[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CARLOS P. YAMZON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor 
Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) Executive Director Carlos 
P. Yamzon on his retirement; and to personally thank him for his years 
of profound service to Stanislaus County.
  Over 35 years ago, Mr. Yamzon's career began in the public service of 
transportation. Twenty-seven of those years were spent in technical and 
management positions with the California Department of Transportation 
(Caltrans), whose purpose is to provide a safe and reliable 
transportation system to benefit and enhance the state of California.
  After working in the transportation sector, Mr. Yamzon was amply 
prepared to begin working for StanCOG, the federally-designated 
Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the state designated Regional 
Transportation Planning Agency for the region of Stanislaus County. He 
worked diligently for this public organization to ensure transportation 
plans that would enhance the economic vitality of all Stanislaus County 
cities. After five short years, Mr. Yamzon was promoted to Executive 
Director.
  In this role, Mr. Yamzon was responsible for a variety of entities 
within the organization. He was charged with regional transportation 
planning, program administration, financial management and budget 
control where he handled all areas proficiently and with expertise. Mr. 
Yamzon was a key player in implementing StanCOG's 2011 and 2014 
Regional Transportation Plans. These plans will continue to be utilized 
for future transportation improvements and investments.
  During his time at StanCOG, Mr. Yamzon was also instrumental in 
improving State Route 132. This is a major route for central valley 
commuters, as well as commercial truck drivers. In addition to Mr. 
Yamzon's efforts to improve State Route 132, he was an advocate for 
finding a suitable route in Stanislaus County to connect Interstate 5 
and State Highway 99, 2 of California's best known routes.
  Mr. Yamzon is a well-known leader in the community of Modesto and the 
region of Stanislaus County. In the StanCOG office located in downtown 
Modesto, he is loved and admired by his staff for his sense of humor, 
unique sock choices, his love for jelly donuts and his keen devotion to 
rock and roll.
  Residing in Modesto, California for 29 years, Carlos and his wife Liz 
raised two children; daughter Aja Yamzon and son Marlon Yamzon.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to the transportation systems in 
Stanislaus County by Executive Director Carlos Yamzon. We wish him 
continued success in his retirement.

                          ____________________