[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E581-E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TRIBUTE TO BARBARA LEVENSON--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2022

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Barbara 
Levenson, of Pismo Beach, California.
  After 27 years as a pharmacist at Atascadero State Hospital, Barbara 
Levenson retired to focus on community service. But even before 
retirement, Barbara was recognized by the Tribune as an Unsung Hero for 
her dedication to serving humane causes. This is illustrated by her 
work with the Wellness Kitchen in Atascadero, where food was prepared 
for residents with special dietary needs due to health conditions. She 
was also a member of the Flying Samaritans, a team of medical 
professionals that flies to different areas of the world to provide 
free medical services to the needy.

[[Page E582]]

  Post retirement, Barbara remains committed to providing support and 
care to those who need it most and gives her time and energy to a range 
of organizations nurturing a healthy, welcoming community. She is a 
member of the San Luis Obispo NAACP, for which she has served as 
secretary, and is also a member of the SLO County Diversity Coalition.
  Barbara served as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman in San Luis Obispo 
County for eight years, assisting residents of long-term care 
facilities and their families to resolve problems related to the 
health, safety, welfare, and rights of those in Long Term Care 
facilities. She is now the chair of the San Luis Obispo County 
Behavioral Health Board that evaluates the community's behavioral 
health needs, services, and facilities and advises the Board of 
Supervisors and the Behavioral Health Administrator.
  As a volunteer, Barbara serves organizations that encourage growth 
and opportunity. For the San Luis Obispo Community Foundation, she 
reviews scholarship applications and even created an endowment in the 
name of her brother, John Renner, supporting students who identify at 
LGBTQ+. Barbara is also a member of the Central Coast Circle of 
Friendship Bridge which provides microfinance, education, and health 
services to build opportunities. In alignment with United Nations 
Millennium Development goals, the Central Coast Circle empowers 
Guatemalan women to build a better future. Lastly, Barbara is an avid 
reader and South County book club member, who volunteers with the 
Arroyo Grande Library, organizing donated books for the annual book 
sale.
  I am honored to recognize Barbara, one of our community's ``quiet 
heroes,'' for her commitment to improving the lives of so many. I ask 
all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of 
California's 24th Congressional District, Barbara Levenson, for her 
incredible service to her community.

                          ____________________