[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING ALCALDESA SUZANNE BRANGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Suzanne Brangham, who has been named the City of Sonoma's 2014 
Alcaldesa, or Honorary Mayor. The title ``Alcalde,'' or ``Alcaldessa'' 
when referring to a woman, is the Spanish word for ``Mayor.'' While the 
Alcalde was the primary civil authority during the Spanish colonial 
period in California, in modern times, it is an honorary title bestowed 
upon invaluable members of the community.
  Ms. Brangham has lived in Sonoma for 25 years, where she has given 
back to her community as both a businesswoman and philanthropist. She 
has founded a number of businesses in Sonoma, including the Ramekins 
Culinary School, the MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, and the General's 
Daughter restaurant, which is located in a Victorian home built by the 
daughters of Mariano G. Vallejo, the Commander General of California 
and founder of the City of Sonoma. In addition to revitalizing Sonoma 
through her business ventures, she authored the bestselling book 
Housewise, which earned her national interviews and appearances on the 
Today Show, Good Morning America, and Oprah.
  Ms. Brangham is as equally dedicated to her philanthropic efforts as 
she is to her business ventures. Her efforts include promoting local 
arts--she has worked with the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, the 
Sebastiani Theatre Alliance, and the Sonoma International Film 
Festival--and helping the young people of Sonoma Valley through 
organizations such as Teen Safe Ride, the Mentoring Alliance, and the 
Sonoma Valley Boys & Girls Clubs. She has also served with the Sonoma 
Valley Hospital Coalition, the Sonoma Valley Fund, the Lyon Ranch 
Animal Rescue and Therapy Center as well as Pets Lifeline.
  Mr. Speaker, Suzanne Brangham is a beloved and vitally important 
member of the community and it is appropriate that we acknowledge her 
today as Sonoma's Alcaldesa for 2014.

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