[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 178 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CHRISTOPHER J. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Christopher J. Smith in celebration of his career as a reporter and 
columnist for the Press Democrat over the past 44 years.
  Born in Pasadena, California, on May 4, 1954 to Don and Edythe Smith, 
Mr. Smith developed a love of journalism early on in his life working 
as a paperboy. He then became a manager for his hometown paper, the 
Riverside Press Enterprise. Mr. Smith then attained his bachelor's 
degree in journalism from San Jose State University in 1976, where he 
supported himself throughout school by working for the circulation 
department of the San Jose Mercury News on weekends. Mr. Smith's 
dedication and work ethic did not go unnoticed and helped him land a 
position as a reporter and columnist for the Press Democrat, where he 
still works as a freelance writer. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has 
made significant contributions to the community through his writing and 
reporting on important community members, including centenarians, Pearl 
Harbor veterans, peace activists, and other individuals who have made a 
difference in the community. Mr. Smith is especially recognized for his 
contributions to the Press Democrat's coverage of the October 2017 
wildfires that earned the newspaper a Pulitzer Prize. He continued to 
report on the lives of those affected by the fires for the next two 
years. ``The surprise, VIP guests at the reborn Paradise Ridge 
Winery,'' and ``Family of Angel the cow still struggling to rebuild, 
return to ranch nearly two years after Tubbs fire'' are some of his 
notable articles.
  In addition to his illustrious career, Mr. Smith has taken on many 
philanthropic projects within his community. He serves on the board of 
the Bridge to the Future, a community program that works with 
underprivileged youth ages 14 to 18 to sharpen their life skills and 
prepare them for the future. Mr. Smith was a member of the Exchange 
Club, a service organization that aids many local communities and 
counties in the United States. Further, he volunteers for Dining Out 
for Life, an annual fundraising event that raises money for community-
based organizations that serve people living with or impacted by HIV. 
He also assists in coordinating the annual awards dinner given by the 
Boy Scouts of America every year. Mr. Smith is described by his family 
and community as generous, courageous, and resilient.
  Madam Speaker, it is evident that Mr. Smith has worked tirelessly for 
the betterment of the Santa Rosa community through both his reporting 
and volunteer work. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor 
him here today.

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