[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1331-E1332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING MANUEL MUNOZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2013

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Manuel Munoz, an activist and entrepreneur, whose leadership and 
dedication to his community have played a vital role in ensuring that 
the residents of Ventura County be informed and engaged on issues of 
local, national and international importance.
   On September 15, 1983, Manuel founded VIDA Newspaper--the only 
bilingual newspaper in Ventura County. This publication reaches 
thousands of bilingual individuals in the county, safeguarding and 
continuously maintaining the right of members of our community to have 
access to critical news and information. Since its founding, Manuel has 
served as Publisher and Director of VIDA Newspaper.
   Manuel has played a vital role in not only the founding of this 
publication, but the successful manner in which it has thrived. While 
journalism and publishing can be a difficult industry and at times an 
unpredictable one, VIDA Newspaper continues to grow under Manuel's 
leadership.
   Manuel's editorial leadership and proficiency in journalism have 
been recognized on both a local and national level. Manuel has been the 
recipient of several resolutions and commendations from the Mexican 
Government,

[[Page E1332]]

the City of Oxnard and the California State Assembly and State Senate. 
Additionally, Manuel has been recognized as the Journalist of the Year 
by the National Association of Hispanic Publications.
   Today, almost thirty years since VIDA Newspaper's founding, I am 
pleased to join the Institute of Mexicans Abroad in honoring Manuel 
Munoz with the Ohtli Award. The Ohtli Award is presented to an 
outstanding civilian who has dedicated most of his or her life to the 
well-being of Mexicans residing abroad, thus paving the way to create 
for them new professional opportunities. The Ohtli Award, which 
includes a medallion, a silver rosette, and an official diploma, is the 
highest honor that the Mexican government can present to a Mexican or a 
Hispanic of Mexican descent residing outside Mexico.
   I am pleased to join the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard in honoring 
Manuel Munoz as an exemplary trailblazer who has without a doubt paved 
the way for many in Ventura County.

                          ____________________