[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MAYOR JOSEPH ESQUIVEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the Honorable Joseph Esquivel for his 39 years of public 
service to the people of Lakewood, California. Joe began his service to 
Lakewood as a member of the Lakewood Recreation and Community Services 
Commission in 1972, and in 1990, began the first of his five terms on 
the Lakewood City Council. After 21 productive years of service on the 
Council, Joe is retiring from public service to spend more quality time 
with his family.
  Joe and his wife Pat have called Lakewood home since 1963, raising 
three wonderful children, and in the process becoming proud 
grandparents and great-grandparents. As an active leader in his 
community, Joe has had a hand in the founding of many local 
organizations such as the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame. Joe continues to 
be a member of the Hall of Fame Board of Electors, charged with 
recognizing Lakewood's young high school and collegiate standout 
athletes.
  Throughout his time on the City Council and as Mayor, Joe made it his 
priority to ensure Lakewood remains a safe, family-friendly, and 
thriving community. Joe was instrumental in bringing together the 
resources needed to make Lakewood's state-of-the-art Sheriff's Station 
a reality and was integral to developing several crime prevention 
programs that have made our community safer.
  Over the past two decades, Joe has worked tirelessly to make certain 
Lakewood operates on firm financial footing and never outside its 
fiscal means. While the struggling economy has impacted many cities 
throughout Southern California, Lakewood has managed to maintain 
funding for all city services and capital improvement projects. In 
addition, Lakewood has managed to be a leading destination for 
businesses and new business development.
  Joe's involvement in public service reaches far beyond the confines 
of the City's Council Chamber. Joe is a dedicated member of Lakewood's 
Rotary Club, having served for many years as the coordinator of the 
Rotary Club's annual Project Shepherd holiday assistance program for 
families in need. Under his leadership, Project Shepherd aided hundreds 
of families each year with the help of volunteers of all ages from 
Lakewood schools, churches, and youth organizations. He was named 
Rotarian of the Year in 1995.
  One of his joys as a Lakewood resident was serving as a volunteer 
coach of 8- and 9-year-old youngsters in basketball and football at 
Bolivar Park. He received the Mayor's Award for 11 consecutive seasons 
of volunteer coaching.
  He has held various leadership positions, including President of the 
California Contract Cities Association, President of the Greater Los 
Angeles County Vector Control District, and President of the Private 
Industry Council of Southeast Los Angeles County. Joe sits on the 
Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Lakewood Weingart Family YMCA 
Boards of Directors. As a Navy veteran, Joe has been a proud member of 
the American Legion Post 496 for the past 19 years.
  From one public servant to another, I praise Mayor Joseph Esquivel 
for his service and dedication to the City of Lakewood and the 
community. Lakewood would not be the community it is today without him.

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