[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF DUBLIN VICE MAYOR DON BIDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2018

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
Dublin Vice Mayor Don Biddle. We lost Don on February 21, 2018 at the 
age of 80. Don lived in the city of Dublin, California for 44 years and 
worked tirelessly to serve his community.
  After serving four years on the Dublin Planning Commission, Don was 
appointed as a member of the Dublin City Council in 2008 and retained 
his seat in subsequent elections. It was my privilege to serve 
alongside Don on the City Council from 2010 to 2013. His colleagues 
repeatedly recognized Don's character and commitment by nominating him 
to serve as Vice Mayor on multiple occasions.
  His achievements as a city councilmember received national acclaim. 
One of Don's proudest achievements was the redevelopment of the former 
federal housing project, Arroyo Vista, into the region's largest mixed-
income housing development, Emerald Vista. He was a consistent champion 
of affordable housing who also worked to develop an apartment complex 
tailored to the needs of active military members, veterans, and their 
families. Don's leadership led Dublin to be named an ``All American 
City'' while he was on city council.
  Don also was steadfast in his commitment to children, serving as a 
school board trustee for 12 years. As a trustee, he was instrumental in 
the creation of the Dublin Unified School District and was a leader in 
the rebuilding and improvement of the city's aging schools. Beyond the 
school board, he remained passionate about education, serving the 
Dublin Partners in Education for nearly two decades, including as 
president and board member.
  Don served as an active representative of the Dublin community, on a 
variety of commissions throughout Alameda County. Additionally, Don 
supported the growth of non-profit organizations within Dublin such as 
the School of Imagination, Dublin Rotary Club, Dublin Integrity in 
Action, the YMCA, the American Cancer Society, and Hope Hospice.
  Throughout his life, Don selflessly served the greater Tri-Valley 
community. I am grateful to have known Don Biddle, and he has left 
behind an unforgettable legacy of kindness, charity and service. My 
thoughts and prayers are with his family, and he will forever be 
remembered for his invaluable contributions to the community.

                          ____________________