[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 151 (Thursday, November 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1850-E1851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MAYOR RONALD O. LOVERIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2012

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to California and the 
City of Riverside are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have 
dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly 
give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to 
live and work. Mayor Ronald 0. Loveridge is one of these individuals. 
At a celebration on December 4, 2012, Mayor Loveridge will be honored 
as he retires after 33 years of service to the Riverside community.
  Mayor Loveridge was born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern 
California. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of 
the Pacific and his Master's degree and doctorate in political science 
from Stanford University. Mayor Loveridge has served in his current 
office since 1994, and prior to that served on the City Council for 15 
years. Not only is he an outstanding public servant, he has taught 
courses in American Politics, Mass Media, Public Opinion, and Local 
Leadership in California at the University of California, Riverside 
since 1965. He is committed to the young people in the Riverside 
community, introducing them to government through internship projects 
and field work.
  During his 16 years as Mayor, he has played a pivotal role in the 
political landscape of our community, region and state. He has served 
and chaired many boards at the community, regional, state, and national 
levels. The Mayor is currently a member of the Greater Riverside 
Chambers of Commerce, Inland Empire Scholarship Fund Board of 
Directors, Habitat for Humanity Riverside Board of Directors, La Sierra 
University Foundation Board of Directors, and Community Foundation 
Advisory Council. He represents the Inland region as a member of South 
Coast Air Quality Management District Board, the Southern California 
Association of Governments Regional Council, March Joint Powers 
Authority, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership Board of Directors, 
and the Southern California Goodwill Board of Directors. Statewide, the 
Mayor serves on the California Forward Local Government Task Force, 
California Mayor's Education Roundtable, the League of California 
Cities Board of Directors, and was a President and member of the 
California Air Resources Board as well as the past Chair and member of 
the California Assembly Fellow Program. He currently serves as the 
second Vice President of the National League of Cities.
  The Mayor has received many honors throughout his career in public 
service. These include: National Association of Regional Councils, Tom 
Bradley Award for his outstanding leadership and commitment to 
improving transportation and maintaining the region's preferred quality 
of life; Boy Scouts of America, California Inland Empire Council, Mt. 
Rubidoux Division Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award; California 
Baptist University Spirit of Citizenship Award; American Lung 
Association in recognition of his efforts to improve the

[[Page E1851]]

quality of air in the Inland Empire through passage of a clean vehicle 
fleet procurement policy; Robert Presley Community Service Award--
Friends of California School for the Deaf, Riverside in recognition for 
Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community; Inland 
Congregations United for Change Award for his efforts on behalf of 
youth and his help in organizing a youth task force resulting in a 
variety of effective youth programs; Toastmasters International 
Communication and Leadership Award for his contributions to the 
Business, Professional, and Local Community; Keep Riverside Clean and 
Beautiful for his contribution towards accomplishing the organization's 
1996-1997 goals; Neighbors United for Unwavering Commitment in Making 
Our Neighborhood a Safe and Pleasant Place to Live; California 
Preservation Foundation in recognition of Outstanding Achievement in 
the Field of Historic Preservation; and United Way for service and 
dedication to United Way of the Inland Valleys, among many others.
  I have come to know Mayor Loveridge well through many years working 
together on a variety of public projects in Riverside, and it has been 
an honor to work with him on behalf of the people of Riverside, 
California. I can personally attest to the Mayor's incredible work-
ethic, professionalism, and positive attitude. He and his wife Marsha 
have raised two daughters. The Mayor is an avid reader and hiking 
enthusiast; his favorite hike is up Mount Rubidoux.
  In light of all Mayor Loveridge has done for Riverside, it is only 
fitting that he be honored as he retires from public service. Mayor 
Loveridge's tireless passion for public service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of our region and the state and I am proud 
to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that 
many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as 
he retires and moves onto the next phase of his life.

                          ____________________