[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E649-E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ELIZABETH OKERSTROM MURGUIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Elizabeth Okerstrom Murguia of Eureka, California on the occasion of 
her retirement after more than 35 years of extraordinary public service 
for the people of California's North Coast.
  Born and raised in beautiful rural Mendocino County, Liz's parents, 
Merle and Astrid Okerstrom, instilled in her a deep appreciation for 
the important things in life: family, community, and civic engagement. 
From age 10 and on, Liz was raising ``Dollars for Democrats'' and 
serving in student government, paving the way for a long career in 
public service.
  Early visits to the Bookmobile growing up nurtured Liz's lifelong 
passion for books and reading. Graduating from Sonoma State University 
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1972, Liz 
quickly became a committed and dynamic library advocate. She served on 
the Humboldt County Library Construction Advisory Committee from 1979 
through 1995, playing a central role in raising the funds to construct 
a new Main Library for the Humboldt County Public Library system. In 
1991, she was appointed as a California Delegate to the White House 
Conference on Libraries in Washington, DC. As Co-Founder and President 
of the Humboldt Library Foundation since 1996, Liz was the recipient of 
its distinguished Helen Everett Award in 2006 in recognition of 25 
years of tireless work on behalf of public libraries. In 2008, Liz was 
also appointed to serve on the Library of California Board to ensure 
that all Californians have access to library resources and services for 
lifelong learning and enrichment.
  Following her graduation from college, Liz worked for Zero Population 
Growth in Washington DC., after which she returned to California and 
began working for former State Senator and Assemblyman Barry Keene in 
1975, where she remained for 18 years.
  In 1993, I was honored that Liz joined my State Senate staff as 
District Representative and then my Congressional staff in 1998, 
serving as my representative for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in the 
United States Congress. Throughout the past 18 years, Liz has proven 
herself to be an invaluable asset, trusted adviser, and cherished 
friend. She is a creative and effective problem solver with a breadth 
of knowledge of public policy and local issues relating to health care, 
education, community development, and working with Native American 
Tribes. Liz also has a developed expertise in understanding and solving 
the North Coast's wide range of natural resource issues, including 
public land management, timber, salmon restoration, and ocean 
resources.
  Liz is a masterful writer and fundraiser, well known and deeply 
respected by the community. Her impact has been far-reaching through 
her service on many boards and committees such as the Open Door 
Community Health Clinics Board, Keep Eureka Beautiful Board, St. 
Joseph's Hospital Advocacy Committee,

[[Page E650]]

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee, Aligning Forces 4 Quality 
Care Leadership Team, and Timber Heritage Museum Advisory Council. She 
has also previously served on the North Coast Regional Land Trust 
Advisory Council, Humboldt Child Care Council, Women's Resources For 
Work Board, and the North Coast Pro-Choice Pac Board. In 1988, Liz was 
selected as Democrat of the Year by the Humboldt County Democratic 
Central Committee.
  Liz is fortunate to be surrounded by a large circle of loving family 
and lifelong friends. She shared 30 years with the great love of her 
life, her late husband Sef, with whom she shares four children, Todd, 
Dana, Adam, and Michael, and nine grandchildren. Liz has a deep 
appreciation for the arts and music, and is known for her warm and 
welcoming nature as a hostess of frequent dinner parties, as well as 
being a passionate gardener, how she spends much of her time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge 
Elizabeth Okerstrom Murguia for her 35-plus years of dedicated service 
and extend our best wishes for a well-deserved retirement. She will be 
greatly missed.

                          ____________________