[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MAYOR FREDERICK LEDESMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2020

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor retiring Mayor of 
Soledad, Frederick ``Fred'' Ledesma, for his outstanding career in 
public service and his commitment to the people of the central coast of 
California. His professional accomplishments and leadership in the 
community over the span of two decades have profoundly touched the 
lives of many, and I congratulate him on his retirement.
  Fred has been a lifelong resident of the City of Soledad. Following 
in the footsteps of his father, Frank Ledesma, Fred served on the 
Soledad City Council from 1990 to 2000. He then held the position of 
Mayor of the City of Soledad from 1992 to 1994 prior to returning to 
the office in 2010. During his time serving the City of Soledad, Fred 
has been heavily involved in a number of notable projects, including 
the Soledad Community Center, Vosti, Gallardo and Aaroe Park 
improvements, the Soledad Visitor's Center, the pending multi-theater 
cinema, the Soledad Hartnell Campus and Orchard Lane Park, and the 
recent creation of the Veterans Day Banner Program. Additionally, Fred 
has been a diligent voice for farmworker rights as well as a strong 
advocate for the passage of Measures Y and S, which will benefit the 
City and its residents for many years to come.
  In addition to serving on numerous local and regional boards, 
including the City Parks & Recreation Committee, the Chair of the 
Association of California Cities Allied with Public Safety, the 
Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, and the Monterey 
County Mayors Association, Fred has also been a friend to many in his 
community. He is well known by all for his outgoing demeanor, sense of 
humor, and respect for all. He has truly demonstrated a deep connection 
and commitment to his community, which has been felt by everyone who 
has had the pleasure of meeting him.
  As he begins his retirement, I have no doubt that Fred will continue 
to serve his community. We on the Central Coast are grateful for his 
lifetime of service to the City of Soledad and 20 years as a public 
official. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me 
in honoring and congratulating Mayor Frederick Ledesma.

                          ____________________