[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 157 (Friday, September 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF PAUL DeBOLT)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2020

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service 
of Paul DeBolt upon his retirement as an educator in Contra Costa 
County after forty years.
  A West Contra Costa native and graduate of De Anza High School in 
Richmond, Paul attended Contra Costa College before transferring to San 
Diego State University, where he was a walk-on member of the Aztecs' 
basketball team. It was during this pursuit of his passion for 
basketball that Paul discovered another passion in journalism. He 
graduated with a degree in journalism in 1977 and earned a Master's 
Degree in mass communications from San Diego State in 1980.
  After completing his education, Paul returned to Contra Costa 
College, teaching journalism and advising the student newspaper. In the 
classroom, he introduced Contra Costa's diverse student population to 
the basics of journalism. Through his tutelage and practical 
experience, students learned the value that quality, accurate reporting 
can have on communities across the country. Paul even counted among his 
students his own son David, who would eventually go on to win a 
Pulitzer Prize for his role in reporting on Oakland's Ghost Ship Fire.
  In 1986, Paul started a women's basketball team at Contra Costa 
College. By the time he stepped down in 2016, he had led the Comets to 
11 Bay Valley Conference titles, four visits to California's final 
eight, three trips to the final four, and two visits to the state 
championship. Following the state championship game in 2001, Paul was 
named the California Community College Women's Basketball Association 
Coach of the Year.
  Paul's work in the classroom and on the court has impacted the lives 
of countless students and athletes at Contra Costa College. As he 
retires from Contra Costa College, we wish Paul well knowing that his 
legacy will continue to inspire all those who have known and worked 
with him.

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