen was known as a bighearted neighbor, efficient business partner 
and loyal friend.
  Helen was known in many circles for her support of community 
colleges, progressive politics, the environment, immigration reform, 
civic justice, and the right for all children to have a quality 
education. Her friend Robert Isaacson described her perfectly when he 
said ``her passions, values, and politics were integrated fully into a 
powerful force, and she was utterly fearless in her beliefs.''
  Despite so many interests, Helen was never satisfied with just 
lending her support to a particular issue. She would tirelessly 
contribute her time, resources and innovative ideas to everything she 
felt passionately about. All of us who knew and worked with Helen were 
challenged to think greater and do better than we thought possible of 
ourselves. I will always be grateful to her for instilling that kind of 
confidence.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to this remarkable woman 
and friend. I know I speak on behalf of my entire community when I say 
she leaves an irreplaceable gap in our community and our hearts.

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