[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE BOLD VISION AND STEWARDSHIP OF OMAR BROWNSON DURING HIS 
    TENURE AS FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT AT RIVER LA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIMMY GOMEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bold vision and 
stewardship of Omar Brownson during his tenure as founding Executive 
Director and President at River LA. Omar led efforts to transform the 
Los Angeles River, bringing renewed interest and a holistic approach to 
restoring its 51-mile expanse.
  Since 2010, Omar has helped forge new partnerships that traverse 
public, private, and philanthropic sectors, fostering creativity and 
innovation. The vastness of the Los Angeles River and the diversity of 
the communities it connects create unique challenges that demand unique 
leadership. Through forward-thinking initiatives, Omar has been able to 
tackle these challenges through a wider lens--seeing opportunities to 
address inequity and climate change.
  The history of the Los Angeles River is written by many and Omar has 
become squarely embedded in that history. Through the passionate 
collaboration of all those committed to its future, our children and 
grandchildren will be able to enjoy the beauty of this natural 
resource. As policy makers, advocates, and community leaders, we must 
all continue working together to create policies that ensure the 
protection and vitality of all of our planet's natural resources, 
including the Los Angeles River.
  I ask all members to join me in commending Omar Brownson for his 
incredible dedication to the Los Angeles River.

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