[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 114 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING ART IBLETO, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Art Ibleto, whom l have selected to receive the American Dream Award 
for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the 
achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable 
contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Mr. Ibleto is very deserving of this award and recognition.
  Mr. Ibleto was born in Argentina and raised in Sesta Godono, Italy. 
He immigrated to the United States in 1949. He is a successful 
businessman and a well-known Italian chef.
  During World War II, Mr. Ibleto was imprisoned for refusing to fight 
for Mussolini's army against the Americans because he was opposed to 
fascism. He escaped and joined an underground network known as the 
``Partisans'' to oppose Nazi Germany and the Axis Powers. Following the 
war, Art immigrated to the United States and settled in Sonoma County, 
California, where he worked as a vegetable picker, a mechanic, truck 
driver, and factory worker. He and his wife Vicki joined the Sons of 
Italy in 1958 to help other Italian Americans in the United States, and 
he served as both the Vice President and President of the California 
State Chapter. He continues his public service as a member of the 
Sonoma County Farm Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.
  His business career began in 1961, when he bought a small farm to 
raise hogs and cows and grow potatoes, before moving on to sell 
Christmas trees and building duplexes. In 1974 he began Spaghetti 
Palace at the Sonoma County Fair and it became an instant success, 
leading him to begin a career supplying pasta and Italian cuisine to 
Californians. His reputation and the success of Spaghetti Palace has 
led him to become affectionately referred to as ``The Pasta King.'' He 
now owns a restaurant and catering business by the same name in 
addition to 75 acres of grapes used by local wineries. He cooks pasta 
for many charity organizations in our community. His successes and 
volunteer work have led him to be the recipient of both the City of 
Santa Rosa and City of Rohnert Park Honorary Citizen of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Art Ibleto for his achievements and for 
enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him 
here today with the American Dream Award.

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