[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LEO AND MARILYN VALENZUELA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Leo and Marilyn Valenzuela, two exemplary community leaders who have 
made remarkable contributions to the progress and prosperity of Ventura 
County.
   Leo Valenzuela first began his service to his community more than 50 
years ago, as an advocate on behalf of workers throughout the region. 
He began working for a local labor union in 1963 but left his duties to 
serve his country in the Vietnam War. After his honorable service to 
our nation, Leo returned to his work and entered into the area's 
political sphere as a successful labor organizer and activist. Leo 
played an active role in the political careers of former United States 
Senator Alan Cranston, former United States Senator Gary Hart and 
former California State Senator Jack O'Connell.
   Leo has also played an instrumental part in the grassroots activism 
that comes with political campaigns. Leo has worked to organize and 
mobilize our community to change people's lives for the better.
   Similarly, for more than four decades, Marilyn Valenzuela has also 
been a tireless advocate for our community's labor force. Marilyn first 
began her career in 1964 when she joined the United Food and Commercial 
Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 770. After raising a family, 
Marilyn began to work for the UFCW Local 1036 as a Member Assistance 
Program Director and Women's Network Regional Director. Within only a 
year, Marilyn was elected as the Executive Secretary Treasurer of the 
Tri-Counties Center Labor Council.
   Marilyn's steadfast character and commitment to Ventura County's 
workforce have been vital to the strengthening of our community. During 
her tenure on the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, Marilyn increased 
membership by 100 percent. She has also been a board member of the 
Ventura County Workforce Investment Board and the Executive Director of 
the Labor Foundation.
   Leo and Marilyn are known as the tag team. Over the years, they have 
successfully worked hand in hand and together have accomplished and 
contributed so much to our community. I applaud Leo and Marilyn 
Valenzuela for their commendable commitment and dedication. They have 
both been staunch and unwavering leaders in the labor community and 
have dedicated their careers to working for our working families.
   I extend my sincere appreciation for their tireless work. For their 
unrelenting activism, passion for public service and unwavering work 
ethic, I am pleased to join the Ventura County Democratic Party in 
honoring Leo and Marilyn Valenzuela with the Lifetime Achievement 
Award.

                          ____________________