[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING RAY O'CANTO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Costa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible 
individual, a man who is a beloved member of the San Joaquin Valley 
from Fresno, California, Mr. Ray O'Canto.
  Sadly, Ray passed away 2 weeks ago after a short battle with cancer.
  He was a native of the San Joaquin Valley, born in Visalia, and 
played baseball at the College of the Sequoias and his beloved Fresno 
State Bulldogs. He also served for many years as the voice of the 
Fresno State baseball team.
  In 2008, when the Bulldogs went from the underdogs to the wonder dogs 
and made their improbable run to win the College World Series, the 
collegiate national championship, Ray was there with his excitement and 
his enthusiasm that spread throughout the valley.
  He was also a popular media personality, hosting a show that 
showcased the food and history of the great San Joaquin Valley and the 
incredible cornucopia of products that we produce.
  Those who knew Ray said he radiated positivity and enthusiasm in 
everything he did, and that was the case.
  He loved our community, and his loss will be felt for a very long 
time.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring our friend, Ray O'Canto.


                    National Hispanic Heritage Month

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Hispanic 
Heritage Month and the countless Hispanic Americans who have 
contributed so much to the richness and diversity of our Nation.
  Ray O'Canto was an example, but there are so many, many, many 
examples.
  In my district, again in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the 
majority of our constituents trace their origin to Hispanic 
communities. Actually, in California, it goes back to the very origins 
of the State, about 400 years ago.
  They, in so many different ways, reflect the diversity and the 
breadth and the width in our community and in our Nation in business, 
in education, in the military, in labor, in sports; meaningful 
contributions, working people that make a difference every day giving 
back.
  The Hispanic community throughout our country reflects the American 
story, and that is the story, I believe, of the immigrant, immigrants 
past and immigrants present, all wanting to make a contribution and to 
live what we call the American Dream. The dream that is held near and 
dear by everyone throughout the world who admires and appreciates that 
America is a beacon of light, and certainly it has been for the 
Hispanic communities.
  There are so many different individuals that I could recognize in my 
congressional district. I would like to mention a couple of individuals 
that I think reflect the temerity, the tenaciousness, and the 
willingness to give back.
  Mr. Aguilera, a first-generation immigrant, worked his way from being 
homeless to owning his own business. He founded the Merced Soccer 
Academy, a local nonprofit organization which brings young people 
together to compete and to learn from one another. Every Monday, he 
hosts meetings for community members to share in events.
  Another individual that I work with from the California Highway 
Patrol is Officer Aldo Garcia, also known as ``El Protector''. ``The 
Protector'' is a community outreach officer that focuses toward the 
Hispanic community. His emphasis on education, not just law 
enforcement, has broken down barriers for peace officers and created a 
more approachable situation.
  There are so many examples: Jose Ramirez, a world champion boxer and 
an Olympic competitor; Tom Flores, two-time Superbowl championship 
coach for the Oakland Raiders. The list just goes on and on and on.
  And guess what? All of these individuals and their families reflect 
immigrant origins coming to live the American Dream.
  Isn't that really what it is all about? I believe so.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
National Hispanic Heritage Month and the noteworthy accomplishments 
that Hispanic Americans make throughout our country, serving in our 
Armed Forces, making the sacrifices that all Americans make. It is what 
makes our country the great country it is.

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