[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 133 (Friday, August 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1139-E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING IDYLLWILD'S TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL ``JAZZ IN THE PINES''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 10, 2018

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Idyllwild's ``Jazz 
in the Pines'' festival, a celebration of music, art, and community in 
my congressional district.
  Jazz in the Pines is one of my family's favorite traditions. It's a 
chance to marvel at the handiwork of local artists, catch up with 
friends, and listen to the sweet, sweet sounds of smooth jazz. Every 
year, we join our neighbors in the San Jacinto Mountains to celebrate 
the natural and cultural beauty that makes Idyllwild unlike any other 
place on earth.
  The proceeds of this yearly celebration benefit the Idyllwild Arts, a 
foundation that teaches adults and children of all ages to realize and 
develop their artistic talent. Through summer camps and college 
preparatory courses, Idyllwild Arts is enriching the lives of students 
from Idyllwild and across the country.
  This year's Jazz in the Pines is particularly special. Not only does 
it mark the festival's twenty-fifth year--it comes in the wake of and 
in spite of the largest wildfire to threaten the community of Idyllwild 
in nearly five years.
  The Cranston fire burned more than 13,000 acres, destroying 
buildings, closing major roads, and forcing thousands from their homes. 
But no matter how large the fire grew, our mountain community's passion 
for celebrating music and the arts burned brighter.
  We owe this year's festival to the incredible first responders who 
risked their lives to protect Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Mountain Center, 
Fern Valley, and many surrounding communities. I am also grateful to 
the hundreds of musicians, artists, and volunteers who made this year's 
event possible.
  Jazz in the Pines was born from conversations around a kitchen table. 
Today, it demonstrates what we can achieve when neighbors, local 
businesses, and non-profits work

[[Page E1140]]

together. That community spirit helps us bounce back from every 
challenge. It's a lesson in resiliency that I am proud to share with my 
daughters.

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