[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1295-E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            HONORING TOM HOM

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to 
recognize Tom Hom, a man who has made it his life's work to better the 
city of San Diego. As the American-born son of Chinese immigrants, Tom 
saw firsthand the discrimination that Asian Americans experienced in 
the U.S. in the early 20th century as his parents worked tirelessly to 
build a better life for their twelve children. Despite immense 
obstacles, Tom rose to success, all the while giving back to his family 
and his community.
  In 1963, Tom Hom was elected to the San Diego City Council, becoming 
the city's first minority councilmember, and he went on to serve in the 
California State Assembly. As a councilman, and later as a businessman, 
Tom helped reinvigorate downtown San Diego, transforming our skid row 
into the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter that now draws businesses and visitors 
from around the country. He was instrumental in founding the San Diego 
Chinese Historical Museum, which documents the culture and 
contributions of our city's Chinese-American community, and he remains 
an influential figure in the San Diego business and philanthropic 
communities.
  Tom's vision and hard work have shaped San Diego into the city it is 
today, and his generosity and humility in the face of such success are 
inspiring. Tom Hom's journey from Chinatown to the California 
statehouse truly embodies the American Dream.

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