[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 34 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING ALCALDE AND ALCALDESSA TED AND PAT ELIOT

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ted 
Eliot and his late wife Pat Eliot, who have been named Alcalde and 
Alcaldessa for the City of Sonoma, California.
  The title Alcalde, or Alcaldessa is the Spanish word for Mayor. 
During the Spanish colonial period in California, the Alcalde was the 
primary civil authority. Today in the City of Sonoma, it is an honorary 
title and the contemporary Alcalde or Alcaldessa presides over 
ceremonial events for the city. Alcaldes and Alcaldessas are nominated 
by the community and are representative of individuals with a long 
record of volunteer work. By volunteering their time to protect the 
beautiful land for our community now and in the future, Ted and Pat 
Eliot have more than earned the titles of Alcalde and Alcaldessa.
  Mr. Eliot has held an advisory role with Sonoma County's Agricultural 
Preservation and Open Space District and was a leader in its formation 
and reauthorization. This district permanently protects the diverse 
agricultural, natural resource, and scenic open space lands for future 
generations. Mr. Eliot is known for his calm, even-handed counsel. He 
has served on the boards of Community Foundation Sonoma County, the 
Todd Trust and the Sonoma Valley Fund, organizations which prioritize 
and support community ethics and projects.
  Mrs. Eliot recently passed away. By honoring her as Alcaldessa, 
Sonoma celebrates her life and work to protect the land in our 
community. She helped to negotiate the protection of 600 acres of land 
which included the Grandmother Tree, the largest and oldest redwood 
tree in our Sonoma Valley. This land has become part of Jack London 
State Park. Ted and Pat also donated a forever-wild conservation 
easement over their property which allowed for the completion of the 
East Slope Sonoma Mountain Trail.
  Mr. Speaker, Ted and Pat Eliot's work was essential to protecting our 
beautiful land and they are excellent role models for community 
involvement and action. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we 
honor them here today as Sonoma's Alcalde and Alcaldessa for 2017.

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