[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 153 (Monday, December 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE COUNTY OF SOLANO

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 3, 2012

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I along with Mr. 
Garamendi and Mr. Mike Thompson  of California invite our colleagues to 
join us in honoring the County of Solano, California, for its 2012 
designation by America's Promise Alliance as one of the ``100 Best 
Communities for Young People.''
  Selected from 320 applicants across all 50 States in a competitive 
process, Solano County is the only California community to receive this 
designation six consecutive times. Over 75 local partners contributed 
to this most recent application, including community and faith-based 
organizations, city and county agencies, educational institutions, 
businesses and service groups serving children, as well as many young 
individuals.
  This application exhibits the outstanding collaboration that has 
brought repeated recognition to Solano County. Programs involved 
include the YIPPEE Foundation's Teen Mentoring and Job-Training 
programs, Lawrence Hall of Science Inventor's Lab, Solano 
Transportation Authority's ``Safe Routes to School,'' Solano County 
Court's Teen Interns, Dixon Teen Center, Benicia Library's Teen 
Librarian, Vacaville Youth Roundtable, Rio Vista Care/Family Resource 
Center, each of which resulted in strong support for Solano County's 
children and youth. Furthermore, Solano's school districts and 
community leaders continue to actively work to raise graduation rates 
with innovative approaches to tutoring, mentoring, recreation and 
health activities, as well as volunteer opportunities for youth.
  Young people in Solano County have worked hard to achieve academic 
and personal excellence, and the community has provided them an 
opportunity to do so. Programs including the Junior Reserve Officer 
Training Corps cadets at Armijo, Jesse Bethel, and Vanden High Schools, 
the Eagle Scout program, and Solano County 4-H deserve recognition for 
facilitating thousands of hours of community service. We also recognize 
our students' determination to reach the regional and statewide 
Academic Decathlons as well as the effort put forth by each of the 
volunteers participating in tutoring and mentoring programs at the Matt 
Garcia Center, The Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Big Brothers/Big 
Sisters programs.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join with us in recognizing the 
Solano County Department of Child Support Services, which served as the 
lead agency for the 2012 application and extend our sincere 
congratulations to each of the organizations, agencies and individuals 
involved who have worked tirelessly on behalf of Solano's children and 
youth.

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