[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           HONORING BETH BARTKE AS THE 2020 WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 26, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Beth 
Bartke, whom I have named the 2020 Woman of the Year in Contra Costa 
County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made 
important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in 
Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and 
Innovation or Community Service.
  Although she is proud to call Martinez home, Mrs. Bartke was born in 
Pasadena and spent most of her youth in San Fernando and Santa Rosa, 
initially coming to our district to pursue a degree in elementary 
education from Sonoma State University. She could not bring herself to 
leave its natural beauty and tight knit community, choosing to settle 
in the district permanently.
  Dedicating her time and effort to the community she holds dear; she 
served on the Hercules City Council from 1992 to 1996 and was a ten-
year board member for the Commissioner's Advisory Panel for the Rodeo-
Hercules Fire Protection District and a thirteen year employee of the 
Pinole Police Department. Even in her retirement, Mrs. Bartke is 
committed to public safety and regularly volunteers with both the 
Pinole and Martinez Police Departments while simultaneously working to 
enhance community recognition and appreciation of our first responders 
throughout the district.
  Beyond the time she gives to city government, Mrs. Bartke also works 
with our community's homeless population, operating showers and serving 
meals to a multitude of non-profits. She also participates in the torch 
relay for the Special Olympics, a tradition she carries on every June. 
Mrs. Bartke is relentless in always finding a way to serve our 
community.
  Mrs. Bartke's selflessness and commitment to service can in part be 
attributed to her faith. The Bartke Family are members of the Creekside 
Church and the tenets of Mrs. Bartke's faith have guided her 
professional and private life. There is no doubt that Mrs. Bartke has 
had a great impact on so many members of our community.
  Our community is immeasurably better for all of Mrs. Bartke's 
contributions and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her 
here today as Contra Costa's 2020 Woman of the Year.

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