[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH'S SERVICE TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Supervisor Michael 
D. Antonovich, who has served the people of the County of Los Angeles 
and the State of California for over four decades.
  Since 1980, Supervisor Antonovich has effectively represented the two 
million residents of Los Angeles County's 5th Supervisorial District, 
which includes all or part of the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, 
Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys.
  As a government and history teacher for the Los Angeles Unified 
School District in 1966, Mike credits his fifth grade teacher for the 
inspiration to enter public life. He entered the teaching profession as 
a government and history teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School 
District in 1966, and subsequently, he was elected to the Los Angeles 
Community College Board of Trustees in 1969. In 1972, he was elected to 
the California State Assembly, where he served three terms and rose to 
the rank of Republican Whip, before serving the County of Los Angeles.
  His 36 years as a County Supervisor has been characterized by his 
dedication to public safety and support for foster children, seniors, 
veterans and the mentally ill. He has been a strong advocate for the 
environment, successfully preserving thousands of acres of open space 
and enhancing parks, trails and recreational programs and facilities. 
The Supervisor also serves on the Board of the Los Angeles County 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metrolink (Southern California 
Regional Rail Authority), Southern California Association of 
Governments, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley Council of 
Governments, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
  His experience and accomplishments have been recognized nationally. 
Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush appointed Antonovich to 
numerous presidential committees and commissions, including the 
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the U.S.-Japan Advisory Committee, 
the Commission on Privatization, and the U.S. Delegation to the United 
Nations International Conference on Indo-Chinese Refugees.
  His many significant accomplishments over the years include:
  The High Intensity-Criminal Alien Apprehension and Prosecution 
Program, involving federal, state and local law enforcement 
collaborative efforts targeting repeat criminal illegal alien offenders 
which served as a prototype for future federal law enforcement 
programs;
  The DISARM program which has seized over 10,000 weapons and $700 
million in illegal drugs and money from convicted felons on probation;
  The construction of a state-of-the-art courthouse expanding access to 
justice for the residents of the Antelope Valley;
  The Child Abduction Regional Emergency (CARE) Alert program, a model 
for the nationwide Amber Alert system;
  State legislation extending foster care services for emancipated 
foster youth between the age of 18 and 21 and the Youth Self-
Sufficiency Initiative providing housing, education and job training 
for emancipating foster youth;
  The co-founding of the award-winning L.A. County High School for the 
Arts;
  The Veterans Internship Program and the annual ``Salute to Veterans'' 
event providing programs and services to veterans and their families;
  Laura's Law which provides treatment for the chronically homeless 
mentally ill;
  The Quality and Productivity Commission to streamline government 
services and programs saving taxpayers more than $4 billion;
  The rebuilding of the Olive-View/UCLA Medical Center which had been 
destroyed by the 1971 Sylmar earthquake;
  The development of the Gold Line rail system serving the San Gabriel 
Valley;
  The expansion of the county's parks and trail system including the 
preservation of over 2,300 acres of open space;
  The Pet Adoption program rescuing over 1,000 dogs, cats and other 
pets;
  The restaurant and nursing home grading system protecting public 
health;
  Successful economic development and job creation efforts including 
attracting international companies to the region.
  Over the years, I have had the distinct honor of being able to work 
with Supervisor Antonovich to help our community and constituents in 
the Antelope Valley. His advice and counsel have been invaluable--
whether offered in Washington or Los Angeles or from the back of a 
horse in chaps and cowboy hat during one of the famous Antonovich Trail 
Dusters Rides.
  On behalf of the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, and 
our constituents, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for 
Supervisor Antonovich's commitment to public service and inestimable 
contributions as a member of the Board of Supervisors. As he completes 
his final Board term this year, I look forward to Mike's continuing 
contributions to our communities, and wish him, his wife Christine, and 
his children Michael and Mary, all the best in this next chapter of his 
life.

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