[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1468-H1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Cardenas) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History 
Month and the countless women who have given so much to the northeast 
San Fernando Valley and to our country.
  March is dedicated as Women's History Month, and I am proud to be 
part of the party that every day in Congress are expanding women's 
rights, fighting for wage increases, parental leave, and reproductive 
rights for all and uplift every woman across our great country.
  In that spirit, I will be highlighting amazing women trailblazers 
from the San Fernando Valley who have given so much to our community 
and to our great country.


                        Honoring Ada Munoz Yslas

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ada Munoz Yslas, the 
former principal of Andres and Maria Cardenas Elementary School.
  Daughter of immigrant parents and a proud product of valley schools, 
Ada has dedicated over 30 years as an excellent educator.
  Ada has given so much of herself to thousands of students and fellow 
educators and parents by inspiring and teaching everyone around her 
that they can become everything that they aspire to be.
  After her career of over 30 years, Ada is now enjoying time with her 
family.
  We thank Ada Munoz Yslas for being an inspirational educator in her 
well-deserved retirement.


                       Honoring Dr. Judy F. Baca

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the most amazing 
painters and muralists in the world, Judy F. Baca. Her art is 
appreciated all over the world from California to Finland and to El 
Salvador.
  In 1976, Judy began painting a true landmark for the San Fernando 
Valley: the Great Wall of Los Angeles. It is a half-mile-long mural 
along the Tujunga waterway that depicts the history of California. Judy 
inspired and employed over 400 youth to paint this iconic mural in 
their own community.
  In 2017, the Great Wall of Los Angeles received national recognition 
on the National Registry of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of 
the Interior.
  Just last week, Judy received one of the most prestigious honors an 
artist can ever receive. President Joseph R. Biden awarded her the 
National Medal of Arts for her decades of inspirational art.
  Dr. Judy Baca will continue to bless us with her art all over the 
world, and we pray for her continued success.


                         Honoring Carolyn Rose

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Carolyn Rose, one of the 
founders of the largest antipoverty nonprofits in the San Fernando 
Valley, Meet Each Need With Dignity, also known as MEND.
  In 1976, Carolyn started MEND with her husband, Ed, in their garage 
in Mission Hills. They collected food and clothing donations and 
distributed them to the most needy families throughout our community.
  MEND has grown to continuously serve the most vulnerable in our 
community with food distribution, one-on-one case management, and 
support for low-income families.
  Every year, you can see Carolyn leading the Christmas Family Adoption

[[Page H1469]]

Program with her dedicated volunteers loading up groceries for 
Christmas dinner, toys for the kids, and smiles for all to receive.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Carolyn Rose for all that she does for our 
community.

                              {time}  1015


                   Honoring Assemblymember Luz Rivas

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor California State 
Assemblymember Luz Rivas.
  Luz was raised by her single immigrant mother and spent her childhood 
living out of converted garages and back houses in Pacoima. She became 
the first woman from San Fernando High School to graduate and attend 
MIT, where she received her engineering degree. Luz then went on to 
Harvard and achieved a master's degree in education.
  After working as an electrical engineer at Motorola, she came back 
home and started a nonprofit, DIY Girls. DIY Girls inspires thousands 
of girls every year to believe in themselves and pursue a career in 
STEM.
  Luz was elected to the California State Assembly in June 2018 and 
continues to serve communities she was raised in, the northeast San 
Fernando Valley.
  As our assemblymember, she is a fierce advocate for all families, 
expanding education opportunities, and creating green spaces for our 
communities across our State.


             Honoring Gospel Music Performer Sandra Crouch

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sandra Crouch, gospel 
music performer, Grammy Award winner, and copastor at New Christ 
Memorial Church in Pacoima.
  Sandra and her twin brother, Andrae, who is no longer with us, were 
raised singing gospel music in the church their father founded. Like 
her brother, she pursued a career in the music industry.
  In 1984, she won a Grammy Award for her album ``We Sing Praises.'' On 
this album, she gave moving performances of songs such as ``My Soul 
Only Loves You'' and ``No Greater Love.''
  Sandra's powerful voice continues to enrich the hearts of many in her 
congregation and community, and we honor her accomplished career and 
dedication to her community.

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